Tips and Advice

Black and white are soulmates, the yin and yang of sophisticated design: black absorbs, white reflects Make it monochrome Your Home and Garden stylist Annick Larkin selected the products for this bathroom look from Mitre 10 MEGA. Black and white pack a real punch together, creating design schemes with impact. Whether you want a traditional […]

Keen to add some impact to a room? Wallpaper could be the key. We catch up with Your Home and Garden editor and co-host of The Block NZ Shelley Ferguson to discuss the latest trends Trend #1 Natural surfaces Natural surfaces swatches: 1. Replik J923-17 2. BN Wallcoverings More Than Elements 49781 3. Komar Into Illusions […]

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 […]

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 […]

Don’t waste your time buying bulbs that don’t suit your light fitting or are the wrong type of brightness. Let us show you how to get it right How bright is your bulb? To get a clear indication of how bright your bulb is, check the lumens (LM) rating on the package. This indicates brightness. Wattage measures […]

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 […]

Say goodbye to toiletries lining the bath edge, overcrowded vanities, and clothes ‘hung’ on the floor with these great ideas that will turn your bathroom into a beautifully functional and clutter-free space Smart storage Your bathroom should be a clean, calm and uncluttered space. It is the place where you prepare yourself for the day […]

A little organisation can go a long way to boost your comfort at home during the cooler months. Here are our top five places to tick off over winter 5 areas in your home you should organise this winter Winter has a habit of creeping up quickly and catching us off guard. Often we do […]

Planning the perfect family holiday may seem daunting. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work and created the ultimate guide for a family-friendly stay in beautiful Vanuatu. Because what could be better than relaxing in paradise? Experiencing it with the ones you love.   Great resorts to stay at… Warwick Le Lagon  The perfect place for a […]

Buying a leaky home can have devastating effects, not only on a family’s health but on the owner’s ability to on-sell the property and pay for repairs.  The last thing you want to hear is that your home contains a leak. Here are 10 signs to look out for… What is a leaky home? A leaky […]

Interior design expert Jacinta Preston reveals how to choose the right architect for your project and how to convey to them what you want by creating a brief All design projects are essentially about research and planning. Briefing and working with an architect is no different. Most architectural projects respond immediately to existing problems and […]

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 […]

When it comes to your wedding registry, don’t get carried away. The latest kitchen gadgets may appeal, but will you actually use them or will they simply take up valuable space?   With each item you consider listing on your wedding registry, picture it in your kitchen. Where would it be stored? Would your bench […]

Alex Walls from The Block NZ presents one living room in two different colour concepts. Which one do you love? Why Alex Walls is loving these looks Right now I am super-excited about all the beautiful, dark and moody tones of green that have appeared, and I just could not wait to showcase one of them […]

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 […]

With ball season in sight, we’ve created this fun how-to with floral superstar Eden Hessel to help you create your own floral corsage A corsage is a mini arrangement of floral blooms, worn on the wrist for special occasions such as school balls. For this fresh white corsage you will need: -Ranunculus -Ivy -Asparagus fern […]

Look beyond tradition; there are no rules when it comes to how you serve food at your wedding Change the time If you’d rather not serve dinner, opt for lunch, afternoon tea or a breakfast reception. Breakfast will cut out a huge expense for alcohol and will allow you to serve something different from the […]

Consider this your wintery planting guide! Here’s what to harvest, plant and sow in the garden during the month of May What to harvest in the garden in May – Some macadamia nut varieties will be ready to harvest now. Pick them up every second day if possible to avoid fungal disease, then dehusk and dry immediately. […]

Well-travelled steamer trunks, bird’s nests and vintage biscuit tins set the scene for a birthday bash fit for an explorer. Tummies and hearts will be full after this grand, old-fashioned adventure Childhood is a time for exploring, collecting flotsam and jetsam, making bush huts, mixing whimsical concoctions and, in short, having adventures. This party, created for […]

Here, we quiz Troy Jury of Qualified Building Solutions (QBS) on price, timeframes and roof shouts 1 What questions should people ask when phoning a builder about a potential job? The first question should always be: “Are you licensed and what is your licence number?” Followed by, “Are you available over my ideal timeframe?” Also, […]

Simple, versatile and effortlessly beautiful, Shaker design remains a popular choice for kitchens. Here’s how to recreate the look using interior designer Vanessa Nouwens’ top tips Shaker is a style classic for a reason There are so many kitchen designs, but Shaker design has stood the test of time for its classic good looks and great […]

Whether it’s to read, rest, sleep or snuggle, sometimes there’s nothing better than relaxing in bed. Take inspiration from this real-life bedroom and make your own the space the sanctuary you dream about and deserve Oversized florals make a dramatic statement in this stylist’s bedroom Event stylist Alanna Haysmith lives in an Auckland villa with […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mould growing on curtains is a common problem in damp homes. We chat to curtain specialists Harvey Furnishings about how to prevent mould growing in the first place and how to protect and clean soft furnishings How to prevent mouldy curtains Why does mould appear in the first place? Mould grows in damp areas where there […]

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 […]

Here is what to consider when renovating the living room, from interiors expert Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room by Room Consider how you’d like to use your living space. Do you want open-plan living or something you can close off? Is it a family lounge, with a TV, or adults only? Figure out if you […]

Overseas it’s quite common for homes to have laundries in the kitchen, bathroom or hallway and it’s starting to happen in New Zealand too, particularly in smaller homes 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 […]

If you’ve ever attempted to assemble a piece of flat pack furniture then you’ll be familiar with that creeping sense of frustration, sweat forming on the brow and a general compulsion to yell at your partner. Here’s how to stay sane while assembling flat pack furniture, from the experts at Mocka. What’s the first thing […]

Sea, sun and surf drew Sarah Ingram and Roger Mutagh to Mount Maunganui from Auckland, both of them keen for a lifestyle change In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Ingram (business analyst), partner Roger Murtagh (self-employed) and daughter Stella, 3. What’s your favourite room in the house? Sarah: I adore our bright and sunny […]

How do you use your bedroom? For some it’s just a place to sleep and doesn’t need much more than a bed and some clothing storage. For others, it’s their sanctuary and might include a couch or chaise and even a desk. Do what you can with the space you have. The master bed Make […]

When renovating your home, there are generally two rooms that come to mind: kitchen and bathroom. These rooms make a statement about the age, style, standard and functionality of your house. Here’s how to get the most out of your kitchen renovation. With so many choices in fittings and cabinetry (and such a variance in price), […]

This bouquet of white roses wrapped in yesterday’s paper makes for a simple statement of love that’s easy on the wallet You will need An affordable bunch of roses or other flowers such as daisies or carnations A newspaper – opt for pages with print rather than pictures. You could also go the extra mile […]

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 […]

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so here’s how to give it a deep and satisfying clean How to deep clean your fridge 1. Turn the power off at the wall. 2. Remove food […]

Renting out your room or apartment can be a great way to earn a little (or a lot) extra. But before you jump in, make sure you know what you’re getting into Everything you need to consider before listing your property on a holiday rental site The ever growing popularity of short-term holiday rental sites […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

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 […]

Living at home while you renovate is a sure way to save money during a costly process but can be pretty stressful. Check out this survival guide for staying positive 4 ways to make living at home while you renovate easier Living in the house while you renovate is a good way to save money, […]

Nothing says summer like a beautiful floral crown. Perfect for party attire, weddings or a festival, a floral crown is pretty and whimsical. Superstar florist Eden Hessell shows us how to make one You will need Floral wire Floral tape Wire cutters Greenery such as ruscus Milano and ivy Flowers of your choice How to […]

In this installment of our renovation series, we take a look a children’s rooms and how to ensure they’re functional and future-proofed How to ensure your child’s bedroom style is future-proof If you have children, you want a room that will suit them now as well as in the future. But don’t think that you […]

We chat to Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room by Room for her top tips for project managing a renovation If you have a project manager or a good builder, they’ll organise subtrades in the right sequence. If you’re doing it yourself, you will need a project timeline. “Ask your builder for their timeframe and when they need […]

A family of former city dwellers has found tranquil respite in a bush retreat with lovely sea views In a nutshell Who lives here? Sarah Cutler (architect), Declan Ryan (architectural draughtsman), Nat, Finn, and Bonnie the labrador. What do you love most about your home? Sarah: “We love the view, the privacy and living close to […]

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 […]

Take extra care of your garden as plants hit their peak growth period in mid-summer It’s high energy time for plants in mid-summer as they’re in their peak growth period. To make sure they don’t run out of steam before the end of the season it’s important to keep plants well watered and fed at […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for hydrangeas When are hydrangeas in season/available?  You will find them from December through to March. What colours are they available in? Whites, mauves, all shades of pinks and antique varieties which appear later in the season. Should stems […]

From gifts, to wrapping and decor, we’ve got your Christmas style covered with these cost-effective and fun festive ideas. Time to get your yule on! 23 festive ideas that will make you excited for Christmas You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a wonderful Christmas, in fact, we think sometimes it is the simple […]

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 […]

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. […]

These super cute kids’ rooms are a colour burst. Find out how they got the look, so you can too! Whose rooms are these? Johanna, 12, and Paulina, 11. Who came up with these looks? Mum Kristin Harrison (caterer specialising in weddings and corporate functions). Where is it? Mapua near Nelson. Kristin, what was the inspiration […]

From the animal-lover to the person who has everything, this gift guide has your Christmas shopping all wrapped up The Botanist Clockwise from bottom left: Evie Kemp monstera print, $49, from Shut The Front Door. Buxus ball, $14.95, from The Foxes Den. Brass herb markers, $9 each, from Junk & Disorderly. Potted cactus, $19, from Bioattic. […]

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 […]

Get your outside areas in tip top shape with step-by-step tips for tidying up your decking, pavers, brickwork and guttering Now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and take on those irksome jobs around the home and garden that you’ve been ignoring for months. REVIVE TIMBER DECKING IN 6 STEPS 1. Sweep away dust, […]

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 […]

Learn the basics for growing and potting orchids at home – you don’t need to be an expert! You’ll need – a pot, orchid bark, a cymbidium orchid, small stake, butterfly clips, pebbles and slow-release orchid food. Step 1 Fill a small pot with orchid bark (which has been sterilised and can be bought at any […]

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 […]

Summer days are for entertaining guests alfresco, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen The rise of the outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens became part of modern home design by stealth. First, there was the humble barbecue, then came the fire pit to cosy up cool evenings, then the outdoor gourmet […]

It’s possible to give a shared bedroom an individual feel using cool and contemporary paint effects Designing for two Decorating a shared children’s room can be tricky, as the occupants are bound to have different ideas about how it should look. Search for some common ground between the two – a theme, colour or object […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today 1. Wifi has changed home entertainment radically – no longer do you need seven remotes. The likes of Sonos use wifi to broadcast sound all […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Houses keep getting smarter: even houses built a decade ago lack the technical sophistication of their newly built counterparts and progressions in engineering mean sections […]

Make your presents pop this Christmas with four beautiful wrapping ideas that won’t break the bank Decals Who says decals are only for walls? Transform plain gift boxes or bags with packets of decals and make some matching gift tags. This is a great wrapping project to do with kids. Shopping list Boxes Plain gift bags […]

Living present Cut a large square from wrapping paper. With patterned side facing up, fold paper in half in a triangle shape (keep the point at the top). Fold right corner over towards left side, keeping the top edge of the flap parallel to bottom fold. Repeat with the left side. Fold down the front […]

This plain front yard is set to become a bee-friendly secret garden once gardens editor Carol Bucknell comes up with a plan of attack Dear Carol We have just moved into our new home in New Plymouth. We have ideas buzzing around our heads about so many areas but need advice on the front yard. […]

We step inside the homes of two creative Kiwi mums to talk tree styles Vanessa Nouwens: “I’m a big lover of Christmas (my friends call me Mrs Christmas) and I try to keep things interesting with a new theme every year. This year’s sorbet and metallic theme is definitely new, and the colours aren’t what you […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Small Homes’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today   The 5 rules Hallways eat space. Wherever possible, dispense with them – who needs a formal front hall? Even a small room will feel […]

Interiors expert Alex Fulton shares her tips for DIY decorations, shopping on a budget and how to add Christmas cheer to your home Alex, how can readers shop to a budget, but still find great pressies? Magic! No, not really… It comes down to the three G’s. Good planning, good management and good execution. The challenge […]

Get to work on your home office with these simple and practical daily tasks Day 1 Throw away old documents you don’t need – tax-related documents and supporting financial statements need to be kept for seven tax years; general bank documents for one year. Day 2 Change to the ‘receive by email’ option many utility companies […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bedroom Day 1 Establish a current and easily accessible wardrobe. Unorganised spaces have a de-energising effect, which is the opposite of what you need at the beginning and end of each day. Sort through your clothing, keeping what you love and what fits you […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Personalisation’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Personalising your home is often taken to mean hanging a couple of pictures and choosing where the couch goes. But the best homes do far more […]

Get your decor dilemmas solved by our resident interiors expert and colour enthusiast, Alex Fulton Q; We’re about to renovate our kitchen and are a bit swamped with bench top choice… granite, engineered stone or acrylic. It’s very confusing. Do you have a preference? A; I bet you’re swamped! There are many options out there […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free living spaces and bedrooms. sarahlaurielifestyles.com Day 1 Find objects a home. The living room is often one of the largest spaces in the house, however for this reason it can easily turn into a dumping ground for items you’ll ‘put away later’. Much of […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Mixed Materials’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Subtlety is key – think about softly burnished copper and brass rather than shiny stainless steel. Use blackened steel – on stairs or balustrades, say […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bathroom in just four days Day 1 Take everything out of drawers and wipe clean. Throw away expired products. Put products in similar groups, and allocate a space for them. Use drawer dividers and bins that can slide away to keep products organised and […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Mixed Materials’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. The 5 rules: Get the architecture right. Beautiful materials are an expression of good design, not the other way around. Choose quality materials that last […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Think about what you already have: can you convert part or all of that garage into a studio rather than building new? Site it far […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Spare rooms often end up as the “guest room”; aka the storage room that’s hardly used. With space at a premium in many homes, why […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Half a century ago, rooms in houses were tightly defined by function, strung out along a hallway and sharply divided into public and private zones. […]

Clear the clutter at your place with these simple and practical daily tasks How to organise your home and clear the clutter Set a goal for how you want your home to look and feel, and make decisions with that goal in mind. Don’t bring anything into the house that doesn’t fit with that goal. It’s […]

Get folding to create these simple paper ornaments in a wash of subtle yet sophisticated colours. You will need: 1 metre of leather cord (for approximately 6 decorations) Coloured card stock Double-sided tape Craft knife Ruler  Steps Scan the templates and print out at desired size. Trace the templates onto card stock and cut out […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Urban Communities’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Join HOME New Zealand editor, Jeremy Hansen and Eva Nash of Rogan Nash Architects as they explore the home of Julie Stout and David Mitchell, […]

Stylish doesn’t have to mean expensive. We look at five ways you can give your home that designer edge while staying under budget Taking inspiration from the home featured above, we give you five ways to create a home that looks beautiful even on a budget. Creating a home interior from everyday materials like ply […]

Professional organiser Steph Knight of Less Mess tells how to tackle the kitchen and garage. lessmess.co.nz Day 1 Take everything out of cupboards and drawers – not all at once or you won’t be able to move. Assess each item, and have a rubbish bag handy, plus a bag or box for items to donate. […]

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 […]

Professional organiser Natalie Jane from Be Organised shares her top five tips for creating practical living spaces for little ones. beorganised.co.nz Day 1 Declutter. Be honest with your decisions – have they grown out of that dress, toy, game or book? Whatever the item may be, if they have outgrown it or no longer use it either give […]

As the population grows we’re seeing a greater trend towards creating ‘Urban Communities’ with apartments and townhouses – here’s what you should consider As New Zealand cities grow denser, most New Zealanders will – either by choice or compulsion – need to live in apartments and townhouses rather than in single dwellings on big sections. […]

Although it obviously does take more time, propagating plants from seed isn’t difficult if you choose the right varieties. There is also a wider range of plant seeds available these days than seedlings. And better still many can be gathered from your own plants or those of friends and neighbours. Our 10-step guide will get […]

A seaside front section with a mishmash of planting needs more of everything Dear Carol We love our little seaside cottage, but we are unsure what to do with the front garden! We would love some assistance to help it reach its full potential. We live beside the sea in Wellington, in a 1920s weatherboard […]

We’ve consulted the experts on how to renovate like a professional

Everything you need to know to keep your pot plants going.