Seamless Summer
With summer around the corner, now’s the time to blur the line between indoors and out. A few simple updates can turn your patio, deck, or balcony into a natural extension of your home. Read more here. Bringing the Indoors Out — Easy Updates for a Seamless Summer The first warm breeze, the longer evenings […]
Gas vs Induction: Which Cooktop Wins in Today’s Kitchen?
Gas or induction? As technology evolves and energy costs rise, the kitchen cooktop is under review. We weigh the pros and cons of both. Find out more here. Few kitchen debates get people more fired up than the choice between gas and induction. For decades, gas was considered the hallmark of a serious cook — […]
Adding Personality to your interior spaces — The Power of Pieces You Love
After years of minimalism and muted tones, interiors are becoming personal again. Homeowners are rediscovering the joy of living with things that mean something — a painting that lifts your mood, a chair you hunted down on a trip, or a handmade bowl that holds memories along with fruit. The spaces that feel most alive […]
Kitchen Sculleries — The Practical Luxury That’s Back in Style
Once a feature of grand old homes, the scullery has returned as one of the most desirable additions to a modern kitchen. In today’s open-plan layouts, where kitchens are designed to be on show, a scullery brings back something homeowners didn’t realise they were missing — a place to hide the mess, store the extras, […]
The Return of the Bath: Why Stand-Alone Tubs Are Making a Splash
Soaking in style is back. Stand-alone baths are taking centre stage in modern bathrooms, blending luxury with relaxation. Discover why bathing has become the ultimate design indulgence. Read more here. Bathroom Bliss After years of showers stealing the spotlight, the bath is making a serious comeback. Homeowners are rediscovering the simple pleasure of soaking, with […]
Spring in Auckland Planting Guide: The Perfect Growing Window
Spring in Auckland is a bit magical, isn’t it? The last of the winter chill fades away, the soil warms up, and everything seems to be waking up at once. October and November are some of the most rewarding months for planting — the days are longer, the weather is kinder, and plants establish themselves […]
Spring into a Fresh Start: How to Make Moving House Less Stressful (and Maybe Even Fun!)
Spring and summer are here — seasons of new beginnings, longer days, and, for many homeowners, the perfect time to make a move. If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market and starting a new chapter, you’re not alone. Warmer weather and a buzzing property market make these months prime moving season. And […]
2025 Colour Palettes that Calm and Inspire
Colour has a profound effect on how we feel in our homes. The right palette can soothe, energise, or inspire, shaping not only a room’s look but its atmosphere. As 2025 unfolds, designers are leaning into colours that bring calm, connection to nature, and subtle sophistication – perfect for homeowners seeking a sanctuary from the […]
Smart Appliances That Save Time and Energy
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but in 2025 it’s also becoming the hub of smart living. From connected ovens that think ahead, to fridges that reduce waste, to dishwashers that optimise water use, the newest generation of appliances is designed to work harder, faster, and smarter – so you don’t […]
Designing with Heart: Emma from Sample Workshop on Creating Homes with Personality
When it comes to creating a home that feels truly yours, Emma from Sample Workshop has a philosophy that goes far beyond trends and showroom-perfect spaces. Known for her engaging seminars at the Auckland Home Show, Emma has built a reputation as a designer who values personality, meaning, and the joy of making design accessible. […]