Vayle Hammond 1/07/2026 9:09am
From social hubs to baking marathons, lightning-fast lunchbox prep, and elicit midnight fridge raids, the kitchen is where it all happens – it’s a space where we entertain, prepare, clean, and even unwind. It’s long been known as the heart of the home, and given we spend thousands of hours there every year, it comes as no surprise that it’s also the most renovated room in New Zealand homes – both for personal enjoyment, and for resale value.
While a full kitchen renovation can take months (and tens of thousands of dollars) to complete, a DIY revamp can quickly transform this busy space both aesthetically and functionally, without draining your savings. Here’s why kitchens matter, a look into top trends for ’26, ten ideas for a DIY transformation, and where to focus your efforts for resale. Read post »
Vayle Hammond 23/03/2026 7:07am
The era of beige-on-beige is fading, with neutral homes making way for personality-packed interiors – and this isn’t just a trend. It’s a movement. Homeowners and interior designers are embracing design rebellion – a playful, rule-breaking shift towards interiors where your personality is encouraged to shine through. Here, we break down the why and how behind the design rebellion uprising and how you can start creating a home that feels lived in, loved, and unmistakably you.
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Vayle Hammond 17/02/2026 8:08am
After a whirlwind of festive catch-ups, indulgent meals, late nights, well-earned downtime, and the mad dash back to school, it’s finally time to get back to business and stuck into the year ahead. And let’s face it, February can feel like an absolute reality check – there’s work, life admin, daily routines and of course that lofty list of goals you left in your beach bag. But as the to-do lists grow, the inbox fills, and the everyday grind creeps back in, the new year spark can fade – fast. The key to keeping the momentum going? Let’s find out
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Vayle Hammond 8/12/2025 6:06am
Moving house in December? You’re not the only one – summer is New Zealand’s peak moving season, with many of us dreaming of spending Christmas in our new homes. If you're tackling a pre-Christmas move, it pays to be organised early, prepared with some essentials and keep it merry. Here, we unpack 10 clever moving house tips to help you through this monumental task with your festive cheer intact!
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Vayle Hammond 10/11/2025 10:10am
There’s a timeless appeal to owning a holiday home – whether it comes with sun-kissed skin by the coast or a glass of red by the fire in the countryside. Beyond the lifestyle perks, properties in sought-after holiday home hotspots can also make a wise investment. Here, we explore the key benefits and considerations, alongside practical tips to help you balance strategy with emotion when finding the perfect holiday home.
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Vayle Hammond 13/10/2025 10:10am
Mental Health Week 2025 reminds us that our workplaces and our communities shape wellbeing, but mental health is also shaped by the place we spend most of our time – our homes. The space we live in can influence our mood, stress levels, and the quality of our sleep. All of which have a significant effect on our mental health. Here, we explore simple tips – from decluttering to creating digital-free zones – to create a home that better supports our mental health.
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Vayle Hammond 9/09/2025 9:09am
Between the home reno shows, the dedicated Instagram accounts, and the abundance of TikTok hacks, home reno fever is real – and for good reason. Whether you're staying put in your home or prepping to sell, small and affordable DIY updates can increase your home's value, ramp up its appeal, and boost comfort too. With spring incoming, it’s the perfect time to get stuck in with 11 of our favourite ideas to elevate your home – both inside and out. Ready to roll up your sleeves?
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Vayle Hammond 13/08/2025 10:10am
With spring just around the corner, a fresh energy fills the air, promoting fresh starts, clutter-free spaces, and a bit of a seasonal reset within your home. From simple home improvements that embrace mindful design, creating smart storage zones or implementing tidy-as-you-go practices, this guide will help you refresh your space – whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply to enjoy a more organised, inviting home more this spring.
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Vayle Hammond 30/07/2025 8:08am
If, like most people, you are already in need of a fresh start and haven’t quite reached some of the goals you set out to achieve when the clock struck 12 on New Year’s, then you’re in luck, because you’ve got a chance for a redo - the new financial year is upon us, and it’s a great opportunity to reset! Whether it’s goals that’ve slipped by the wayside or fresh thinking, take this time to reevaluate the all-important balance of how your financial goals fit in with your life goals. Here are 11 tips to help you start strong this financial year.
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