Advertisement
Home Inspiration Page 5
How to add a splash of colour to your home interiors

How to add a splash of colour to your home interiors

Breathe life into your space with the best interior colour inspiration  Creating a beautiful home is an incredibly enriching experience, and incorporating the right touch of colour is essential for adding life and character to your home interiors. We love embracing the latest interior design trends while balancing statement pieces and subtle accent touches to […]
Modern living room with a green sofa, two armchairs, abstract wall art, a round coffee table, and large windows overlooking trees.

Your guide to buying a new sofa

Before stamping your style in your living area, bear in mind these useful tips The hallmark of our homes, sofas are where we go for plush comfort, watching the telly and meaningful chats. Here’s how to ensure longevity and style in your next sofa. Types of sofas Sofas are traditionally defined as a long-upholstered seat […]
Our favourite products from the Shop Your Home and Garden marketplace

Our favourite products from the Shop Your Home and Garden marketplace

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 […]
Advertisement
4 ways to master the art of maximalist design

4 ways to master the art of maximalist design

From vibrant colours to distinctive decor, here’s how to make your home a maximalist haven. In 2023, design trends are moving away from pared-back minimalism and towards interiors that reflect individual expression and make bold style statements. Homeowners are experimenting with vibrant colours, rich textures and distinctive shapes to create this whimsical yet elegant maximalist […]
Alt text: "Botanique art print with black leaves on wall above a computer displaying the same print."

Shop Your Home and Garden is your new destination for hand-selected homewares

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 […]
Cozy bedroom with rattan headboard, tropical wallpaper, and earth-toned bedding. Small bedside table with decor.

Pillow talk: the 2023 bedroom trends you need to know

From elaborate bedheads to colour drenching, these are the bedroom space trends to know for 2023 and beyond A beautiful bedroom is the type of indulgence we all deserve – it’s a private space that’s designed to bring joy every day. The idea of embracing individuality is behind all the major trends hitting sleep spaces […]
Advertisement
It’s time to get planting for spring harvesting

It’s time to get planting for spring harvesting

Growth may be slowing down, but May is not too late to put in some cold-tolerant leafy greens for spring eating And so to bed As the nights grow longer and the temperatures fall, plant growth slows, sometimes to a standstill. Although less useful in warmer climates, most gardens appreciate being put to bed now, […]
Everything you need to know if your home was affected by the floods

Everything you need to know if your home was affected by the floods

What you need to know if your home has been affected by extreme weather events We’ve been dealt some tough blows in 2023 so far. Floods, cyclone damage, rising interest rates, pressure on the renovation sector. If you’ve been impacted by the floods and cyclone – or both – then you might be navigating an […]
A woman stands in front of a colorful wall of floral yarn art, smiling.

Frankie Meaden’s embroidered art is beautiful and environmentally friendly

Textile artist Frankie Meaden is not only blooming in real life, but on canvas too Frankie Meaden has taken the time to develop her artistic voice. Her life has always been about creating, from having her work displayed in one of London’s prestigious Tate galleries when she was 18 years old, to making and selling […]
Advertisement
Home office with wooden desk, green lamp, monitor, and shelves. Window view of lush trees.

How to transform a small room into an office

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 […]
Dining room with a light wood table, black chairs, fruit bowl, wall art, and ceiling fan. White cabinet with glass doors nearby.

The 6 mistakes you’re making with Command hooks

Prevent pictures from falling down or damaging your walls with these handy and versatile strips Whether you’re renting your home or not, Command strips are a home decorator’s best friend. The strips, hooks and holdalls can solve myriad of problems around the home for storage and display, décor and organisation. With new products continuing to […]
Advertisement
Open kitchen cabinet with jars of grains, beans, pasta, and canned goods neatly arranged on wooden shelves.

How to organise your pantry

The place where we store our groceries can be the most challenging area in the home to keep tidy With grocery items being added and removed constantly, and plastic packaging galore, this out-of-sight space can become the ultimate repository for clutter, making it much less inspiring when it comes to cooking. The trick to keeping […]
Cozy kitchen nook with blue wall, shelves holding books and decor, and a counter with bowls of fruit and cutting board.

How to clean your wooden chopping board

Chop chop, it’s time to get your wooden boards into shape There’s nothing worse than “that smell” on a wooden board that hasn’t been cleaned properly. Last week’s onion stinking up this morning’s fruit salad, and did you partner clean the board well enough after the barbecue on Sunday? The chopping board is the first […]
Advertisement
Bedroom with floral wallpaper, gray bed, blue bedding, gray ottoman, and table with pink roses in a vase.

Everything you need to know about wallpaper

Bold and indulgent, or soft and dreamy – the only rule for wallpaper is that you must adore it Choosing wallpaper in 2023 is less about chasing trends and more about falling in love. Interior design is like fashion in that sense, say Jo Gray and Relda Frogley of Auckland mural wallpaper company Back to […]
Bright orange and pink hibiscus flower with raindrops, surrounded by green leaves.

The garden tasks to get through this long weekend

Get your hands dirty over the long Easter weekend and turn your garden into an autumnal happy place Finale The last of summer’s flowers are putting on their final show, a glorious blast of colour. Stop and admire the blooms, which from hibiscus to helenium, from bougainvillea to rudbeckia are bathing in the light of […]
4 days of DIY – garage overhaul

4 days of DIY – garage overhaul

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 […]
Advertisement
Marbled Easter eggs in pastel colors on pink plates and background.

Celebrate Easter in style with these decorated Easter eggs

This fun activity is the perfect way to use up any old nail varnish you have lying around the house You will need Decorative, blown-out or hard-boiled eggs Old container Nail polish, in various colours Protective gloves Wooden skewer Foam and pins for drying rack 1 Before you being, place rows of pins into foam […]
Elegant bathroom with dual sinks, arched mirrors, gold fixtures, hydrangeas in vase, and checkered floor tiles.

11 bathroom trends to turn your bathroom into a luxurious sanctuary

From high fashion to highly functional, here’s what we’ll be wanting in our bathrooms Has there ever been a more exciting time to renovate a bathroom? Style watchers are spotting a plethora of stunning trends that seem likely to last well beyond 2023. The key to their longevity is that they’re all built around one […]
A cozy bedroom with peach checkered floor, bed, armchair, wall art, and a pendant lamp.

How to create a stylish room for your tween that they will love

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 […]
Advertisement
10 tips to makeover your bathroom on a budget

10 tips to makeover your bathroom on a budget

Consider these 10 essential tips if you want to makeover your bathroom for under $10,000 There are a few reasons why you might give your bathroom a facelift. Maybe a big reno will cost too much and you simply want a short-term fix, or perhaps you need to give it a spruce up for sale […]
Colorful lupine flowers with spikes in shades of pink, blue, yellow, and white against a soft-focus green background.

We answer your questions on how to get your garden ready for winter

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn My friend told me that I should grow lupins in my vegetable patch over winter, why and how do I do this? Give your soil a little extra love and care during the cold winter months and plant some lupins. These bright and beautiful plants are part of […]
Hallway with wooden floor, wall art of a heart and mushroom, geometric pendant, and patterned curtains and door.

The sixth 2023 Resene Colour Home Awards finalist ‘tattooed’ her hallway

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 […]
Advertisement
Smiling person with shoulder-length dark hair and hoop earrings, wearing a black top with floral embroidery.

Hollie Ryan’s floral creations last forever

Aucklander Hollie Ryan’s pretty creations will bloom forever After graduating from law school, it didn’t take long for Hollie Ryan to feel the pull of creative pursuits. I should’ve figured that out before incurring five years of student debt,” she jokes. In an old Grey Lynn villa in Auckland, which she shares with her flatmates […]
8 simple tasks for easy happiness

8 simple tasks for easy happiness

Are you missing some feel-good factors in your life? Here are eight fun ways to boost your mood. We’re led to believe that happiness is a state of mind we might achieve at some point in our lives once we’ve checked off all the boxes, or reached an audacious goal. The truth is, we should […]
Everything you need to know when installing a kitchen island

Everything you need to know when installing a kitchen island

Thinking of adding an island or updating your existing one? We ask kitchen designers the burning questions about what’s hot and what to consider when installing one A kitchen island is the hub of any kitchen, offering both work and entertaining space in one multi-functional area. It’s a place to chat to the kids after […]
Advertisement
Cozy bedroom with pink walls, wooden nightstand, stylish lamps, woven wall decor, and a wicker handbag on the bed.

8 things to consider when designing your lighting layout

Lighting is an important element in home design and can transform a space, but there are a number of factors to consider when looking to amp up your interior Lighting design should never be an afterthought, although that’s often the case. The position of your lights, the type of fitting, the colour and temperature of […]
Kitchen with pegboard wall, hanging utensils, towels, metal shelves with pots, baskets of apples, and loose produce on floor.

The 5 new decluttering rules

Don’t let clutter hold you back from the life you deserve. It’s time to let go of what’s no longer serving you If you feel like you should be thoroughly decluttered and reorganised by now, especially after all that time spent at home during the pandemic, you’re not alone. It seemed as if everyone on […]
Cozy reading nook with pillows, bookshelves, and stone fireplace in a rustic room.

12 budget-friendly storage hacks

Don’t let clutter hold you back from the life you deserve. These 12 hacks will help you organise your home in an orderly manner 1 Create a mud room If you don’t have the luxury of an actual room by the entrance that can double as storage space, your mud “room” can be as simple […]
Advertisement
What you should be doing in your garden this autumn

What you should be doing in your garden this autumn

Autumn is harvesting and nature’s planting time in the garden. Here’s what to gather, sow and grow this month Chores “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” wrote Keats in his sumptuous ode to the glories of autumn. For the gardener, it is a time of harvest, when the fruit filled “with ripeness to the core” […]
Colorful plant pots with various houseplants on a wooden deck beside a rattan chair.

How to personalise and bring colour to your potted plants

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 […]
Lissy Robinson-Cole crafts a world of colour and joy

Lissy Robinson-Cole crafts a world of colour and joy

Lissy Robinson-Cole is crafting a world of colour and joy with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of mahi There’s not many people you could describe as a human ray of sunshine, but Lissy Robinson-Cole is one of them. The crochet queen is as radiant as her colourful mahi, which hang in […]
Advertisement
How to create a quiet nook

How to create a quiet nook

Set the scene to retreat, relax and recharge in a sweet spot that’s been decorated just for you One of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself is a sacred place to retreat to whenever you feel the need for some quiet time. In these photos, you’ll see the sweet, cosy space that I’ve […]
Go around the world in home décor

Go around the world in home décor

Having interiors wanderlust means paying homage to other cultures and cherry-picking what works for where you are and your lifestyle. It’s called global style and it’s proudly eclectic If you’ve ever schlepped home a suitcase full of mementoes from your travels, such as a rug from Morocco or a Balinese wood carving and proudly displayed […]
Ten ways to quickly give your garden a facelift

Ten ways to quickly give your garden a facelift

10 ways to vamp up the fabulosity of your garden, relatively quickly 1 Floral pick-me-up One of the prettiest ways to lift the mood of a garden is with flowers. Too many, mind, may overpower the greenery – a rule of thumb for a winning ratio of flowers to foliage is one to five. The […]
Advertisement
Close-up of a blooming basil plant with small white flowers and green leaves in a garden setting.

The late summer garden tasks to do this month

Smooth the transition from summer into autumn with prudent nips and tucks, and harvest and store the last of the summer bounty How to let nature do the sowing In nature, plants drop their seeds as they become ripe. These seeds then sit on the soil and wait until the season and conditions are right […]
7 things to consider when choosing joinery for your home

7 things to consider when choosing joinery for your home

Joinery plays a big role in how your house feels. This step-by-step guide will make it easy to choose the right windows and doors for your new home A step-by-step guide to selecting joinery The joinery you choose for your new home will have a huge impact not only on how your finished spaces look, […]
4 energy-saving tips you probably haven’t thought of

4 energy-saving tips you probably haven’t thought of

Give your environmental credentials a boost with these innovative energy-saving tips that will help reduce your energy bills. If you’ve tried all of the traditional energy-saving methods and feel as though you’re still not seeing a dent in your electricity bill, it may be time to think outside the box. To help you get off […]
Advertisement
Cozy bedroom with floral bedding, stuffed bunny, yellow lamp, and pink nightstand with books and decor.

How to create bright murals in a child’s bedroom

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 […]
How to grow vegetables from your kitchen window

How to grow vegetables from your kitchen window

Turn your kitchen window sill into a mini hydroponic patch Vegetable scrap gardening is a thing. With little effort and a dose of creativity, you can build a window-sill garden using all kinds of vegetable odds and ends that would have otherwise ended up on the compost heap. This fun project is fantastic for getting […]
Potted seedlings sprouting in soil under sunlight, viewed from above.

We answer your vegetable garden and lawn questions

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 […]
Advertisement
10 kitchen trends that will sizzle in 2023

10 kitchen trends that will sizzle in 2023

Find out what’s cooking in the world of kitchen design with these sizzling kitchen trends for 2023 and beyond We’ve seen the future, and it is fabulous. With a mix of trendspotting and crystal-ball gazing, we’ve pinned down the 10 top trends likely to influence Kiwi kitchen design in the coming year, from fresh colours, […]
A worn, empty room with a wooden floor, unfinished walls, and a silver step ladder in the center.

Here’s what you need to look out for in your builder’s contract

Reno expert Jen Jones talks through what to look for in your builder’s contract Do you know that it’s a legal requirement to have a written contract with your builder if the scope of the project is more than $30,000? Whether your preferred builder submits a bespoke contract or one from the likes of Master […]
A person in a colorful mermaid-print dress stands outdoors near a window, holding a paint palette and brushes.

Meet the woman using textiles to bring colour and joy to the world

Through her vibrant, feel-good textile designs, Imogen Switalla brings colour and joy into her various corners of the world Textile designer Imogen Switalla’s life-affirming designs often involve flowers and the colour pink. After initially enrolling in a fine arts course, she switched to textile design when she realised that most of her artwork “was coincidentally […]
Advertisement
Kitchen counter with cleaning supplies, wooden caddy, brushes, dish detergent, and a potted plant by a window.

5 eco-friendly cleaning tips

Ensuring your cleaning process is eco-friendly should be a priority for us all.  The process of cleaning, decluttering and refreshing our homes is part of our regular home routines – usually this would mean forking out on expensive chemical-laden cleaning products to get the job done, but there are so many more eco-friendly options, that […]
Homes to Love Australia
Green sugar snap pea pods growing on vines in sunlight.

The garden tasks you can do this summer

Get picking on the daily – it’s summer harvest time in the garden January is a traditional time for holidays in Aotearoa. That it coincides with peak harvest can be annoying if you’re planning on heading off for a sunny sojourn at the beach or river. Unless you get someone to come and pick them […]
Advertisement
A woman with tattoos and glasses holds a potted plant in a wooden shop with "Koyu Wokedama" sign in background.

Meet the woman who practises an ancient form of gardening

Caroline Yelavic is getting her hands dirty with an ancient form of gardening Originally from sunny Sao Paulo in Brazil, Caroline Yelavic was exposed to Japanese culture from a young age, despite being thousand of miles away from the land of the rising sun. “My godmother was a Buddhist and enjoyed the practice of ikebana […]
Person in green outfit reviewing architectural plans with tablet, pens, and color swatches on a desk.

How to combat your renophobia

Why you don’t need to be scared of a do-up right now Through a combination of tracking the property sales in my area and chatting to local realtors, it’s become clear that homeowners are not looking to buy do-ups right now. In fact, one agent said to me that naive buyers who thought a renovation […]
Interiors experts share their aspirations for the new year

Interiors experts share their aspirations for the new year

Interiors experts from around Aotearoa share what will be changing in their own homes Penny Fussell, Interior designer at M.Int Interiors, Napier It’s an occupational hazard that I’m always finding pieces I’d love in our home, but with so many beautiful fabrics and furniture on offer, it’s hard to decide. However, for my next project […]
Advertisement
How to add some personality to your powder room with wallpaper

How to add some personality to your powder room with wallpaper

Get on a roll and make your powder room pop with personality using our DIY expert’s step-by-step guide You will need: Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner • Sandpaper – I used 80 grit Bucket Ladder Layout brush Paper smoother Paste brush Plumb bob Scissors Size Knife Sponge Trim guide Wallpaper paste, if using unpasted paper Wallpaper […]
3 delicious drinks to beat the heat

3 delicious drinks to beat the heat

Easy-drinking thirst quenchers to beat the heat This summer I want to create plenty of flavourful drinks that are as beautiful as they are thirst-quenching. Ripe berries, fragrant herbs and freshly sliced citrus act as my inspiration, with a decadent iced coffee to balance out all the sparkle when you feel like something a little […]
Advertisement
Cozy room with a pastel bookshelf, flowers, colorful blanket on a chair, books, and decorative items.

5 ways to embrace the Kiwiana style

Five ways to incorporate Kiwiana into your life – and how to elevate the timeless look Kiwiana style is all about embracing simple moments with friends and family. It’s kitsch with a heart of gold and elicits a strong sense of nostalgia for mid-century iconography. If your house or bach is in need of a […]
Eclectic living room with wooden piano, colorful art, clear chair, yellow chair with lip pillow, and houseplants.

How to turn your TV into a work of art

Transform your TV into a work of art by building a frame for it You will need • 40mm x 20mm pine cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • Picture framing timber cut into 4 x 1.2m lengths • 3mm drill bit • Timber screws • Drill • Tape measure • Small shelf brackets • […]
Advertisement
Create Christmas magic with photographer Gina Fabish

Create Christmas magic with photographer Gina Fabish

Gina Fabish is always on the lookout to create Christmas magic for her family. The scene in their 100-year-old villa living room is a festive one, from the robin’s egg blue wrapped presents under the tree to the warm glow of the candles adorning the character-feature fireplace and the green garland that drapes over the […]
Festive dining table with colorful hanging paper decorations, flowers, champagne, desserts, and elegant tableware.

A pastel-themed Christmas with stylist Kate Alexander

Stylist Kate Alexander creates the perfect Christmas Day The frenzy of the festive season is left at the front door at Kate Alexander’s place. Inside, there’s a table adorned with platters piled with fruity jelly and glittery baubles that sends out good vibes all round. The stylist has spent years perfecting her colourful approach to […]
Turn your kids art into thoughtful gifts

Turn your kids art into thoughtful gifts

Do you have a surplus of waste paper but can’t bear to bin it? Make this fast and crafty Christmas project Art is a daily activity in our household, and while I appreciate how much my children adore being creative, I don’t love the pages and pages of paper bearing only a pencil flourish or […]
Advertisement
Create a welcoming festive feel with neutral tones this Christmas

Create a welcoming festive feel with neutral tones this Christmas

Start with a backdrop of creamy, dreamy white, then layer in rich shades of cafe au lait and burnt toffee to create warmly welcoming festive decor. Complete the easygoing feel with decorations made from dried leaves, flowers and grasses Sweet treat Decorating the table for the Christmas feast with family and friends is always a […]
How to use crepe paper to wrap your Christmas presents

How to use crepe paper to wrap your Christmas presents

Decorate your gifts with as much care as you did in choosing them, then watch as eyes light up on spying these perfect offerings Crepe paper is vastly underrated. Cheerful and bright, we’ve pushed it to its decorative limit and got the very best out of it by fashioning tassels, fringes and twirls for Christmas […]
A renovation code of conduct: a guide to help your build go smoothly

A renovation code of conduct: a guide to help your build go smoothly

It’s your property that’s being renovated or built so you should be able to turn up unannounced, right? Not necessarily That hackneyed phrase ‘the customer is always right’ is a bit outdated and isn’t always welcome in the renovation and building sector. Consultants and tradies alike are finally putting boundaries in place so consider this […]
Advertisement
Red and green bell peppers growing on a plant with green leaves in the background.

Your gardening questions answered

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 […]
Handmade gift tags to impress with this Christmas

Handmade gift tags to impress with this Christmas

Turn a brown paper package into something special Whether you’re making or buying your presents this year, jazzing up the wrapping with adornments and handmade tags will send your gift giving into a whole other stratosphere. Craft central here we come. Make it 3d Think outside the box with your surplus Christmas tree ornaments This […]
Colorful Christmas crackers with gold ribbons and decorations on a white background.

DIY Christmas bon bons to make this festive season

Fill them with treats the family will actually love. The highlight of any Christmas lunch – aside from the ham – is arguably the Christmas bon bons. With the budget already stretched on presents and food, why not save yourself a little by fashioning your own crackers? Not only will these give your table a […]
Homes to Love Australia
Advertisement
Meet the Christchurch mum serving up sweet Christmas treats

Meet the Christchurch mum serving up sweet Christmas treats

A Christchurch mum has turned a favourite holiday tradition into a business that spices up the lives of Kiwi families at Christmas As the holiday season draws closer, Hilary Bothwell turns on her oven, ready to get into the swing of things. The Christchurch confectioner is the founder of The Gingerbread Company, serving up gorgeous […]
A vibrant field of colorful flowers, including red, orange, yellow, and pink blooms, in soft focus against a green background.

Get your garden in tip top shape for the festive season

Christmas is a time when all the family get together to celebrate the festive season. Here’s what to plant, sow and grow before the masses descend Your checklist for getting the garden in shape for the festive season: Step-up deadheading of flowers. This removal of fading blooms means the energy that the plants would have […]
The fifth Resene Small Room Awards finalist creates a dreamy nursery

The fifth Resene Small Room Awards finalist creates a dreamy nursery

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 […]
Advertisement
Festive table setting with a pink cocktail, cake, and holiday decorations, including greenery and red flowers.

How to style your dining table this Christmas

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 […]
Infinity pool overlooking trees and ocean, with a clear sky and modern stone patio.

What to know before installing a pool

Nothing beats jumping into a pool on a hot summer’s day. Here’s what you need to know about installing your own before making the leap While there are many appealing factors to owning a pool it’s not all plain sailing. Pools allow you to have that resort-at-home vibe without the need for travel and becomes […]
Advertisement
9 tips for conserving water in the garden

9 tips for conserving water in the garden

It’s the life source for all living things and a precious resource, so here are nine ways to conserve water in the garden Wandering around the garden at dusk, hose in one hand and glass of wine in the other, admiring the roses; or maybe at sunrise with the watering can, a cup of tea […]
Modern living room view with large glass doors opening to a backyard patio, pool, and lush greenery.

The changes to the building code that could impact your build

Changes to the Building Code are coming. Here’s how they’ll impact you if you’re planning a new build Every year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) works alongside those working in the building and construction sector, as well as the public, to review proposed changes to the Building Code with one common goal […]
Two women smiling, standing on a porch next to stacked colorful boxes labeled "Oasis Found," "Flourish," and "Classic As."

Meet the talented duo improving mental health through puzzles

Rewa Walters and Sophie Morrison are combining art with mindfulness to create a powerhouse of puzzles Rewa Walters and Sophie Morrison had always wanted to start a business together, but the only question was what. “We wanted to do something that had social impact, something that made a difference or something that supported other Kiwis,” […]
Advertisement
Blue wooden chair surrounded by vibrant, multicolored flowers in a garden setting.

The garden tasks to do as the days get warmer

It’s time to plant some summer-loving crops as the days become warmer and there are more hours to spend in the garden To do November is a busy month in the garden. Spring is in full fury. At no other time of year are the greens so bright and the flowers so fresh. Amongst all […]
Child reading on bed with forest-themed wallpaper, plush blanket, and decorative canopy.

9 storage ideas that will prevent toys taking over the house

Store your kids’ toys easily and effectively with these genius solutions The idea of keeping a house in order takes on a whole new meaning if you have kids. If you don’t have adequate toy solutions in place, it won’t be long before playthings, sports equipment, school bags and Lego are taking over the entire […]
Homes to Love Australia
Luxurious living room with mustard velvet chairs, gray sofa, glass coffee table, geometric wall art, and a potted plant.

How to choose the right rug for a room

We lay down the ground rules on how to pick the perfect rug for every room in your home A rug can make or break a room, but getting it right isn’t always easy, especially when you’re shopping for a rug online. If you can’t try before you buy, it’s essential to get the exact […]
Homes to Love Australia
Advertisement
Abstract wall art with layered shapes in green, orange, yellow, black, and white on a white background.

How to create your own abstract wall art

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 […]
Home office with a wooden desk, computer, beige chair, gold lamp, and potted plants on shelves above.

How to organise and hide charging cords

Interior designer, James Treble, shares his tips to help you control the clutter of connectivity. We live in exciting times with the latest technology at our fingertips, but most of these amazing gadgets also come with wires, chargers and storage cases. When you multiply all these by the number of members in your family, the […]
Homes to Love Australia
Woman in striped shirt and black pants holds mug, standing by yellow door with black-and-white wreath.

The first 2023 Resene Colour Home Awards finalist created a striking porch

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 […]
Advertisement
Modern bathroom with teal cabinet, round basin, large wall mirror, and small vases on a checkered floor.

12 tips to help you maximise a small bathroom

You can turn a small space into a beautiful bathroom if you employ some clever trickery… Making a small bathroom both functional and stylish can be a challenge. But it’s definitely not impossible! There are a few fail-safe tricks that will help maximise a tight space, trick the eye and give the illusion of scale […]
Homes to Love Australia
A woman in a floral dress sits on a cushioned bench holding a mug, with a round mirror and woven baskets nearby.

The fourth Resene Small Room Awards finalist creates a cosy hallway

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 […]
Modern kitchen with large windows, white cabinets, open shelves, dining table, and bar stools on a polished concrete floor.

How to decide whether to add an extension or sell your home

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: […]
Advertisement
Eggplant growing on a plant surrounded by green leaves in bright sunlight.

The garden tasks to do as the weather warms up

Set up a seedling exchange, what to plant this month for a good harvest, shade-loving edibles and cool water tanks Sow and swap October means one thing to New Zealand’s edible gardeners – tomatoes. Their seeds may be sown under cover now. For variety, and to extend production, why not get together with like-minded friends, […]
Young tomato seedlings growing in white cups on a windowsill.

How to: Vegetable gardening in small spaces

As the price of getting your five-plus a day sky rockets, it pays to know size isn’t everything when it comes to growing your own incredible edibles On balconies, storeys off the ground, in pocket-sized townhouse courtyards, in narrow strips along suburban drives or slender window ledges, vegetables are being grown. This is a pastime […]
Enter if you dare: how to set the scene for Halloween

Enter if you dare: how to set the scene for Halloween

Set a spooky scene for trick-or-treaters this Halloween with these bats and pillar candle holders You will need: 45cm thick dowel rods Tape measure Hand saw, skill saw or drop saw to cut dowel rods Drill Drill bits – 3mm to start holes and a large one to match the candle size Hot-glue gun Hot-glue […]
Advertisement
Bright and airy laundry room with light blue cabinets, washing machines, shelving, and a large window.

Laundry storage solutions: baskets, shelving, racks and more

Cluttered laundry? Get organised with these tips Despite being shrines to cleanliness, laundries often become cluttered with cleaning products, piles of clothing and other household paraphernalia. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a spacious laundry where you can wash, dry, fold and store all your cleaning essentials, or a compact European-style laundry that houses only […]
Homes to Love Australia
How to make clay pinch pots

How to make clay pinch pots

Bowl everyone over with your creativity and keep things tidy with these hand-crafted clay containers These sweet, little rustic pinch bowls are easy to make and come in handy for holding all kinds of things. I love their forgiving, imperfect form and the many possibilities for creativity. I also find the making process to be […]
Woman in white dress smiling, sitting at a table with framed family photo and cozy decor items in a bright room.

Meet the Tauranga woman making nurseries beautiful

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 & […]
Advertisement
Modern kitchen with dark cabinets, open shelves displaying ceramics, and a patterned black-and-white tile floor.

Kitchen cleaning checklist: 6 tasks to tackle this weekend

Whip your kitchen into shape with this essential kitchen cleaning checklist. We all love the idea of coming home to a perfectly clean kitchen, but the reality is, taking the time to properly give the heart of your home a thorough clean can be such a chore. To help you get through it, we’ve pulled […]
Homes to Love Australia
Cozy living room with a gray sofa, patterned cushions, coffee table, and large windows overlooking greenery.

8 ways to improve your indoor air quality

Simple ways to minimise toxins and improve the air quality inside your home. You’ve vacuumed the floor, wiped down every surface and scattered the cushions just so. But does clean and tidy equal healthy? Not necessarily. Toxins in the home can come from carpet, furniture, walls, air fresheners, and myriad other sources. Natural causes that […]
Homes to Love Australia
Advertisement
Cozy pink kids' room with colorful pillows, plush toys, and a wall tapestry of a tiger. Beige chair and round rug.

How to create a safari themed kids bedroom

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 […]
Fresh beets with vibrant red stems and lush green leaves.

Take a step towards your spring garden with these chores

After a hard winter, the season of growth has finally arrived September 1 is the official start of spring, the season of rejuvenation when it feels like nature has given us the go-ahead to get out into the garden, sowing and planting. But patience is prudent in all but the warmest parts of the country. […]
Advertisement
Cozy bedroom with white bedding, wooden headboard, leafy vase on nightstand, ceramic jar, and open book on bed.

5 reasons to make your bed every morning

Love it or hate it, this simple chore can have a surprisingly positive impact on your life. It may sound tedious but making your bed every morning sets you up for the day to come. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of a stylish bed dressed with carefully-selected and colour-coordinated bed linen, not only does it promote […]
Homes to Love Australia
Potted herbs on a wooden ladder against a textured white wall, with sunlight highlighting the greenery.

We answer your gardening and plant questions

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 modern room with a circular abstract artwork on the wall, bench with cushions, and a wicker basket on the floor.

Underfloor heating: how to choose the right type for your home

Keep cold feed at bay with clever underfloor heating throughout your home with these top tips. There’s nothing worse than slipping out of a cosy bed or sofa in the middle of winter and feeling the intense shock of a freezing cold floor as you put your feet on the ground. Short of installing carpets […]
Homes to Love Australia
Advertisement
Floral patterned bed with beige and white tones, matching pillows, wooden nightstand, and decorative vases.

How to easily transform your room for spring

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 […]