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Lifted and shifted from its original position, this renovated heritage home now has a level of sophistication the owners adore.

Co-founder of The Hello Cup, Robyn Mclean’s modern Hawke’s Bay townhouse is filled with wit and whimsy, and a reflection of its fun and colourful inhabitants  ‘Impulsive’ is one adjective that might be used to describe Robyn McLean and Jol Bates. They’ve heard a few others too – reckless and radical, as well as instinctive, […]

Designer Lynda Gardener mixes old and new with the found and the collected to create a warm sense of whimsy in her inner-city home Lynda Gardener, an interior decorator and owner of boutique accommodation, is an avid collector. Her warehouse home is filled with countless treasures she has slowly collected throughout the years. What is […]

A Wellington two-bedroom cottage has expanded over the years to become a restful, warm and beautiful home to a family of seven filled with vintage treasures collected over the years Everywhere you look in Sarah and Mark Vivian’s Wellington house there’s vintage rubbing up against new. Green velvet Trade Me chairs book-end a contemporary black […]

Intent on creating a luxe holiday at home vibe, an Auckland couple took inspiration from coastal Hamptons sophistication and Hawke’s Bay landmark Black Barn Vineyards While most of us look forward to escaping everyday life with long weekends in the holiday hotspots of Hawke’s Bay or Queenstown, Sarah and Matt Cotterall took it one step […]

Renovating a home with hubby who likes to tear things apart and two tiny ‘helpers’ has its own challenges and blessings. See the before and afters of their reno below When teacher Hayley and firefighter Isaac first met they were living on opposite coasts. Hayley was based at Mt Maunganui, while Isaac was in Taranaki […]

Verdant hues are the apple of our eyes this season. Shop these stylish green homewares below Clockwise from top left: Home Republic Archie Eucalyptus towel range, from $19.99, from Adairs. Ambit pendant in dusty green, $499, from Bauhaus. Maggie Stephenson x Bed Threads ‘Growth’ art print, $90, from Bed Threads. Home Republic Desert Rose sage […]

A creative couple designed and built their forever home in Gibbston Valley, with space for all the family including the horses For Laura Shallcrass, having a house in the hills with space for horses was always a dream. Settled in Queenstown for the past 12 years with her husband, architectural designer Robbie Dick, Laura, who […]

When it comes to small apartment living, this Auckland couple know how to use space to their advantage A quick commute, handy location and even a spare bedroom – Marissa Kirkham and fiance Will Parr’s first apartment ticks all the boxes. The couple, aged 30, had been flatting with friends in Auckland’s Mt Eden when […]

Time, effort and an expert way with textiles has helped transform an early 1900s house situated on the edge of a hill in Auckland into a cosy family home In 2010, Meredith and Michael (Mike) planned to renovate a tiny Auckland bungalow the couple owned. Unfortunately, the cost of the project kept escalating and after […]

A stroke of luck brought Pip and Shane McNeil to this lush Whangārei section. Now, with chickens, fruit trees and space aplenty, they can’t imagine themselves anywhere else As the McNeil kids race around their acre (4000sqm) section, weaving in and out of trees and shrubs and delightedly hunting for chicken eggs, it’s clear to […]

Picking an architectural style is a choice informed by how you live as well as your personal taste. Signature Homes round up some popular options and what to consider before you choose What’s important: Size: What size will best suit your family? Consider storage, bedrooms, bathrooms, room sizes and living areas. Function: Think about what you like […]

This incredible property boasts expansive views and open spaces while enjoying an enviable degree of privacy. It’s the ultimate coastal retreat Details Address: 28 Old North Road, Orewa, Auckland Land Size: 1012sqm Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Parking: 2 Garage Contact details Contact: Drue Matich, 021 024 90448 Auction: 12pm, Saturday 6th April 2019 Unless Sold Prior […]

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 […]

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 […]

In creative director, Angela Missoni’s unique, exuberant home in northern Italy, nature inspires a deeply personal interior where every object tells a story or holds a secret See inside the bold, eclectic home of Angela Missoni It’s impossible to resist the exuberant and positive energy that radiates through the home of Italian fashion designer Angela […]

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 […]

Join us as we follow Oliver and Ella’s home build over a six-month journey – from dream to reality It’s the great Kiwi dream – build a home of your own, designed especially for you, to suit your taste and your lifestyle. In this ambitious first-of-its-kind feature, we follow the story of a real-life home build […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

Lots of love and lashings of flair have made this predesigned house a unique and treasured home Here’s how a young couple turned a prefab into a unique family home Angela Fairmaid is a self-confessed lover of villas and character homes, but when it came to finding a home for herself and husband Julian, practical […]

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 […]

While living with pets has many benefits, it also means mess. These handy home hacks will help with that. Our pets are our best friends; they turn our houses into homes and are proven to have hugely-positive effects on our physical and mental wellbeing. However, and we’re sure most pet owners will agree, this all […]

With grapevines, a veggie patch and livestock to tend, this Mornington Peninsula property ensures action-packed escapes for a prominent Melbourne family This modern farmhouse among the vineyards is what dreams are made of When Samantha and Charlie Baillieu are at Bulldog Run, the first chore of the day is letting the chickens out, followed by […]

Actress Hilary Duff vibrant LA home celebrates the maximalist philosophy of 'more is more' - and we can't get enough!

Statement tapware is on trend and having a moment in the spotlight – and we can’t get enough. Here are five reasons why you need statement tap in your bathroom Why statement tapware should be your new favourite bathroom trend Attempting to hide or blend in your tapware and fixtures are a thing of the […]

Kourtney Kardashian hired interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard to help curate her 11,500-square-foot Tuscan-style home in Calabasas, California, and the results are gorgeous! The lowdown on Kourtney’s House Where: Calabasas, USA Style: Mediterranean revival Decor: Restrained and modern Kendall Jenner’s $6.5 million Los Angeles Home Where: Los Angeles, USA Style: Modern classic Key features: Three storey, six bedooms, […]

Fast, organised and often with eco-friendly options available, it’s easy to see why prefab homes are a popular choice. We round up the pros and cons you should consider What are the pros, cons and price of a prefabricated home? A prefabricated home is made in a factory and delivered to your site in one or […]

No two people are the same, so why should our houses be! We find out pros, cons and price of getting your home architecturally designed  The cost of building an architecturally designed home An architect can design a purpose-built home to suit you, especially if you have specific requirements or a difficult site. We have […]

Whether it’s a garage, garden shed or old warehouse, here’s what to consider if you’re converting an existing space to live in Converted space Garages or large sheds can be converted into small homes, or small self-contained units can be added to existing dwellings. Converting an existing space is a good option if you have […]

Now home to a couple and their menagerie of animals, a gracious old farmhouse in Auckland’s rural outskirts has shed the beige and embraced gem-like colour At a glance Who lives here? Kim Brebner, 44 (art director for Bed Bath & Beyond NZ), Isaac Khasawneh, 30 (healthcare assistant at Mt Eden Prison), Ted the ginger […]

Designers Hecker Guthrie were called in to refresh this former corner pub in inner Melbourne to suit the needs of a young family A former corner pub gets a beautiful Scandi makeover Who designed the renovation? Designers Hecker Guthrie. Where is it? Melbourne, Australia. What were the key changes? A new kitchen, powder room, study, […]

It’s a design dilemma we hear often – what to do with a dark and dingy Lockwood interior so its original character is retained  while giving it a fresh new look. Here’s a Lockwood renovation idea that won’t break the bank! How to give your Lockwood a cosmetic update “Two words,” says interior designer Alex Fulton. “Paint […]

This modest, new-build family home not only perches lightly on the land as it leans out over Lyttelton Harbour, but leaves behind only a small eco footprint Who lives here?  Pippin Wright-Stow (architectural designer and owner of F3 Design), Erica Viedma (yoga teacher), Jordi, 10, Rafi, 7, and Ariana, 3. Background The Wright-Stow-Viedma family’s new-build […]

Airbnb has today announced you too can now live like a bachelorette following the iconic Auckland Mansion now being listed on Airbnb! For an extravagant $10,002NZD a night, the luxurious Solsbury Hill residence could be the setting for your own romantic adventure or the ultimate girl’s weekend away! The property presides over vast manicured grounds […]

What could have been quite a plain home is instead a lush interior filled with lots of natural textures, colours and interesting decor pieces Creative family home Surrounded by a spectacular forest, this Wauchope, NSW home is a peaceful sanctuary for owners Penny and Terry. The open-plan layout makes it perfect for their family of […]

This terrace home almost contains two homes in one – a Victorian-style home at the front, and a Scandinavian, minimal home at the back. And they work beautifully together The bright blue front door is the first sign that there’s something special inside this Victorian terrace house in Melbourne. Once visitors clap eyes on the light-filled rear […]

A well-chosen colourful piece of art offers infinite possibilities for an interior palette. Discover how let art guide the colour choices for your home Let art be your guiding force when it comes to choosing colour Choosing art is an intensely personal experience – and what matters most is that you really love what you […]

Freedom’s recently opened Westgate store brings together all your furniture and homeware needs, and is a mecca of creative inspiration Freshen up your summer decor with these on-trend updates If you haven’t yet visited Freedom’s store in the Westgate Lifestyle Centre, now is the perfect time. From outdoor furniture to tableware for the bach and […]

The two-storey house on this magical meandering property is a blend of Kiwi woolshed-meets-French country A magical Tauranga property with rural French ambience Who lives here? Rebecca-Jane Russell (designer, farmer and wedding-venue owner and manager), partner Jean-Francois Larue (arborist), Rebecca-Jane’s children Moss, 14, and Maggie, 12, Jess and Molly the dogs, numerous cats, horses, goats, […]

Architect Eva Nash took on the project of renovating her once damp and musty Auckland home and has given it a new lease of life Renovation inspiration from a 1930s bungalow As an architect, Eva Nash’s approach to designing her own family home was no different to the way she approaches her other projects. “The […]

A view was a prerequisite for Heidi Correa and her family when hunting for a weekend home at Palm Beach north of Sydney This modernist house comes complete with a three-storey tower and an epic view, offering 360-degree panoramic vistas. But the rest of the home is just as gorgeous with a fresh Moroccan feel that combines […]

Tommy Hilfiger is putting his palatial penthouse apartment on the market. Step into this iconic New York building and see where US$69million can take you. The details Address: Plaza Hotel, 5th Avenue, New York Size: 5,600 square-feet Bedrooms: Four Asking Price: US$69million (NZ$97 million) It comes as no surprise that Tommy Hilfiger, the self-confessed lover of […]

This achievable exterior makeover proves a basic suburban home with dated aluminium windows can have street appeal with a few simple updates Turning a plain, dated home into the smartest on the street This house could be in any suburban street in New Zealand. It’s neat and tidy, looks in solid condition and it’s probably […]

American actor Johnny Depp is selling a collection of five penthouses in the landmark Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles for US $12,780,000 ($17,785,549 NZD) Why they’re special The building is considered to be the greatest example of art deco architecture in Los Angeles Find the full listing here.

A family of six needing to upsize create an enviable lifestyle in a peaceful Hawke’s Bay settlement Who lives here? Asha Payton (upholsterer and founder of Little and Fox), Joe Payton (Hawke’s Bay rugby player development manager), Otis, 6, Teddy, 5, Pepe and Fox, both 2, plus Biddi the dog. The story behind this Hawke’s […]

This “tiny home” in Taupo received so much interest when it was posted on Trade Me that its owners are thinking of creating more The tiny home’s key features 3 metres wide by 7 metres long It’s built on a trailer meaning it’s completely portable Asking price $80,000 European-made kitchen Sleeping loft Bathroom with full-size shower, sink […]

There’s something so heartwarming about brightly coloured houses, especially en masse. Here are 10 cities that have embraced an awe-inspiring array of colours 10 cities with the most colourful houses Willemstad, Curacao Trinidad, Cuba Pelourinho, Brazil La Boca, Buenos Aires Juzcar, Spain Burano, Italy Bo Kaap, South Africa St Johns, Canada Jodhpur, India Charleston, America [related_articles post1=”45746″ […]

Brooke Thompson and Mitch Davies were still on a high from winning the fourth series of The Block NZ when they found a dream site on which to build their first home Why thinking fast paid off Brooke Thompson and Mitch Davies were quick to act on their long-held goal of buying land in Queenstown with the winnings […]

This 99-year-old weatherboard cottage is filled with an eclectic mix of treasures House snapshot Janice and her partner Mark have lived in their 99-year-old weatherboard in Brooklyn NSW, Australia for 12 years. When it comes to decorating Janice’s style is very eclectic and the home is full of unique treasures, gathered over time. “We have […]

Architects Kerry Phelan and Stephen Javens, directors of K.P.D.O., created a home out of the ramshackle garage of an old military building in Melbourne Behind its heritage facade a new building was constructed of brick, concrete, travertine and timber – simple materials used in a very graphic way. Rooms with no particular function were included, the couple preferring […]

 A farming family decided to start from scratch rather than renovate – the results are a modern farmhouse that’s everything they dreamed of and more  “I’ve never really thought of myself as having a certain ‘style’ but for this home we wanted to go for a modern country look,” Sarah explains. “I wanted to mirror […]

A major extension has given a Southland farming family the home they once thought was out of reach A Southland farming family build their dream home Who lives here? Jodelle and Geoff Clark (dairy farmers), Thomas, Sam, Harry, Poppi, Coco the horse, Leo the ginger cat, Tilly the ragdoll kitten and Molly the black Labrador. […]

As The Block fever grips the nation, we take a look back to 2014 when The Block Sky High Australia teams revealed their bold, brave apartment designs  Trixie & Johnno Lucky winners of the penthouse in the first challenge, Queenslanders Trixie, 37, and Johnno, 40, have gutted and rebuilt a couple of homes and spruced […]

This modest, new-build family home not only perches lightly on the land as it leans out over Lyttelton Harbour, but leaves behind only a small eco footprint Who lives here?  Pippin Wright-Stow (architectural designer and owner of F3 Design), Erica Viedma (yoga teacher), Jordi, 10, Rafi, 7, and Ariana, 3. Background The Wright-Stow-Viedma family’s new-build […]

Step inside Shelley and Doug McConaughy’s welcoming Dunedin home and it’s quickly apparent that these creative homeowners don’t conform to design rules Meet Shelley and Doug A clever mix of texture, contrast, colour and art fills this weatherboard beauty, which has changed significantly since the couple made an uncharacteristic snap decision to buy it in […]

A 1970s family home finds its full potential with a clever layout overhaul  Lauren Tocchini grew up in a home with an open-door policy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where friends and family were always welcome. When she started her own family, this was the type of place she wanted to create. When Lauren returned to […]

An enterprising Dunedin couple transform this ex-church-turned-dance studio into an impressive home by reinstating its heritage features The church that Jaimee Whiston and her husband Ryan now call home hasn’t been used as a place of worship for over a quarter of a century. Instead, the lofty space was home to a local dance school. “Inside, […]

What does the most expensive home in San Francisco look like? It looks like this American property on sale for $28 million USD. Key stats 7 bedrooms 7 bathrooms 9,095 sqft 3 car parks 3 powder rooms $28 million USD The property is listed through Neal Ward Listings. [related_articles post1=”37803″ post2=”35864″]

With flaking paint, borer and a weakness for maroon, an old Dunedin house was in a sorry state until a couple with just the right mix of practical skills and artistic flair took it in hand At a glance Who lives here? Doug McConaughy (structural engineer), Shelley McConaughy (florist, designer, artist), Oscar, Eli, Rose the […]

Adding another level to a home requires some heavy-duty renovations. Here’s how to add a another level to your home the right way, plus how much it will cost, with expert advice from the professionals Why and how should you ‘pop the top’ and add another level to a house? There are at least four […]

There may not be the frenzy to buy or sell in winter as there is in spring or summer, but homes sell all-year-round. Here are some tips on how to make your home worthy to buy during the cold snap 1. Make sure your home has plenty of natural light If natural light isn’t flooding […]

 Is one of your plants too big for its spot in the garden? Does it need more shade? Whatever the reason, now is the time to move it During the winter months plants are not actively growing, so their metabolism slows down. As a result, if you move a plant there will be a little […]

In search of a slower pace of life, Kim Brebner sold her Auckland villa to move into this rural homestead southwest of the city In 2011, Kim Brebner was ready for a change and looking for a slower pace of life, so she decided to sell her beloved Auckland villa and move to a beautiful […]

This villa underwent an initial cosmetic facelift followed by a comprehensive renovation and the results are stunning When Melinda and Simon Morley bought their circa 1905 Federation (an architecture style popular in Australia from 1890-1915) villa it was essentially in original condition: vintage appliances, tired vinyl flooring, seriously patchy paintwork and open fireplaces the only […]

Your dream home could be right on your very own doorstep. Here’s how to add a room to your existing floor plan, with expert advice from the professionals Why should you add a room to your existing floor plan? Adding a room to your existing floor plan can be an ideal way to increase space. […]

Steph Zajkowski enlisted the help of interior designers Bibby & Brady to help choose her decor scheme, and give her the confidence to make some bold changes Steph Zajkowski’s colour confidence is on display for any admiring visitor to see, but she admits to having a few less-than-perfect results along the way. “During my ‘shabby […]

A connoisseur of beautiful old things has created a French country house of effortless charm in the Bay of Plenty – with a little bit of Kiwi thrown in The magical rural Tauranga property Rebecca-Jane Russell calls home has atmosphere in spades. Wine barrels, pebbled pathways, rustic wooden crates, cloches, stone walls, old pots, wrought-iron […]

This 1970s home with views of the ocean holds onto its heritage while embracing a wave of tropical hues At a glance Who lives here? Richard Zajkowski (IT consultant), Steph Zajkowski (TV and website creative producer), Sofia, 18, Beatrice, 15, and Poppy the dog. Steph, how did you find the experience of working with interior […]

Here are 20 simple ways to make a house feel like a home, from lighting a candle to creating a space that’s just for you [related_articles post1=”40896″ post2=”39312″] Photography by: Rachel Dobbs, Kate Claridge, The Virtue, Jackie Meiring, Nikole Ramsay, Helen Bankers, Melanie Jenkins/bauersyndication.com.au

As Auckland’s median house price creeps above $800,000 for the first time, we take a look at what $820,000 will get you in today’s overheated property market The stats -The median price of the more than 3000 houses sold in Auckland last month rose $70,000 to $820,000, the first time it’s broken $800,000 -The city’s median price was up from […]

Plenty of pink, a dash of mint and a whole lot of imagination have transformed this old ballroom into a fully functioning, cute-as-a-button family home.  Meet & greet Who lives here? Kaitlin Chapman, owner of kaitlinchapmanmakeup.com and Hello Darling Prop Hire, Jamie Robertson, mechanic, Stella, 3, chocolate Lab Chevie and Cavoodle Petal. Background Once upon […]

Plenty of pink, a dash of mint and a whole lot of imagination have transformed this old ballroom into a fully functioning, cute-as-a-button family home At a glance Who lives here? Kaitlin Chapman, owner of kaitlinchapmanmakeup.com and Hello Darling Prop Hire; Jamie Robertson, mechanic, Stella, chocolate lab Chevie and Cavoodle Petal. Homeowner Kailtlin’s makeover secrets Paint, […]

A once neutral-toned Lower Hutt home has been given an injection of colour and personality through the use of bold paint and wallpaper choices and clever, cohesive styling First impressions can be deceiving. From the outside, this 1930s former state house looks like many others in the surrounding Lower Hutt streets. But pass through the […]

This sprawling, single-storey new-build in Tauranga is anything but one-dimensional. Quality materials, heritage bones and personality-plus make this a stand-out family home When moving from one new-build to another, homeowners often tend to replicate the favourite aspects of the house they are vacating. Not so Glen and Sara Stewart. The new house they now call […]

This unique family home has a central courtyard that is completely encased in cheesecloth, making it an enjoyable place to be all day and night Owners Louise and Matt were already fans of the work of local architect James Russell, so when they bought this block of land in Brisbane’s inner east, there was no […]

When a long-admired 1920s abode came on the market, this energetic family in Sydney jumped at the chance to make it their dream home Jane Garrett is a graphic designer who lives with her partner Peter and teenage children Phoebe and Gil. They bought their home on Sydney’s North Shore back in 2006. “It was built […]

It only took six renovations in Auckland and Wellington before this family settled on a home on the Kapiti Coast. But are they getting itchy feet again?  Serial renovators settle on this Kapiti Coast retreat Moving house is almost second nature to Vanessa and Matt Webb. Not only have the Wellington couple never lived in the […]

Moving house has become second nature to these homeowners after completing six renovations, but now they’re ready to settle down at this Kapiti Coast home with sea views and loads of potential Every day feels like a holiday at this Kapiti Coast home Who lives here? Vanessa Webb (interior designer at Dress My Nest), Matt […]

A damp and musty 1930s bungalow has been given a new lease of life and is loved once more thanks to its new owners Who lives here? Eva Nash (director of Rogan Nash Architects), David Nash (Bunnings national supply chain manager), Nico, 3. Aside from the architectural design, what other things did you do yourselves? […]

 Interior designer Jackie Jones has worked wonders with paint at her two bedroom bach in Matarangi  In a nutshell Who lives here? Jackie Jones (interior designer), husband Jeremy Patston (lawyer), Emily, 15, Matt, 13, Caitlin, 12, Sophie, 11, and Lucy, 7. Jackie, when did you get interested in interior design? I’ve loved it since I was a […]

A big family with a love of the simple life have painted their little bach in the shades of the sea Just how a family of seven can fit into a two-bedroomed bach is a wonder, but somehow interior designer Jackie Jones has made it work. She and husband Jeremy had been searching for somewhere […]

Take a tour of Australian actress Naomi Watts’ stunning Manhattan home with this photo gallery Inside Naomi Watts’ New York apartment   The Manhattan apartment actress Naomi Watts owns with her partner, actor Lieve Shreiber, began life as two separate units – one an artist’s loft. Shortly after purchasing the Tribeca real estate, Hurricane Sandy struck, flooding […]

Since school teacher Judy and husband Peter downsized from a 10-acre farm to a beach shack on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, they haven’t looked back They lived in the house for a year before extending the kitchen/dining area and adding all-season outdoor areas. Judy and Peter live here with their daughter Harriet and dogs Roxy and […]

Waking up each day to a serene view of the sea while birds sing in surrounding native bush is something few of us can enjoy. And perhaps it is harder to appreciate if you haven’t experienced it. But Sarah Cutler, her husband Declan Ryan and their boys know just how beautiful their Wood Bay home […]

This Hamilton home has a distinct French flavour, thanks to a 40-foot container full of furniture shipped all the way from Europe In a nutshell Who lives here? Audrey Fitzjohn (online retailer at hellopaper.co.nz) and Elliot Fitzjohn (arboriculture tutor at Waikato Institute of Technology), with their French bulldog Violet. Audrey, just how many of the […]

With some clever thinking, a family home is created from a Waiheke Island workshop A Waiheke workshop becomes an unlikely family home Who lives here? Tony Parker (owner of Tree Essence), Jo Parker (legal secretary and owner of One Button crafts),  Ruby, and Munro, live on the island full-time. Big sisters Claudia, and Paris are […]

Interior designer Lauren Li stuck to a tight budget when renovating a 1970s two bedroom unit Renovating on a strict budget, interior designer Lauren Li of sisällä still managed to employ a whole host of great ideas to make her Melbourne, 1970s brick-veneer unit a comfortable, light-filled home – and include a few luxury items to boot. […]

An interior decorator gives a 1970s duplex some wow-factor Interior decorator Claudia Stephenson and her husband Julian, a personal trainer, searched high and low for a new rental where they could have a young family before they bought their own home. A 1970s duplex in Sydney’s Lower North Shore ticked all the boxes. The apartment […]

Nicola Russell visits a revamped Auckland villa, where family life and history are reflected in the invitingly eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork When fashion designer Bridget O’Malley and her husband David Reid moved into their urban villa a decade ago, it still had its original outhouse and copper. The central Auckland abode had been […]

Busy corporate careers and apartment living in Hong Kong were traded in for this sunny, eclectic and private family homehilltop haven in Sumner A private hilltop haven in Christchurch Who lives here? Larissa and Andrew Hamilton (founders and owners of Corcovado), together with their children Charlie and Wilby. What attracted you to this home? Larissa: […]

They say good things come in threes and that’s certainly the case for this family, whose rural property on the outskirts of Greytown was completed in three very different stages “We didn’t have an ultimate plan for this house,” says Jo Lysaght, a graphic designer and co-owner of online homeware store Caravan Homewares. “But over […]

A home in the Bay of Plenty hills offers the lifestyle change this once inner-city family was craving Who lives here? Maree Wilkinson (wedding, fashion and portrait photographer), Matt Swanberg (company director), Jett, Milly, and Frankie the dog. Maree, how would you describe your interiors style? Industrial, but with a feminine touch and featuring a diverse […]

The owners of this Greytown home didn’t have an ultimate plan for their property, but in 10 years it has evolved from a cottage to a five-bedroom house Who lives here? Jo Lysaght (graphic designer and co-owner with sister Sharon of Caravan Homewares), Dave Murray (owner of 3D illustration and web design company Satellite Design), […]

A residential development north of Auckland provided this family with the ideal blank canvas on which to build new Nestled between Silverdale and Orewa, just north of Auckland, is a relatively new residential development and the location of this new-build owned by Joe and Lisa Byrne. The once-rural land, formerly known for its farms, orchards, […]

An old bach and a new home live in harmony, all set up for family gatherings and a laid-back lifestyle Nestled in a rural outpost on the Tauranga Harbour, Rae and John Buchanan’s Ongare Point home is flanked by a pohutukawa-lined reserve and a row of modest baches, with grandstand views of Matakana Island. In […]