home feature

The problem was poor indoor-outdoor flow and limited storage, but this family made the renovation possible with some clever planning and keeping their costs in check This family pulled off a beautiful renovation on a tight budget Meet and Greet Kate Thorpe, 39 (director of Williams Road), Nick Thorpe, 41 (director of Oceania Medical and […]

Jewellery designer Cathy Pope’s renovated Waterview bungalow and home studio is a delightful mix of colour, “clutter” and creativity This colourful bungalow isn’t afraid to mix things up Meet and greet Cathy Pope (jewellery designer and television costume stylist), Martin Hermans (advertising creative), plus dog Senna and cats Trixie and Gem. Background Why did you […]

A refined architectural vision for a bare Bay of Plenty section has resulted in an uncomplicated home with views from every angle This Bay of Plenty home is a lesson in how to make the most of your views Meet and Greet Sally Lines, late 40s, and Andy Lines, early 50s, (owners of Urban Lounge […]

Ben Crawford and his wife Kylie had a vision of a home built over a stream and surrounded by native trees where many others saw only weeds and water Ben Crawford from season one of The Block NZ’s sleek new home When Ben and Kylie Crawford say they immediately fell in love with the section […]

A refined architectural vision for a bare Bay of Plenty section has resulted in an uncomplicated home with views from every angle

Clean-lined furniture and industrial surfaces are given rustic warmth to this family home in Waihi Beach with wooden slabs and bountiful botanicals  Meet and greet Mel Kaczon, florist and owner of Waihi’s Koru Florist & Home, John Kaczon, owner of engineering company Pinnacles Civil Group) Miller, 8, Janina, 7, and McKenna, 6, plus Brew the […]

Blue isn’t a colour we normally associate with warmth and welcome, but this Swedish home is proof that having the blues can be blooming lovely Blue in every room? This house shows us how it’s done Meet and greet Kristin Lagerqvist (interior designer, blogger and photographer), Jonas Lagerqvist (banker), Simon, Otto and Igor, plus Siv […]

Despite being happy in their Auckland house, this young couple found their forever home almost by accident 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 stylish North Shore home has an indoor slide for the kids Renee […]

Vintage-style furniture, handcrafted wood and cosy textiles fit easily within a lean and clean industrial aesthetic Meet and greet Leigh Cooper, graphic designer, Nathan Primmer, joiner, and daughters Madison, 8, Harriet, 6, and Charlotte, 3. A Wanaka new-build mixes vintage furniture with industrial style Best lessons learned? Leigh: As a female, don’t be afraid of […]

Designing and building their ultimate family home in Waihi Beach was the realisation of a long-held vision for this creative couple Meet and greet Mel Kaczon, florist and owner of Waihi’s Koru Florist & Home, John Kaczon, owner of engineering company Pinnacles Civil Group) Miller, 8, Janina, 7, and McKenna, 6, plus Brew the chocolate […]

TV presenter and stylist Amber Peebles’ home is where fashion meets timeless style See inside TV presenter Amber Peeble’s fashionable home Amber Peebles lives in a newly renovated 1950s home in Mt Albert, Auckland, with her husband Brooke Howard-Smith and Maltese toy poodle-cross Coco Bear. With a fresh coat of Resene ‘Black White’ and plenty of […]

This enterprising couple spent two years transforming their run-down South Auckland cottage into a warm, light, modern home Meet and greet Kate Webby, PR and communications manager at Vend, and Jordan Metcalfe, works in commercial property, plus Tinks their rescue dog. A South Auckland cottage gets a modern makeover A few weeks after Kate Webby and […]

Blue isn’t a colour we normally associate with warmth and welcome, but this Swedish home is proof that having the blues can be blooming lovely Meet and greet Kristin Lagerqvist (interior designer, blogger and photographer), Jonas Lagerqvist (banker), Simon, Otto and Igor, plus Siv the cat. Colour courage When it comes to adding colour to […]

The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley is a keen renovator herself, but now that she’s had her eyes opened to just how hard the contestants work, she says she won’t be competing any time soon. See inside The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley’s tranquil Auckland home When The Block NZ judge Kristina Rapley invites you […]

With its thoughtful, painterly interior scheme and dreamy, almost untouchable, elegance, this heritage villa transcends time This villa’s dreamy restoration will make you reconsider colour The light constantly changes, and that alters the atmosphere and beauty of things every minute,” once penned painter Claude Monet, the leading figure of French Impressionism. While distant in time […]

Team blue, Ben and Tom, have created a minimalist, modern house with architectural details that differentiates it from any other on The Block NZ. Take a look at what they’ve achieved  See inside all of Ben and Tom’s house from The Block NZ Team blue, Ben and Tom, came into The Block NZ with a […]

Team yellow, Amy and Stu, pulled off win after win this season on The Block NZ. See their sunshine yellow home below See inside all of Amy and Stu’s house on The Block NZ From week one it was clear many had misjudged team yellow. Promoted as “the oldest team on The Block NZ“, ‘Gizzy […]

Chlo and Em channelled a Morrocan theme for their house on The Block NZ. See the complete home below See inside all of Chlo and Em’s house on The Block NZ Queens of second place, team purple Chlo and Em delivered wit, charm and some of the best moments on The Block NZ this season. […]

Full of colour, pattern and jungle inspiration, team orange Claire and Agni didn’t hold back this season on The Block NZ. See their completed house below See inside all of Claire and Agni’s house on The Block NZ Representatives of “more is more”, skilled wheelers and dealers Claire and Agni became known during their time […]

This small secondary dwelling on a Hawke’s Bay lifestyle block was designed to accommodate extended family but has found new purpose as an Airbnb Meet and greet Mike Stanton and Carol Stanton (both retired). Sydney-side to countryside When Kiwi couple Mike and Carol Stanton returned to New Zealand after 27 years in Sydney, their intention […]

A converted historic building in Auckland’s central city houses a magical home filled with an array of lush tropical plants – as well as one very stylish couple Meet and greet  Ron Goh, digital designer, and Matthew O’Brien, customer care manager, plus Ninny the chihuahua and Teddy the miniature schnauzer. This converted historic building is […]

The renovated home of a sea captain and an interior designer in Nelson has the answer to bold, black cladding that won’t warp in the sun Meet + Greet Johnny Stevenson, 59 (sea captain), Ana Stevenson, 50 (interior stylist/home-stager), Mia, 20, Gabe, 17, and Lennox, 10, plus miniature bulldogs Pablo and Frida, and ‘Miradoll’ cat […]

This Coromandel couple pulled off an amazing overhaul of a ramshackle 1960s Lockwood house, turning it into a warm family home – for less than $30K Snapshot Who lived here? April Hansby, stay-at-home mum, aromatherapist and skincare maker for ahsskincare.com and HempFarm, interior design graduate, Zane Hansby, builder, and Archie, 4, plus four chickens. When […]

Fashion designer Jenny Drury’s modern Milford home is perfectly designed to provide a place to live and work This fashion designer’s home hits the perfect work-life balance At the end of a busy workday, Jenny Drury draws the curtains, shuts the door to her office and heads upstairs to the living room. Unlike many Aucklanders who […]

A grand apartment in central Wellington is furnished with current, and up-and-coming, collectable classics Wellington apartment has nailed future-proof decorating There’s nothing like moving house for putting your priorities in order. Do you really need all those cushions you’ve accumulated, and is it worth carting the couch to a new location? Will your beloved bedspreads […]

The modest size of this Wanaka new-build is not just about budget but also efficiency, running costs and living with just a little less Meet and greet Leigh Cooper, graphic designer, Nathan Primmer, joiner, and daughters Madison, 8, Harriet, 6, and Charlotte, 3. This modest Wanaka new-build proves less is more Given the choice, most […]

The fashion empress invites Simply You over for a divine dinner where we learn the story of her three antique-filled homes and glimpse a life lived in colour Dame Trelise Cooper offers a glimpse inside her colourful Auckland home The table is set. Ultraviolet anemones, ruby red anthuriums and winter white orchids spill down a […]

It wasn’t an easy road to repair this quake-damaged cottage; now this determined couple share top reno tips and the best bits from their new home Meet and greet Rachael Beeton, and Simon Risdon, counsellor, plus black cat Bagheera. Rachael’s reno tips Plan, plan, plan. Eighty percent of the preparation is in the planning. If you […]

Soft greys – from fog to thunderhead – team with wood and moody cement in a sophisticated, nuanced scheme in this beautiful Millwater home Meet and greet Joe Byrne, director of Byrne Homes, Lisa Byrne, designer at Byrne Homes, Sophie, 11, and Jack, 9, plus Molly the retrodoodle. This new home in Millwater is proof that […]

Close to Mt Maunganui’s beaches and bustle, this family’s newly built home is filled with an intriguing mix of op-shop finds and high-end pieces Meet and greet Jake Pyne, managing director of clothing company You Know We Ain’t Ltd, Stacey Pyne, full-time mum, Milla, 13, Hayes, 11, and Ari, 9, plus Mickey the puppy. A […]

Wanting to push themselves with their new home, this pair of savvy builders came up with an ingenious design that brings easy living to a sharp slope Meet and greet Joe Byrne, director of Byrne Homes, Lisa Byrne, designer at Byrne Homes, Sophie, 11, and Jack, 9, plus Molly the retrodoodle. This couple saw potential […]

This Christchurch cottage was supposed to be a quick post-earthquake do-up and flick. Now its expat owners are happy to call it home Meet and greet Rachael Beeton, and Simon Risdon, counsellor, plus black cat Bagheera. See how this Christchurch cottage went from red zone to dream home Walking through the door of Simon Beeton and […]

Vintage-style objects from around the world have been modernised with bright colours, new materials and a crisp white backdrop in this Tauranga home Meet and greet Carly Ward, co-owner and manager of Nourish Cafe, Cameron Ward, general manager of clothing company You Know We Ain’t Ltd, Jackson, 9, and Mia, 7, plus Bruce the cat […]

Discover how a Scandi-style scheme of blond wood, blush hues and warm neutrals has given this home a clean, light and contemporary feel Meet and greet Giovanni Luca, technical support manager at StayinFront, Becks Luca, interior stylist and owner of Designroom, Brianna, 11, and Santino, 10, plus Chipper-Wilson the kitten. This new-build feels warm and […]

Boring and cookie-cutter are two words that definitely don’t come to mind when looking at this special new-build in Tauranga. Discover how this family have brought their personal style into their new home Meet and greet Carly Ward, co-owner and manager of Nourish Cafe, Cameron Ward, general manager of clothing company You Know We Ain’t […]

Heritage designs combined with on-trend accessories and a myriad of textures effortlessly blend to make this Rangiora family home cosy and welcoming Meet and greet Lee Sinclair, owner and designer of Cloud Nine Creative, Peter Butcher, painter and plasterer, and Jack, 1, plus Mouse the cat. This new-build expertly balances heritage design with on-trend accessories […]

Kip & Co co-founder Hayley Pannekoecke’s home offers a masterclass in using quirky colour and texture to create inspirational spaces Meet and greet Hayley Pannekoecke, co-founder of lifestyle brand Kip & Co, James Pannekoecke, builder, Chloe, 10, Baye, 7, and Floyd, 6, plus dogs Jaffa and Cookie. Kip & Co co-founder opens the doors to […]

For this savvy couple, building from a pre-designed plan allowed them to realise their vision of a light, bright home near Auckland’s eastern beaches Meet and greet Giovanni Luca, technical support manager at StayinFront, Becks Luca, interior stylist and owner of Designroom, Brianna, 11, and Santino, 10, plus Chipper-Wilson the kitten. This couple have created […]

Surrounded by native forest, this new-build in the Waitakeres maintains a ‘modern beach house’ edge while blending easily into its habitat Meet and greet Alastair Gair, qualified builder, Briohny Hooper-Gair, university student, and Ollie, 6. Challenge The home needed to fit in with the native bush landscape to keep things looking natural. A dark exterior […]

This family found exactly what they were looking for in a Rangiora new-build, but the only thing missing was their personal style – and a very special new addition Meet and greet Lee Sinclair, owner and designer of Cloud Nine Creative, Peter Butcher, painter and plasterer, and Jack, 1, plus Mouse the cat. This Rangiora […]

Their Remuera house has been transformed into a modern home using black, white and more than a little glam

The interior of this recently renovated home features some grown-up glam thanks to a black and white scheme inlaid with gold and navy Meet and greet Sally Bosley, owner of Cocktail Collective, Simon Bosley, chief financial officer, Lily, 16, and Fletcher, 12. How a renovation project brought a dash of glam to this home’s interior […]

Discover how full-blown florals, fun-loving pink outbursts and decorative skulls were the icing for this creative Auckland home Meet and greet Trudy Nicholls, caker and co-owner of Cherry Cake Company, Alaric Nicholls, 42 teacher, Reon, 9, and Parker, 6, plus Cocoa the chihuahua. Pink decor was like the icing on the cake for this creative […]

This couple have crafted their own slice of la dolce vita in Havelock North by building a country home with villa values and more than a little Italian DNA. Meet and greet Aaron Dodd, builder and owner of Dodd Builders, Bridget Dodd, stay-at-home mum, Maria, 8, Franco, 6, and Joseph, 4. Meet the couple who […]

This Auckland couple spent a very relaxed 15 years working out how to renovate their family home and the stunning result proves it was well worth the wait Meet and greet Sally Bosley, owner of Cocktail Collective, Simon Bosley, chief financial officer, Lily, 16, and Fletcher, 12. This Auckland family nailed their renovation after 15 […]

See how Nadia transformed her heritage cottage in Arrowtown into a cosy home for a two with a bright white palette and natural interior style Meet and greet Nadia Caldwell, teacher, and Sammy, 2. Nadia’s interior tips Natural finishes such as timber, sheepskins and feathers add texture, interest and warmth to a space. Plants and […]

This Orewa family used clever budgeting and plenty of planning to build a bespoke beachside house for the price of a standard design How this family gave their new-build luxury style on a budget Kirsty Walters, product manager at Mighty Ape, Tim Walters, renovation design and build consultant at Refresh Renovations, Eva, 8, and Isabella, […]

A former Auckland state house has been given stylish new lease of life following a thoughtful renovation. See how this family achieved their modern makeover Meet and greet Katie Wilson, architecture graduate, Steve Evans, clinical director of paediatric surgery, Luca, 9, and Harley, 6. Problem  The original foundations needed re-piling and the cement roof tiles […]

When this cake queen and her husband first saw the ‘banana house’, they thought it was time to split. Twelve years on, it’s a confectioner’s dream Meet and greet Trudy Nicholls, caker and co-owner of Cherry Cake Company, Alaric Nicholls, 42 teacher, Reon, 9, and Parker, 6, plus Cocoa the chihuahua. How this cake-maker transformed […]

After leaving their busy Auckland life behind, this family found a special art deco bungalow to call their own. See how a $20,000 makeover made the house feel like home Meet and greet Candice Pardy, business manager, David Pardy, business owner, Noah, 6, Oscar, 2, and Michelle-Bianca, 3 months, plus Butch the dog. An art […]

Designed for a couple of empty nesters, this unique bach in Pauanui makes big family gatherings easy Meet and greet Warren Drinkwater, general manager of HomeTech, and Christine Drinkwater. How this couple have created the perfect bach in Pauanui What compromises did you make in building your bach?  Warren: “There was only one, which my […]

Take a look at how heritage craft and furniture complemented by contemporary design has transformed this Wellington villa Meet and greet Catherine Baird (emergency department doctor), Duncan Baird (GP), Gemma 14, Eva, 8, and Greta, 4, plus Hector the deaf and blind rabbit. This Wellington villa is the definition of old-meets-new What’s the best lesson […]

This Waiheke Island home is small – but doesn’t look it. Packing a lot into its 90 square metres, it’s a perfect example of how clever design can provide a blueprint for better living Meet and greet Peter Cosnett, sales and marketing manager for Box, and Hannes Strydom, general manager of a dispute resolution company […]

Open and airy white spaces have been sketched in with black accents, rustic wood and touchable, organic accessories in this bright homestead in Queenstown Meet and greet Justine McLellan, owner of Kinsfolk online store and customs officer, Carrick McLellan, operator of Sunrise Balloons, Fletcher, 6, Carter, 4, and Milla, 9 months, plus dogs Buddy and […]

Behind its traditional frontage, this Wellington villa provides a model for contemporary living Meet and greet Catherine Baird (emergency department doctor), Duncan Baird (GP), Gemma 14, Eva, 8, and Greta, 4, plus Hector the deaf and blind rabbit. This Wellington villa renovation is a model for contemporary living From the street, the Baird family home […]

This creative couple drew inspiration from Australia’s northeast coast when designing a family home overlooking Auckland’s beautiful northern beaches Meet and greet Andrew Gowling, account manager, Rachael Gowling, account manager, Grace, 6, and Harry, 3. Take a look at this Auckland home inspired by Australia’s northeast coast Best lessons learned?  Rachael: Be as organised as […]

A creative couple bring an enviable design aesthetic to their lofty holiday retreat in Bali. Take a tour through their incredible home Take a look inside this stunning Bali holiday home  Set amongst the picturesque green rice fields of Bali, the captivating holiday home of designer Birgitte Raben and her film scenographer partner Peter Grand […]

A former state house in Auckland’s Orakei has gained a new top storey while holding true to its special place in the city’s social history Meet and greet Katie Wilson, architecture graduate, Steve Evans, clinical director of paediatric surgery, Luca, 9, and Harley, 6. Problem  The original foundations needed re-piling and the cement roof tiles […]

When a city couple moved to the Waikato countryside, they renovated an existing villa-style house to create their dream family home Take a look inside this award-winning Waikato dream home It was the acres of lush green land that Rebecca and Richard Carver fell in love with when they viewed the Waikato property they now […]

With generous spaces and bright Nordic-inspired interior style, this new-build in Queenstown adds style to busy family life Meet and greet Justine McLellan, owner of Kinsfolk online store and customs officer, Carrick McLellan, operator of Sunrise Balloons, Fletcher, 6, Carter, 4, and Milla, 9 months, plus dogs Buddy and Olly. This beautiful Queenstown new-build proves […]

A golden onyx entranceway sets the tone for this artistic home perched on a unique geological site in Auckland The interior of this contemporary concrete home is anything but ordinary On the cliff at the edge of one of Auckland’s ancient volcanic craters, the Orakei Basin, a modern concrete house makes a showcase of precious […]

A New Zealand entrepreneur and his Finnish wife have made their home in a charming heritage apartment with views to some of Helsinki’s most sublime inner-city scenery This charming heritage apartment has the dreamiest interior style In a moment straight out of a fairytale, when Finnish artist Carolina Grunér met Kiwi entrepreneur Sam Ashcroft, it […]

With careful consideration, colour can create more than just visual interest. This vivid home shows how effective daring decor can be 8 ways to use colour creatively like this dreamy pastel townhouse We love taking a peek into the homes of clever creatives such as knit designer Rikke Gravengaard. Her unique townhouse shows how sweeping […]

This one-of-a-kind Pauanui bach, that suits its two owners just fine, was cleverly designed to accommodate the whole family Meet and greet Warren Drinkwater, general manager of HomeTech, and Christine Drinkwater. This unique holiday home in Pauanui makes family getaways easy The best baches have plenty of space for family and friends to bunk down […]

With a light touch and a pared-back approach, David and Lea Eaton have breathed new life and luxury into their cosy Devonport villa Meet and greet  Lea Eaton, museum guide host, David Eaton, firefighter and karate instructor, Laura, 25 (human rights lawyer and masters student), and Daniel, 17, plus beloved pooch Frankie (she rules the […]

For the Stevens family, their spacious, sun-loving Wellington sanctuary is the perfect base to show off their personal style. We find out how they mix vintage pieces with modern living This Wellington family has filled their sunny home with fun style Amanda Stevens, Ben Stevens, both real-estate agents, Matilda, 7, Cecelia, 5, and Charlotte, 3, […]

Want to try your hand at house flipping? Abbie Herniman of The Home Maker shares what she learned from her first reno-for-resale experience 1. Buy smart As they say, you make your money when you buy. It doesn’t matter how amazing your renovation is, if you have overpaid for the property, it is already eating […]

A few final flourishes and personal touches was all that was needed to make this Wellington home the perfect fit for the Steven’s family Meet and greet Amanda Stevens, Ben Stevens, both real-estate agents, Matilda, 7, Cecelia, 5, and Charlotte, 3, plus Tallulah Bear the black Labrador. Why this sunny Wellington home on a flat […]

New Zealand shoe designer Kathryn Wilson takes us on a tour through her impressive closet and reveals the special story behind her beautiful Herne Bay home Meet and greet Shoe designer Kathryn Wilson lives in Herne Bay, Auckland with husband Liam and daughter Lola. Inside the closet of celebrated New Zealand shoe designer Kathryn Wilson […]

After living in this exact villa a decade ago David and Lea Eaton jumped at the chance to buy it again and transform it into their forever home Meet and greet  Lea Eaton, museum guide host, David Eaton, firefighter and karate instructor, Laura, 25 (human rights lawyer and masters student), and Daniel, 17, plus beloved […]

With no budget and a 6000-square-metre site, everything in the Needham family home is generous. We discover what they’ve done with all that space This family didn’t use a budget to build their new home near Rotorua Meet and greet Todd Needham, Kylie Needham, both owners of TN Electrical, and their daughter, Blake, 4, plus […]

A luxe makeover inside and out transformed a 1970s house into this modern home and maximised its magnificent views of the Tasman Sea Chic cladding has given this 1970s Taranaki home an impressive new look Who lives here? Nigel Barbour, 47 (CEO of Powerco), Linda Barbour, 48 (ceramic artist), Sam, 16, and Isaac, 13, plus […]

It took a team effort for this family to relocate a seriously neglected bungalow from Taranaki to New Plymouth and make it their own. Discover how they managed to breathe life back into the home on a tight budget This family rescued a crumbling bungalow and made it their dream home Phil Gard, project manager, […]

Apartment living has never looked so chic! Step inside this colourful city apartment and discover how this large family makes it work Every corner of this colourful city apartment is a Pinterest moment When renovating a 160-square-metre apartment for a family of six, Kristian Lillelund had to come up with a number of clever design […]

A sensitive update breathes new life and light into this grand Milanese home, where modern twists deliver down-to-earth character A grand character apartment is sensitively updated with Italian flair As soon as Angelo and Antonella Grampa stepped into what is now their home, situated in the heart of Brera, Milan, they knew it was right […]

Inspired by her home’s lush coastal setting on Auckland’s North Shore, see how this professional home-stager and stylist added a restful, beachy feel to her interior Meet and greet Jess Foyster, home stager and stylist at Statement Interiors, Kev Foyster, graphic designer at Mighty Creative, Theo, 9, Archie, 7, and Sadie, 5, plus cats Minnie […]

This generously proportioned Waikato home was designed to maximise quality family time spent in the great outdoors, while also including unique nooks for each of the five Fifes Meet and greet  Kent Fife, owner of Line & Design Landscaping & Swimming Pools, Olivia Fife, solicitor and administrator for Line & Design, Mila, 9, Luka, 7, […]

The Needham family spared no expense when they designed and built this spacious home, which departs from the average new-build template Meet and greet  Todd Needham, Kylie Needham, both owners of TN Electrical, and their daughter, Blake, 4, plus Rosie the cat. This Rototua new-build shows what’s possible when space is no object Kylie and […]

A major kitchen renovation helped this disjointed villa transform into a space that makes living easy. Discover how they achieved such seamless style A heritage villa in Wellington is reconfigured to suit modern family life Anji Foster, real estate salesperson and co-owner, Jason Lowe, business consultant, Bella, 15, and James, 12, plus Jock the miniature […]

Inspired simple lines, natural materials and an earthy New Mexico palette, the owners of this Titirangi home have created a restful retreat in the treetops How a design-led extension gave this Titirangi cottage some serious style Larry Hauck, sales manager, Lynn Lacy-Hauck, real estate agent, and Emma, 25, plus Mabel the dog. Lynn’s design tips […]

Opulent blues and greens, quirky art and ingeniously repurposed salvage fill this quake-damaged Christchurch home with warmth and joie de vivre Meet and greet  Kiri Penfold, interior stylist, Skot Penfold, senior project manager, Inovo Project Management, Tane, 20, Gabe, 18, and Milan, 14, plus German shepherd-ridgeback cross Theo. DIY decor and statement colours give this […]

It’s all light and laidback in this stylish Papamoa home and studio, thanks to a thoughtful two-step renovation by a creative couple Meet and greet Gus Herniman, security advisor, Abbie Herniman, owner of The Home Maker Renovations & Interiors, Cass, 17, Ava, 5, and Finn, 1, plus Smudge the cat. This family transformed their little […]

This busy family have found respite in their Waiheke bach, where the peaceful setting and soothing interior style make relaxing easy Meet and greet  Kriselle Baker (arts writer and publisher), Richard Douglas (doctor) and their daughter, Lily, 15, plus Coco the dog and Lola the cat. The soothing interior style of this Waiheke Island bach […]

This sweet little beachside bach in Papamoa was this perfect candidate for Abbie Herniman’s first reno-for-resale experience How a first time house-flipper nailed the renovation of this Papamoa bach Rather than returning to the daily grind of a marketing job after having my two youngest children (Ava, 5, and Finn, 1), I wanted to create a […]

Faced with a major budget crunch, this resourceful couple needed all their ingenuity to turn a quake-damaged villa into a beloved home Meet and greet  Kiri Penfold, interior stylist, Skot Penfold, senior project manager, Inovo Project Management, Tane, 20, Gabe, 18, and Milan, 14, plus German shepherd-ridgeback cross Theo. How a creative couple repaired their […]

Across the street from a secluded beach on Auckland’s North Shore, this 1970s ugly duckling has gradually grown into a light and airy family retreat

Tradition meets today in this old farmstead where laidback leisure and long lunches outdoors typify life. Step inside to discover it’s luxurious new style A traditional Tuscan farmhouse is fitted with luxurious interior style Elisa, Diego and their two children, Niccolò and Tilda, occupy part of the farmhouse facing the pool and boasting a small […]

The designer’s love of metals and a passion for all things fashion are the driving forces behind her superbly realised single-level living quarters The interior of this rustic farmhouse is transformed with rich design The first house belongs to Claudia Cennamo. She left the fashion company, Celyn B, founded by the sisters’ father, after he […]

Claudia and Elisa wished to live close together, but preserve their independence. An old farmstead was the perfect solution – it offered exceptional architecture, modernised by the use of contemporary materials and precious objects, plus a hint of eccentricity An old farmstead is split in half to fit two sisters and their families Hills dominate […]

This design-savvy couple brought their mid-century modern sensibility all the way from New Mexico to the lush clifftops of Auckland’s Titirangi

Owner of fashion label Minnie Cooper, Sandy Cooper effortlessly blends artistic style with a cool ’70s vibe in her Herne Bay home This unique townhouse in Herne Bay is brimming with ’70s style Warmth, colour and history. These are a few of Minnie Cooper owner Sandy Cooper’s favourite things when it comes to interior style. The […]

This designer-builder has cleverly fitted out a colourful city apartment with unique furniture for his large family When renovating a 160-square-metre apartment for a family of six, Kristian Lillelund had to come up with a number of clever design and storage solutions. Luckily, he owns a company which specialises in interior design, kitchen fitouts and […]

Rescued from neglect on a farm in Taranaki, this 1920s bungalow was transported to the outskirts of New Plymouth and transformed into a beloved family homestead Meet and greet Phil Gard, project manager, Shelley Gard, sales merchandiser and student, Chelsea, 18 (design student), Jordan, 15, and Joshua, 11, plus puss Molly. A dilapidated 1920s bungalow […]

In this Bali holiday home, different cultures meet, soft and hard lines blur and urban sensibilities infuse tropical life. An effortless collage of texture, colour and furnishings describes the eclectic aesthetic Urban-loft style meets Balinese design in this incredible holiday home Set amongst the picturesque green rice fields of Bali, the captivating holiday home of […]

Located for views and blissful tranquillity, this Waiheke Island holiday home is a beloved family getaway filled with laid-back style Meet and greet  Kriselle Baker (arts writer and publisher), Richard Douglas (doctor) and their daughter, Lily, 15, plus Coco the dog and Lola the cat. A beloved family bach on Waiheke Island is designed for […]

Following a whirlwind career overseas, John Fulton and his family returned home and brought their internationally acquired style to their seaside estate. We step inside their cool, concrete home in Northland When John Fulton returned to New Zealand after 17 years spent mostly in London – with stints in Athens, Houston, Mexico City, Turkey and […]

This mum has transformed her heritage cottage in Arrowtown into her own little slice of paradise with a white palette, timber accents and lots of texture Meet and greet Nadia Caldwell, teacher, and Sammy, 2. This stylish mum gave her Arrowtown cottage a bright and breezy makeover It was love at first sight when Nadia […]

An efficient home that could easily accommodate the kids’ teenage years was the design brief for this new-build in Takapuna. Take a closer look at how this home will fit its family’s next phase Meet and greet Davina Henderson, commercial property manager, Grant Henderson, managing director at winesofnz.com, Aria, 9, and Lennox, 7, plus Jingles […]

This clever couple have built their dream home in Northland by balancing cost effective materials with architectural style. We get the details on their new-build tips How a Northland family achieved architectural style on a budget Best lessons learned? Don’t sweat the small stuff – some of the things I freaked out about during construction […]

Florist Eden Kersten of The Botanist has a unique way of bringing nature into her home. She shares her expert care tips to help your indoor plants thrive Eden’s top 5 indoor plant tips Fail-safe indoor plants include Monstera deliciosa, philodendrons, begonias and cacti. To see if a plant needs water, check soil and water […]