A pegboard storage system encourages you to be a little bit tidier while looking ever so stylish Entrance/hallway Although the entrance is one of the busiest places in the home, it should ideally give visitors a feel for what your home is all about – and this is where a pegboard becomes your secret anti-clutter […]

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 […]

After 18 months of brainstorming, sourcing, samples and swatches, the first Your Home and Garden for Farmers homeware range is finally in store! The Your Home and Garden for Farmers range is not just beautiful, but functional and affordable. The Winter 2016 range includes tableware, kitchenware, bathroomware, bedlinen and gorgeous decor pieces in a sophisticated […]

Sisters Emma and Kate have captured the essence of a French boutique with their store Maman by using a mixture of modern and classical elements Fashion boutique Maman, located in the Auckland suburb of Newmarket, has an interior to die for. The classical/industrial decor – with a touch of whimsy thrown in – was a collaborative […]

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 […]

New Zealand-based online store Izzy & Co stocks a range of products that are “beautiful, well-crafted and a little bit different”, says owner Claire Ongly Izzy & Jean Co http://izzyandjean.co.nz/ [email protected] [related_articles post1=”45255″ post2=”44420″] Photos by: Nicola Edmonds.

These stylish leather loops will turn cluttered work areas into hubs of efficiency To make one strap, you will need 1 metre x 25mm vegetable leather (ours came from Lapco Leather) Ruler Craft knife Power drill or screwdriver 1 copper nail or screw (ours came from Bunnings) 100mm steel ring (optional) Etch primer (optional) Spray […]

Spin a fine yarn with these four projects using tried-and-trusty yarn, reinterpreted for today 1. Wall hanging Cut yarn into 2-metre lengths. Fold the yarn in half and loop onto a metal ring by passing the free ends through the looped end. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of yarn. Trim the […]

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 […]

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

Versatile washi tape adds creative colour to anything it touches. Here are four easy projects to try How to get the look Washi tape from etsy.com; cake stand from Redcurrent; cupcakes from Petal; elephant ornament from Allium; vase, necklace, flowers and lollies stylist’s own. Wall painted in Resene ‘Vanilla Ice’. Buy your washi tape and cardboard […]

Take a tour of Australian actress Naomi Watts’ stunning Manhattan home with this photo gallery Inside Naomi Watts’ New York apartment   The Manhattan apartment actress Naomi Watts owns with her partner, actor Lieve Shreiber, began life as two separate units – one an artist’s loft. Shortly after purchasing the Tribeca real estate, Hurricane Sandy struck, flooding […]

These pretty hanging bottles are so simple to make and would be perfect for an alfresco lunch, party or wedding You will need: An assortment of bottles or jars Twine Any floral stems you have to hand (we used dahlias and white roses). Instructions: Fill bottles with a small amount of water Add flowers and hang […]

Bathrooms are one of the smallest rooms of the house yet they have to fit so much. To achieve a great bathroom, be very practical when it comes to planning and look for options that make the room streamlined and simple. Choose one thing to be the hero – the tiles, bath or even just some […]

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 […]

A compilation of 10 planters to bring the outside in and the inside out Going green The addition of living greenery to your home will soften the edges and make your space seem calmer and more welcoming, not to mention it will also transform or enhance the existing style of any room. To ensure your […]

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 […]

Use a paper doily to spruce up everyday objects with these easy instructions Buy your doilies, notebooks, envelopes and wrapping paper from Warehouse Stationery. Visit warehousestationery.co.nz for all your craft needs. Photography by: Sevak Babakhani/bauersyndication.com.au.

Stay cool, calm and collected with our top 10 tips for creating shade in the garden this summer How to create shade in the garden Lazing beneath a cool, shady pergola when the sun is high in the sky must be one of life’s most agreeable experiences. Some form of shade structure is essential not just to beat […]

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, […]

A former west Auckland icon has been given a new lease of life as a homeware store The Art Bunker was a local art gallery and somewhat of an institution in Titirangi, west Auckland, for many years. When the property, including a home at the back, came on the market in mid 2014 – owners […]

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 […]

Create a stylish monochromatic bathroom with classic textures and moody modern touches  *The products pictured in this bathroom are indicative only and not available from Mitre 10. Classic with a twist With its mainly monochromatic colour palette, this classic-style bathroom look is timeless but stylist Vanessa Nouwens has added plenty of modern touches throughout. Get the […]

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

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 […]

On the lookout for a child’s bed? This gallery of bunks, beds and more has something for everyone Create a kid’s room packed with persobality and style For a room that can easily transition to suit a young child or teenager, stick to a neutral backdrop and classic wooden floors and add personality with accessories. […]

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 […]

This week Homes to Love caught up with award-winning florist Eden Hessell, aka The Botanist, to find out her top tips for dahlias When are dahlias in season/available? January through to March. It depends on climate and availability. What colours are they available in? You name it, dahlias come in that colour. There are so many vibrant shades […]

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

Bathing outdoors is the ultimate way to enjoy the summer months. It’s also possible to bring the outside in with these handy hints How to create an outdoor bathing sanctuary As the rest of the home becomes increasingly automated and digitised, bathrooms are reverting to nature. Architects and homeowners alike have rediscovered the appeal of […]

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 […]

Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena is the recipient of the 2016 Pritzker Prize. He discusses the inspiration behind his work in this compelling video   “The most simple verbs – studying, eating, meeting resting – those verbs in the end make our lives. And those verbs happen in nouns – offices, schools, houses parks. Architecture tries to give the […]

Copper adds a warm glow to any interior. Try these four projects using copper paint by stylist Catherine Wilkinson to get the look at your place. Project 1 / Copper-dipped chair legs Project 2 / Painted ceramics Project 3 / Polka dot table linen Project 4 / Personalised candles Projects by: Catherine Wilkinson. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

If you missed your chance at seeing the homes from The Block NZ: Villa wars in their entirety, here they are for your viewing pleasure House 1: Jamie & Hayden Black and white rules in this contemporary urban home that has plenty of attitude. House 2: Sarah & Minanne These reno rookies used pared-back styles […]

If you’re wanting your plants to stay looking good through the warmer months, especially if you’re planning on going away on holiday, here’s what you need to know 1. Mulch it Mulching is beneficial in so many ways. It helps keep moisture in the soil; therefore reducing the amount of watering you’ll need to do. […]

Alejandro Aravena of Chile has been selected as the 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate. We take a look at his work, which includes remarkable buildings in Chile, China, Switzerland and the US. Aravena, 48, is an architect based in Santiago, Chile. He is the 41st laureate of the Pritzker Prize, the first Pritzker Laureate from Chile, and […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

A change of season is the perfect time to update your home and it may be simpler than you think With the winter weather behind us and summer coming out to play, now is the time to shift your interiors into sunshine mode. Easy-to-do seasonal updates are key to making your home fit for warm, […]

Brimming with homeware and fresh flowers, this enchanting store is a dream come true for Tina Heffer Knowing how market-fresh flowers can transform a home, Tina Heffer had always wanted to make them available in Te Awamutu. But she was wary of the risks of buying and selling a fresh product. “You have to be […]

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

Warm, dark and handsome, this bathroom makes use of earthy tones and a subtle industrial feel for a space you’ll enjoy for years to come Handsome and welcoming Your Home and Garden stylist Emily Somerville-Ryan selected the products for this bathroom look from Mitre 10 Mega. “I’ve gone for a warm, earthy feel. Stone, concrete, […]

For a quality kitchen kitchen that you’ll be happy using for years to come, keep it clean, keep it simple and keep it timeless Get the look with these products from Mitre 10 Mega Mercator Gypsy fabric cord 241087, $36; Mercator Fancy Globe Pear 241205, $11.98 each. Kaindl 8mm laminate flooring in Oak Silea 236125, […]

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 […]

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

Whether you’re renovating an existing kitchen or starting from scratch, Mitre 10 MEGA offer advice, products and designs to make your dream room a reality Get the look with these products from Mitre 10 MEGA Top 10 kitchen design tools It’s an exciting time bringing your dream kitchen to life, but all of the decisions […]

A Canadian architecture studio has created The Story Pod, a little black box that opens by day to reveal a charming little library Designed by Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB), this public mini-building in Newmarket, north of Toronto, is a community-supported lending library where visitors can take or leave something to read. There is built-in seating […]

Danish architecture firm Lumo Arkitekter has designed a series of tiny shelters installed along the coastline aimed at encouraging outdoor tourism These basic, but downright charming, cabins designed by Lumo Arkitekter are part of a series of 50 shelters offering campers, trampers and surfers respite from the elements. Built as part of the Shelters by the […]

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 […]

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

Studying will become top of the agenda with a colourful workspace makeover like this one Ideally every teenager should have a space where they can study, research or do creative projects. Much like a child’s bedroom, a study space needs to evolve over time. The most important thing to consider in creating a study space […]

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. […]

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

We’ve traversed the globe searching for the ultimate homes from Amsterdam to Sydney! The Houses Each of these dream properties is available to rent through Airbnb. Stone mansion, Italy Located in Cisternino with stunning views $134 NZD per night 2 beds, 1 bathroom Opera Villa, Bali Located a few steps from Coconut Beach $1555 NZD […]

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 […]

Meet the Lotus Bud, the latest addition to the Lotus Belle glamping family With camping season just around the corner, glampers will be pleased to hear that tent connoisseur Lotus Belle has just released a smaller and lighter version of the  signature ‘Lotus Belle’.  Weighing in at just 26kgs with a 2.7m diameter, it’s a travel size Lotus Belle […]

We’ve got four easy Christmas craft ideas using glitter, dreamed up by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Get the look Plastic baubles and glitter from Spotlight; Motex label maker and tape from Tea Pea; gold cube from Shut The Front Door; candle and jar from Look Sharp; all other props, stylist’s own. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Wall hangings are bang on-trend – what better way to get festive this Christmas? How to Get three pieces of brass tubing in different lengths (or use wooden dowels spray-painted to suit your colour theme). Fold lengths of wool in half and cut to your desired hanging length, then loop onto each rod by passing the […]

Fed up with fake Christmas decorations? These botanical alternatives create a natural, organic look while filling the air with the most delicious scent Created by: Catherine Wilkinson Photos by: Wendy Fenwick

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 […]

Your Home and Garden managing editor Shelley Ferguson trials smart home security system Morepork Shelley says: “My home is the focal point of my life: the place my family live and laugh together, where my favourite things are held, where memories are made, and where I escape from a busy world. It’s also part of […]

Homes to Love caught up with florist Eden Kersten, aka The Botanist, to find out how to make a fresh green wreath What greenery have you used for this wreath? I’ve used Holly, eucalyptus, protea leaves, moss, scabiosa, and poppy heads. What equipment do I need? – Oasis (wet floral foam) wreath – Greenery and flowers […]

When the weather’s warm it’s time to head outside for an alfresco lunch. There’s loads of inspiration to be found from this harvest-style lunch thrown in a hayshed by food stylist Fiona Hugues – steal her style secrets for your next soiree. Styling by: Fiona Hugues/Gatherum Collectif Photography by: Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif

Forgo a traditional pine or artificial Christmas tree for these creative alternatives Getting twiggy with it Arrange twisted willow (or similar) in a large jar. Twist battery-operated seed lights around branches. Thread on dried or fresh flowers (we used ‘Chinese Snowball’ viburnum). Add decorations. Get the look: White stool, $85, from Flotsam & Jetsam; hanging […]

We’ve been shopping for a sweet spot to lay your head and found these pretty and practical pillowcases Tips for pillowcases Mix and match – a plain pillowcase looks great when paired with a patterned Euro pillow and vice versa. Try keeping your duvet in a simple shade and pair it with bold pillowcases, or go all […]

Next editor Sarah Henry’s Morepork by Spark home security system means she can head to her caravan on weekends without worrying about everything at home If there was one word to sum up my weekdays it would be hectic! Monday through Friday is a revolving round of ‘to-do’ lists, washing, meetings, searches for missing socks, deadlines, supermarket visits, […]

Brooke and Mitch have taken out The Block NZ: Villa Wars, selling their simple yet sophisticated villa for $1.35 million. They were awarded $190,000 – the amount their house sold over the reserve. They also took home the prize money of $100,000. Homes to Love takes a look inside the winning home – which Bayleys described as […]

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 […]

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, […]

These days, garden sheds are expected to multi-task – playhouse, office, spare room – and look good, too. Here are some ideas if you’re planning a ‘shed-over’ 1. Playtime Luring the kids away from screens and devices into the outdoors will be easier if you give them their own place to hang out. If converting […]

Finding the right furniture for your outdoor areas will be a summer breeze with our savvy six-point guide 1 In the know First up, be absolutely sure of exactly what you’re buying before you hit the stores. We all know how easy it is to go out looking for a sofa and end up coming […]

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

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 […]

At the bach or at home, a coastal look creates instant relaxation. Nail the coastal chic look at your place with a few tips and tricks A colour scheme with natural accents of brown, taupe and grey emulates the beach, while sky blue and deep navy is reminiscent of the ocean and summer sky. Get […]

Jamie and Hayden from The Block NZ: Villa Wars unveiled their black kitchen on last night’s episode and were met with disapproval from the judges and viewers alike With black cabinetry, black polished floorboards and a graffiti mural splashback, the kitchen unveiled by Jamie and Hayden was never going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Hayden […]

Last month Your Home and Garden managing editor Shelley Ferguson went on a family holiday to Fiji and thanks to her new smart home security system Morepork by Spark there was less stress and more peace of mind My family and I headed to Fiji for a much-needed long weekend of relaxing and recharging, and it […]

This homeware store stocks whatever its customers want, need or ‘crave’ for their homes When Jude Turner was looking for a new business venture six years ago, she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for. “We’d look at existing businesses and I’d just want to change so much, in the end I decided it […]

Landscape designer Myles Baldwin shares his top tips on exterior lighting

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 […]

What to do when you don’t have a wardrobe You’ve found the perfect house, apartment or room. You start picturing your belongings fitting in nicely with their new surroundings. Your bed is going to look great up against that window, there’s room for a chair in the corner and a pot plant or two on the […]

The ancient art of Japanese fabric dying is used in four creative ways by stylist Catherine Wilkinson Framed artwork Cut a piece of untreated cotton to fit inside a frame so edges are visible. Tie a rubber band around a small bunch of fabric in the centre, then continue to tie bands around the rest […]

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 […]

Homes to Love chatted to Annabel Berry, director of multi-disciplinary design agency Design Federation, about her latest venture – a collaborative range of headboards Annabel, how did this range develop? I started with headboards after multiple conversations with clients who either couldn’t find interesting options or who were looking for ways to style their bedrooms that […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Smart’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today Houses are getting smarter. Even those built a decade ago lack the technical innovation of new homes today. Brian and Sally McKibbin’s Waiheke home is one […]

We love wallpaper, and not just on walls. These cute stockings are great for packaging small gifts or as a festive decoration You will need Offcuts of wallpaper (a 50cm-high piece will make a small stocking, front and back) Sewing machine Sewing thread Ribbon (for hanging) Scissors Sellotape Stiff cardboard to make template Buttons, decorations, […]

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 […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Homes to Love chatted to Davina Harper, a Dulux colour and design specialist, about which colour schemes sell at auctions and how The Block NZ: Villa Wars teams’ choices stack up Davina, what paint colours did the teams choose and what is your assessment – did they nail colour combos overall? Sarah and Minanne Interiors:  Dulux ‘Remuera’, […]

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 […]

The New Zealand Institute of Architects has awarded its premier individual honour, the Gold Medal for career achievement, to Stuart Gardyne, a director of the Wellington firm architecture+ The New Zealand Architecture Awards’ Gold Medal is the highest level of professional recognition a New Zealand architect can attain. For Gardyne, it acknowledges an accomplished career during […]

Caron and Ashby Takimoana gave their Waihi home and a shipping container a makeover on a budget Snapshot Who lives here? Ashby Takimoana (supply supervisor), Caron Takimoana (special-needs teacher aide and part-time shop assistant), Tyson, 16, Payton, 11, Demo, 7, cat Mako and dog Riddick. Where do you live? Waihi, Thames Valley. How long have […]

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 […]

Artist Lydia Batts creates beautiful botanical-inspired artwork from her peaceful studio in Epsom, Auckland. Here’s a round-up of her work. See more of Leden’s work here.

Hello, summer! Create a holiday feel without leaving the house with this bohemian-style outdoor room How to create a holiday vibe at home For sunny decks and verandahs, cacti and hardy palms are an great choice for greenery. Choose sun-loving flowers such as those from the succulent family to provide long-lasting colour, e.g. Kalanchoe pumila. When […]

Landscape designer Debbie Hardy talks garden trends, from green living walls to garden art Debbie, what’s the latest buzz with gardens?Beautiful lawns and structure, a garden with formal bones (clipped hedges, single plants planted en masse) is still very popular. Green walls and green roofs are a hot garden trend, as is a productive garden […]