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The view from here
14 Apr 2026
Many of us will have a mental picture of our ‘dream house’ including, of course, the dream location. This may be informed by cherished memories of childhood holidays or by…
A celebration of colour with the latest Resene Total Colour Awards 2026
27 Mar 2026
The 16th annual Resene Total Colour Awards ceremony was held in Auckland last night, celebrating a diverse and colourful range of commercial, public and residential projects from across New Zealand…
Michelle’s cosy living room makeover
12 Nov 2025
When Michelle and her husband moved from the North Island to the South, their goal was to create a home that reflected their new surroundings. Their inspiration behind the Resene…
NZ RealReveals week five: Carla and TJ’s stylish lounge reveal
30 Oct 2025
Week five of NZRealReveals has just wrapped up and Carla and TJ definitely turned up the heat with this one! With incredible bones, their living room still needed some TLC,…
NZRealReveals week three: Now this is lounge inspiration!
16 Oct 2025
Wrapping up week three of NZRealReveals we are in awe of what Micah and Blondie have achieved in their living room. As with most older homes, there was definitely some…
Ultra bold, ultra chic: Why ultramarine blues continue to captivate
15 Sep 2025
In design, there are certain colours that assert themselves as perennially compelling – and humanity’s love for deep, rich ultramarine blues goes back centuries. Authentic ultramarine pigment is made from…
Favourite finds: Our top picks for a mid-century design at home
19 Aug 2025
Favourite Finds is back to showcase the best in home design with a curated selection of products to help you craft the perfect décor look for your home. This month’s…
A building that breathes Whakapapa
14 Aug 2025
On a somewhat challenging site in Rotorua, a new kind of counselling centre has quietly taken shape. Purposeful, poetic and culturally grounded, the Manaaki Ora facility was not designed to…
Meet Crankiepants from NZ RenoTok
08 Jul 2025
NZ RenoTok’s season one was a smash hit! Over an exhilarating six-week TikTok Live series, four creator‑led teams took on renovation challenges streaming live to the DIY community. Racking up over 24 million…
Behind the scenes of NZ RenoTok with Brad and Alex
02 Jul 2025
Over an exciting six-week TikTok Live series, NZ RenoTok’s season one was a roaring success, seeing four creator‑led teams taking on renovation challenges that wowed their audience.
Streaming live to the DIY…
NZ RenoTok’s second project reveal
24 Jun 2025
NZ RenoTok’s season one was a smash hit! Over an exhilarating six-week TikTok Live series, four creator‑led teams took on renovation challenges in the season one hit of NZ RenoTok.
Streaming live to…
Magnificent mountain views: This first-prize home in Wānaka could be all yours
19 Jun 2025
Imagine watching a sunset over the summit of Mount Roy from the comfort of your own garden. With this modern three-bedroom, Resene-decorated home that is mere minutes from the lake’s…
Heather’s triple blue bathroom makeover and colourful home
22 May 2025
When Heather and her family moved into their home a few years ago, they knew it would take some time to bring the house up to their taste. One of…
Eucalyptus: the tranquil tone that works wonders in every space
12 May 2025
In a time when our lives seem to feel more and more complicated with each passing day, paint colours that successfully balance well-being with versatility are far more than just…
How to play with black and white in home design
01 May 2025
When it comes to home design, black and white is a classic colour duo that can work wonders. It’s bold, versatile and timeless – able to suit both contemporary and…
Muted but not mundane: why ‘quietly colourful’ designs are trending and how to nail the look for your clients
14 Mar 2025
When you are trying to balance your design’s aesthetics, functionality and psychological benefits, it’s likely you’ll want and need to take a nuanced approach to colour. Unlike stark minimalism or…
Making your renos easier with Peter Wolfkamp
12 Feb 2025
NZ’s ‘Resident Builder’ Peter Wolfkamp offers his tips, tricks and expertise in his video series, I’ve Been Thinking. You can find all the latest videos on his YouTube Channel with advice for…
Turn the spotlight on your design’s best features with this trending painting technique
11 Feb 2025
If you spend any of your day interacting with social media, it might feel like you’re being bombarded by countless fleeting trends that are begging for your attention. Of course,…
Product of the month: Resene CoolColour™
11 Nov 2024
Do you want your next project to stand out with darker, more daring hues? If you’ve been hesitating because of concerns about heat absorption and unbearable summertime temperatures on the…
Reader roundup: Outdoor showers, a ‘coast’al lounge and morning rainbows
25 Sep 2024
We’ve got a great mix of projects to show you this month. We absolutely love to see what you have been up to with Resene paints, and being able to…
Win $5000 for home décor by choosing your favourite theme!
17 Sep 2024
It’s not too late to enter this amazing competition. You could win a $4,000 Décor voucher thanks to the Parnell Business Association to spend in one of the eligible participating…
Which theme would you choose? Win $5000 for home décor
11 Sep 2024
Have you entered yet? You could win a $4,000 Décor voucher thanks to the Parnell Business Association to spend in one of the eligible participating décor outlets in Parnell. Plus,…
Makeover magic: A villa kitchen that balances the classic with the modern
27 Aug 2024
Interior designer and property expert Jessica Driver and her architect husband Thomas Ward are experienced hands at house renovations, but even so, the makeover of what was then their home…
Green cuisine: This might just help you decide your next kitchen colour!
06 Aug 2024
The colour green is one of the hottest design trends, and when it comes to your kitchen, well, we might just persuade you with these designs. Two designers show the…
The Brewer's Night Inn: A masterpiece of heritage and luxury
08 Jul 2024
Located in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, The Brewer’s Night Inn in Reefton offers an exquisite retreat that transcends the ordinary. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail…
Designing for emotions: leverage colour psychology and popular Resene paint colours to maximise a space’s impact
10 Jun 2024
It should come as no surprise that colours have the ability to evoke a wide range of emotional responses. This phenomenon is rooted in both associations to colours and the…
Relax into the vibrant tones of autumn with Resene and nood
02 May 2024
With autumn’s arrival comes an invitation to unwind and indulge within the comforts of your home.
By choosing complementary paint colours and furniture you can add warmth to your interiors with…
Making an entrance with Resene Dark Knight
17 Apr 2024
Resene paints have the transformative power to turn an ordinary entryway into a breath-taking introduction to a home, as showcased in Marilyn's stunning project.
This space has undergone a remarkable makeover…
Help decide who will be crowned the Auckland Regional Art Battle Champion 2024
10 Apr 2024
The Auckland city heats saw 70+ incredible artists compete for a spot in the final - and now it’s time for YOU to decide who will be crowned the ultimate Auckland…
Find peace in Pegasus with this first-prize Heart Foundation Lottery home
31 Jan 2024
With a gorgeous lake at its centre, the growing town of Pegasus is popular with families of all shapes and sizes. Situated in north Canterbury, it is just 25km from…
The final of House Rules will leave you speechless!
26 Oct 2023
With only two teams left, after Char and Violet received the lowest score on re-do week, the fight is on to win the life-changing prize that will change one team’s…
Don’t miss Art Battle: Get charged up for another electrifying night of live, pulse-pounding art on Thursday 2nd November!
25 Oct 2023
Art Battle is the planet’s biggest live painting competition - across 60+ cities worldwide. And now it’s here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - as the artists are battling their way…
An EXPLOSIVE week on House Rules!
11 Oct 2023
It’s week five on House Rules and the teams are exhausted and in a hurry to gain as many points as they can in order to win… but we bet…
This sophisticated seaside home could be all yours!
11 Oct 2023
One of the most populated towns in the Coromandel, Whitianga, is revered for its charming harbour and resort-style living. This is why the Heart Foundation is delighted to return here…
Product of the month: Resene CoolColour™
09 Oct 2023
Do you want your next project to stand out with darker, more daring hues? If you’ve been hesitating because of concerns about heat absorption and unbearable summertime temperatures on the…
Take a look at House Rules week four results!
04 Oct 2023
The teams had it cut out for them this week as they took on Nikita and Sherwen’s home. With some interesting house rules, it will all come down to finding…
Don’t miss the first week of House Rules 2023!
14 Sep 2023
The first week of House Rules 2023 has aired, and if you love a good before and after, this is the show for you – although it’s not without its…
Thinking about refreshing your living or dining space? This project is sure to give you some inspo!
06 Sep 2023
If you’ve been thinking about renovating and refreshing your home’s living or dining space, or wondering how a designer can help you make the right colour and design choices, then…
Art Battle: Get charged up for another electrifying Thursday night of live, pulse-pounding art on Thursday 10th August!
02 Aug 2023
Art Battle is the planet’s biggest live painting competition - across 60+ cities worldwide. And now it’s here in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - as the artists battle through the heats…
The Shy Guy: An indulgent escape redefining nightclub design
31 Jul 2023
Located in Auckland city, The Shy Guy is a remarkable interior design project curated by Izzard Design. Envisioned by a group of renowned hospitality icons, this exclusive members only late…
Embrace winter luxury and create a cosy lounge with The Gas Hub
04 Jul 2023
As the colder months approach, there's nothing quite like the warmth and luxury of a gas fireplace to transform your lounge into a cosy retreat. Combined with captivating Resene paint…
Captivating views, colour, charm and comfort: This Wānaka home promises it all
29 Jun 2023
You could be the proud new owner of this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Wānaka, valued at $1.52 million, if you’re the first-prize winner of the Heart Foundation Lottery…
Crafting a colourful haven: The design journey of a lounge space
22 Jun 2023
If you’re a lover of all things colour, then this remarkable lounge will catch your eye! This space seamlessly blends art, furniture, and vibrant colours to create a unique living…
This can’t-miss colour is setting the design world on fire
09 Jun 2023
When wave after wave of stringent lockdowns forced us to spend much of our days within our own homes, there was a strong preference for design that would provide softness…
Let down your hair by the lakeside, in this stunning Taupo home
10 May 2023
Just a short walk from Lake Taupo’s stunning shoreline, this fully furnished Jennian home with charming and timeless Resene neutral paint colours is ready and waiting for a lucky winner…
Reader roundup: Beachy murals, time traveller living rooms and Resene letterboxes
15 Mar 2023
The new year brings new ideas, and our readers have been busy creating all sorts of wonders with Resene paints. From abstract paintings to moody lounges and upcycled wagons, we…
A project as colourful as it is productive
10 Mar 2023
From open spaces to more densely-packed nooks, and in vivid colours as well as calm neutrals, Generator’s new shared workspace is designed for optimal social collaboration, productivity and creativeness.
Interior design…
Magic in Mangawhai: This Heart Foundation Lottery home could be yours
15 Mar 2023
Almost half way between Auckland and Whangarei, you’ll find the gorgeous seaside town on the eastern coast of Northland, Mangawhai, and this new home. Fully furnished and expertly decorated with…
Dramatic Resene paint colours to reach for when only dark will do
10 Feb 2023
There was a time when many believed that painting a room from tip to toe in a dark hue would automatically make the space feel smaller. Luckily, that theory has…
This Heart Foundation Lottery home in Papamoa offers the best of both worlds
08 Feb 2023
Sea, sand and just a short commute from Tauranga’s centre, are just some of the attributes that Liz Halpin, Heart Foundation Lottery Operations Manager, sees as crucial to the appeal…
A love of Kiwi heritage homes lets this architect breathe new life into them, while preserving classic character
10 Oct 2022
When architect Mona Kruse Hurnen arrived in New Zealand from Scandinavia she bought with her a love of heritage buildings and character homes that has melded perfectly with New Zealand’s…
Invigorate your imagination with new trendy colours for your home
29 Sep 2022
Looking to introduce colour into your home this summer? Go boldly down the rabbit hole with Resene’s The Range fashion colours, showcased in NZ House & Garden magazine’s surrealist feature.…
Voting opens for NZ’s Tiny House Awards
10 Aug 2022
Ever wanted to peek inside a tiny home? Have a look at some impressive tiny homes across Aotearoa up for the 2022 Tiny House Awards – voting for their winners…
This impressive winning family teeny house features a stained wooden staircase
10 Aug 2022
It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…
Design made simple: Try out furniture in your own home with the new Target Furniture inspiAR feature
10 Aug 2022
Decision paralysis - we’ve all been there. That feeling when you fall in love with a piece of furniture but you’re slightly hesitant about how it will fit into your…
This impressive winning family teeny house features a wood-stained staircase
03 Aug 2022
It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…
Gently, Gently: Nearly neutral tones for projects that need a touch of colour
19 Jul 2022
The strong but silent, barely there hues might at first glance seem like they don't have as much personality as bold, richer shades.
But don't be deceived; these colours are subtle,…
Artist Alice Berry doesn’t believe in colouring in between the lines
02 Jun 2022
Alice Berry’s paintings are rarely sketched out or pre-planned. Instead, when an idea floats into her head, curves and patterns merge with colour, and she’ll reach for her Resene paints.…
Napier’s sun, sea, and stunning architecture make the chance to win this Heart Foundation Lottery home unmissable
12 May 2022
The Heart Foundation’s lottery is not only a chance to win a brand new home decorated in Resene in sought after locations, it’s a chance to win a brand new…
Reader Round Up: A delicious Resene-inspired cake and a rainbow alley
12 May 2022
Our talented readers have been busy again this month. In this round up, we see readers using Resene paints and colours to makeover fireplaces, breathe life into Chorus boxes and…
How to embrace a tonal colour palette in your home
05 May 2022
After a change in your home for winter? Tonal interiors are your answer to creating a harmonious look in any room. Think of it as your secret weapon to creating…
A look inside Christchurch artist Jane McIntosh’s home and garden
21 Apr 2022
Jane McIntosh’s passion for colour blends into every aspect of her life. An artist and gardener based in North Canterbury, her home and garden are as colourful as her works.…
Five cosy colour palettes to consider as the weather cools down
19 Apr 2022
Some may think of colour specification as something that’s done once at the beginning of a project and then expect things to stay pretty much the same for a few…
Six neutral-based colour palettes to use now
21 Mar 2022
While data shows that clients are making bolder paint colour choices than ever before – a phenomenon that’s most likely been spurred from staring at the same white walls for…
A prize worth winning – Heart Foundation Lottery House in Greytown up for grabs
19 Jan 2022
Greytown is a new location for a Heart Foundation Lottery House. This newly built, fully-furnished, first-prize home is only a few minutes’ walk from Greytown’s historic Main Street and with…
The hottest flooring trends for 2022
16 Dec 2021
Flooring with Godfrey Hirst
You’ll be floored by the latest carpet, timber laminate and vinyl sheet options from Godfrey Hirst.
Don’t ignore your floor. You might think of flooring as simply a…
Reader roundup: From a toilet fit for a Pharoah to a rainbow beach installation, our readers are a creative crowd
16 Dec 2021
‘Tis the season for creativity as our habitat readers share their ideas for adding colour about the place.
Egyptian fantasy graces a toilet fit for a Pharoah
In Peter's home the smallest…
Travel the world from the comfort of your backyard with Target Furniture
11 Nov 2021
Outdoor furniture feature with Target Furniture
A change can be as good as a holiday and with Target Furniture you can transform your patio, deck or courtyard into a staycation-worthy retreat…
Reader roundup: From intricate dollhouses and little libraries to vibrant hospital murals, our readers are taking creativity to a whole new level
11 Nov 2021
It’s amazing what wonderfully whimsical and astounding things can be created with a simple paintbrush, Resene testpot and dash of imagination. Readers from across the country have been cooking up…
Six warm blue paint colours you definitely need to know about
09 Nov 2021
As the world’s all-time favourite colour, blue is always relevant. Evocative of the sea and sky, no hue is said to be more relaxing or restful. Blue stands for integrity,…
Check out this beautiful Heart Foundation Lottery home in the Whitianga Waterways
04 Nov 2021
The Coromandel is a top destination for tourists and homeowners throughout New Zealand which is something that Liz Halpin, Lottery Operations Manager at the Heart Foundation, sees as crucial to the appeal of this location as a whole.
“The Whitianga Waterways development…
Celebrate Halloween in style with these 3 spooky décor ideas
27 Oct 2021
With the spooky season upon us, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your home from terrific to terrifying with these easy home décor ideas. We’ve got three wonderful ways to…
How to be a minimalist – and still keep things interesting with colour
27 Oct 2021
Less is certainly more when it comes to the minimalist trend, but not when it comes to colour. Gone are the days of minimalism being defined by a muted, monochrome…
Just like home: Take a peek inside Gem Adams’ rustic chic teeny house
21 Oct 2021
Elegant and sophisticated are two words you don’t expect to hear when talking about a cardboard box, yet interior designer Gem Adams’ teeny house is both. When Gem first began…
Upcycling project: Create a colourful geometric coffee table
14 Oct 2021
With the weather outside becoming more cheerful, why not brighten up your interiors as well? This geometric coffee table combines a charming collection of Resene colours with clever design to…
You won't believe the detail in Fleur Thorpe's colourful teeny house
13 Oct 2021
You could stare at Fleur Thorpe’s teeny house (order yours here) for hours. The intricacies of her work unveil themselves over time: tables made from cotton reels, cabinets fashioned from…
A resilient team pilots a turbulent project to top-flight status
11 Oct 2021
We’ve never met a design team that didn’t like a good challenge, but the group of professionals that came together to refurbish the Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge in Wellington…
Off the record: Add flair to your flooring with patterned vinyl
07 Oct 2021
Flooring ideas from Godfrey Hirst
Let’s be honest: vinyl flooring isn’t usually considered cool. But gone are the days of sticky 70s vinyl, peeling at the corners. Now, this versatile…
Off the record: Add flair to your flooring with patterned vinyl
14 Oct 2021
Flooring ideas from Godfrey Hirst
Let’s be honest: vinyl flooring isn’t usually considered cool. But gone are the days of sticky 70s vinyl, peeling at the corners. Now, this versatile…
Latest colour trends from local show homes and how to use them in your home
30 Sep 2021
Stuck for interior design inspiration or not sure what colour to paint your walls next? Look no further than these sophisticated show homes from Jennian Homes. Brimming with personality and…
Interior designer Annick Larkin transforms a cardboard box into a Japandi Chic teeny house
29 Sep 2021
There were squeals of excitement when interior designer Annick Larkin and her daughters first saw their teeny house.
“There was a blank canvas for me, a lovely little miniature size house…
Take a tour of interior designer Vanessa Nouwens' tonal teeny house
29 Sep 2021
Interior designer Vanessa Nouwens is known as the queen of tone-on-tone interior style. So it’s not surprising she put her colour skills to good use creating a cohesive teeny house (order…
Interior Designer Kate Alexander creates her colourful miniature dreamhouse
29 Sep 2021
Kate Alexander of Places and Graces used her teeny house as an opportunity to play out her interior design fantasies. This included creating colourful furniture pieces from international designers, such…
12 paint and decorating trends to design with now
13 Sep 2021
The ripple effect created by recent challenges has been hugely disruptive for decorating and design trends, given the massive interruption to global supply chains and the cancellation of significant fashion…
A new home to wine and dine your friends in: Check out this fabulous Marlborough home from the Heart Foundation Lottery
02 Sep 2021
When Liz Halpin, Lottery Operations Manager at the Heart Foundation, considers suitable locations to build Heart Foundation Lottery Homes, Blenheim stacks up as a very desirable location.
Blenheim is a beautiful…
Keep yourself busy with these DIY décor ideas for any room
30 Aug 2021
Spend an afternoon crafting and spruce up your home with these fabulous DIY ideas. DIY isn’t just limited to the shed or the kid’s craft table anymore; it’s become a…
Six highly adaptive whites and what to pair them with
06 Aug 2021
As much as we’d like to believe that white is a ‘one size fits all’ colour choice, it can actually be one of the hardest hues to specify. While Resene…
Cocktails meet hair colour in this creative student concept
06 Aug 2021
Like a good portmanteau, we love a design that combines two different ideas into one clever package – and even more so if also has a portmanteau in its name.
This…
This Reader Roundup has everything including the colourful kitchen sink
22 Jul 2021
Across the country, our readers are getting creative with colour. This collection of artists, DIYers and serial renovators prove that the sky’s the limit when it comes to working with…
Take a moment to bathe in the warmth and beauty that is He Puna Taimoana
14 Jun 2021
We can think of few better places to be on a chilly Autumn afternoon than soaking in He Puna Taimoana, the New Brighton Hot Pools. Not only is this beachside…
Refreshing renovations and radiant recycling: our readers get creative in this reader round up
03 Jun 2021
Creativity is at the fore in this vibrant reader round up. As the weather gets colder, our readers are warming things up outside with spruced up fences and colourful chairs.…
The lowdown on the iconic Hotel Ravesis’ fresh new look
13 Apr 2021
If you are one of the thousands who have already booked travel plans and happen to find yourself at Bondi Beach in a few weeks’ time, we recommend popping in…
Make your project pop with these outstanding orange-based hues
12 Apr 2021
If you’re looking for a hero hue, nothing does the trick quite like a showstopping Resene orange. In colour theory, the citrusy combination of yellow and red is considered an…
Six warming palettes that are perfect for the shift in season
15 Mar 2021
It’s tough to admit, but the tell-tale chill that signals the start of autumn is already in the air. As the weather continues to cools off, it can be a…
A restrained palette puts Trust Waikato’s dynamic architecture in the spotlight
16 Feb 2021
Thanks to the talented team at Chow:Hill Architects, Trust Waikato’s Hamilton location is far from your average community hub. Their new two-storey building hosts the organisation’s main offices on the…
Move over, Art Deco – Art Nouveau is back
26 Jan 2021
If you’ve read a design magazine or set foot inside a furniture shop sometime within the past two years, you’ve undoubtably witnessed overwhelming evidence of the resurgence of Art Deco-inspired…
How this former Waihi camp got a colourful Mexico-inspired revamp
21 Jan 2021
Accommodating colour: How this former Waihi camp became a Latin American-inspired holiday destination
Te Rau Aroha, the Anglican Church camp at Waihi Beach, was a little worn down when it caught…
Colourful locally made gifts to buy for Christmas
09 Dec 2020
Short of Christmas present inspiration? Never fear, we've gathered together our favourite colourful gift ideas from local artisans and small businesses.
Add a little magic to the garden with a forest…
It’s now easier than ever to check out Resene’s top colours
08 Dec 2020
When you’re feeling stuck for where to get started on your colour choices for a project, or to narrow down your options, it’s common for people to reach out and…
Reader Roundup November 2020 edition: upcycling, art and DIY projects that inspired us this month
26 Nov 2020
With summer just around the corner our readers have kicked into DIY-mode. Here’s just a few of the lovely home and garden projects that have caught our eye this month.
Kerbside…
These gold wallpaper designs will bathe your house in shimmer and shine
23 Sep 2020
Sister to the happy colour yellow, gold is a colour synonymous with the finer things in life. It symbolises success, magic, glitz and glamour. In your home gold can be…
A dark Lockwood gets a bright refresh in Resene Half Black White
26 Aug 2020
“It was very well, woody,” says Mallory of her Lockwood home. “Don’t get me wrong, I love wood, but the amount of it seemed to somehow absorb all the light…
These 6 charming wallpapers are the finishing touch for an elegant country-chic home
26 Aug 2020
Sitting somewhere between English charm and Parisian elegance is the comforting, but sophisticated, world of country-chic style. With panelled walls, rustic timber, modern light fittings and charming patterns, it’s a…
One outdoor patio, two striking designs
12 Aug 2020
Jeff and Kay’s achromatic outdoor patio hideaway is as enviable as they come. Designed by Studio2 Architects, it features a sheltered dining table as well as a separate lounge area…
New hospice facility leaves a lasting impression
21 Jul 2020
Te Omanga Hospice, an established palliative care facility serving the Hutt Valley community, was given a gorgeous new home coloured with a restful Resene palette. The former building, though well-loved,…
Opulence is the name of the game when it comes to these rich-looking wallpaper designs
24 Jun 2020
While some feel like look of pared down minimalism is the epitome of luxury, unless it has been executed perfectly, it can run the risk of being something much worse:…
Editor’s Picks: A nook for enjoying your favourite books
06 May 2020
With much of the world stuck at home, there has never been a better time to catch up on some of the books we’ve been meaning to get around to.…
Bring home oceans of style with these water-themed wallpaper designs
29 Apr 2020
Even if you don’t live near the ocean, the lure of the beach is undeniable. It's casual, carefree and a majestically impressive display of nature all at the same time.…
6 geometric wallpapers that will make your space sing
15 Apr 2020
Despite the often orderly appearance of geometric patterns, they can be just as useful in adding to the casual appeal of a space as they can be to building structure…
Softer than ever
09 Jul 2014
A whole new generation of fibres is making carpets softer than ever. Technological advances in carpet manufacturing mean that soft-touch solution dyed nylon (SDN) is available from entry level to…
How light affects colour
27 Apr 2015
Have you ever wondered why your stunning new dress or shirt suddenly adopts an off-putting muddy hue when you try it on in front of your bedroom mirror? Or why…
Which colour for which room?
29 Jun 2015
Some colours just don’t suit some rooms. Here’s our room-by-room guide for making the most of colour.
Living rooms are often part of open-plan spaces that link through to dining and kitchen…
LeeAnn Yare: stylist, author, store owner
06 Apr 2016
LeeAnn Yare is a powerhouse. Not only is she an interior designer, international pilot and author but also a store-owner and mother.
What do you love most about your multi-faceted life?
The…
Sallyanne’s coastal colour creation
14 Jul 2016
Interior designer Sallyanne Prudence chooses coastal colour over a more classic nautical look. She explains:
A home by the coast conjures up a particular mood – a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle, water views…
A tiny house is born
25 May 2017
As with many businesses, Tiny House Builders was borne out of personal need - to create extra income while managing director Rebecca Bartlett was on maternity leave. After much research and consultation…
Denise finds warmth and style all in one
14 Jun 2017
Winter's here and heating is in the spotlight. Here's how one homeowner found a solution to keeping her home warm and snug.
When Aucklander Denise Mischefski moved into her new home, she…
Property blog: lighten up your home this winter
25 Jul 2017
Chase away the winter blues away by fitting your house with good lighting – not only will it make your house look bigger, but it will make it feel warmer…
The Block NZ recap: Redeeming features
17 Aug 2017
For the latest room reveal on The Block NZ, the teams were given a chance to redeem themselves and do over one of their completed rooms. Taking on feedback from the…
HOMEmade: Warm and welcoming
14 Sep 2017
With great indoor outdoor flow from the deck into the lounge and dining area, this week the HOMEmade team created a second entertainment space in another family's home. The existing space…
Artist Maree creates memories
12 Oct 2017
Maree Robinson is an artist who creates special memories. Using Resene paints, she's hard at work in the lead up to Christmas, painting portraits of pets and people for clients…
Peter faces his own reno challenge
19 Oct 2017
Before returning to Three’s The Block NZ earlier this year, the show’s resident building expert Peter ‘The Wolf’ Wolfkamp spent the summer renovating his family's Auckland villa. Peter shares with us his reno diary.
We live in a traditional…
Stunning in stripes
16 Nov 2017
For the latest HOMEmade makeover, the team has turned a drab lounge into a showstopper, with stunning striped wallpaper and fresh Resene neutrals.
Taking the room out of the 70s and…
Inside a green and gorgeous makeover
30 Nov 2017
In last week’s episode of HOMEmade, colour-shy couple Ant and Erin were looking to add more colour to the home, without going over the top. In stepped Melissa and the…
All rugged up
24 May 2018
With winter approaching and the temperatures dipping, now is a great time to invest in a rug to add warmth and cosiness to your home. With all that’s on offer,…
1 lounge, 3 looks
21 Jun 2018
In every issue of habitat magazine we ask the experts to suggest an alternative scheme for one of the rooms in the featured homes. We turned to designer Clem Wallace…
Michelle goes with the flow
27 Jun 2018
At first glimpse of Michelle Adlin’s art portfolio, it’s the colour that sings out to you. Painted in a semi-abstract style, mostly using Resene paints in strong, vibrant colours, Michelle…
Colourful versus neutral interiors
16 Aug 2018
Interior designer Kate Alexander recently attended The Design Show, where she showcased two very different room styles – the first, a ‘colour meets colour’ bedroom, a little bit retro and…
Super simple ways to warm your home
30 Aug 2018
Although spring is around the corner, we still have a way to go before the weather truly warms up. Keep cosy with these simple, cost-effective tips from Spotlight, which will…
In the know: Colours they love
18 Oct 2018
Last week we looked at the colours some of our stylists are loving off the new Resene The Range fashion fandeck 20. This week, meet five more stylists and their…
HOMEmade recap: Tammy and David’s dramatic new kitchen
25 Oct 2018
After: The HOMEmade team opted for Resene Double Merino on the walls of the kitchen, to contrast nicely with the use of dark cabinetry.
David and Tammy bought their 1970s home…
HOMEmade recap: Simeon and Lorena’s super storage solutions
01 Nov 2018
Simeon and Lorena bought their 1960s weatherboard bungalow eight years ago to house themselves, their two daughters and a number of orphaned animals that come home from their vet clinic.…
HOMEmade recap: A family legacy revived
29 Nov 2018
Priscilla and Ben’s 1912 villa is part of a family legacy. The home, where the couple now live with their three children, was originally purchased by their uncle in the…
Talking to your heat pump
05 Dec 2018
No, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy. As our homes and lives get smarter, a new technology from Black Diamond Technologies means you can tell your heat pump what to do,…
HOMEmade recap: Michelle and Jeremy’s three-for-one transformation
10 Jan 2019
In the final episode of the season, the HOMEmade team found Michelle and Jeremy’s three bedroom weatherboard house stuck firmly in the 90s and in desperate need of a refresh.…
3 casual-glam looks where wallpaper is the hero
03 Apr 2019
Adding glamour to a room can be as simple as incorporating jewel tones, dramatic contrast, metallic accessories or textiles like velvet, silk and satin. But with luxe looks, a little…
Art Deco-inspired looks could not be more in right now
30 Apr 2019
With its simplified forms, daring colours and marked geometry, the Art Deco styles that were originally popular in the 1920s are currently enjoying a second youth.
Art Deco revival looks are…
Mary makes a covetable quilt
23 May 2019
Last month, the Auckland Quilt Guild held their annual Dorothy Collard Challenge, where members create a 30” x 20” quilt (or 76.2cm x 50.8cm – we’re told quilters still work…
Faux-ly convincing wallpapers
06 Jun 2019
Lusting after the look of a New York-style loft, a sumptuous leather lounge or a timber cabin? Thanks to advances in digital printing, wallpapers have become rather convincing at replicating…
One sofa, two warm winter schemes
19 Jun 2019
Sofas are a big investment – one that needs to be comfortable and flexible enough to accommodate not only your day-to-day seating needs but also when you entertain or move…
Flower power
12 Jun 2019
Wallpaper and floral patterns have gone hand-in-hand ever since the wallcovering was invented, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel old fashioned.
Smaller, simpler floral patterns or those with a…
6 colour palettes inspired by NZIFF’s upcoming films
11 Jul 2019
The New Zealand International Film Festival’s 2019 programme kicks off next week in Auckland, with over 150 films showing between 22 July – 11 August 2019, including 25 fresh from…
Diamonds are a wall’s best friend
07 Aug 2019
Interiors trends may come and go, but as the adage says, diamonds are forever.
While Marilyn Monroe may have preferred the real thing, when it comes to interior decorating, skip the…
Bring some direction to your interior scheme
27 Aug 2019
A ‘well-travelled’ look is an enviable one. It seems to carry with it a sense of metropolitan sophistication that suggests that the homeowner is somehow wise beyond their years.
If you’re…
The latest on lattice
11 Sep 2019
Intersecting geometric repeating patterns, often called ‘lattice’, are classic designs that you have likely seen before. Many of these timeless patterns have been used for hundreds of years in art…
Wayne’s remarkable lacework restorations return villas to their former glory
22 Oct 2019
Delicate and ornate, filigree lacework is one of the standout features that give old heritage villas their character and charm.
In what he refers to as a ‘retirement project’, Oamaru-based sheep…
Editor’s Picks: A lounge for an art lover
12 Nov 2019
Inspired by a recent visit to the Auckland Art Gallery for the kick off of the brand new Denmark Design exhibition, the assemblage of this month’s Editor’s Picks is a…
Infuse a bit of Eastern influence into your living space
12 Nov 2019
East-meets-west is a trend that can be woven into just about any room with ease. Clean lines, honest and natural materials and a restrained, earthy colour palette are all markers of…
Wellington Rugby builds a home for a good cause
20 Nov 2019
The tremendous power of community - and that classic Kiwi spirit of generosity - has birthed a home that offers more than just a roof over your head. The House…
6 tonal wallpaper designs that add just the right amount of texture
10 Dec 2019
Too much of a good thing ends up being a bad thing. Some wallpaper designs, while their pattern is beautiful, can overwhelm a space – especially if they have other…
7 wallpaper designs that are sure to break the ice
08 Jan 2020
Interesting wallpapers and paint treatments are an instant conversation starter and the perfect way to express your personality on your walls.
Give your visitors a reason to break the ice with…
One dining room, three beautiful ways
19 Feb 2020
The gabled dining space in Stephanie Waterhouse’s Christchurch home is a superb space. The design is a brainchild of Architect Don Jamieson and architectural graduate Joshua Dubbeld, one that is full…
Readers’ Round-up: February 2020 Edition
26 Feb 2020
Christine’s handy homemade bag holder
We love hearing about the crafty projects our readers are undertaking at home, and we were particularly impressed by Christine’s nifty bag holder.
Using three recycled Resene…
7 wallpaper designs that pay homage to our feathered friends
18 Mar 2020
There’s something charming about birds of every kind, and design-wise, they’re brilliant fodder for décor inspiration. Whether your home is country chic or minimalist and modern, you can weave in…
