home feature

Rather than upsizing their small home, this family have made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls If you’re puzzling over why this house in the Auckland suburb of Birkdale – and the cute little kids running around in it – looks strangely familiar, you’re […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family Interior designer Kate Clay, her builder husband Brent, and various other family members combined their talents to give an ugly duckling the swan treatment in the hills above Waihi Beach. Where did you move from? […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Brooke and Andrew Strang’s home is maximised for sunlight. They do live in Nelson after all, a city renowned for being one of the sunniest places in New Zealand – and the house […]

With French wallpaper and matching curtains bringing every room to life, this stately Remuera villa is an ode to sumptuous European design Gliding through a black sea by the light of the golden moon, sampans of a fishing village sail past traditional pagodas and floating gardens, full of oriental flora. While it seems an idyllic […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home in Titirangi become a classic natural beauty Meet + greet Jane Smith, 37 (public policy researcher), Bryan Smith, 38 (data scientist), Edmund, 6, Lizzie, 4, and Charlie, 1. Problems & solutions Problem: The galley kitchen was dark and dated Solution: Removing […]

Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead where rooms are named and styled after 1930s icons Meet + greet Emma Hadden, 43 (co-manages Meadowood with Colin), Colin Hadden, 52 (horticulturist), Ivy, 4, and Ross, 3 months, plus black Labrador Kai and cat Inca. Honesty box What do you love about this […]

A nose for a good deal combined with DIY skills has given this couple’s New Plymouth new-build plenty of soul — without breaking the bank Meet + greet Jane Murray, 37 (stay-at-home mum), Marc Murray, 37 (engineer), Arlo, 6, and Herbie, 3, plus Buddy the Labrador. If there were a crown for New Zealand’s Best Bargain […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create an apartment home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Meet + greet Margrete Berri, 33 (designer at Nué Group) with her husband and their two children. Margrete’s style insights The colours on the living room walls are something I often […]

Some deft tweaks and a new colour scheme saw this previously dingy mid-century home become a classic natural beauty Background When Jane and Bryan Smith’s family of four began to outgrow their bungalow in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn, they set their sights on Titirangi, a bushclad suburb further west in the foothills of […]

They call it The Can House – a compact family home built inside a ’can’ or shipping container lined with warm plywood, clever storage and ingenious ideas At first glance this shipping container house across the harbour from Wellington city looks like it could be made of Lego. But up close it is a mix […]

With a close eye on the budget, this Auckland couple have transformed a compact 1970s do-up into a light, bright and inviting home It took patience and commitment to renovate their home almost entirely by themselves, but Toni and Dane Gale made it work by tackling one room at a time. Although they didn’t make […]

This black-clad home makes a bold statement on the outside, but inside it’s warm, welcoming and designed to create the ultimate Kiwi childhood It’s not unusual for strangers to drive up Celene Busher-Nepia and Darnell Nepia’s north Auckland driveway to knock on the door and pepper them with questions about their big, black, steel-clad home. […]

This chic mum-of-two took from the colours and textures of her childhood to create a home that fuses Scandi style with personal touches Before designer Margrete Berri and her family moved into their small white house in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, it had been a horse stable, workspace and photo studio, so they knew it would take […]

Would you like to stay in the Amelia Earhart room, or the Fred and Ginger room? Take a tour inside this fabulous Hawkes Bay Art Deco homestead Sometimes even the best-laid plans have to move aside for what some call ‘fate’, and others ‘good luck’. When Colin and Emma Hadden moved from Ireland to Hawke’s […]

Big enough for a family but small enough to put on the back of a truck, this box-shaped 90-square-metre home in Otago has given its creators the simple life they’d longed for Meet + greet Sophie Brash, 30 (stay-at-home mum and trained occupational therapist), Callan Brash, 29 (project manager), India, 4, and Marley, 1, plus […]

Nestled on the outskirts of Turangi, Sophia and Mikaere’s family home is brimming with their creativity. They share the story behind their home and style with their gorgeous daughter, Frida There’s been no shortage of conflict on this year’s season of The Block NZ, and blue team’s Sophia and Mikaere Gardiner make no apologies for […]

Owners of a very stylish tiny home on Waiheke share their hard-earnt new-build tips and what they’d never do again. Take a tour of this home below Meet + greet Willem van den Bergh, 38 (architectural designer), Kate van den Bergh, 36 (designer and mum), and Leo, 5 months, plus Alba the cat. New-build tips: […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style Meet + greet Leigh Aston, 41 (engagement and performance manager), and Cory Hogben, 42 (leading hand), plus dogs Mojo and Morris. Honesty box What’s your best advice […]

Past winners of The Block NZ, Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project saw them turn a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home. They share their top tips on renovating for resale Meet + greet Caleb Pearson, 32, Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of renovation company Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2. Problems […]

Did we mention it’s for sale? Before all the royal engagements, trips with the Queen and of course baby Archie, Meghan Markle was just a TV star living in a $1.8 million home in Los Angeles. Meghan left her home, family and career behind to start a new life with Prince Harry at Frogmore Cottage […]

After a decade-long planning process, this sustainably-minded couple finally built their dream family home amid the rolling hills of the Waikato Meet + Greet Rachael and Kip Matterson, sons Seb, William and Nate, plus Winston the dog and Arty the cat. After completing a traditional villa renovation in Auckland in 2001, Rachael and Kip Matterson […]

A titchy townhouse on the edge of Christchurch’s CBD presented a challenge for a couple who aren’t exactly minimalists – but they didn’t let it cramp their style For Leigh Aston and Cory Hogben, there’s only been one downside to living in a petite 70-square-metre townhouse: “There’s a limit to the amount of renovation and […]

By using multifunctional furniture, clever design and a seriously sweet colour palette, this homeowner has created a cosy sitting room that connects with her kitchen while remaining stylistically distinct Meet + greet Anitta Behrendt (photographer), Daniel Lohmann (senior trader), Ingeborg, 14, Virgil, 10, and Nola, 2. When Anitta Behrendt and partner Daniel Lohmann moved into […]

These homeowners share the top tips they learnt during their renovation and what they’d do differently next time Meet + greet Steve Job, 44 (head of engineering for an IT company), Kirsty Job, 40 (psychology student), Ellie, 8, Pippa, 5, and Cooper, 1, plus Sammie the Border terrier. Kirsty’s renovation tips Get a landscaping company […]

Vintage finds at flea markets and online have been cleverly mingled with chain-store decor and designer pieces in this one-off home Who lives here? Vivi Bang (stylist and interior decorator at Wise Interior), Christian Korsgaard (architect) and their two daughters. Vivi and her architect partner, Christian Korsgaard, have created a home that has retained a […]

Full-time renovators (and past winners of The Block NZ) Alice and Caleb Pearson’s latest project is turning a century-old Alexandra cottage into a modern family home 1. Background With nine residential renovations under their belts, Alice and Caleb Pearson – who won The Block NZ in 2013 – are no strangers to the world of […]

A lifetime of travel, laughter and love was channelled into this new home, which was the realisation of a lifelong dream for a busy city dweller When chartered accountant Cherise Barrie decided to build herself a weekend home in Matakana, north of Auckland, she knew exactly what she wanted – a home that would reflect […]

Disappointed with the lack of wedding options near them, this couple jumped at the chance to transform Port Molyneux school in South Otago into the ultimate venue and accommodation Who lives here? Jade McNab, 41 (owner of Port Molyneux School wedding venue), Lyndon McNab, 32 (farmer), Archie, 8, Marla, 5, and Hollie, 2. Problems & […]

Thanks to a little trial and error, this clever homeowner created a kitchen with natural textures and a palette of earthy greens that carry through the rest of the house Meet + greet Hayley George, 46 (English teacher), Zane George, 46 (banker), Moby, 15, Mabel, 13, and Emerson, 9. Design “I have a Harry & […]

They wanted a first house with potential, but found a home that would journey with them through marriage, parenthood and a decade of reno The real estate ad may as well have read: “1960s home for sale in Swanson, Auckland; only one previous owner. Two bedrooms, six types of mismatched flooring and lashings of yellow, […]

A tiny apartment uses unexpected colour combinations in moody hues to maximum effect, with each acting as a frame for the next It just felt right when we saw the apartment for the first time,” says Vivi Bang, stylist and interior designer, referring to her Copenhagen home. “Even though there wasn’t a bathroom, the kitchen […]

Only one wall and some flooring survived this heroic renovation in Mt Maunganui which turned a notorious eyesore into an airy home full of thoughtful spaces the whole family can enjoy Most home buyers have a detailed list of criteria to tick off before they choose their next abode. However, Christchurch natives Hayley and Zane […]

Converting a South Otago school and principal’s cottage into a wedding venue and guest accommodation was a passion project for this creative expat When British expat Jade McNab and her Kiwi husband, Lyndon, got married in 2012, they were disappointed with the lack of wedding venues near their home in the remote, windswept Catlins in […]

This couple razed their Hauraki house to its foundations and built a new Scandi-style family home in its place On a hot summer’s day you can practically smell the sea from Kirsty and Steve Job’s home in Hauraki, Auckland. Its proximity to Takapuna Beach was a major drawcard when they bought the property in 2009, […]

For the owners of this sprawling Taranaki holiday home, comfort – not least that of their many house guests – is paramount. We meet the interior designer who has helped them realise their vision in magnificent style In his early 20s, Michael Mansvelt worked at Britain’s largest privately owned home. His job was to look […]

Interior designer Emma Brown shares her top tips on how to be brave with colour and why she chose a pink front door. See more of her beautiful home below Meet + greet Emma Brown, 34 (owner of Emma Brown Design), Sophie, 15, Jack, 12, and Charlotte, 9, plus Kitty Kat the cat. Emma’s tips […]

‘Ingenious’ and ‘Undaunted’ could be the middle names of these first-home owners who worked wonders on their little Birkdale brick beauty with just $12,000 Meet + greet Maiko Nagao Irvine, 35 (artist and creative director at maikonagao.com), Mike Irvine, 36 (electrical apprentice and former primary school teacher), and Kaito, 3. Problems & solutions Previous renos had led […]

Hopping straight from one new-build to another has given this family an instant upgrade and the chance to experiment with finishes Meet + greet Shaye Woolford, 33 (owner of On My Hand floral design studio), Blair Woolford, 39 (general manager of sales), Hunter, 10, and George, 8, plus Benoit the dog and Willow the cat. […]

During the extensive renovation of their Wellington villa, this family won some hard-earned lessons. They share their budget tips and what they’d never do again Meet + greet Kristin Carden (lawyer), Lucas, 13, Maya, 11, and Blake, 8, plus Smudge the cat. Best lessons learned? Kristin: Concrete and poly-block additions take much longer than wooden […]

Building isn’t a fast process but deciding to build can take far longer. It was seven years before this Manawatu home got off the ground – but once it did, it soared Emma Brown can’t help but give a little smile each time she walks up to her home in rural Manawatu. The glossy double […]

‘Ingenious’ and ‘Undaunted’ could be the middle names of these first-home owners who worked wonders on their little Birkdale brick beauty with just $12,000 Background How many times have you driven past a beautiful house and dreamed it could be yours? Many of us harbour house crushes for years, but only a few can boast […]

An extensive five-year renovation of this 1908 Wellington villa has produced a modern family home complete with sauna and its own flying fox Nestled amidst thick native bush and hidden down a 200m driveway, it’s hard to believe this sprawling family home is only a 10-minute drive from Wellington’s CBD. It feels gloriously isolated, like […]

Building their first home and a show home all in one was a huge challenge, but this clever Oamaru couple knocked it out of the park Meet + Greet Mike Lowe, 34 (co-owner McBrimar Homes), Kristina Levings, 33 (graphic designer and co-owner McBrimar Homes) Most owners of new-build homes would agree – you’re never going […]

Myles Herschell and Natalie Newlands tell us how they managed their budget for their Queenstown new-build and give us a tour inside their beautiful new home Meet + greet Myles Herschell, 37 (builder and owner of MWH Construction), Natalie Newlands, 36 (owner/director of Angel Divine boutique and clothing label New Lands), Knox, 3, and Hawk, […]

Hopping straight from one new-build to another has given this family an instant upgrade and the chance to experiment with finishes Shaye and Blair Woolford didn’t have to venture far to find the perfect site to build their family home on. In 2016, on an evening stroll around their Pyes Pa, Tauranga, neighbourhood, they stumbled […]

After three years of planning and a six-month build, Oliver and Ella are finally in their new home – and loving it! They reveal the number one thing they’d do differently For the first time in his adult life, Oliver Driver doesn’t have to duck his head to walk through doorways. Almost exactly six months […]

After renovating a small unit into a spacious family home, these homeowners know exactly how to make the most out of tight spaces Meet + greet Lily Richards, 34 (relationship and marketing lead at Revolution Creative), Mat Iliohan, 37 (martial arts teacher), Osis, 10, and Winter, 7, plus Bunbuns the bunny and Magic the kitten. […]

Dawn Bannister shares her top tips for styling a small family home with kids and how to budget for a new build.

Before Jess and Sanjay Singh moved in, this home was drowning in 80s style. Their renovation has totally transformed it, see more below Meet + greet Jess Singh, 34 (photographer and stylist), Sanjay Singh, 36 (police officer), Méa, 13, Leila, 11, and Nala, 9, plus Arlo the chocolate Lab. Problems & solutions The interior was […]

An unexpected move into a new-build in Auckland’s Beachlands was the catalyst for a fresh approach to life for this busy family The Bannisters are no strangers to lifestyle changes – this is their third time in the pages of Your Home and Garden in three years! We first met them in West Auckland at […]

This family’s knack for design and a thoughtful approach to city living have turned a humble Auckland unit into an example of what’s possible when we prioritise substance over size Looking at Lily Richards and Mat Iliohan’s Devonport, Auckland, unit, you’d never guess what lies within. The humble 1960s brick building could be one of […]

A home exuding ’80s style from every pore was merely a stopgap for this New Plymouth family. At least, that was the plan… Background You might have heard that saying: life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. For Jess and Sanjay Singh, this could be tweaked a little – they […]

Nestled at the base of a mountain range, this Queenstown home is designed to accommodate a revolving-door guest policy as well as the adventures of two busy little boys When you know what Natalie Newlands does for a living, it’s no surprise that one of the must-haves for her new Queenstown home was a large […]

Dots, stripes, zebra skin and leopard… Beauty brand manager Melinda Jones’ Auckland home is as vivacious as its owner When Melinda Jones and her partner, Mark Ambrose, purchased their Remuera, Auckland, property 16 years ago, it bore almost no resemblance to the light, bright, easy-living home it is today. “The walls were all shocking pink […]

This resourceful couple, Dion and Justine van Kekem, designed and built their new Scandinavian styled home themselves Meet + Greet Dion van Kekem, 34 (project manager for Niveau Pools & Construction), Justine van Kekem, 33 (interior designer), Annabelle, 12, Brooklyn, 10, and Scarlett, 8, plus Goldie the dog, 8 chickens, 5 cows and 11 sheep. Honesty […]

Clean white surfaces and natural timber provide the perfect backdrop for the owners of The Vintage Shop’s love of Scandinavian design Meet + Greet Haley Doreen, 34, and John Mai, 35 (both co-owners of The Vintage Shop), Christian, 18 months, and Amelia, 3 months, plus Charlie Brown the dog Problems & solutions Dated carpet and […]

Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas tell us what they learned from their latest renovation and share their top budget tips. See their eclectic home below Meet + Greet Jenny Joblin, 40 (creator/creative director of Federation and Somekind), Ben Dundas, 35 (menswear designer at Federation), Ryder, 13, Monte, 11, and Dusty, 9, plus cats Batman, Ginger […]

Alex and Matt went from an all-white house to a home with all-black walls. Here they share their top tips for those considering a similar darker look Meet + Greet Alex Hutchings, 28, Matt Calder, 30 (owners of design agency Alex + Matt Creative), India, 4, and Sienna, 2, plus Sam the Burmese cat and Ollie […]

From restored antiques to enchanting textiles, this immaculate home in St Heliers, Auckland, is a treasure trove of special finds There’s evidence of tender, loving care in every corner of this St Heliers, Auckland, home – from the animal statuettes standing proudly on a field of gold cabinets to the mix of original and newly […]

A palette of concrete, metal and timber has produced a surprisingly warm and welcoming Scandinavian styled home, designed and built by one clever couple Sometimes, to get what you really want, you have to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. That’s what Justine and Dion van Kekem did with their stunning contemporary home […]

On an idyllic outcrop with stunning views of Lake Taupo, this couple built a bespoke home perfect for their way of life. Get inspired with real-life tips for your own home journey with our downloadable new-build worksheet below   We’ve all experienced that feeling of arriving at the top of a hill only to have […]

Clean white surfaces and natural timber provide the perfect backdrop for the owners of The Vintage Shop’s love of Scandinavian design Where is the home and when did you move in? Onehunga, Auckland; mid-2016. Why did you decide to buy it? Haley: After renting for many years, we decided it was time to have a […]

Cool, quirky and customised, the owners of streetwear brand Federation have designed a home where family can come together and let their true colours shine For Jenny Joblin and Ben Dundas, their search for a home started as a long list of ideals. But that list was swiftly cut down to size by a booming […]

This creative couple flipped the switch on their preference for all things white, dreaming up a dark and delightful modern family home enhanced by warming accents and happy accidents You could say Matt Calder and Alex Hutchings have come a long way since they relocated and renovated a home three years ago. The couple have […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have added their personal flair to this new-build Meet + Greet Antony Ward, 37 (director of Fiveight Distribution), Paula Ward, 33 (stay-at-home mum), Jaxon, 5, and Sloane, 2, plus cats Aleh, Roko and Navy. Budget Total build cost […]

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum. See the before and afters below Meet + Greet Jamie Lee Loader, 31 (executive assistant and renovator), Mason, 8, and Millie, 4, plus dog Beau Honesty box What was the biggest challenge of this renovation? Finding balance […]

A house-and-land package in Auckland’s Castor Bay turned out to be perfect for this young family, who have made their new-build feel like an established homestead When Paula and Antony Ward were looking for a house, the Auckland property market was in full swing – homes were being snapped up overnight, auctions were heated and […]

Think an all-white interior is boring? This coastal home proves white walls can be warm, welcoming and utterly unique Meet + Greet Kylie Hinds, 45 (founder of jewellery line Not Heidi), Paul Hinds, 45 (investor), Jasmine, 16, Holly, 14, and Jameson, 11, plus Diego the dog. For Kylie and Paul Hinds, creating a house they […]

A dated 1980s cottage with views to die for was the perfect project for this clever working mum For most of us who live in busy cities, a ‘good view’ counts as a skinny slice of ocean (in the distance) or maybe a really nice tree. For lucky Kiwis who live in our smaller towns […]

Saving a crumbling Palmerston North villa was a labour of love for this pair of professional renovators who had a clear vision for their heritage home The McDonald family’s house dream started with a simple walk around the neighbourhood – and the courage to be a little bit cheeky. Professional renovators Rebecca (Becs) and Blair […]

This family’s whole-hog renovation was a rocky road but they’ve emerged with a beautiful home designed ‘100 per cent’ for them ‘and zero per cent for resale Meet + greet Vanessa Rehm, 41 (stay-at-home mum and blogger at vanessarehm.com), Shane Rehm, 38 (chief engineer at Fisher & Paykel Appliances), Tahlia, 9, Aston, 7, and Beau, […]

This New Plymouth home is full of fun. From the sunny yellow hue featured in every room to the indoor swing, there’s something everywhere that will make you smile Meet + Greet Anja Niechziol, 44 (interior designer), Andrew Wall, 46 (data engineer), Lukas, 13, Leni, 10, and Hetti, 8, plus cats Bambi and Cinder, and […]

This family’s whole-hog renovation was a rocky road but they’ve emerged with a beautiful home designed ‘100 percent’ for them ‘and zero percent for resale When popular mum-stagrammer Vanessa Rehm and husband Shane first found their 1960s home in Mangere Bridge, Auckland, they immediately knew it was the place for them. They’d made a wishlist […]

From the yellow front door to the yellow staircase and even the yellow awning on the deck, this warm and friendly feature accent glows throughout this New Plymouth home You quickly get the feeling that the cheery yellow accent colour in Anja Niechziol’s house is a reflection of her personality. Usually homeowners who have completed […]

Newbold by name, Newbold by nature – this creative couple designed and built a personality-packed Mangawhai bach weekend retreat just out of Auckland Making your dreams come true starts with a good dose of common sense and a sprinkling of creativity, both of which Kylee and Mark Newbold have in spades. This creative couple dreamed […]

This Sydney home to a family of five is filled with interior inspiration; from crisp white walls to cool exterior wall murals. All the style you’d expect from the founders of trendy design studio Blacklist Meet + Greet Jaynie Johnson, 34, and Nathan Johnson, 37 (founders of design studio Blacklist), Willow, 7, Dare, 3, and […]

These five Mt Maunganui homes have such an individual style that they put this beachfront city on the stylish-homes map 1. A modern Mt Maunganui cottage When Heather Coyne and Mark Winter bought a piece of land right in the middle of Marine Parade in 2008, they embraced the 1940s cottage that occupied the front […]

They were too good not to be shared, thought the owners, so they bought all four and decorated their own with a mix of vintage and modern pieces Meet + Greet Andy Kay, 63 (project manager Kay Family Trust), Jane Kay, 54 (school guidance counsellor), and Ruby Kay, 25, schoolteacher. Every day for months, Andy […]

This Sydney home to a family of five is filled with interior inspiration, from crisp white walls to cool exterior wall murals  A home where hope reigns and love rules – this was the vision of Jaynie and Nathan Johnson when they bought their 1950s brick bungalow six years ago in the beachside suburb of […]

Building a brand-new apartment in Mt Maunganui was a bold step for this couple, but the result is a perfect combination of modern convenience and nostalgia Every day for months, Andy Kay would drive past the ‘for sale’ sign in front of a bunch of old flats on Mount Maunganui’s main drag and dream about […]

This colour specialist gave her heritage cottage a light and bright makeover – with one eye on its future market appeal. We discover her neutral colour styling tricks This heritage cottage proves that a neutral palette doesn’t have to be boring Who lived here? Davina Harper, colour specialist at Dulux and Simon Hornby, sales manager, […]

Cosy texture, midcentury pieces and warm timber give this tough Tutukaka home of concrete and steel a comfortable family feel This Tutukaka family home proves concrete and steel can be comfortable Marcelle Flude, owner of The Beauty Room, Tutukaka, Brendan Flude, forestry health and safety manager, and Marlow, 8, plus Burmese cats Boston and Poppy […]

A recycled Mini car showroom provided the raw materials Alex and Corban Walls needed to build a stylish Whananaki holiday home for sharing with family and friends Meet and greet Alex Walls, designer and director of Alex & Corban, Corban Walls, engineer, and Austen, 6 months. Recycled shipping containers become the ultimate getaway in Whananaki […]

The completion of a major renovation has provided this Waiheke Island family with the perfect backdrop to showcase their botanical-inspired Christmas style Meet and greet  Gemma Yeoman, botanical stylist at Flora n Fauna, Greg Yeoman, director and designer at Stormwater360, and Ivy, 5, plus Cha Cha the cat. The Waiheke home of this botanical stylist […]

A whimsical family home in Whitford has layers of luxurious textures and living spaces. This Whitford home will inspire you to leave the city behind Past a yellow diamond road sign, a horse rider at sunset, you’ll find the entrance to the Purvis family home. With a dressage arena and stables to the left, horse […]

After 11 builds this couple have completed their latest masterpiece on a Dunedin hilltop that blurs the lines between architecture and art This hilltop Dunedin home is this couple’s 12th new-build Art is a vital part of Doug and Shelley McConaughy’s life – they collect it, Shelley creates it and their home is an extension […]

After spontaneously purchasing a dreamy section on Awhitu Peninsula, this family planned and built a modular bach designed for many summers to come Stretching northwards into the Manukau Harbour is the hilly, green Awhitu Peninsula, a rugged, rural place that, as the crow flies, lies only a short distance from central Auckland but feels a lot […]

Winners of The Block NZ Amy and Stu will be spending Christmas in their favourite place: their personal slice of heaven in Gisborne. See the rest of their sunny, colourful home below.  See how The Block NZ winners Amy and Stu decorate for Christmas It goes without saying that proud Gisbornites (“Gizzy hard!”) Amy Moore […]

Their Christmas tree is adorned with homemade gifts and the home filled with art and sculpture. After 11 homes, this new-build will (hopefully) be their last Meet + Greet Doug McConaughy, 47 (structural engineer), Shelley McConaughy, 44 (artist and company director), Oscar, 15, and Eli, 13, plus Rose the cat and six chickens (aka The […]

With a Scandi-look Christmas tree wall hanging, presents wrapped in brown paper and native foliage in vases, this Muriwai Beach home’s Christmas style is simple yet stylish This Muriwai Beach home is all about laid-back Christmas style When Dharlia and Ty Lynch returned from an extended OE in Margaret River, Western Australia, deciding where to […]

Bridget Hope, the founder of fashion showroom and online store Magpie Style, invites Simply You into her Christchurch home, where boutique style and botanicals flourish. This stately North Canterbury home is a picture of style and sophistication When working as a publishing director in Singapore, leading international magazines from Harper’s Bazaar to Cosmopolitan, Bridget Hope […]

Surrounded by Nikaus and only a short walk to Muriwai Beach, this laid-back home combines a cruisy beach look with sophisticated finishes  Meet + Greet Dharlia Lynch, 42 (kindergarten teacher), Ty Lynch, 39 (cellar hand), and Dusty, 7, plus Ash, a local farm dog the family looks after most weekends. This Muriwai home balances beach-cool […]

The Block NZ winners Amy and Stu are relishing life back in good old Gizzy and looking forward to a family Christmas in their stunning beachside home See inside Block NZ winners Amy and Stu’s colourful Gisborne home It goes without saying that proud Gisbornites (“Gizzy hard!”) Amy Moore and Stu Watts – winners of […]

With their impressive credentials including winning The Block NZ and completing over seven houses together, Alice and Caleb sure know a thing or two about renovating. We discover the important lessons they’ve learnt over the years Meet and greet  Alice Pearson, director of Pearson + Projects), Caleb Pearson, property development manager), Alek, 4, and Mika, […]

With pared back colours, oversized artwork and lots of lush plants, this young family’s home is a boho-chic dream. Its indoor slide is pretty incredible too! Meet and greet James Rigden, director of Superette, Renee Rigden, founder of Renee’s Kitchen Food & Wellbeing, Sloane, 5, and Bay, 3, plus George the cat. This freshly renovated family […]

This young couple used their love of character homes to turn a prefab house into a unique family home filled with vintage treasures This Christchurch family home is a vintage lovers paradise Meet & Greet Angela Fairmaid, 33 (founder of Miss Vintage), Julian Fairmaid, 34 (civil construction operations manager), Georgia, 2, and Cleo the cat. […]

With its relaxed, tropical vibe, this apartment feels a world away from its inner-city Auckland location. Take a tour and use these expert tips to make your own indoor jungle Meet and greet  Ron Goh, digital designer, and Matthew O’Brien, customer care manager, plus Ninny the chihuahua and Teddy the miniature schnauzer. This cool loft […]

A small bungalow needed a complete makeover and jewellery designer Cathy Pope was more than happy to take up the challenge  This Waterview bungalow received an eclectic new look Meet and greet Cathy Pope (jewellery designer and television costume stylist), Martin Hermans (advertising creative), plus dog Senna and cats Trixie and Gem. Why did you […]

A roof deck with access via architectural stairs, giant windows and doors, and a cantilevered section over the garage; this couple have nailed their dream home This house has a roof deck that’s perfect for dining in the sun Meet and Greet Ben Crawford, 37 (brand agency owner and winner of The Block NZ season […]

Despite being their first foray into renovating, this motivated couple has achieved wonders on a tight budget. We get the details behind their DIY journey Meet and greet Kate Webby, PR and communications manager at Vend, and Jordan Metcalfe, works in commercial property, plus Tinks their rescue dog. Problem The living and dining areas were […]