Your Home and Garden

Make each day a sweet one for your child with these gentle, dreamy colours

A new ecosystem of smart kitchen appliances saves you housework, time and money – and looks great too No longer hidden away behind closed doors, today’s kitchens are the design highlight of our homes. Of course we expect them to function well, but we also want them to look beautiful and reflect our personal style. […]

A New Plymouth home serves up a stylish array of delightful pastel tones Bridget Rook’s house is a pastel wonderland, like something whipped up and displayed in a Parisian macaron shop window. But it took hard work and effort to make the home such a delight, with Bridget doing all the painting herself at her […]

Brush up your painting skills and brighten your wash days There’s no two ways about it, doing laundry is a chore so why not inject a sense of fun into it with a quick refresh? I painted a striped ceiling, used blackboard paint to make a blackboard, stencilled a word onto the wall, then added […]

Our 2023 Resene Small Room Awards winner had some fantastical fun with tropical wallpaper This year’s Resene Small Room Awards grand winner is something straight out of Harry Potter: a hidden bathroom-turned-library, accessed only via living room cavity sliders. Inside this magical world, a fantastical feature of Resene Wallpaper Collections 36630-1 leaps out at visitors […]

A dated Christchurch house is transformed into a stunning modern home

An Auckland couple were inspired by the 'tiny house movement' and began a DIY journey to build a home on wheels.

An iconic Wellington house shines just as bright, years on Designed by iconic Aotearoa architect Roger Walker, Mary and Michael Donn’s 1977 Wellington home is a burst of sunshine in the often-cloudy city. When it came time to paint the exterior, the couple initially planned a white facade with a contrasting trim. However, Roger strongly […]

Upgrade your home by installing a refurbished backyard caravan to use as a retreat, sleep-out, office space or party-ready cocktail bar.

The before and after images of Olympic rower Eric Murray’s year-long DIY transformation of a grand old villa in Cambridge Over the last few months we have shared content of Eric Murray and his partner Thea Lyle’s journey as they tackled the ultimate DIY challenge of bringing a 1912 villa into the 21st century, while […]

A hidden library nook becomes a leafy refuge Purchased during 2020, Lisa Foote spent several months last year extensively renovating her “special gem” of a Christchurch home. “Our goal was to lighten and brighten our once dark home and to include some unexpected pops and surprises,” she says. Her library, which was once a bathroom, […]

This party starter is built for home entertaining

A Wellington apartment gets a maximalist makeover From clothes to interiors, the maximalist trend has been sweeping the board. For a fine example of this aesthetic, look no further than the cosy ’60s Wellington apartment owned by Carrie Lagerstedt. “My choices were inspired by the maximalist trend and my own love of bold, quirky choices,” […]

We reveal the results of Olympic rower Eric Murray's year-long DIY transformation of a grand old villa in Cambridge

Here’s how to paint your home green – whatever colour’s in the paint can Whether you’re painting your roof white to combat climate change, trying to reduce the paint smells that trigger your kid’s asthma or wondering how best to wash your paintbrush, there are a lot of reasons to think about the environmental impact […]

Inspired washer and dryer technology delivers a laundry list of benefits for switched-on renovators Laundry appliances are the workhorses of the modern home – quietly chugging away in a back room or a hall cupboard, making busy lives easier. Now new innovations in design and technology have made them smarter, more user-friendly and better-looking than […]

A colourful Nelson home stands out on a character-filled street When Bonnie Slade and Jason Callister moved into their “1980s fibre cement board box” home on a heritage street in Nelson, they knew they couldn’t match the character features of the other homes in their neighbourhood. “So, we went with an architecturally designed ‘complete opposite’ […]

Part two of our series following in the wake of an Olympic rowing legend as he transforms a grand old villa in Cambridge

Resene’s paint experts help you get the results you want every time Need help with your painting projects? Don’t pick up a paintbrush without consulting Resene’s vast vault of how-to advice, which is easy to access online, in person or on video. Where to find it 1 The Resene website is a wonderland of free resources […]

Stumped for a gift? Try these thoughtful Christmas presents We’ve collated some of the best Christmas gift ideas that anyone would love. For those who desire a thoughtful experience or love all things beauty and homewares, these great gifts will help you tick off your Christmas shopping list. Beauty of Christmas Clinically proven, sustainably packaged, […]

A Milton hallway evokes daffodils and pine trees Ahallway is a much-used, often neglected space when it comes to care and colour. For Alice Blake, it was a wonderful chance to brighten up her Milton family home, with bursts of green and yellow using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen. “Looking out our hallway window we see […]

Christmas spent together – that’s the real bargain, but you can also make it a stylish dining experience that won’t break the bank with The Warehouse Set the scene for a cherished festive meal with a beautiful seasonal tablescape. Not only will the table be a feature of the many Christmas photos (#Xmas 2023), it’s […]

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

A hexagonal home office gets the tropical treatment Adrienne Morgan’s home office is not your usual working-from-home set-up. It’s located next to a unique ’70s pole house; a stand-alone hexagonal room off the deck that resembles more treehouse than workplace. “Initially, this area had a cold and uninviting atmosphere, with maroon-painted walls and worn sisal […]

A short-stay rental for visitors from home and abroad gets brightened up with some bold, beautiful shades Transforming her one-bedroom property to a short-term rental “opened up a world of possibilities” for Alisha Roff. “I wanted to create a fun, uplifting, creative, restorative place for all kinds of people to come and stay,” she says. […]

Experience Tile Space’s free Design Space simulation and you could win your tiles for free A new digital visualisation service at Tile Space takes the guesswork out of choosing your bathroom tiles. The exclusive Design Space render service is now offered in all Tile Space stores nationwide. Just pop into your local store with your […]

Resene’s colour experts take the guesswork out of choosing colours for your home With a rainbow of hues available, selecting colours can feel like the trickiest part of your renovation or room makeover. That’s why New Zealand’s most trusted paint brand, Resene, has free colour experts and a range of handy tools on hand to […]

Farewell your tired furniture and give yourself a stylish upgrade with timeless, comfortable pieces that will stand the test of time With the kids growing up and leaving the nest, it’s time to treat yourself to some new furniture that reflects your new way of life. Ditch your tired couch for luxe leather or a […]

Meet double Olympic gold medallist Eric Murray, the dynamo behind our new series tracking the transformation of a grand old villa in Cambridge

Follow the reno as Eric Murray transforms a Cambridge villa Don’t miss our new My New Home series where we’re following in the wake of Olympic rower Eric Murray as he transforms a grand old villa in Cambridge. One of the country’s most celebrated athletes, Eric has turned his focus from paddling to painting as […]

With great value decorations and costumes from The Scarehouse, getting suitably spooked up for Halloween is shockingly easy Putting the fright into Halloween night requires a little planning and a trip to The Scarehouse for all your spooky supplies to ensure a wickedly good time for all. Plan to petrify With a theme that involves […]

Step up and give your child’s room a fun circus feel with bold stripes, checks and animal accessories

A Nelson nursery uses paint and native trees to welcome a new member of the family Before the birth of her grandson, Jeana Freeman was asked by her daughter Brittany to paint “a little something to brighten up a wall” in what was to be the new baby’s bedroom. “As our family all love the […]

One family gives new meaning to indoor-outdoor flow with a new home, where they can see the front and back yard from the open-plan living space When the owners of an earthquake-damaged character home in Merivale, Christchurch, approached Daryl Hewitt about repairing and renovating it, he instead suggested a new-build. “I said to them, for […]

A moody powder room gets a facelift thanks to whimsical wallpaper Maureen Baird’s friends have always said that she’s got a good eye for design. Last year, the Timaru resident had a chance to prove it with the completion of her home, picking out Resene colours, designs and Resene wallpapers to bring her vision to […]

Have you used Resene paint at your place? Enter the 2023/2024 Resene Colour Home Awards What we’re looking for: • Clever interior colours • Inventive paint projects • Exciting exterior paint How to enter Email photos and a 200-word or more description of your space to [email protected] with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ […]

Spring is slowly creeping in and the change in seasons is giving us a lot to do in the garden. Here’s a handy checklist of vegetables to harvest, sow and plant, with a bonus seedling care guide.  What to harvest this September + Broad beans are a favourite winter crop. They cope with cold, wind […]

Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time? Hiding a dated rangehood is a cheaper option than replacing a perfectly functioning unit that may be ruining the look of your kitchen. Rangehood covers are also having a moment. […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn What should I do after my moth orchid has finished flowering? Once the orchid has stopped blooming, trim the flower stem down to a healthy node. Nodes are small bumps along the stem. Look for the node closest to the lowest flower on the stem and make the […]

Show who you really are and elevate your space with Samsung’s Bespoke Home range Your home is a reflection of who you are, so if a stainless steel refrigerator feels a little run of the mill, Samsung’s Bespoke range of home appliances gives you options. For example, customise your Samsung fridge exterior with colour panels […]

Pink and green can be a polarising colour pairing, but when applied thoughtfully – like it has been here – it can be a winning combination Pink and green is an enduring colour pairing – and one that is naturally occurring in spring when blossom appears among bright green leaves. And, while it works seamlessly […]

Give a warm glow to your child’s bedroom with a bed nook in soft hues

Do you have a small room in your home that is big on impact? Have you done something bold or interesting with paint or wallpaper in a small room in your house? It could be an office, nursery, laundry or powder room – the only criteria is it’s small in space but big in impact. […]

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor will elevate it from meh to wow You will need For the stencilled floor • Pine sheet cut to fit the floor, if yours doesn’t have one • Pencil and paper to practise stencil patterns • Plastic sheet to make the stencil. I […]

This year’s Resene Colour Home Awards winner uses colour theory to knock a win out of the park Meet & greet Will (sustainability manager) and Kareen Durbin, (florist and hat maker), and daughter Nina, four. Our 2023 Resene Colour Home Awards winner lives and breathes colour, pushing the envelope on bold shades and a jaw-dropping […]

Choosing to build on the Whitianga Waterways was very much Plan B for one couple, but it now feels like it was meant to be Meet & greet Warren and Toni Griffin (both in early retirement), and Lincoln the American cocker spaniel and Thomas the British blue cat. To best view Warren and Toni Griffin’s […]

Create a winter sanctuary you’ll love coming home to for a snug price As the winter wind bites, there’s nothing more comforting than snuggling down in a warm and inviting living room. Transitioning between the seasons involves an eye for texture and a love of welcoming interiors. With a few effortless additions, it’s easy to […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn When should I plant garlic? June is the time to plant garlic. Garlic needs six months to mature, so it is traditionally planted on the shortest day of the year, which falls on 22 June this year, and harvested on the longest day, which falls on 22 December. […]

From contemporary ceramics to winter throws, these are the homewares we can’t get enough of  Revamping your interior space can be overwhelming, so the Your Home and Garden team have been scouring the best local wares to bring you our new virtual marketplace, Shop Your Home and Garden. Offering an ever-changing assortment of decor and […]

Shop amazing, hand-selected homewares every hour of every day on our new online store Your Home and Garden now has an online shop and is pleased to announce the virtual doors are open at shop.yourhomeandgarden.co.nz. Shopping has always been part of the lifeblood of the magazine. In every issue, the editorial team has tracked down […]

A Christchurch home on a steep site required an innovative design, which meant plenty of sharp angles Meet & greet Nick and Marie Parsons (owners of Parsons Construction), and Lucy and George the Birman cats. The home Nick and Marie Parsons built on the hills of Mount Pleasant gives no hint of what is to […]

Creating an office out of a small room by utilising built-in furniture, floating shelves and a tidy charging station makes space-saving sense The word custom always sounds expensive to me, but it doesn’t have to be. Maximising a small space with built-in or custom furniture is a no-brainer. It could be a desk, floating shelves […]

A house gets a new lease of life with some bold colours Zoe Hallahan admits, “I was always terrified of colour.” But when she and her husband bought their home in Auckland, it was in serious need of a do-up, which only several cans of Resene paint could provide. The first room the pair painted […]

Garage overhaul with designer Hannah Feltham, Good Space Design Day 1 – Clear & Prepare Move everything out of the garage. Make three piles: throw away, give away and keep. Check the ‘throw away’ pile to make sure it can’t be used by anyone else or for anything else before it goes to landfill. We […]

Add style and fun to your tween’s room that will last into the teen years Dressing up is fun, no matter what age, so create a corner for your tween that will spark their imagination. As they grow, transition this dress-up idea from superhero costumes to helping them find their own style. A great way […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn

A hallway gets ‘tattooed’ with some punchy blue paint If you’re in two minds about getting a tattoo, why not paint one on your walls? That’s what Janeen Page did in her 1950s former state house in New Plymouth. Her hallway is now adorned with mermaids, marine creatures and other fantastical images, which look as […]

Show your potted plants off in a self-decorated container using our DIY expert’s step-by-step guide You will need • Brushes • Resene Waterborne Sureseal pigmented sealer for glazed pots or Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer for terracotta pots • Resene Non-Skid Deck & Path paint or Resene Sandtex Mediterrranean effect coating • Resene Quick Dry […]

A Whitianga home was built specifically for what the future may hold Meet & greet Julian Waters (retired animal nutritionist). No one knows the future, but that’s not stopping Julian Waters planning for it. He wants to enjoy his striking, modern Whitianga home for as long as possible, delighting in the indoor-outdoor living going from […]

Set a playful scene in a child’s bedroom by framing focal points with bright murals Painting murals in your child’s bedroom is a fun and relatively quick way to make their space unique, while highlighting certain features of the room. In this case, the mural makes the bed the room’s natural focus, and the shelves […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn How often should I water my vegetable garden? With summer in full swing, you will have to increase the amount and frequency of water application. It is better to water less often but more deeply so that the water sinks down to the roots where it is needed […]

A front porch plays with shapes and punchy pops of pink Martine Connor’s front porch, previously an “aged, unsightly plain concrete”, is now unrecognisable from its former self. The exterior of her Whangārei home has been transformed into a Mediterranean-like beauty, complete with patterned flooring and a bright, bold front door. Martine had previously done […]

A state house is given a pop of colour, and then some Kareen Durbin is smitten with her “simple, stereotypical state house” in New Plymouth, she can’t deny it. “We love the blank canvas this humble home has offered us as we experiment with colour theory at scale via Resene paints,” she says. After entering […]

The winner of the Resene Small Room Awards harnesses the great outdoors through a love of colour Andrea Kurth’s decision to paint a punchy and playful mural on a white wall in her “plain” laundry turned out to be a winning move. The judges of the Resene Small Room Awards 2022 loved Andrea’s ingenious use […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn My lemon tree has small white flies on it. What do I do control this pest? At this time of year white fly can be prolific and need regular spraying to keep the infestations under control. As soon as you see signs of white fly, start spraying with […]

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Here’s some inspiration that will surprise and delight A bunch of happiness The Wild Rose specialises in locally grown and market fresh flowers that can be delivered New Zealand wide. With unique Flower Gift Boxes that come with your choice of personalised cookies, bubbles, video messages and […]

A sunny nursery receives the golden touch A nursery is always a tricky interior to decorate, but Alysia Simkin’s honey-toned mural masterpiece adds the perfect note of sweetness to a small space. Alysia’s vision for her young son’s bedroom was something “fun and creative for a kid’s room but not too out there that we […]

Get set for Christmas with a setting to impress for less Tap into new style this holiday season, whether you’ll be gathering around the dining table or in the sun by the barbecue, the picnic table, or the pool. Dazzle with colourful tableware No matter how the roast potatoes turn out, your Christmas feast will […]

A couple downsized to an acre paradise and built a house with everything they need in South Auckland Meet & greet Virginia and Alan Henderson, Ruby the Labrador and Lulu the Birman. 1 The design When Virginia and Alan Henderson spotted a farm that had been subdivided in Pukekohe East five years ago, they fell […]

A family home creates waves with a colour palette that’s as evocative as the ocean itself Drawing inspiration from nature is nothing new but in Marie and Matt Weavers’ case, taking their design cues from native fauna and flora to inform their oceanic blue colour scheme proved irresistible. Their Upper Hutt 1940s build was slowly […]

Make your own wall art from leftover MDF. Nikki Kettle’s abstract piece was inspired by her local environment You will need • MDF off-cuts. I used what was left from the headboard I’d made more than a year ago • Primer, I used Resene Quick Dry undercoat • Marker pencil • Jigsaw or coping saw […]

A Whangārei porch earns its stripes through a striking approach to pattern and colour When Yvette Parker first purchased her home, she struggled to be inspired with the existing “beige on beige” colour scheme. The Whangārei local started out by painting the exterior in Resene Enamacryl in Resene Double Cod Grey, with a dash of […]

A blank canvas hallway is given the cosy makeover treatment When Jen Boyce and her family moved into their Hobsonville new build in Auckland, they loved how much of a blank canvas the space was, allowing them the opportunity to decorate the space with colour and style. Their first port of call was finding a […]

When a couple traded their busy city life for a country idyll, they also seized upon the chance to build a new home Meet & greet Alistair Niven (business development manager for Nugreen Solutions) and Carol Palmer (grower board director for Trevelyans) and Storm the Labrador. 1 Background Alistair Niven and Carol Palmer were living […]

The Grey Lynn family home of Hej Hej co-founder Alice Isles is as upbeat and playful as her fashion brand, but on a grander canvas meet & greet Alice Isles (co-owner of clothing brand Hej Hej), Mike Isles (corporate finance advisor), and their twin daughters, Madeleine and Matilda, both six, and Chewy the cat. the […]

Meet the people who converted the ground floor of this ex-rental property meet & greet Brendon Veysey (police officer), Tori Veysey (graphic designer), Van, seven, Cruz, four, and Billy, 18 months. The property An eight-bedroom, two-storey home in Cambridge. What started out as a bit of a joke between friends, has resulted in something a […]

Say hello to sunshine and embrace easy, breezy living Whether its a pale yellow or a bright canary yellow, this happy shade will add instant brightness to your home. Napoleon chilly bin, $210, from Paper Plane. Orla Kiely yellow stem rug, $1399, from Allium Interiors. Tuscany outdoor umbrella, $329, from Target Furniture. Joseph Joseph paddle […]

Hop on the retro train with plenty of colour and pattern for a playful, yet suave approach to living Fashion designer Vaugh Geeson’s approach to living and decorating adds a colourful touch to a cottage makeover – see more of their 1900’s cottage renovation here.  Shop their style with these playful home items that will […]

Pink, blue and orange add a natural flow throughout this villa transformation.

What to consider when you’ve outgrown your house and can’t decide to extend or sell There are a number of reasons why you might outgrow your home, for example, you’ve had children, you’re working from home more, or another member of the family has moved in. Whatever the reason, you have a couple of choices: […]

After searching endlessly for the perfect nursery cushion, Jen Calorme decided to make her own, kick-starting a business in the process If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen one of Jen Calorme’s creations peeking through a cradle or nestled in a rocking chair. She’s the founder of online home decor store Lune & […]

Have you used Resene paints at your place? You could win $5000 Entries are open! Get your entry in by 21 October 2022 and you could be one of our first finalists. How to enter: Email photos and a 200-word-or-more description of your space to [email protected] with your last name and ‘Resene Colour Home’ in the subject line. Please […]

Turn a child’s bedroom into a fun zone with textured paint effects and thoughtfully chosen, playful accessories Back wall Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Sakura and Resene Sauvignon mixed with Resene Paint FX Effects over the top. Floor painted in Resene Walk-on flooring paint in Resene French Grey. Take your child on a safari adventure […]

Make your life easier with the latest and greatest tech accessories for your home. Shop the line-up and win one for yourself Hot or cold? It’s the crema de la creme With more than 42 recipes available at the touch of a button, the new fully automatic De’Longhi Eletta Explore transforms fresh coffee beans into […]

From London to the beach bliss of Devonport, Auckland, a returning family discover the reality of their Kiwi life is even better than their rosy memories Meet & greet Kate Sumner-Brown (legal recruitment company owner), her husband Kris (senior finance partner), and their daughters, Margaux, eight, and Charlotte, six. The property Weatherboard bungalow built in […]

A white laundry wall is transformed with playful motifs from nature A white wall in Andrea Kurth’s laundry had always bugged her, calling the space “so plain”. The Taupiri local wanted to do something that could be painted on top of the existing coat of Resene Black White, rather than repainting the wall entirely. A […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn How often should the soil be replaced in pots? If a plant is going to be kept in a pot long term, the soil won’t need replenishing unless the plant is going to be repotted. But the nutrients should be replenished regularly with a slow-release fertiliser, such as […]

A couple finally found the view they always wanted and built a house around it Meet & greet David (consulting engineer) and Shelley Proctor (pharmacist) and Bella and Chloe the schnauzers. David and Shelley Proctor always had a house with a view on their wish list, it just took them a while to find it. […]

Bring a sense of lightness to your home with fresh accents With spring well and truly upon us, it’s time to put away the heavyweight duvets and jewel-toned throws and lighten the mood of your home. Bed Bath & Beyond has an extensive range of bedding, bathware, furniture and homewares to help you transform your […]

Curate your perfect space with the King Dining Collection Choosing the right dining table for your home can be challenging, if not completely overwhelming. Thankfully, the King Dining Collection offers quality dining furniture to suit your space, as well as last a lifetime. Whether you prefer the sleek geometrical profile of the Aspen Dining Table, […]

A rundown cottage, which was discovered online, has been renovated into a spacious home after a lot of hard graft and help from family Meet & greet  Thom (airline pilot) and Elysia Shanks (stay-at-home mum), and James, eight, Josh, four, and Isaac, 16 months. A tiny workman’s cottage built in the 1800s and in original […]

How to clear space and bring order to your home Clutter is the ultimate creeper. It can build up without you even being aware it’s occurring, then suddenly, you realise you’re a rubbish skip away from being a fully fledged hoarder. If you’re at the stage where you have corners in your home that are […]

Attention to detail and a love of natural materials add heart to this home Take inspiration from Olympian Eric Murray’s Cambridge home which pays attention to small details while entwining natural materials and pops of colour. Koki fruit bowl, $29.95, from Freedom. Eight-piece wall photo frame set, $17, from Kmart. Boat vase natural, $89.99, from […]

A lot of heart and a great deal of art fills this tiny, two-storey home by the sea Meet & greet Lottie Consalvo (artist), James Drinkwater (artist) Vincenzo, eight, Hester, five, and border collie Bella. Early each morning before her family rises, artist Lottie Consalvo walks her dog along the beach close to her home. […]

Enjoy more time for the things you love most with the help of the Wertheim Evolution Stick Vacuum  There’s no doubt that having a tidy and organised home is the first step towards living a more energised and enjoyable life. The Wertheim Evolution Stick Vacuum advances vacuuming with its highly manoeuvrable functionality and easy-to-use features […]

A dollhouse inspired a starry, whimsical makeover for this sweet space When Laura Bunea’s daughter, Sophie, requested a pink dollhouse for her room, what followed was a makeover of mythic proportions. “It’s such a gorgeous piece of furniture, I knew I wanted to create a whimsical space for her and this was the perfect base […]

We’re giving away a Saben cabin bag, and all you have to do is sign-up to our newsletter to be in the draw to win. The Saben cabin bag is the perfect travel companion with two zipped compartments inside as well as a retractable handle and 360 degree dual spinner wheels for manoeuvrability. Plus the […]

Keep your magazines in a neat pile with these rack stars Keep all your magazines tidy and organised in a magazine holder. We’ve found 10 options that range from boho to modern to industrial, so no matter what your home style, you can find an organisation option that suits your home. Vintage cane magazine holder, […]

A timeless approach to design led to a dark, dreamy bedroom for a New Plymouth couple. It’s a true exercise in smoke and mirrors, with wallpaper to match Meet & greet Gina (photographer, designer and vintage shop owner) and Rick Fabish (builder) and their four daughters. Transforming a white bedroom into a dusky, opulent boudoir […]

Serve your culinary creations with a side of fun Add an element of fun to your kitchen with these creative kitchen gadgets. From toast tongs, to salad spinners, potato mashers and soup ladles, there is no doubt that these gadgets will bring a smile to your face every time you use them. BarCraft stainless steel […]