Is the hot weather getting to you? Check out these fan-tastic solutions to beat the summer heat.

Tracey Finch’s love of a long, hot Kiwi summer is present in all her work

Entering a new life chapter inspired a family’s move to a simpler, less laborious way of living in a cedar-clad black houseThe 1990s home was extensively renovated and reclad in black-stained cedar. Home Profile Meet & greet: Maree (founder of skincare company Evre) and Brad Glading (research and insight manager), children Frankie, 14, and Louie, […]

Beach towels to help you soak up the sun and surf These beach towels will ensure you are the most stylish person on the beach or at the pool.

Simplicity is the key to truly enjoying the season. Meals are pared back, thrown-together and make the most of fresh, seasonal flavours Summer, glorious summer. It’s the season many of us love most. From sunrise to sunset, we get to spend long days outside enjoying the fresh air and precious sunshine. I can’t help but […]

Protect against the sun’s rays in style with these umbrellas. With temperatures soaring across New Zealand, it’s more important than ever to be sun smart – do it in style with one of these umbrellas. Tassel umbrella around $123, from Weekend Essentials. Holiday beach umbrella in vintage gold, $269.99, from A&C Homestore. Holiday beach umbrella […]

These summer essentials you need for a fun day on the sand.  Kiwis love spending their summer days at the beach – these essentials will ensure you’re protected from the sun, are well fed and hydrated, and have a little fun in the sun! Bestway tropical lime float, $20, from The Warehouse. Cotton child stripe […]

Every outdoor area needs a space that’s sheltered from the sun’s harsh rays. Here’s how to create the perfect shady spot Being in the garden and enjoying the sunshine is one of life’s top simple pleasures. But when the temperatures rise and the UV rays are strong, it’s a welcome relief to find a shady […]

These two summer essentials go hand in hand for a great beach set-up. Shop the best umbrella and chilly bin pairings below If you’re hitting the beach this summer you’d be loath to go without the two items essential for a day by the sea: a beach umbrella to provide the much-needed shade and a […]

Sink into slumber with these light and easy bedroom updates for the warmer months 1. Palm perfection Whether it’s a few fronds in a vase or a wallpapered feature wall, using palm leaves in your bedroom decor will put you on the fast track to summer bedroom bliss. Decorating Rattan elements such as the headboard, […]

Whether it’s for during the day or for an after-sun set-up, Alex Walls shows us how to turn a sparse patio into a summer entertaining spot There’s no need to trek for miles to find a tranquil spot at the beach or park when you can create a cosy and comfortable picnic possie in your […]

Whether they look out onto the sea, the bush or the mountains, these are the places that got us longing for a holiday. Scroll down to see some of our favourite baches featured on Homes to Love 1. Hamner Springs family getaway Christchurch architect Cymon Allfrey, principal of Christchurch-based Cymon Allfrey Architects designed this Hanmer Springs […]

By the time summer knocks on our door, we’re all going to want an outdoor living area worthy of welcoming it with open arms. Here’s how PlaceMakers can help make it happen 4 essential ways to give your outdoors a facelift for summer There’s nothing more Kiwi than firing up the barbie on a summer […]

These eight tips for selecting and buying outdoor furniture are all you need to know before you set out on your next shopping trip 7 things to remember when buying outdoor furniture 1. Remember to measure up Planning and measuring is key. Choosing your outdoor furniture can be a big investment so it’s important to have an idea […]

Whether it’s Palm Springs glamour, a chilled-out festival vibe or nostalgic fun and games, take some time to relax and enjoy the sun Poolside in Palm Springs Make like Elvis and Priscilla in a backyard oasis inspired by the sophisticated, retro style of Palm Springs. Think tropical prints, lush-leaved plants and colourful inflatables, with cocktails and […]

This picture-perfect villa provides the ultimate location for Christmas celebrations with family and friends. Discover how to recreate this look at home

With festive ducks floating in the pool and not a snowman to be seen, this home is ready for a relaxed South Pacific Christmas As one of seven kids, Alanna Haysmith knows there’s never enough room for the whole family to sit around the dining table on Christmas Day. Fortunately, her parents’ spectacular Epsom home […]

Get ready for long summer nights and al fresco dining with our style guide inspired by warm wooden tones, matte back accents, and on-trend botanicals Style your outdoor dining space with on-trend botanicals Summer and outdoor dining go hand-in-hand, so if you have the space, a dining set is a must for your outdoor area. […]

Check out Homes to Love’s list of easy jobs that will give your garden an instant boost and make it barbecue-ready, just in time for summer  How to give your garden an instant boost for summer We’ve made it through a long, tough winter and although daylight saving, spring blossom and the acid-green lace of […]

These pretty hanging bottles are so simple to make and would be perfect for an alfresco lunch, party or wedding You will need: An assortment of bottles or jars Twine Any floral stems you have to hand (we used dahlias and white roses). Instructions: Fill bottles with a small amount of water Add flowers and hang […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

A change of season is the perfect time to update your home and it may be simpler than you think With the winter weather behind us and summer coming out to play, now is the time to shift your interiors into sunshine mode. Easy-to-do seasonal updates are key to making your home fit for warm, […]

This quirky, colour-drenched home is the perfect backdrop for a fabulously festive Christmas From the street this home is fairly unremarkable. The pretty, turn-of-the-century villa painted in Resene ‘Half Villa White’ isn’t too dissimilar to many other homes on the street. However, it’s the front door, painted bright pink (Porter’s Paints ‘Carnevale’) and bearing a […]

Fiona Hugues creates a magical Kiwi Christmas at her Whitford farmhouse, surrounded by family, friends, and a collection of loveable animals.

Summer days are for entertaining guests alfresco, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen The rise of the outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens became part of modern home design by stealth. First, there was the humble barbecue, then came the fire pit to cosy up cool evenings, then the outdoor gourmet […]

Living present Cut a large square from wrapping paper. With patterned side facing up, fold paper in half in a triangle shape (keep the point at the top). Fold right corner over towards left side, keeping the top edge of the flap parallel to bottom fold. Repeat with the left side. Fold down the front […]

Summer has arrived in stores with the latest homeware ranges embodying colour, fruity shapes and shades of the sea. Here are some of favourite decor pieces of the moment

Bored with your traditional Christmas tree? Here are six creative alternatives to suit every style Photography by: Felix Forest/bauersyndication.com.au

Take a tour of the ultimate party pad in Epsom, Auckland, where styling guru Alanna ‘the Planner’ Haysmith has set the scene for a festive celebration Style secrets Who styled this home? Alanna ‘the Planner’ Haysmith, who owns Entertaining, an event management, design and hire company, and Lisa Courtney, who owns The Pretty Baker, an […]