Tips

Changes to the Building Code are coming. Here’s how they’ll impact you if you’re planning a new build Every year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) works alongside those working in the building and construction sector, as well as the public, to review proposed changes to the Building Code with one common goal […]

Lighten and brighten your home with some interior design magic Mirrors aren’t just for applying make-up or checking your appearance, they’re invaluable for decorating your home and are celebrated by interior designers for giving the impression of a brighter, more spacious room. Since the late 17th century, mirrors have played an increasingly important role in […]

Escaping the winter chill?  Her’s what to do around the house before you go away Nothing beats jumping on a plane, knowing you’re heading to a holiday destination that’s a few degrees warmer.  Or, if you’re embracing winter, heading to the snow to carve up some fresh powder. Before you even think about zipping up […]

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t have to mean spending thousands – here are 10 easy ways to make the old feel new 10 inexpensive reno hacks that will make your old kitchen feel new 1. Bar stools A bit tired of your breakfast bar seating? New stools will give your kitchen an instant lift. Skinny metal […]

The right rug can take your space from awkward to awesome in one easy step. Check out our tips for choosing a gorgeous rug your floors will love How to choose the right rug for every room in your home Of all the design elements you can use to style your home, rugs are one […]

Have you been tripped up by these common decorating blunders? 10 interior decorating mistakes you should try to avoid Decorating a new home or redesigning a space is an exciting task, especially if what you’ve carefully planned and imagined is about to become a reality. However, be sure to avoid these 10 interior decorating mistakes on your next […]

Plants may not grow as quickly as we’d like, but the world of garden products and technology is blooming. We ask the landscape designers who use these items every day for their latest updates and tips Outdoor lighting  Restraint is key these days, says Auckland-based designer Kirsten McCarthy of Kirsten Sach Landscape Design. “There’s a […]

Interior expert Alex Fulton says this is the only rule you need to remember when styling your home’s interior This one easy style hack will transform your interior I think styling comes down to equal parts instinct and knowledge. Quite often I listen to that instinct when I’m trying to work out why something works […]

Good interior design is equal parts passion and knowledge. Alex Fulton shares five top things you need to create a great room 5 things you need to remember when decorating your home  There’s nothing more exciting than getting your own space to design and plan for. Design is about what feels good for the person […]

An investment piece that sets the tone of a room, sofas play an important decor role and choosing a one is tricky business. Here are some tips and styles to get your started 9 of our favourite sofas and what to consider before buying one Measure up the space you’ve allocated for your sofa before heading to […]

Whether you have a postage-stamp garden, a small deck or a teensy balcony, here are 10 smart ideas for turning it into your own little slice of heaven 1. Install a vertical garden Install a purpose-built vertical garden and fill it with lush and leafy plants, or make your own by re-purposing a hanging canvas storage […]

Shopping for pre-loved decor is wonderful way to find special pieces for your home. We discover where to begin and how to find your vintage style Adding secondhand items to your decor will give your home a unique, lived-in look, especially when pieces are combined with newer purchases and treasured objects of your own. The […]

Renters, don’t despair! Here’s 5 ways to make your house feel more like your own home without having to sacrifice your bond Top 5 decorating tips for renters Turning a house into a home can be a bit tricky when you’re renting. With legal limitations and without the freedom to rip up carpets or paint […]

You don’t have to be an interior designer to choose your home’s new look. Follow our 7 expert rules to help your renovation vision become reality 7 expert design rules to get your renovation style right The ultimate aim of most successful renovations is to produce an end result that seamlessly merges new additions with […]

Your Home and Garden chief sub editor Stephanie Attwater’s dream reno is for a veranda. We discover the short and long term solutions For now and forever solutions for a wrap around veranda “I’ve always been taken by those beautiful, wide porches on old North American homes, with wicker furniture and iced tea on tap. If […]

Your Home and Garden deputy editor, Kristina Rapley would love to have a walk-in pantry. We discover what her short and long term options are  For now and forever solutions for a walk-in pantry or scullery “I love cooking and I also love having a tidy kitchen – but those two things don’t always mix […]

Your Home and Garden art director, Shani Luckman’s dream is to have a mezzanine. We get the quick-fix and long-term solution worth saving for For now and forever solutions for a mezzanine floor Shani wants to maximise space in her house. She’d like to create the look of a high-pitched ceiling, under which she could […]

The dream reno project of Your Home and Garden’s senior designer is a window seat. We discover the short-term and future-proof solutions For now and forever solutions for Catherine Wilkinson’s dream reno project “A daybed or window seat would be the perfect sun-drenched spot to snuggle up with my cats, a glass of wine and […]

Your Home and Garden editor-in-chief, Shelley Ferguson shares her renovation dream along with tips on how you can achieve this project at home too For now and forever solutions for Shelley Ferguson’s dream reno project “Like many women, I’d love a Carrie Bradshaw-style walk-in wardrobe, but even a little extra storage would help. With two kids […]

How to organise your little one’s bedroom…and keep it tidy! 6 steps to an organised kid’s room “Clean your room” is a phrase uttered too often by parents everywhere. Tidy children can sometimes seem like a contradictory expression. Why not give your child a helping hand when it comes to keeping their room clean by […]

While decorating your home is a very personal art, there are certain principals of design that will help you to style with success!  Style your home like a pro with these dos and don’ts of good decorating While decorating your home is a very personal art, there are certain principals of design that should be […]

Don’t let your trip away be the death of your plants, use our 8 top tips to keep your house plants healthy and happy when your’e on holiday 1. Lighten the load Before leaving, prune off any dead, dying, or unsightly foliage and also remove any buds or flowers, which usually require more frequent watering to […]

An ex-rental in Auckland’s Beach Haven with a once-tired weatherboard exterior has been transformed into a modern bohemian dream In a nutshell Who lives here? Amanda Fitzsimmons (full-time mum and stylist/artist for Rococo and Rose), husband Tim (portfolio manager), Phoebe, 9, Archie, 7, and cats Frankie and Romy. What attracted you to Beach Haven? Originally, it was […]

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