SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY: WINTER’S SECRET TO A GREENER SUMMER GARDEN
The best time to prepare your garden for summer isn’t when the heat arrives. It’s now. From rainwater tanks and trickle irrigation to smarter planting and simple maintenance, discover how a few winter projects can keep your garden thriving while reducing your water bills. Winter may not seem like the time to think about […]
CARPET: Wool or Synthetic? Finding the right carpet for your home.
THE GREAT CARPET DEBATE A new carpet can completely change the feel of a home. It makes rooms warmer, quieter and more comfortable, while giving the whole house a fresh new look. Once you’ve settled on a colour, however, the next decision is often the biggest one. Should you choose wool or synthetic? Your choice […]
RENOVATION WARNING: SUMMER PROJECTS CAN MEAN WINTER LEAKS
Summer is typically the busiest time of year for home renovations. Dry weather, longer daylight hours, and holiday breaks make it easier to plan and complete upgrades. From new bathrooms and kitchens to decks, roofing, and joinery replacements, summer feels like the ideal window to improve a home. But while summer is when work gets […]
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 […]
Expert Insights with Rarebirds Interiors: Why Interior Design is About More Than Just Style
Welcome to our Home Show Expert Series, where we chat with industry leaders to uncover trusted, stylish, and practical advice for anyone building, renovating, or refreshing their home. This week, we sat down with Kelly Gammie of Rarebirds Interiors—a creative powerhouse whose passion for design shines through every project. With over twenty five years of […]
Save Money – and Your Marriage
When it comes to home renovations, it’s not just your budget at risk – it could be your relationship too. That’s why engaging an interior designer from the outset isn’t just smart, it’s essential. “Designers should really take a few psychology papers,” laughs Kelly Gammie of Rarebirds Interiors. “We’re not just helping clients choose fittings […]
Design Now, Install Later — Plan Your Dream Kitchen This Winter
Want your new kitchen ready by Christmas? July is the perfect time to get started. We talk to Kitchen Studio’s Paul Collins about why now is ideal for planning layouts, gathering quotes, and finalising your appliance wish list — before the timelines tighten… If you’re dreaming of a brand-new kitchen by summer, winter is […]
Bathrooms: Add warmth and a spa-like feel
For the ultimate home-spa experience this winter, it’s all about radiant heat. Discover how underfloor heating, demisting mirrors, and heated towel rails are transforming Kiwi bathrooms. Find out more here… There’s nothing quite like stepping into a warm, mist-free bathroom on a winter morning—and it’s easier than ever to create that mini-spa experience at home. […]
Matariki Long Weekend: Embracing Togetherness with Meals, Activities, and Renovation Projects
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time to connect with loved ones, reflect on the past, and enjoy quality time together. During the Matariki long weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories with friends and family. In this blog, we explore the joy of spending time together during Matariki by sharing […]
2023 Interior Design Trends New Zealand
As we enter a new year, it’s exciting to see what 2023 interior design trends will be popular; this year and into the future. For New Zealand, we can expect to see a mix of natural materials, earthy colours, and an emphasis on sustainability. Here are a few specific trends to keep an eye on […]