Interiors

Texture is an important element of interior design that is often forgotten. Your Home and Garden magazine 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 […]

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. […]

Monochrome styling and an eye for design have transformed this tired 1980s property northwest of Auckland into a modern family home  Who lives here?  Kelly Wright (owner and designer at The Little Interiors Co), husband Shane (construction project manager), Tyler, and Paige, plus Brocky the Jack Russell. Background In 2007, recently married couple Kelly and […]

Creating a home large enough to cater for their family of seven was no easy feat for this Wellington couple, but the result is a huge heritage home full of light, life and love Who lives here?  Matt Christie (manager at IBM), Sarah Christie and children Boston, Baker, Anabelle, Bridie, and Paddy, plus Kybi the […]

Don’t forget about your ceiling – think of it as the fifth wall in your house. If you’re keen to ditch the drywall, here are eight creative ceiling ideas to consider 1 Moulded Ceilings Plaster mouldings are the ultimate in timeless elegance and can be custom made to your requirements. Most companies that specialise in decorative […]

A clever reconfiguration, embracing imperfections and lots of white paint transformed this historic Wellington house into a dream home for this busy family of seven Who lives here?  Matt Christie (manager at IBM), Sarah Christie and kids Boston, 14, Baker, 12, Anabelle, 8, Bridie, 6, and Paddy, 3, plus Kybi the Labrador, Oreo the cat […]

This slick, contemporary Auckland home in white and grey tones is an entertainer’s dream Nestled among the villa-lined streets of St Mary’s Bay, sits a house that subtly defies the Auckland suburb’s sense of history. The contemporary glass and concrete structure built by Ian Webster and his partner Jianni Felpas is all stylish white furniture […]

A vacant piece of land in Auckland’s St Mary’s Bay is transformed into a stunning contemporary home that champions its owners’ vision of being “ultimately uncomplicated” Who lives here? Ian Webster (founder and former owner of Verge women’s fashion label), Jianni Felpas and miniature schnauzer Bex. The vision The duo had a fairly free rein […]

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 […]

A North Otago new-build which curls its arms around a protected outdoor area is everything its farmer owners wanted Who lives here?  Sarah Isbister, husband Gareth (both cattle farmers), and Harriet, 3, plus border terrier Floyd and Poppy the cat. Background  Cattle farmers Sarah and Gareth Isbister bought their 440-hectare farm four years ago. In […]

Prominent members of the New Zealand art and design scene Vicki Vuleta and Gary Langsford offer a look inside their Auckland-city home – and it’s no surprise it’s a masterpiece  Vicki Vuleta and Gary Langsford are prominent members of the New Zealand art and design scene, so it’s hardly surprising their home is an absolute standout. […]

A clear vision, an eye for design and plenty of DIY helped this 1970s house realise its full potential as a stylish family home  Who lives here? Tarryn Donaldson, (marketing manager and Instagrammer @iamtarryndonaldson), husband Ryan, (sales manager), Kylan Riley, 7, and Arden Cruz, 2, plus ginger cats Ted and Harley. Style secrets Feature walls […]

Don’t confine colour blocking to your wardrobe – dress your interiors in complementary tones to make a serious style statement Styled by: Louise Hilsz. Photography by: Michael Rooke. [related_articles post1=”50524″ post2=”47576″]

Once a derelict Cape Cod-style house in need of a makeover, this Remuera home is now a testament to the talented couple who designed and built it This Remuera home is a showcase for the talented couple who designed and built it Adam and Alice Sharp were still dating when Adam spied a “For Sale” sign […]

From pendant lighting to silver boots, Homes to Love video producer Georgia Bramley shares her ultimate wishlist If there was a home I could move into tomorrow, it would be this one: [related_articles post1=”50200″ post2=”50634″]

A clever couple put their design expertise towards creating their dream family home in Auckland’s Remuera  Who lives here? Adam and Alice Sharp and kids Alannah, Zara, and Brook. Adam is managing director of Sharp & Page, an 80-year-old family business that specialises in residential, commercial, and commercial hospitality interiors as well as Kitchen Living, […]

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, […]

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 children’s bedrooms that favour a more neutral, unisex scheme, these accessories add some serious cute-factor without impacting on the overall sophisticated style How do I add more personality to a unisex style?   Busy and bright: Keep the denim, but replace the mustard and orange objects with eye-catching shades of pink and coral like Resene ‘Big […]

North & South art director and columnist Jenny Nicholls joined forces with spatial designer Michelle Ben Zur to update her space-starved Waiheke cottage – with stunning results Words by: Irving Carey. Photography by: Rebekah Robinson. [related_articles post1=”46152″ post2=”636″]

Channel your inner artist and wash your home in beautiful watercolour For more of the latest living and interior trends check out the latest issue of Simply You Living on sale now.

The meticulous refurbishment of this 1920s Herne Bay villa remained faithful to the period with a subtle oriental twist From the age of six, Daniella Norling remembers accompanying her father on drives around Auckland’s picturesque Herne Bay just so she could study some of her favourite houses. So the design director of Ponsonby’s Trove Interior […]

Flowers, interior design and fashion combine in this retail space making its mark in one of Auckland’s poshest suburbs Owner and creative director Kelly Karam has been creating bespoke, fashion-forward wedding and corporate florals for over a decade. Designing her own retail space, which opened in April, meant she could intertwine her love of fashion, […]

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 […]

A clever architect takes her converted warehouse apartment back to the drawing board for a stunning revamp that maximises space without sacrificing style

A move to a smaller house prompted an Auckland family to adopt a strict quality-not-quantity approach to decor – with stunning results

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 […]

This time around, Sam and Emmett get second place for their guest bedroom styling. Here’s how they got the look… Get the look In case you missed last night’s room reveal – we’ve found some of the pieces that Sam and Emmett featured in their guest bedroom this week on The Block NZ to help you […]

Don’t worry if you missed last night’s room reveal – we’ve found some of the pieces that Niki and Tiff featured in their winning guest bedroom, as seen on The Block NZ, to help you create a similar look at your place Get the look Light shades Rug Pot pant and plant from Palmers Leather chair […]

Elegant, striking and chic, the use of statement tiles isn’t just a passing trend. Find out how to apply statement tiles in your home with our handy Q&A with the experts from TileWorks What is a statement tile? A statement tile creates a striking focal point in a room. An example would be a feature wall or […]

Australia’s The Block All Stars saw some famous Aussie duos back on screen, battling it out between other The Block veterans. Here we look back at the 2014 series first room reveal: the bedroom Mark & Duncan  The two “fat tradies”, who first appeared in the 2010 series, reached new heights with their room. They describe […]

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has opened the doors to her dreamy Manhattan apartment on her lifestyle website Goop. Take a look around… The lowdown on Gwyneth’s apartment Located in… Tribeca, New York Designed in conjunction with… Roman and Williams, who worked on the likes of the The Ace Hotel and the Boom Boom room at New York’s Standard […]

The sauna-esque quality of an all-wood interior has disappeared under layers of fresh white, turning a dated, dark home into a ravishing abode. Story by Debbie Harrison  Who lives here? Ben Teagle, 34 (real estate agent), and Sammi Teagle, 27 (producer). An original two-bedroom Lockwood home gets the white paint treatment The original two-bedroom Lockwood […]

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 […]

Incorporate exotic flora and fauna into your home for a more laidback approach to living For more of the latest living and interior trends check out the latest issue of Simply You Living on sale now. [related_articles post1=”48474″ post2=”47896″] Behind the scenes of a Simply You Living cover shoot

Tired of living in rented apartments, Daisy and Israel Dagg approached a housing company to design and build their first home. The result is a suburban sanctuary far from any cookie-cutter mould There is a misconception that homes designed and built by housing companies are cast from a common mould. The home that Daisy Dagg […]

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 […]

Academy Award winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin has collaborated with Mokum on Paradiso, a new fabric collection which celebrates tropical colour and exuberance. Paradiso is Martin’s third collection and first indoor/outdoor range for the James Dunlop Textiles brand and is influenced by her work on the recently opened Faena Hotel in Miami, which […]

There is a huge variety of products and materials available on the market, each with its own pros and cons. From laminate wood to hard wood, our flooring guide will help steer you in the right direction Laminate/Engineered Wood Laminate is one of the most popular flooring choices around. It is easier to install than […]

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″]

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 homeware hotspot, with two premises in Auckland, is filled with creative interior finds, from tribal fabrics and juju hats to exotic materials and unique art One of the first things that hits you when you walk into Republic Home is the variety. David Peez, the owner of this Auckland homeware institution, says he prefers […]

Homes to Love caught up with Liv Harper, interior designer from Mitre 10 to talk all things splashbacks Why do I need a splashback? Splashbacks are important to protect your walls and cabinetry from moisture and heat, oils and cooking residue. They’re important particularly behind your stovetop/hobbs and behind your sink. They are also a great […]

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 […]

As the temperature drops, we chat to linen expert and Wallace Cotton owner Paula Wallace about how to transition you bed from summer to winter – and what the ideal winter bed looks like How do I transition my linen in those awkward months between late summer and autumn/winter without totally swapping my bedlinen out? […]

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

The Block NZ winners Alex and Corban share a project close to their hearts –  the makeover of their very own office and studio space Snapshot Alex Walls: “Last year, Corban and I took over the lease of an old Korean karaoke bar on Auckland’s North Shore, as a base to run our businesses from. When […]

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, […]

Inspired by the ethically-made homeware she discovered while living in South Africa, this entrepreneurial Kiwi has opened a retail outlet in rural Matakana What started as a pipe dream for Mooi Mooi business owner Kim Hewitt has morphed into a successful homewares retail outlet, run solely on her terms out of her rural property in […]

We’re crushing on the Florida-inspired fit-out of seaside Auckland eatery The Culpeper. Principal designer Niki Harrison from Studio Design + Architecture shares her highlights… The Culpeper 22 Princes Wharf, Quay Street, Auckland Words by: Shelley Ferguson. Photography by: Nourish Group.

A New Zealand-owned company is revolutionising the printing world with their UV inkjet digital technology which allows for textured printing with a 3D effect. Think bricks that look and feel like actual bricks! We catch up with Janah King from The Print Tank to ask her how it all works Janah, where did the idea for The Print […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 budget of $36,000 and input from designers at DJ Cabinetry have resulted in this Scandi-style kitchen with a roomy scullery At a glance Who lives here? Fleur Clough (recruitment consultant at Eclipse Recruitment), husband Anthony (client relationship manager for directional drillers CDS), Emma, 1, and Persian cats Kinda and Lilly Bear. Where is your home? Red […]

 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 […]

We’re taking it back to basics with a mattress on the floor and things never looked better How to work this look Opt for luxurious linen that completely covers any hint of mattress Create some height with Euro cushions and throw pillows Add a pop of colour with a throw Anchor the bed with a […]

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 […]

The enduring appeal of these Italian appliances has everything to do with their smooth curves, distinctive lettering and lust-worthy colourways Smeg has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that their retro-inspired fridge designs took the world by storm. For people used to utilitarian stainless steel-style fridges, this curved design classic had […]

The biggest interior trends of 2015 offered something for everyone – jewel tones were back in favour, as were more muted pastels; pattern took off and simple Scandi looks remained strong. Put simply, the trends of 2015 covered it all [related_articles post1=”38748″ post2=”32142″]

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 […]

Rusty 12-year-old shipping containers have been cleverly and speedily transformed into temporary accommodation for a family of five Then & Now: A container becomes a home Who lives here? Dion van Kekem, (project manager), Justine van Kekem (part-time barista), Annabelle, 9, Brooklyn, 7, and Scarlett, 5, plus Snowy the lamb, Chloe the dog, and Lucky […]

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 […]

Sara Bunny goes beachcombing, finds some nifty hanging tips, and consults a colour expert Sunbathe or picnic in style with a plush Beach People ‘Roundie’ towel. Available in five striking designs, the towels are roomy enough for two, from Green with Envy and Republic Home stores, $149. Nautical know-how If you can’t be near the […]

We asked three creatives with different signature styles to theme rooms in their favourite colour combos Resene ‘Kermadec Green’ fetures on the wall. Alex Walls, winner of The Block NZ 2014 and stylist Alex, what was the inspiration for your colour story? Recently I have been drawn to moody colour palettes that have a rich […]

In the market for a new bathroom? This Moroccan-style sanctuary might be the perfect style for your personality Bathrooms should be functional, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. Your bathroom should be a space you love spending time in, so if you have a penchant for prints and patterns, get creative and personalise the space. […]

A newly renovated city high-rise makes a glamorous setting for a family gathering this festive season Who lives here? Marian Tolich (real estate auctioneer). Marian, how do you spend Christmas day? We usually attend mass on Christmas Eve and have a fairly relaxed Christmas Day. My three children and their families have lunch with their […]

From the famed feature wall to the shiny leather couch, there are some trends that come and go… and then come back around again. Here are some of our fave nineties-style decor trends that still light our fire Trend tracking 1 Blackboard walls Some interior designers say the blackboard wall should be avoided at all costs, […]

Recreate this floral table arrangement with these step-by-step instructions 1. You will need: Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, red decorations, tin cans 2. Cover cardboard tubes and/or tin cans with festive Christmas paper. 3. Cut rounds of oasis to fit inside the cardboard tubes, covering the bottom with plastic to stop water escaping. […]

A beautiful riot of bright hues and playful patterns takes command in this busy Hamilton home Who lives here? Angie Millar (general/accounts manager), Ryan Millar (builder), Matilda, Mack, Lulu and Poppy. Angie, what influenced the new decor? I’m drawn to fresh, modern pops of colour and pattern. I also love jewel tones especially navy, emerald, […]

As they gain a strong following across the country, Napier design duo Bibby + Brady make their new home in one of the city’s iconic art deco buildings The Story In a place famed for its architecture, it seems only natural that a Napier duo who transform and enhance people’s homes is based in one […]

San Francisco’s most expensive new listing has hit the market, on sale for US $28,000,000 Located in the coveted area of Pacific Heights, the property has recently been restored. Built in 1901 by noted architect James Frances Dunn, the house has been transformed for the 21st century with luxury finishes and fittings. The home’s grand exterior […]

Bright colour and plenty of pattern are welcome in this Hamilton family home Angie Millar has always had a thing for colour – but despite knowing what she liked, when it came to applying it to her newly renovated Hamilton home, she needed a little guidance. Angie and husband Ryan initially rented their home, which was […]

Follow these step-by-step instructions for this achievable white and silver arrangement                  1. You will need Scissors, knife, oasis, cardboard tubes wrapped in paper, candles, votive and votive candles, silver decorations 2. Cover cardboard tubes in paper of your choice. 3. Cut circles of oasis and cover with […]

Renowned rugby union player Israel Dagg and his wife, The Rugby Pantry co-author Daisy, have settled in Christchurch in a Golden Homes house that’s anything but cookie-cutter Who Lives Here? Daisy Dagg (interior designer, Daisy Chain Interiors, founder and contributor to food blog The Rugby Pantry), Israel Dagg (plays for the Canterbury Crusaders) with Melo, their […]

With million-dollar properties selling at the rate of 25 per day around New Zealand, this new range of micro houses by Japanese company Muji could hold the answer to the housing crisis Better-known for its sleek homeware and apparel, Japanese company Muji has now teamed up with top international designers to develop tiny homes. Muji enlisted English product and […]

Top New Zealand fashion designers take on the task of creating a garment using upholstery fabric and the results will surprise you   Some of New Zealand’s best textile brands and fashion designers are set a task like no other. The mission? To create a bespoke outfit entirely from interior fabrics. Teams from Zambesi, Trelise Cooper, […]

Meet and Greet Kate Gardham (stylist, tutor and interior designer) and friends Grace and Linn, as well as Oatis the dog. Budget-friendly bliss in a 1950s bungalow After purchasing her bungalow on Auckland’s North Shore, Kate Gardham looked her fear of heights square in the eye, purchased a ladder, erected a scaffold system and began […]