ideas

Choosing furniture and accessories for your outside space can be difficult, so we’ve made things easy with this handy guide to outdoor summer style 6 points to consider when choosing outdoor furniture this summer Whether you’re outdoors catching some sunshine, lounging by the pool, entertaining friends or having a quiet dinner with the family, it’s […]

Miranda Brooks has redefined garden design with her rambling, romantic style. See her unique vision come to life in Anna Wintour’s garden and find out how you can achieve this look at home. Get to know world-renowned landscape designer Miranda Brooks It seems a bit strange to pay a lot of money to have a garden designed so that […]

Lighting your home has come a long way since the humble candle and oil lamp. Be in the know and get inspired by the latest trends in lighting design 6 of the brightest lighting trends you need to know Brighten your home with the latest trends in lighting design. Whether your taste is rustic and nature inspired […]

Making your home eco-friendly can feel like a daunting task but these simple changes to your bathroom will help you achieve easy, green living that is both functional and stylish 1 Eco-style and design Our everyday choices can have wide environmental impact. When it comes to achieving an eco-friendly bathroom space it’s important to consider […]

A stylish, functional home office is easier to achieve than you think. See Homes to Love’s top tips on how to create your dream at-home work space Your guide to creating the perfect at-home office space Even if you don’t work from home, the freedom granted by electronic devices such as laptops and smartphones mean […]

Two planks of wood and four plastic troughs is all it takes to create your own vertical garden for a visual statement, indoors or out Tools you will need  Fine-blade hacksaw; square; 600mm level; pencil; Phillips screwdriver; measuring tape; sanding block, hand saw. This project uses plastic troughs from Bunnings (pictured below) as the basis for this vertical garden. […]

It’s amazing what getting outside in the fresh air and connecting with the earth can do for your mind, body and soul 10 ways gardening can benefit the mind, body and soul Many of us are striving to take a more mindful approach to life, thinking carefully about how our activities might affect our overall […]

Interior designer Alex Fulton dishes up some expert advice on achieving the perfect kitchen lighting look Design dilemmas solved Hi Alex We are currently doing up our kitchen and are a little stuck for ideas when it comes to lighting up our kitchen island area. We have searched high and low on the internet for inspiration but […]

Both functional and beautiful, this DIY bench seat is the perfect piece to bring your entryway to life – it’s ideal for storing shoes, jackets and bags Tools you will need  Ruler; screwdriver; square; handsaw; hammer; electric sander; drop cloths; paint brush. This project uses a Sort It cabinet from The Warehouse (pictured below) as […]

A kitchen revamp doesn’t have to cost the earth. These simple but effective tricks will breathe new life into the heart of your home 14 simple yet effective kitchen updates to jump-start your dream kitchen The kitchen is called the hub of the home because it’s the most used space and a favourite gathering point. It’s not […]

Paths are often given little thought and added in an ad hoc manner – but in fact getting them right is crucial if you want a good-looking garden 9 things to consider when building garden paths When planning pathways we tend to prioritise practical considerations such as how to link outdoor spaces and create an […]

Living greenery brings beauty, softness and life to any interior – but which ones cope best with the hurly-burly of a busy household? Outside In Horticulturalist Ryan McQuerry selects his favourite family-friendly plants Words by: Ryan McQuerry. Photography by: Chris Warnes, Eve Wilson, Armelle Habib, Felix Forest, James Henry, Maree Homer/bauersyndication.com.au. Getty Images, iStock. [related_articles post1=”50412″ post2=”44927″]

Black and white will never go out of style. Whether you have a lot to spend or just a little, bathrooms don’t have to be boring!  Who lives here?  Chelsea Warburton (blogger and Instagrammer), James Warburton (founder and director of Create Group), Oliver, and Archie. The project The original 1960s bathroom was very old and dated. […]

Combining fashion with function to create a family-friendly space can be a challenge. Here are some creative ways to adapt your home so your children have places for play and exploration that you can enjoy, too 1 Embrace the silly Life is too short to be serious, so consider adding some silly elements to the home […]

It was cramped and boxy with possibly the world’s smallest, darkest shower, but a determined young mum knew this ‘find’ on Auckland’s North Shore was just what she’d been after Who lives here? Tarryn Donaldson, 27 (marketing manager and Instagrammer @iamtarryndonaldson), husband Ryan, 27 (sales manager), Kylan Riley, 7, and Arden Cruz, 2, plus ginger […]

When it comes to decorating for children, there are numerous themes and designs to ponder over. Here we explore how a trendy Scandi-style room can grow with your child, potentially saving you money in the long run Versatile Scandi-style Scandinavian style is currently one of the most followed interior trends. The monochrome colour palette of black, […]

A beautiful new kitchen is something to be treasured and enjoyed for years. With an incredible choice of materials, finishes and fittings at your fingertips, you can truly create your dream design. Here are three looks to inspire you How to create a contemporary kitchen A contemporary kitchen is not afraid to make a statement […]

Mixing up styles, textures and colours for an eclectic, unisex scheme is a great way to style a kids’ bedroom in the long run Modern eclectic With so many interior trends and styles to consider, it’s sometimes hard to decide which to choose when designing a kids’ room. Many like to follow the interior style […]

For the last word in luxury and glamour, it has to be marble. Its beauty and durability make it a fabulous choice for bathrooms Why we love marble The bathroom is one of the most hard-working rooms in the home, not to mention a big selling point, so it pays to give its design some […]

If you are looking to add some creative flair to your dining table then this simple and effective DIY setting could be just the answer

This roomy section with bare fencing and only a couple of trees is crying out for an overall plan. Carol comes to the rescue, introducing softness, colour and coherence Dear Carol, My home in Invercargill is a fairly plain 1940s stucco box, which we’ve given a slight lift with a path to the front gate […]

Texture is an important element of interior design that is often forgotten. YH&G teamed up with two homeowners to show how you can create a chic, cosy interior using layers of lovely texture Simon and Jude Woodward have spent the past two years respectfully renovating a rundown 1885 worker’s cottage in Hobsonville. The now-gorgeous home […]

When it comes to selling your property, presentation is key! Justine Stedman, director and principal stylist of Vault Interiors, claims that styling for under $50 can be as simple as adding five quick and easy items “There are several different aspects to consider when styling with affordability in mind. It is 100 percent possible to achieve rewarding […]

Find out how to recreate this carefree, colourful – but not overpowering – child’s play corner with these painting and decorating tips and tricks. With children’s favourite games, toys and craft materials at hand in easily accessible storage, let the fun begin! How to create a fun and stimulating playroom A playroom or play area is just […]

Smart design and sophisticated materials combine to transform a walk-in wardrobe into a dreamy bathroom oasis. Take a tour of this bathroom renovation below Who lives here?  Bridget Snelling (head of product marketing at Orion Health), Ben Snelling (general manager of Bledisloe Property Group), Tommy and Jemima. The project The homeowners wanted to create an ensuite […]

Storage baskets not only hide a multitude of sins, they are indispensable when it comes to maximising space and avoiding clutter in the home Tidy up Besides using baskets to store books and magazines in the living room, consider having a small one on your entertainment unit or console for easy access to remotes. Disguise a […]

Not just a fabulously diverse art form, modern macramé lends instant softness and texture to a room They say that all good things come back in fashion and this is absolutely the case here. Macramé – the art of decorative knotting – has come a long way since the coarse twine and shiny beads of […]

From Gucci brocade to walks in the Waitakere Ranges, Your Home & Garden senior designer and stylist Shani Luckman shares her ultimate wishlist [related_articles post1=”48643″ post2=”47286″]

Neutral schemes are always going to be easy to live with and have wide appeal when selling. They work across all interior styles and also lend themselves to being dressed up with a pop of colour Natural neutral The bathroom is one of the most hard-working rooms in the home, not to mention a big […]

We quiz interiors expert Alex Fulton for her tips and tricks for hanging a brilliant gallery wall. Kate Spade NYC gallery wall, here we come! There are a few simple steps to follow to hang a good-looking gallery wall: 1 Lay out all your artwork on the floor under the wall that you are planning to use. […]

The Block NZ host and editor of Your Home and Garden, Shelley Ferguson, shares her top tips for achieving a creative kid’s room that’s full of individuality and personality. From encouraging sleep to adding fun zones and a sense of adventure, these tricks will have children falling in love with their bedrooms in no time […]

Stylist Sam Smith shows you four clever ways to re-purpose baskets to add a chic, rustic edge to any room How to make a dip-dyed planter Using masking tape, tape around the centre of the basket where you want the paint to finish. Paint the bottom half of the basket. Once dry, carefully remove tape. […]

Homes to Love caught up with interior designer Vic Bibby from Bibby + Brady for her top tips for buying the right size rug for a space  Vic, why is rug size so important? A rug helps to define a space (especially useful in open plan living) and unifies your furniture. It should also be beautiful and enhance […]

For a Memphis Group-inspired interior, think plastics, asymmetrical shapes and bold blocks of colour. For more of the latest interior trends check out the winter issue of Simply You Living on sale now. [related_articles post1=”46771″ post2=”41365″]  

Have you got your eye on a plant in a friend’s garden and want the same type of plant of your own? It’s easy – take a cutting How to grow plants from cuttings Not only is growing plants from cuttings rewarding and cheap, it’s easy! The best time to do it is late autumn/early winter. One of the […]

Save on artwork for your home and make your own with images that are dear to your heart. Your treasured photos can be turned into statement pieces with some creative printing ideas How to get the look Gallery wall See below for pricing of Bus Blind, Faux Canvas Prints and Hanging Clip Boards. Ply Board – […]

It’s time to get cosy! We’ve rounded up 10 ways to get your bed winter-ready 1. Layer it up! Adding layers is the easiest way to create warmth, and achieve a great-looking bed at the same time. Add a throw to the end, fold a nice quilt halfway, or add a waffle-weave blanket on top […]

We’ve dreamed up four projects using vinyl, including this awesome headboard! Create your own vinyl headboard -You’ll need a piece of 7mm plywood cut to 1600mm x 800mm (for queen bed). -Buy a piece of vinyl 1660mm square. Fold in half, right sides together, and slowly sew the 3 open sides (a normal sewing-machine needle […]

Creating her dream garden was worth the wait for this Blenheim gardener A structured and semi-formal garden in Blenheim One of the joys of gardening is to see your vision gradually take shape from year to year. Southland-born Dianne Croad had always yearned for a garden where she could do just that, but her late […]

A dark, dated bedroom is transformed into a light and lovely space with a Mid-century modern makeover by interior designer Tina Stephen The problem The room was dated and dark, with awkward small wardrobes, commercial-style blinds, old carpet and brown veneer doors. The brief Lighten the space and create simple luxury with layered textures and quality […]

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

Get your creative juices flowing with this stylish way to display photos, favourite sayings and things you aspire to. Whether it’s for your home office or bedroom, this wooden moodboard can be whipped up in no time You will need -Das Exhibition 18”x24” hardboard panel, $44.95 -Photos printed at the Print and Copy Centre, from $0.19c each -Rosies Studio Everyday Black […]

Looking for creative ways to display your favourite photos? If it’s a statement piece for your wall or something small enough to keep in your pocket, these four ideas have got you covered How to get the look: Initial photo collage Renew Barwood 16×22” black frame $13.99 | A2 white linen Kascard sheet of card $2.89 | […]

Superstar florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, demonstrates how to arrange flowers en masse in a tall vase. She makes it look easy! How to get the look You will need: 4 x stems hydrangea greenery 2 x king protea 5 x hydrangea 6 x birch stems 4 x Japanese anemone 4 x Monstera leaf […]

Bring together a simple colour palette, great lighting, timber textures and streamlined cabinet handles for a kitchen that’s warm and contemporary Clean lines and texture Kitchens are notoriously expensive to make changes to, so pick a look that will stand the test of time. Stylist Annick Larkin has opted for a simple white, chrome and timber […]

Stuart Jobling and his partner Barry Danby have completed a delightful, densely planted subtropical garden makeover at their Waiheke Island property The site background With its canopy of palms, flowering trees and lush-leaved subtropicals below, the exotic garden is a far cry from the rather ordinary property the couple bought back in 2011. “There was virtually […]

Whether you’re renovating an existing bathroom, adding decorating touches to a tired one or building from scratch, here are 10 top tips to get you started The bathroom is often the smallest room in the home, but it can still be a stylish and practical haven. Whether you’re renovating an existing bathroom or building from […]

Summer has almost gone but you can keep the memories alive all year round with these easy photo projects. Get inspired by Instagram and have them printed square at Warehouse Stationery Products to use: Hanging Photo Mobile 12 4×4 photos $4.20 instore or $4.80 from Printicular (total costs for 12 photos) | Scissors $1.99 | 12×12 […]

This garden is so abundant and established it looks as though it’s been the life-long companion to the Victorian-era weatherboard home it surrounds Despite looking like it’s always been there, this garden is a recent development, installed in tandem with the home’s renovation two years ago. The Cheongs retained the Victorian facade and added a contemporary extension at the […]

This sleek yet family-friendly kitchen was specifically designed so the entire space can be opened to the outdoors The kitchen at a glance Who lives here? Manu Withers (structural engineer), Kelly Wyn (full-time mum), Taylor, 10, Camryn, 7, Virginia, 2, and Otis the dog. Where is your home? Birkenhead, Auckland. (The kitchen was part of […]

A Blenheim bathroom embraces villa-style features such as batten and board paneling, tongue and groove and a claw-foot bath The background Kirsty and David Wraight’s new build in Blenheim is anything but modern. With a shared love of heritage homes, it’s no wonder David – a builder who owns a business specialising in villa-style homes […]

A good tradie is an invaluable renovation resource as they’ll save you time and money in the long-run with their building expertise. It’s imperative to set aside some time before the renovation starts to source a good tradie. Here’s how… First things first Ask around. If you can’t find a referral through your network, ask a reputable […]

Make the laundry work a little bit harder with ingenious ideas for storage, layout, sorting and storing Top tips for a hard-working laundry Wherever you have your washing machine and dryer, make sure there is good ventilation and that the dryer doesn’t steam up the whole room. Also take care with the acoustics – install […]

Stylist Samantha Totty presents four simple projects using wool. Any colour will do! 1. Pom pom twigs Secure the end of a strip of wool in your palm using your thumb. With your other hand, wrap the wool around three joined fingers 100 times. Slide the wool off your fingers. Tie an 8-inch piece of […]

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 […]

Clutter out of control? Get to know our top multi-tasking products, plus read up on helpful home-organising tips Ladders Ladders are a clever design tool – a creative display solution that looks contemporary and saves space. Modern designs, with moveable lightweight frames, add style and dimension to dark and unused corners. Use them to hang […]

Stay cool, calm and collected with our top 10 tips for creating shade in the garden this summer How to create shade in the garden Lazing beneath a cool, shady pergola when the sun is high in the sky must be one of life’s most agreeable experiences. Some form of shade structure is essential not just to beat […]

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 […]

The planning is done, you know what you want – now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get it done! We’ve consulted expert designer Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room By Room to learn how to blast that budget when renovating. Be clear on the costs before you begin It can be awkward […]

This serene, green sanctuary was cleverly created to combat a common complaint – loss of privacy When a two-storey rest home was built on the back boundary of her Blenheim home, Anne Bassett turned the situation into an opportunity. Instead of staring at a tall building from her kitchen and living room, Anne now looks […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

Cushions are an easy and cost-effective way to add an instant update to your interior. We’ve rounded up some top expert tips for styling with cushions Vanessa Nouwens, stylist How many cushions do I need for my couch? The number of cushions for your couch really depends on your style and preference. If you like traditional-style […]

Studying will become top of the agenda with a colourful workspace makeover like this one Ideally every teenager should have a space where they can study, research or do creative projects. Much like a child’s bedroom, a study space needs to evolve over time. The most important thing to consider in creating a study space […]

This two-year-old’s room has an aviation theme and just the right amount of colour Whose room is this? Charlie, 2. Who created this scheme? Mum Ana Dermer (owner of graphic design business Woolly Lemon Creative and photographer). Where is it? Pt Chevalier, Auckland. Ana, what are the key changes you made to Charlie’s room? I […]

Wall hangings are bang on-trend – what better way to get festive this Christmas? How to Get three pieces of brass tubing in different lengths (or use wooden dowels spray-painted to suit your colour theme). Fold lengths of wool in half and cut to your desired hanging length, then loop onto each rod by passing the […]

Fed up with fake Christmas decorations? These botanical alternatives create a natural, organic look while filling the air with the most delicious scent Created by: Catherine Wilkinson Photos by: Wendy Fenwick

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with these easy ideas for washi tape Custom gift tags Keep costs down this Christmas by making your own gift tags. Using washi tape, make your own designs on plain white gift tags. Be as creative as possible and have some fun. Get the kids in on the […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with fimo. We show you how Candle holder You will need: 2 packets of Fimo (black and white) • Ruler • Knife • Tealight candle • Baking tray and baking paper 1 Soften up the packets of Fimo by rolling in your hands until pliable, then roll each colour […]

We’ve rounded up some sublime gift ideas for food lovers. From barbecues to books, it’s never been easier to impress your family and friends with your gift-giving prowess The Forager Malle W. Trousseau Oyster Tools Set (includes leather hand guard), $119.90, from Corso De’ Fiori; water bottle with lid by Menu, $105, from Mildred & […]

Create these feathered headbands for your next children’s party using leather and ribbon You will need Craft knife, leather strips, double-sided tape; feathers; ribbon How to make them Using a ruler and a craft knife or scissors, cut two soft leather strips to 20mm wide and around 300mm long (kids may need help with this […]

Embellish plain gift tags with metallic tape. Move over washi tape, there’s a new kid in town. You will need: A4 white card (220gsm) Hole punch Scissors Adhesive metallic tape (available from Spotlight, Typo and $2 shops) Ribbon, twine or thin cord Cut out template provided and trace around the gift tag onto white card […]

At the bach or at home, a coastal look creates instant relaxation. Nail the coastal chic look at your place with a few tips and tricks A colour scheme with natural accents of brown, taupe and grey emulates the beach, while sky blue and deep navy is reminiscent of the ocean and summer sky. Get […]

The ancient art of Japanese fabric dying is used in four creative ways by stylist Catherine Wilkinson Framed artwork Cut a piece of untreated cotton to fit inside a frame so edges are visible. Tie a rubber band around a small bunch of fabric in the centre, then continue to tie bands around the rest […]

If sophisticated pared-back luxe is your yule of choice this year then turn to the dark side with black-as-night gift wrap and accessories offset by a gleam of gold This delectably moody setting is all about scale and simplicity. The grand living room with its high ceilings, large fireplace and dark walls provides the perfect […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Hello, summer! Create a holiday feel without leaving the house with this bohemian-style outdoor room How to create a holiday vibe at home For sunny decks and verandahs, cacti and hardy palms are an great choice for greenery. Choose sun-loving flowers such as those from the succulent family to provide long-lasting colour, e.g. Kalanchoe pumila. When […]

Use easy-to-find foliage to create a lush Christmas wonderland Hanging plant basket You will need  A hanging basket (large enough to hold 2-3 pots) Cellophane to line the basket Moss (Spanish and standard) Hanging and trailing plants How to Line the basket with green moss. Don’t worry if some is poking out. Line the moss […]

No garden? No problem. Use Carol Bucknell’s ideas for indoor plants Why bottle planters are the perfect solution for a small garden Collect empty jars and small bottles in a variety of sizes and colours. Plant small plants in the bottles with wide openings, packing the plants firmly into the soil. Paint an old crate […]

Your Home and Garden stylist Sam Smith creates four clever projects using brass tubing How to make a wall hanging With pipe cutters, cut three pieces of brass tubing three different sizes. Measure out 12 pieces of merino. Fold in half and loop two onto the shortest part of brass tubing by passing the free […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live under the theme of ‘Small Homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Owning a home with small living areas can be hard, especially with a growing family. If this is you, your courtyard could be your savior. Treating […]

These easy fabric bags have a multitude of uses: here they make super-cute plant holders You will need Sewing machine Scissors Cotton Iron 2 pieces of fabric 40cm x 50cm (use two different fabrics if you want a contrasting fold-down top). 2 pieces of fabric for the base, approx 16cm in diameter. These need to […]

Ornate bathrooms are elegant, delicate and more than a little bit fun – think beautiful boudoir rather than minimalist space. Use intricate detailing on cabinets and mirrors and a soft colour palette to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Careful combinations of textures and patterns on walls, tiles and floors will tie the look together. […]

A flair for Scandinavian design and a love of white are behind this stunningly modern villa renovation Scandinavian-inspired villa renovation in Parnell From the outside, Tony and Agge Burt’s 1908 villa bears the ornate hallmarks of its Colonial design. But step beyond the heritage-protected façade and you’re transported to modern-day Sweden. Through the wide hallway […]

Kids’ rooms are the perfect place to get creative with colour! Brighten up a girl’s room with this dotty take on colour blocking GET THE LOOK: Wall painted in Resene ‘Smitten’ and spot painted in Resene ‘Such Fun’; Sleepy Boy king single bed from Meluka; turquoise spot felt rug from Tea Pea; side table from Kmart […]

A couple give a stylish edge to their family home near the beach. Words by: Catherine Steel Photography by: Todd Eyre

Get inspired by the latest colour and finishing trends to transform your workspace from drab to fab this summer. Colour is the finishing touch to any living space according to Resene paint expert Greer Clayton, who says paint allows us to be bold and have fun with colour. She talks us through the latest colour […]

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Photography: Maree Homer / Derek Swalwell/ BauerSyndication.com.au

From gleaming metallic tubs to Garden of Eden greenery, there’s a new-season trend to suit every bathroom style.

Vanessa Nouwens shows you how to create a coaster, a cushion cover, a stool cover and a tasselled wall hanging – all from an old t-shirt. Coasting along Cut 2cm-wide strips from a large white T-shirt. Machine sew three strips of fabric together at the ends to make one long piece of fabric. Repeat this […]