Discover Canterbury-based Lee Sinclair’s handcrafted creations. Lee Sinclair has been drawing, creating and “generally just making” since she was a child. She has turned her childhood craftiness into a business with Cloud Nine Creative. Her carefully curated jewellery and prints range, which she produces from her home studio in Ohoka, North Canterbury, has now branched […]

Create pretty scalloped bunting to hang inside or out when entertaining You will need  ½ a metre of oil cloth (ours is Marimekko ‘Siirtolapuutarha’ coated fabric from Bolt of Cloth, 1450mm wide. For oil cloth that isn’t as wide you will need 1 metre to create 3 metres of bunting) Scissors Pins 3 metres of […]

We love the look of Mason jars,  they’ve made a come back so here’s some of our favourite ways to use Mason jars, they’re no longer just for preserves.

Australian actress Cate Blanchett is looking to move on from the historic estate in Sydney, Australia, that she shares with her husband Andrew Upton. According to the LA Times, Blanchett is asking for $14.75million (£9million) for the five-bedroom home, known as Bulwarra, which sits in upscale Hunters Hill, the oldest garden suburb in Australia. The […]

Dear Carol, I’m hoping for help with the main part of my garden. We’ve done a lot of work tidying up the area, but need some ideas to link the deck to the garden. There needs to be a paving or seating area. The deck faces east so is lovely in summer but almost sunless in […]

Melanie Wilson transformed her home from beige to a colour splash with some clever geometric painted shapes How an ex-state house in New Plymouth got a colour makeover Melanie Wilson was tired of looking at beige interiors after a bout of house hunting, so when she purchased this ex-state house in New Plymouth, she set […]

Bold geometrics is the colour story theme of this Wellington home, which won the overall prize in the Resene Colour Home Awards 2014. Gemma Burrows couldn’t wait to transform the plain, impersonal white walls of her Wellington home. “I like bright colours,” says Gemma, “which you can tell by looking at my clothes and lipstick […]

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

A Tauranga front garden gets a lush planted border and a clear grassy space Dear Carol I’m stuck. Our Tauranga front garden is a sun trap with so much untapped potential. We’re down the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac. The front garden has a large oak, which can’t be touched, and I’m happy with the lawn, […]

Before you read on, always start with the ceiling, to learn how to paint a ceiling click here. Now you’re ready to start painting the room: What You Need Quick release painter’s tape Sealer/Primer Paint Paint tray Paint-roller Roller sleeve, depending on the desired finished there are different types of roller sleeves Two-inch angled paintbrush […]

Apply the finishing touches to your paint job by tackling the skirting, molding and trims So you’ve read and accomplished How to: Paint a ceiling, along with How to: Paint a room Follow these three simple steps to complete the finishing touches on skirting, trim and archtraves Wait until the walls and the ceiling are dry. […]

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? A bit eclectic; sometimes classic, sometimes edgy, hopefully chic and hopefully appropriate for the occasion. HOW HAS THAT TRANSLATED TO YOUR BEDROOM? The original pieces of furniture I have chosen are a mix of classic and modern. The raw linen curtains give a grounded look, not just ‘glam’. WHERE DO YOU […]

New Plymouth couple Kirsty and Craig Jones transformed their once 1980s-style dining area into a botanical oasis perfect for entertaining. Snapshot Who lives here? Kirsty Jones (mum/floral designer/cake maker), Craig Jones (creative director/graphic designer), Finley, 7, William, 6, August, 3, and Marcello, 6 months. Location Frankleigh Park, New Plymouth. The goal To create a bright, […]

We use creative and bold botanical arrangements to bring three of the latest interior looks to life. GET THE LOOK: Walls and floor in Resene ‘Half rice cake’; Linear stem mimosa wallpaper by Orla Kiely, $219 per roll, Danelion mobile porcelain wallpaper by Missprint, $249 per roll, both from The Paper Room; on floor Christian […]

Find balance Follow the 80:20 rule of thumb to create the perfect colour balance – 80 per cent neutral colours, including the carpet and bed linen, and 20 per cent strong colours, such as quilts, art and other accessories. Think fabrics Floral fabrics are a growing interior trend, one borrowed from fashion, and shades of […]

There’s no need to check the weather forecast in this energy-efficient Waikanae new build where temperatures are tropical all year round. In a nutshell Who lives here? Chris and Leonie Beggs (owners of North Face Construction), Jack, 13, Fraser, 11, cat Ruby and chickens. What would you do differently with this house if you could? […]

This talented married couple created a harmonious balance between luxury and eco-conscious design. The couple Having designed and built a spectacular house in Muriwai out of shipping containers, these guys knew they could put their complementary skills to use again on The Block NZ. “I manage the tradies and make sure everything is progressing and […]

Wendy Hart’s sensitive renovation of her classic 1960s family home gave it a modern edge, while retaining its retro glam appeal.

Make-up artist and stylist Suzanne Beaumont’s Hawke’s Bay home is vibrant, glamorous and full of surprises. “Everywhere in the house are things we love, things we’ve collected.  It’s totally individual totally us.” Photographer: Florence Charvin.

Timeless rattan furniture designs are given new life by a Danish company.

What is Corian and how is it used?Corian is a benchtop product which has been manufactured by DuPont since 1967. It contains an advanced blend of two-thirds natural minerals and one-third pure acrylic resin. Corian has traditionally been used for kitchen benchtops but it is becoming more popular for bathroom vanities and basins and also […]

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I am happiest when in a fabulous frock. Life’s too short to be boring and my hair is too red to blend in, so I don’t try. HOW HAS THAT TRANSLATED TO YOUR BEDROOM SPACE? We’ve used fabrics most commonly used in eveningwear, like silk, velvet and taffeta. […]

These newlyweds have created a serene and earthy environment. The couple Getting hitched in December is just one of many good decisions this Feilding couple have made. Applying to go on The Block NZ, despite their limited renovation experience, was another. “We’re on the same page,” says Damo, 36, a former cop turned electrician apprentice. […]

This design-savvy couple created a lush cover inspired by Bali’s plant life, textures and tones Alex’s tips to get the look: ✚ Expose your green thumb and crack open the potting mix, as this look requires some serious greenery. Think palms, ferns and other tropical plants. Indoor plants are so good for you – they […]

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

This winning cover captured the classic beach vibe of Hollywood’s hottest holiday destination Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ You don’t have to live in the Hamptons (a beach-side community in Long Island, New York State) to get this look in your home. Very simply, it’s a beachy feel with a more sophisticated […]

Leftover wrapping paper doesn’t have to be destined for the dustbin. Get inspired and add fun style to your home with these easy projects Supplies by: Walls in Resene ‘Triple Concrete’; aqua wall spot decals from KM2creative; wrapping paper from kikki.K; tassel garland from Collected; boxes and vases from Zest Products; all other products stylist’s […]

Timber panelling Wood panelling creates instant warmth in a room and is part of a larger trend celebrating the retro-cool vibe of the ’60s and ’70s. From classic light maple to a mix of whitewash grey and blue, this natural surface should be the standout feature in your kitchen. Design the rest of the room […]

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Follow these rules to create a comfortable, luxurious and personalised space. Clear the clutter An overcrowded bedroom full of furniture and clothing can feel chaotic and confused. Take photos of your bedroom, look at it with fresh eyes and remove excess clutter to create […]

No longer just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become an extra living space – and the latest design trends reflect its new role. Photography: Sharyn Cairns/Michael Wee /Nick Watt/Maree Homer/BauerSyndication.com.au

It takes more than a complementary colour scheme to design a great-looking bedroom. Photography: Maree Homer / Derek Swalwell/ BauerSyndication.com.au

What are the key components for a truly practical kitchen?Regardless of cooking style or kitchen size, there are three key features to a truly practical kitchen: workflow, space and motion. Think about your most common tasks in the kitchen and about the items you need to access, then group these items together or in close […]

No longer just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become an extra living space – and the latest design trends reflect its new role. Marble detail Island benches are the natural choice when it comes to incorporating marble into your kitchen, while limestone and polished concrete are the hard-working cousins of this sleek […]

By using a statement shades or hues in you kitchen, you can easily transform a space from bland and uninteresting to dramatic and eye-catching. Whether you opt for using them all over or take the more subtle approach and use them as features is up to you, but have fun with it. You might be […]

A Taupo workshop/cafe whipping up coffee as well as homeware

This creative couple teamed pale wood with pared-back tones for a simply stunning Scandi look. Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ Get your Scandi on! The Nordic look is very hot right now and I’m seeing a heavy influence on product, lighting and furniture design in shops and online. It’s been a look […]

Chalky colours and old world charm with a modern twist were the brief for this couple. Alex’s top tips to get the look: ✚ Don’t be fooled into thinking this look is ‘French country’ – those days are numbered. For this look, we are going for less distressed and more block colours on furniture, walls […]

These renovation rookies have succeeded with this relaxed, functional home. The couple Everything this married couple have done on The Block NZ, from briefing tradespeople to painting and decorating, has been for the first time. “We’re just regular Kiwis from Christchurch up against these four flash-as Auckland houses,” says Ben, 30, a business development manager. […]

Spring fling: We use creative and bold botanical arrangements to bring three of the latest interior looks to life. Take a lesson in art with dreamy watercolours, wildflowers, and vivid shades. Styling by: Emily Somerville-Ryan Flowers by: Lucy Houghton of Lu Diamond Flowers Photography by: Wendy Fenwick

The Marimekko printmaker and textile designer draws on her Finnish culture, wildlife and folklore for design inspiration.

New Plymouth’s arresting Len Lye Centre isn’t the only new thing in town. Late last year, Shaun and Cassie Conaglen returned to their home town after more than 20 years of working as a builder (Shaun) and a lawyer (Cassie) in Sydney. Sean says he had always wanted to own a shop – he just […]

These high school sweethearts have created a home that’s sleek and smart. The couple These two were made for The Block NZ. Maree, 27, is an event manager, and James, 28, is a property valuer. They love modern aesthetics, and Pasifika motifs such as tapa mats and wood carvings. “We’ve taken a lot of risks, […]

Stylist’s advice: “Add tartan prints to a base of browns and beige to create a room reminiscent of a traditional English country manor,” says Louise Hilsz.

We went behind the screens to talk to Sarah Hamilton, one half of popular blog Ses + Jen, which she writes with her mum, Jen. Sarah, why did you start your blog? Nearly two years ago, after my mum and I had completed a full interior makeover on my home, we started a Facebook page […]

Stylist’s advice: “If you’re coveting a look of ornate opulence, floral prints in traditional petal-inspired tones epitomise femininity,” says Louise Hilsz.

Stylist’s advice: “Earth-inspired colours, rich textures and elaborate prints evoke the look of this modern Indian city,” says Louise Hilsz.

Stylist’s advice: “Combining old and new interior looks is a great way to capture this city vibe and create an interesting, industrial feel,” says Louise Hilsz.

Stylist’s advice: “Gold features heavily in this luxurious trend. Remember to keep it modern by adding rich, inviting colour,” says Louise Hilsz.

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

Vanessa Nouwens shows you how to create a coaster, a cushion cover, a stool cover and a tasselled wall hanging – all from an old t-shirt. Coasting along Cut 2cm-wide strips from a large white T-shirt. Machine sew three strips of fabric together at the ends to make one long piece of fabric. Repeat this […]

The owner of Gisborne’s The Family Co design store has created a destination out of her shop

This clever designer has nailed the art of simple statement pieces. What’s a graphic designer on maternity leave to do without her usual creative outlet to keep her mind busy? Make things for her home, of course! Designer Kym Church found herself with idle hands while on leave from her job in publishing in 2010. […]

Miranda Osborne’s wire furniture and industrial-style lighting is vintage-inspired but utterly contemporary The wonderful wire creations of Ico Traders’ Miranda Osborne are instantly recognisable for their dramatic curves in vivid rainbow shades. They’re also well-known for ticking the comfort and durability boxes, as well as style. “Steel wire is the perfect material for creating furniture,” […]