Your Home and Garden

White walls covered in art give soul to this small home full of upcycled and family-friendly functional furniture Fill your home with art and homewares that inspire and delight, like this family home by the sea. Luana Asiata Freedom print, $89 (A3), from Endemicworld. Hanna Peterson Green Guise print, $71 (A4), from The Poster Club. […]

Vintage-inspired vessels your granny would be proud of Colourful glassware is a fun addition to any bar cart for cocktail hour. We have plenty of options whether your on a budget and want in on the rainbow of glassware or you are prepared to splurge on your dream cocktail glasses. Rubi glassware, from $29.99, from […]

If you didn’t inherit green thumbs or your potted greenery turns brown take heart, Jo Lambell’s got good news for you Yucca Yucca Elephantipes The yucca plant delivers on all fronts – it’s sturdy, resilient and striking. Native to Mexico, the yucca has distinctive sword-like leaves and grows strong, with no need for stakes or […]

Knowing what does and doesn’t trigger a building consent when you’re renovating can save problems down the track Aside from what it’s all going to cost, one of the most burning questions you’ll want answered when preparing for a renovation is whether or not it’s going to trigger a building consent. Ensuring your project is […]

It’s time to look at the bigger picture. Here are some fun ways to make your life more fulfilling and interesting When it comes to creative pursuits, this is something we usually get to once we’ve ticked off all the essential tasks first. But let me tell you, the winding trail of to-dos is a […]

A couple in the building industry liked a semi-rural location so much, they bought and built in the area twice Meet & greet Hayden (builder) and Ashleigh Dam (nurse educator), George, three, and Dani the cat. 1 The Design Given Hayden and Ashleigh Dam own a building company, they have a tendency to spend only […]

An architecturally designed and sustainable garden centre, complete with cafe and homewares, is a brilliant day out If you’re interested in gardening, the country’s most sustainable garden centre is a must-visit. Even if you’re not and just like going to a decent cafe with a good selection of gifts and homewares, you’ll still find plenty […]

Show off your bold streak with lashings of lines From dinnerware and ceramics to towels and cushions. No matter your style or colour scheme there is a stripy homeware for you. Julian planter, $59.99 (large), from Home Lab Store. Striped blue and rust cotton throw, $129, from French Country. Alex Wilkinson Nerikomi stripe ceramics collection, […]

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 […]

In search of a new challenge, Olympic gold medallist Eric Murray turned a fast-flip house into one worthy of being a forever home Meet & greet Eric Murray (business development manager and two-time Olympic gold medallist), his girlfriend Thea Lyle, and his son Zac, 10. When you’ve already conquered the world, where do you look […]

Rather than a heavy-handed ‘gut and redo’, an Auckland couple built on existing decor to make this bungalow their own Meet & greet Mary-Liz (marketing manager) and Richard Amor (business consultant), Johnny, four, and Harry the miniature schnauzer. A homeowner’s love story usually follows the same formula: meet an almost perfect home, fall in love, […]

How to hide messy electronic clutter without breaking the bank Our electronics may make living easier, but they don’t necessarily make it easy on the eyes. From plugs to chargers and cords, electronic clutter is taking over our homes at an alarming speed. Thankfully, new technology and a bit of DIY innovation is helping to […]

Paintings and an eclectic mix of furniture live in harmony at an apartment that is both home and studio to Cecilie Hertz and her family Meet & greet Cecilie Hertz (visual artist and owner of Atelier Absalon). The idea behind Atelier Absalon is to present art in home spaces so potential buyers can more easily […]

Late winter isn’t the time to put away the gumboots and spade. Keep up with the gardening chores because spring is just round the corner Pot to pot Potato planting time is upon us, and with it the thrill and incomparable flavour of homegrown spuds in early summer. Often, when space is an issue, potatoes […]

Follow these all-important rules to create the home of your dreams “Be brave and make choices based on how you want to feel in the space, and don’t take notice of the dos and don’ts of design,” Gina says. Juxtapose various period pieces with modern silhouettes. “I like the contrast of mixing different styles and […]

A kitchen renovation can take months and thousands of dollars, but a quick revamp is low-cost and near effortless. It’s the “I just woke up like this” of makeovers that will transform this busy space overnight Update your appliances (or hide them away) Appliances like a toaster or kettle see a lot of daily wear […]

Wellington artist Tallulah Farrar is serving up joyful tiled nostalgia, piece by piece In a screen-driven world, Tallulah Farrar loves working with her hands. As if by magic, creations unfurl from miniature tiles and a mosaic masterpiece blossoms. The 23-year-old artist, who is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, says she finds the creative process meditative. “There’s […]

A love-at-first-sight feeling helped transform this bathroom and laundry When it came to the walls in her laundry, Selese Rowe knew what she wanted but had to convince her partner, Michael. “He didn’t take much convincing, though,” she says. The couple had gone to a party at a character Timaru home, which had a wallpapered […]

The owners of a new build in Raglan, which has cool curves in all the right places, took coastal Mediterranean architecture as their muse Meet & greet Monica (co-founder of an eco yoga mat company) and Justin Grimshaw (sales manager) and their two daughters Kalani, six, and Luna, four. For as long as Monica Grimshaw […]

A love affair with colour has transformed this coastal home into a blushing beauty Craving open space in the midst of lockdown, Amber Armitage purchased a small bach in beachy Mangawhai. Her “let it be” approach to paint has paid off by the bucketload, letting the small rooms remain dark and moody while the light-filled […]

Building framed bunk beds and finishing with curtains elevates the bach classic. Kids also love them at home You will need: • 90mm x 45mm H1.2 framing timber (I used 30 lineal metres) • 1 pack nails or screws • Skillsaw • Chisel • 6 x joist hangers (optional) • 5 x 12mm MDF sheets, […]

Sit yourself down for some sofa satisfaction The most crucial piece of furniture in a living room, a sofa can completely change the look and feel of the space. Snuggle up in style on one of these delightful sofas. Harper 3-seater sofa with chaise, $3799, from Harvey Norman Evelyn curved loveseat, $439, from iFurniture Atelier […]

Get ready to make some hard decisions for your walls and floors  With so many tiles available it may feel a bit overwhelming choosing just one. Fortunately, not all tiles are created equal, which makes narrowing down the choice much easier. Bear in mind when looking at tiles that they are priced in dollars per […]

It wasn’t their first choice, but a brick house with valley views proved to be the perfect fit for this enterprising couple Meet & greet Nikki and Luke Hobbs (building and interiors company directors), Australian shepherd Aya, terrier Chelsea and palomino pony Rosé. Sometimes, when one door closes, another opens, as was the case for […]

Granny flats have come into their own in as versatile dwellings with multiple uses. Here’s what you need to know As the world has reviewed what ‘normal life’ means over past few years, many of us have re-evaluated our living situations thanks to spending more time at home. We’re looking at our surroundings with new […]

Think classical beauty and age-old relics Greece provides some stunning inspiration for home décor. Think blues, white, terracotta and gold, with soft edges and silhouettes. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite pieces inspired by the classical beauty of the region. Athenian candle, $14.95, from Haly Design Studio Kylix warrior tea towel, $28, from Auckland […]

Treat your home to this speckled classic Add a glamourous touch of 70s style to your home with this speckled classic. A tortoiseshell print adds texture and interest to a space but the neutral colour palette means it goes with everything. Ferm Living Casca glass, $46 each, from Moi on George Tortoise glass plate, $94, […]

This bread bin hack is the best thing since sliced bread Every so often a life hack will go viral, taking social media by storm thanks to its DIY brilliance. The Kmart bread bin bedside table is no exception. With a stunning vintage-inspired facade mixed with Scandinavian sensibilities, the innovative storage solution is so popular […]

Take some cold comfort this month by doing a little ground work Garden work If the ground is not too wet and the soil free draining, early snap and sugar peas, both cool-weather crops, may be sown in all but frost-prone zones, in which case sowing should be delayed until spring. An arrangement of twigs […]

From ivory to cream, add some light, bright touches indoors Winter whites are making a comeback this frosty season, even though it’s dark by 5pm, inside you’re just getting started. Consider winter a time to inject some much-needed light into your home through the monochrome magic of white. Don’t get left out in the cold […]

Come and go as you please with these entryway solutions Entryways provide the important first impression of your home, a glimpse into the world you’ve created. A welcoming entry should greet people, enveloping them warmly into the household. They’re also practical spaces, a place for rushed comings and goings, and where keys and shoes and […]

Freshen up a child’s bedroom by painting a wall in checks – the hottest pattern around right now Checked wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Secrets, Resene Green Spring and Resene Paddock. Right hand wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Paddock with floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Half Secrets.  Checks […]

A New Plymouth couple rewrote history to give a charmless ’70s house a large dose of right-on retro appeal Home Profile: Meet & greet: Blair (operator off-shore oil and gas) and Karen Prichard (owner/manager of Social Kitchen and Monica’s Eatery). Good bones. It’s the carrot that lures would-be renovators, motivating them to pour all their […]

Artist Emma Crawley brings a playful touch to the rug renaissance Emma Crawley is the fabulous mind behind Tuftee, a custom rug venture. Having only tried her hand at tufting a mere five months ago, she’s already a natural at the traditional craft – and is just getting started. Rug tufting has recently exploded into […]

An elevated section in the Bay of Plenty’s Te Puna hills, with its distant views to the sea, was the perfect spot for a spacious new build Meet & greet Gaelene (facilitator for Look Good Feel Better), and Howard Falconer (commercial property developer). For ex-farmers, Gaelene and Howard Falconer, a move to Tauranga in 2014 […]

Much-loved travel mementos find new life at a coastal home in New Plymouth Meet & greet Delwyn McCurdy (real estate consultant) and Craig Hooper (truck repairs) and their two dogs, Ted and Oscar, and Marley the cat. For Delwyn McCurdy and Craig Hooper, it didn’t matter what their next house looked like, it mattered where […]

A heritage home’s contemporary update was shows how to perfectly juxtapose classic black and white Meet & greet Jess and Sam Hunter, and their daughters ranging from six to 13: Bea, Lily, Olive and Ellie, plus Willow the Labrador. After living in a 1950s weatherboard cottage for some time, interior designer Jess Hunter and her […]

Combine old-world seaside elegance with strong natural hues The Mediterranean provides some fabulous inspiration when it comes to home decor.  Bring beautiful blue accents in which pair beautifully with neutral tones – we’ve round up some of our favourite blue and teracotta tones to give your home a bit more of a coastal feel. Jai […]

From the outside, new meets old at this ’60s state house in Auckland, but it’s an entirely different matter on the inside Meet & greet Matt (brand and creative consultant and co-founder of RAAD) and Rebecca Saunders (marketing contractor and co-founder of RAAD), Zoe, seven, and Issy, three. When Rebecca and Matt Saunders found their […]

Gas, electricity, solar, wood or bio fuel? Your guide to staying warm at home when the big chill sets in When it comes to heating a home there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What suits a big family who like to socialise together in an open-plan space may not work for a smaller one that spreads […]

Keep cosy with these soft and snug necessities It’s safe to say that New Zealanders have definitely felt the winter chill creep in over the last few days, so it’s perfect timing to cosy up at home with soft and snug homewares.  A range of soft furnishings such as cushions and throws, as well as […]

From painterly strokes to graphic lines,  Emma Hayes’ work is inspired by nature Living in the city, Auckland-based designer Emma Hayes is in her element. Her commute to work is a few steps downstairs to her studio, where she designs painterly collections of wall coverings and textiles that are sold around the world. Inspiration for […]

All the latest looks and styles to perfect the art of hunkering down during the winter season Statement shades As the days grow darker, a few lamps will add warmth and light to the cosy nooks of your home. It’s only right that these interior essentials get a chance to shine with fabulous and bold […]

Short on space? Why not make a slatted headboard and incorporate shelves that can be moved into position as a side table between the slats You will need: • Measuring tape • Pencil • 30mm x 30mm timber for the slats. I used dressed pine • 40mm x 19mm timber for the uprights • 250mm […]

A passion for the beautiful and eclectic reflects the occupants of this historic Wellington apartment Meet & greet Andre Afamasaga (human rights advocate) and flatmate Paul Whiting (Ministry of Education lead). The old Aulsebrooks factory in the middle of Wellington hasn’t been making iced animal biscuits in years. Instead, the historic building is now an […]

An artist plus a builder equals a perfect creative partnership to construct this cosmopolitan-meets-rural retreat from scratch Meet & greet Rae (artist) and Nick Prentis (builder) and their dogs, Dougal, Huckleberry and Beauregard. When people wax lyrical about their dream home, what they usually mean is a house that ticks all the practical boxes for […]

Samsung’s new bespoke French Door Fridge gives you creative control over the colour and finish to suit your kitchen You’ve got your kitchen to the point of perfection, having created the ideal interior after spending hours contemplating every design decision from benchtop to joinery, lighting and tapware. So why limit yourself to choosing a fridge […]

An architecturally significant post-war home was the design inspiration and sentimental impetus behind this coastal abode Meet & greet Sally (town planner and project manager) and Matt McGarry (electrician and solar power installation company director), Jasper, 11, Duke, nine, Sonny, five, and samoyed retriever cross Shelby. The options are endless when you build from scratch, […]

A couple finds the joy in indoor-outdoor living with a new build framed amongst rolling farm hills

Life is looking rosy for an apartment-dwelling couple who have an eye for colour and design Meet & greet Chantal Assinck (location agency owner) and Tom Klomberg (HR consultancy owner). Chantal Assinck and her partner Tom Klomberg live on the third floor of an apartment building located in the heart of a busy city situated […]

Cast a spell of enchantment with some fairy-tale forest magic Fairytales don’t just have to be the inspiration for children’s bedroom.  Bring a bit of whimsy to your home with beautiful cushions and lanterns – or if you’re after a sweet nod to your favourite childhood stories, try scouring some of your favourite vintage stores […]

The home no longer looks as it once did, thanks to a light and airy renovation Meet & greet: Alex (film editor) and Melissa O’Shaughnessy (stay-at-home mum), Emma, Jordan, Nathan, Bailey the Labrador retriever and Coco the Shih Tzu. We’ve all had one of those awkward first meetings. For Melissa (Mel) O’Shaughnessy, it took a […]

The couple have sold their unique Big Apple apartment to spend more time in LA Grammy winner John Legend and his wife, model Chrissy Teigen, are bidding farewell to not one, but two adjoining New York properties. Located in lower Manhattan, the couple had originally planned on combining the units, but have just sold them […]

Of all the rooms in the house, the bedroom should be the dreamiest and most expressive of your personality. We flesh out 2022’s hottest trends in these soothing spaces that will look great and leave you feeling even better Sometimes there’s only one place you can get some peace – the bedroom. It’s a retreat […]

Lift your spirits with a golden glow during the cooler months Pops of gold are great way to create a more glam feel to your home decor.  Paired with black and white interiors creates a classic look, but be bold in pairing gold touches with blues and greens. Tom Dixon Form bowl, $235 (small), and […]

A wallpaper renaissance is flourishing and there’s no better time to spruce up your space. Whether you’re a playful maximalist or a contemporary connoisseur, get ready to roll To the uninitiated, wallpaper can be intimidating. Where do you start? What are the options and how do you install it? Why choose it over paint? But […]

How to beat product shortages, unstable pricing and supply chain problems in your home remodelling If you’re thinking about renovating your home, you may be wondering how you’re going to navigate the long lead times and constant price increases you keep reading about. Ultimately, it all comes down to planning – which is the 101 […]

Whatever your interior design style or horticultural bent there’s an indoor plant to brighten your home. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourites 1. Palm For its second comeback the kentia has thrown off its ’60s and ’70s connotations of Queen Victoria and the Empire. Now we’re loving it for its tropical elegance. And it […]

Sweet-scented thoughts for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and if your mum is a lover of beautiful scents, she might just love one of the beautiful scented gift ideas we’ve collated.  While you can never go wrong with a statement bunch of beautiful fresh flowers, if you are looking for something a little […]

After two decades away, an art school graduate returned to a lost love, creating beautiful abstract paintings from her studio in Titirangi A backpacking trip with a friend to Kenya and Uganda when she was 22 tapped into Helen Dean’s adventurous spirit. It was an enormous cultural contrast to life in the English coal-mining village […]

Gifts to delight your favourite wonder woman this Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful gifts ideas for mum – a new cookbook for a foodie mum, a throw to keep Mum warm (and stylish) for the winter, or some new greenery to bring the outside in over […]

Make your life easier with the latest and greatest tech accessories for your home. Shop the line-up and win one for yourself Best for blending The Braun PowerBlend 9 features a sophisticated range of new technologies and is a powerhouse of innovative features and intuitive precision. The iTextureControl allows ultimate blend customisation from smooth to […]

Creating a relaxing sanctuary is more affordable than you think For winter wellbeing, we’re all about creating warm interiors to make your home look and feel inviting to family and friends. The Warehouse has a range of quality, cosy bedding and homeware to help you stay on-trend, with affordable options for every corner of your […]

Fly through the vacuuming with the light, stylish and powerful cordless Samsung Bespoke Jet, which practically cleans itself When it comes to housecleaning who doesn’t want to do the best job possible with the least amount of effort? World-renowned electronics company Samsung has just released their Bespoke Jet cordless stick vacuum featuring game-changer technology and […]

Enter your details below and you are in the draw! This Mother’s Day, pick a Penguin! From pantry recipes from Ottolenghi, to tips on how to build your own edible garden, to the memoir of one of New Zealand’s finest writers, we’ve got every book lover covered. To celebrate mums and mother figures across NZ, […]

Separated by distance and a pandemic, a woman’s dream of relocating a historic home to the countryside of her youth was a passion project Meet & greet Julie (barrister) and Sean Granger (environmental operations manager), Laird, 11, and Tilly, eight. Standing on a narrow, dusty road in a picturesque hinterland, Julie Granger’s heart was in […]

Consider these ten helpful tips before making any big changes to your bathroom 1. Reuse the plumbing If your budget’s tight, do your best to reuse the existing plumbing locations. Try not to move the toilet or shower as this can be a costly exercise by the time the water supply and wastewater pipework is […]

See how to get a monochrome look and shop chic black and white homewares  You can’t go wrong with black and white as a style aesthetic.  White walls paired with crisp black homewares create a striking yet classic look.  But black and white doesn’t mean boring with these beautiful homewares that are sure to strike […]

Add some old Hollywood glam to create a golden glow If you’re inspired by the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, these golden homewares will be sure to elevate your home and create a classic statement. Lillian chair in natural, $789, from The Cane Collective All Saints mirror by Ludovica + Roberto Palomba, $2580, for […]

Create a full-scale library, or even scatter piles of good reads around the home. Colour coding is optional Whether you wish for a private library filled to the brim with your favourite books, or you’re simply looking for an aesthetically pleasing storage solution, bespoke library joinery is the answer. As well as providing an opportunity […]

Interior designer Annabel Berry has a pool of talent to draw from at her coastal chic home in Oamaru Meet & greet Annabel (creative director of Design Federation) and Simon Berry (managing director of Whitestone Cheese), Mia, 10, Jackson, nine, and Boe, seven, plus dogs Tessa and Wicket. It’s actually impossible to believe Annabel Berry’s […]

Burnt orange and brown makes a comeback One of the biggest home colour trends, is earthy, muted ochre and terracotta tones found in the desert landscape. It’s all about dulled-down shades that blend in with nature, creating a calm and grounded interior colour scheme, and what better time to reinvigorate and warm up your home […]

Playing is not only fun it’s also essential for a child’s healthy brain development. Max out the space PAINT BOOKSHELF (left) From top to bottom: Blue box painted in Resene Lustacryl in Resene Takaka and animal in Resene Sante Fe. Books in Resene Tussock and Resene Twizel. Blue storage tub in Resene Half Resolution Blue. […]

Sustainability and a love of nature are some of the design elements that inspired this countryside-loving family’s new-build Meet & greet Kate Crooks (interior designer at Kate Crooks Design), Jesse Crooks (builder and co-owner of Astute Build), Willow, six, and Siena, four. An interior designer and a builder make a handy combination. Throw in an […]

No strangers to renos and hard work, a Manawatū couple pooled their formidable talents to build the perfect Bali-inspired retreat Meet & greet Blair and Rebecca McDonald (residential building company owners), Ryder, 11, Indy, eight, Tilly, six, and French bulldog Zinzan. If lockdowns have taught us anything, it’s that a home you love being in […]

Adopt a casual coastal vibe for a look that lasts long past summer As the summer temps start to cool off, you might not be spending as much time at the beach, but why not bring the coastal vibe indoors with some of these gorgeous beachy homewares for that endless summer feel  to your home. […]

Florists Lydia Reusser and Isabel Johnston discovered doubling up made for singular success Auckland florists Isabel Johnston and Lydia Reusser began working together at the end of 2020, after the first Covid-19 lockdown. “Lydia approached me with the idea of partnering up after we had spent many hours freelancing together and discussing our dreams of […]

This historic commercial building is now an asset to Waipu with a refreshed colour palette Lindy Davis and her family bought the former Bank of New Zealand and bank manager’s home a year ago with the idea of returning it to its former  “grand old lady” status. Established in 1924, the heritage-listed building in Waipu, […]

Take control of the chaos and prepare to get sorted Having a minimal and tidy home creates more space, which evokes a feeling of freedom, peace, and intentionality. For this reason, I subscribe to the belief that everything in your home can be beautiful while also serving a purpose. This also includes creative storage options […]

Planting native trees is a no-brainer. Leading landscape designer Michael Mansvelt shares his all-time favourites

Start prepping now for the arrival of the pitter-patter of tiny feet Whether you are looking for inspo for your own baby’s room, or are looking for gift ideas, we’ve got you sorted with these gorgeous baby gift ideas. Rainbow recycled rag rug, $39.90, from Trade Aid Over the Dandelions wood and muslin teether, $18.90 […]

A bungalow near the beach is an interior designer’s ever-evolving sanctuary Meet & greet Megan Ekdahl (interior designer) and Mike Ekdahl (commercial property developer) and Marlow the cavoodle. When interior designer Megan Ekdahl and her husband Mike bought their Strandon property 16 years ago, they had no intention of living in it. Despite its location […]

Give plain old walls a touch of stately manor with panelled walls. Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle shows you how You will need • Washi tape or painting tape • Pencil • Measuring tape • Level • Timber (size and design of your choice) I used 30mm x12mm clear pine in the hallway and 60mm […]

A pop of this blue hue makes a room sing, but remember a little goes a long way If you love pops of cool colour, these cobalt beauties are a great way to update your style.  Not sure what colours to pair them with?  You can’t go wrong with with the tried-and-true combination of blue […]

A property developer and his family find magic at Moonlight on a steep section overlooking the Tasman.

A couple on a mission for more space found just what they needed – and it was practically on their doorstep Serendipity was surely at play when Melissa and Marc Gibson embarked on their most recent house-hunting exercise. “With the arrival of our son Hugh four years ago, we quickly realised we had outgrown our […]

Cut a nature trail at home with these earth, sea and sky-inspired pieces Take design cues from nature to create a restful, earthy vibe at home. From wall art to cushions and even a few pieces for your dining table, shop the looks below Luxury tea towels, $26 each, from Hansby Design Bonnie and Neil […]

Renovating the kitchen can be a black hole for spending. You’ve got to know where to cut costs and when to splash out A kitchen can cost anything from around $15,000 for a facelift to $150,000 for an all-new bespoke version, but that doesn’t mean a kitchen at the lower end of the price bracket […]

Sandra Barrio von Hurter’s colourful jewellery is adored for the way it brightens up Zoom calls – and she has a home to match Meet & greet Sandra Barrio von Hurter (jewellery maker), Felix von Hurter (businessman), and Frida, one. Sandra Barrio von Hurter lives and breathes colour, from the cheeky cherries that dangle from […]

A serious health crisis led to career changes for an enterprising couple who share their demo-to-reno secrets Meet & greet Tyge (project manager/ house flipper) and Christina Dellar (interior designer/house flipper), Valor, six, and Zeph, three. There are certain times in married life when you question your partner’s thinking. A very dated old bach in […]

Leaving the city and heading north to embark on a new build was a happy leap of faith for a savvy young family Meet & greet Joel Mowat (director of Movewell Physio), Jess Mowat (mum/teacher), Sailor, four, Xanthe, three, and Sullivan, one. For the former Auckland couple Jess and Joel Mowat, trading the big smoke […]

Having made a big impression with Kiwi fans of cool French linen bedding, the Foxtrot Home sisters have a cosy yarn to share Sisters Kate Cullwick and Prue Watson live in different parts of the country but that hasn’t stopped them from creating a business together. Their vision from the start was to be able […]

Lifting the veil on how to make your home space spick and span, without spending hours cleaning. The three-minute rule In a nutshell, you put aside three minutes each day to tidy one small area of your home. Surely we all have three minutes to spare, am I right? You could do this while you […]

Our DIY expert Nikki Kettle rustles up some display shelving You will need • Measuring tape • Timber. I’ve used 90mm x 10mm pine for my shelf base and the same for the back upstand. I bought this off the rack at 1200mm long. Then, 40mm x 10mm for my upstand at the front • […]

The change of season is a chance to make a few interiors tweaks to fully embrace fall Shorter days and the inevitable change in the mercury that follows is a signal to switch up your home. This isn’t a full-scale renovation, unless you want it to be. Here are some of the seasonally appropriate trends […]

Designer Hannah Whitehead finds balance in a newly built home that prioritises simplicity Meet & greet Hannah (creative) and Dylan Whitehead (mechanic), Frankie, seven, Leo, four, and Riley the retrodoodle. If there was one word Hannah Whitehead kept returning to when picturing life in her family’s new build, it was ‘calm’. The creative lead at […]

In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of rainbows and like its romantic namesake, these tall, elegant blooms come in a multitude of colours I would like to say that all irises are beautiful, but they are not. Given the genus contains up to 300 species, that is hardly surprising. Despite often being called the […]

How a couple with vision tackled a run-down house on a steep, overgrown site and transformed it into a charming stylish home

A novice textile designer who started learning her craft during a lockdown is making her mark and winning more than fans Frances Poff didn’t spend her days in 2020’s lockdown working her way through a Netflix series or baking sourdough bread like many of us. Instead, she taught herself how to use Adobe Illustrator. “At […]

Warm up your interior with this earthy pink clay hue If you are looking for stylish ways to warm up your home interior, the earthy pink clay in terracotta homewares are a perfect solution.  If you’re not sure what colours to team it with. this rusty colour works perfectly with greenery, and is great for […]