Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Your Home and Garden

I’m one of the jammy people who is taking those three days off between Easter and Anzac Day to get 10 days. Instead of going away or eating as many hot cross buns as humanly possible, I’ll be using the time to paint over my pink entrance with white paint. Depending on your stance on coloured walls versus white, this will either be a travesty or a triumph. My reasons for doing this are: a) the colour was never that exact Marrakech shade I was after; b) I’m bored with it; c) I’m hoping to sell later this year and that blank canvas vibe will be all-important. So, our white story on page 76 is timely. I’m taking this opportunity to pare back the space and go for what writer…

SHELVING GOODNESS Storage space can be functional and pretty. If you need a home for your linen, towels, or extra bits and pieces, the Nora Multi Function storage unit is a stylish household addition. $2299, from freedomfurniture.co.nz WIGGLE ME THIS This Formantics Yellow Wiggle vessel is a statement piece with or without flowers. $149, from wonderroom.co.nz FOOTBALL FANATIC A neat addition to a rumpus room or den. Fine Little Day soccer cushion cover. $115, from boltofcloth.com BITS AND PIECES Gather around the table and have a no-phones evening with this The World of Oscar Wilde jigsaw puzzle. $45.90, from villagebookshop.co.nz BAG OF FUN IT’S A BAG OF CHIPS BUT IN PLATTER FORM. THE CHIPS THEMSELVES ARE DIP BOWLS AND WE’RE OBSESSED. $39.99, FROM COTTONON. COM/NZ/TYPO LOUNGE ABOUT The Sashka swivel…

The outdoor coffee table and lamp is by Jardin and the pool is by Morgan Pools. LOUNGE ABOUT Homely details such as the comfortable King Living chaise sofa and the Designers Collection coffee table and ottoman appeal to Ketiesha, who describes her style as “traditional with an edge”. GATHER HERE Ketiesha had entertaining front of mind when she designed the kitchen layout. “The kitchen bar allows me to prep while talking to friends – and I can hide the worst of the mess in the scullery.” home profile MEET & GREET Ketiesha Excell Elliott (residential real estate agent) and Frank Excell (residential real estate agent) and Bruce the Jack Russell terrier. THE PROPERTY Four-bedroom, three-bathroom 1920s stucco Arts and Crafts-era home with three living rooms in Mt Eden, Auckland. The…

SMALL BUT PERFECT (opposite and this page) The deck in front of the house works like an extra room for Caroline, Gerald, Paul and baby Jakob (pictured right). The leather and steel chair and the burnt cedar coffee table are by Andreas Mayr Kondrak, the sculptures by Walter Moroder and the filikli rugs from Altai Gallery. home profile MEET & GREET Gerald (cabinetmaker) and Caroline (marketing manager) and their children, Paul, three, and Jakob, four months. THE PROPERTY Energy-efficient 35sqm contemporary alpine cabin near Ortisei, Northern Italy. Trying to spot Caroline and Gerald’s house amongst the dense vegetation of firs and larches just above Ortisei, a picturesque village in the heart of the Dolomites in Val Gardena, is a difficult task – even with Google Maps. Leaving the main road,…

MODERN CURVES Textural touches such as this Madeleine Blanchfield Organic coffee table, steel-framed Simon James Design Miller sofa, glass Soda table and bespoke Z sofa add depth and softness to this room. For a fundamental neutral, white can be surprisingly controversial. It is seen as stark and sterile, impractical, boring and the fallback choice of the indecisive. But it can also be bold and striking, or serene and sophisticated. It can be warm and welcoming – even family-friendly. Scandi-style interiors are a masterclass in liveable whites, striking the right balance between clean lines and layering, neutrality and texture, and thoughtfully curated spaces that stop short of minimalism. Learn from the masters, then wear white your own way. Nail the white look The diverse opinions on white are unsurprising, given the…

home profile MEET & GREET Jessica (content producer) and Mike Kraus (construction foreman) and their four sons Arlo, Leon, Rex and Hayes. THE PROPERTY 148sqm 1960s California ranch house renovated and rebuilt by Mike during weekends and after work. DINING The antique buffet topped with quartz doubles as a second prep space and beverage bar. The statement piece works well with the Scandiinspired oak chairs, which Mike fished out of a rubbish skip at a work site. Jessica Kraus and her husband, Mike, found their dreamy 1960s San Clemente ranch home just a mile from the Pacific Ocean in California, and renovated it to encompass a vibe of coastal ease. The family’s design journey began when they acquired the property, recognising its hidden potential despite its unassuming facade. “We bought…

Medical herbalist Ali Sutherland lives in Ōtaki Gorge, where she grows medicinal plants in her garden and transforms them into medicine in her cottage. Ali enjoys sharing her knowledge of the healing energy of plants in her workshops, provides personal consultations and conducts health retreats. What is herbal medicine and how does it work? Plants and humans have a long history of reciprocal relationships. We share our breath cycle and receive shelter, warmth, food and medicine from plants. Herbal medicine is the use of this ancient craft of growing, harvesting and creating medicine to keep us healthy and vital. Modern herbalist practice involves a solid understanding of how plant medicine works in the body and how to use it effectively. This also means knowing the interactions between herbs and pharmaceutical…

Easy bunny blondie MAKES 20 INGREDIENTS 125g butter, chopped ½ cup caster sugar ¼ cup milk 250g white chocolate, chopped 2 eggs, beaten lightly ¾ cup plain flour ¾ cup self-raising flour 1⁄3 cup rainbow sprinkles 24 white chocolate melts Black and red writing icing 2 tsp blue coloured sprinkles WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE ½ cup cream 350g white chocolate, chopped finely 1 For the White Chocolate Ganache, bring cream just to the boil in a small saucepan; remove pan from heat. Add chocolate to hot cream; stand for 3 minutes, and then stir until smooth. Cool mixture to room temperature or until it is of a spreading consistency. 2 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm x 30cm slice pan; line base and long sides with baking paper, extending…

EDITOR Fiona Hawtin ART & EDITORIAL Content producer Bryony Ammonds-Smith Art director Nicola Feeney Chief sub-editor Michelle Joe  Garden editor Mary Lovell-Smith  Senior designers Hayley Pearce, Béla Trussell-Cullen  Designers Anna Pétursdóttir, Debby Wei CONTRIBUTORS  Monique Balvert-O’Connor, Jane Binsley, Bureaux, Cheryl Carr, Eleanor Cripps, Gina Fabish, Debbie Harrison, Camille Khouri, Matt Klitscher, Living Inside, Babiche Martens, Rachael McKenna, Leanne Moore/Cave, Lauren Olive, Hannah Puechmarin, Shelley Tustin, Rachel White ADVERTISING | CORPORATE  Sales director Claire Chisholm  Senior commercial brand manager Angela Wei, angela.wei@aremedia.co.nz Senior account managers Chloe Jordan, chloe.jordan@aremedia.co.nz; Amy Madden amy.madden@aremedia.co.nz Account manager Sara Grace Aldis saragrace.aldis@aremedia.co.nz Classified sales Kim Chapman, classifieds@xtra.co.nz Head of digital Melissa Walsh  Senior digital content producer Katie Delany  E-Commerce/shopping editor Sarah Templeton EXECUTIVE  Chief executive officer Jane Huxley  General manager Stuart Dick  Editorial director Sarah Henry  Distributor…

ENTRANCE Izzy the golden retriever greets visitors on the path, which is landscaped with nandina, buxus, rosemary and a sculptural, cloud-pruned pine bonsai. If a gang of talented Dunedin tradies needed an incentive to finish a renovation project smartly, Courtney Henderson provided it. Well, Courtney and her newborn son Otis. Courtney and husband Mark Todd laugh about it now, but back then there was a little bit of pressure thanks to a little guy. “Halfway through my pregnancy with Otis, we decided we wanted a bigger home, so we started looking around. But the options weren’t in our favour,” says Courtney. “So, we decided to make our home bigger and renovate.” The renovations were speedily tackled over three months. “At the end, I was in hospital with our baby while…

KITCHEN Treasured family heirlooms include vintage scales, tea tins and a handwritten cookbook. “If I can source something secondhand or use a family heirloom, I will always choose that over a trending item.” SITTING PRETTY The light, bright sitting room features a daybed gifted by friends, floral cushions and a striped bolster, both from Bonnie and Neil, vintage artworks and an eye-catching mounted deer’s head, which Sebastian bought secondhand years ago. The original casement windows were restored by Lucy by hand and finished with layers of Dulux Pre School. FLOOF IN FRAME Rosie, the family’s resident pooch, strikes a happy pose in the lounge. OPEN DOOR The delicate Borastapeter Lilacs wallpaper, decorative security door and the leadlights in the black door add charm to the entranceway. home profile MEET &…

It’s minimalist, natural and sophisticated. That’s Scandi cool. With a few tweaks, the aesthetic that has infiltrated much of the world of interior design can be easily applied to your garden. Ironically, its apparent effortless simplicity is often a product of an informed complexity, a happy marriage of function, logic, creativity and materials. COLOUR ME UP In the northern regions, around the fiords of Norway and the rocky coasts of Iceland, where the winters are the longest and coldest, summer’s colourfully planted window boxes bring respite from the greys and whites of the land and skyscapes. The seedlings of the bright and cheerful annuals are planted in spring. GET THE LOOK: Plant bright annuals in window boxes. CONSIDER: Petunias, pansies, lobelia, bedding salvia and verbena. Perennially popular potted pelargoniums do…

Tikka paneer kebabs with cucumber raita MAKES 8 INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp tandoori spice mix 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cups Greek yoghurt 1½ Tbsp lime juice 600g paneer, cut into 3cm cubes 1 medium red onion, cut into 3cm pieces 1 medium red capsicum, cut into 3cm pieces 1 medium green capsicum, cut into 3 cm pieces 8 metal or bamboo skewers Olive oil cooking spray CUCUMBER RAITA 1 Lebanese cucumber, grated coarsely ½ tsp ground cumin 1 Tbsp finely chopped mint leaves 1 Preheat a 7-litre air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. 2 Combine tandoori spice mix, oil, garlic, half the yoghurt and 1 tablespoon of the lime juice in a large bowl; season. Add paneer, onion and capsicums; toss gently to coat, keeping…

WE LOVE Wooden chopping boards are an underrated decor staple. @lisaspollock This bedroom is adorable. We can’t get enough of the bedframe. @pearsonandprojects PODCAST OF THE MONTH The Good Oil has fascinating conversations with painters across Aotearoa. CONNECT WITH US We love seeing images from our #yourhomeandgarden community. @yourhomeandgarden TOP INSTAGRAM POST Followers went mad for this colourful retro kitchen. @yourhomeandgarden TRENDING ONLINE This villa went a wee bit viral on our website. yourhomeandgarden.co.nz Instagram @yourhomeandgarden| Facebook facebook.com/yourhomegarden | Website yourhomeandgarden.co.nz | Pinterest yourhomegarden…

SITTING ROOM Homeowners Jono and Sophie fell in love with the villa’s ornate details, sash windows and high ceilings. “We have kept all of the original heritage features, as these are the most impressive and beautiful aspects of the house.” home profile MEET & GREET Jono Taylor (Intensive care consultant) and Sophie Henderson (principal researcher at MBIE), their son Atticus (seven months) and springer spaniel Labrador retriever cross Luna. THE PROPERTY A century-old traditional New Zealand villa with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library/study, kitchen/ dining area, living room and laundry. HALLWAY The kauri flooring is original to the house. Resene Full White Pointer was used in this area, as well as the main bedroom and Atticus’ room. This archway and the wooden door to the kitchen/dining area are two…

COME CLEAN The bathroom is fast becoming our very own wellness spa. 1 ORGANIC MATERIALS Interior designer Lucy Sargent says the biggest trend in New Zealand bathrooms is the continued rise of organic textures and colours. “In 2025, we’re seeing a shift towards materials like travertine, aged or living metals, timber accents, 3D tiles and intricately detailed vanity panels. Timber remains a timeless choice for vanities, adding warmth and texture to bathrooms, and statement marble and natural stone are also in demand, lending a luxurious, high-end feel.” 1 Artstone travertine tile in beige, $56 (per sqm), from Toptile Bathrooms. 2 Atelis concrete basin, $571.90, from Abi Interiors. 3 Ned Collections Bay tray, $65, from Flux Boutique. 2 PLASTER WALLS AND FLOORS As part of this organic mood, plaster wall finishes…

+ Make the most of the space you do have by decluttering and reorganising your vanity. Start by taking everything out, then go through and check the expiry dates on all your toiletries and medications, biffing anything that’s out of date. You’ll be surprised at how much less you need to find room for. Now group things by use or by frequency of use. Put items you use every day in the top drawer or shelf and tuck occasional items at the back of the lowest cupboard or, if you prefer, keep all your skin products together and all your hair gear together. Keep cleaning products in a separate tub or caddy. + If you have cupboards rather than drawers in your vanity, investigate the many clever insert systems that…

Bunny ears Make flowery ears and turn polystyrene eggs into cute bunnies. Difficulty: medium Time: 24 hours + Dip polystyrene eggs, which you can buy at craft stores, into a mixture of 2 parts plaster of Paris to 1 part water, and then put them aside to dry. TIP: The easiest way to do this is to press a thin wire through each polystyrene egg before dipping it in the plaster. + Hang the eggs using the wire to make a handle over a plastic bucket until they are dry. + For the ears, place dried flowers between two sheets of wax paper, waxy sides together, and iron them so the wax melts and they fuse to each other. Wait until the paper is cool and the wax has set…

Chores There might be less daylight in autumn, but the workload for gardeners does not ease off correspondingly, with planting of shrubs, trees, dividing and replanting perennials among the many chores that need to be done. FIRE UP THE BEANS Work a generous dressing of wood ash into the soil where you are to grow broad beans, then again at flowering. This will help prevent chocolate spot and rust, two potentially destructive fungal diseases that thrive in warm humid conditions. As the damage is exacerbated by crowding, place pods about 20cm apart in blocks rather than rows. Beetroot, carrots, coriander, lettuce, parsnip, pak choy, peas, radish, rocket, silver beet and spinach may also be sown directly into the garden while brassica seedlings, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale can…

IN THE HOME Jen mostly paints with acrylic but loves experimenting with mediums that complement the bold layers of acrylic. She’s also open to trying new styles. “I think the next medium on my list will be beautifully intense, high-colour inks.” If you’re a fan of New Zealand art, chances are you’ve already seen Jen Sievers’ abstract landscapes. From Bukit Cinta in Bali to Matauri Bay in Northland, her paintings take you around the globe in pastel hues. She carefully balances nature, abstract and colour throughout her portfolio. It’s no wonder her art is coveted by so many. Tell us about your creative journey. I always wanted to be an artist. In my teens, sensible and well-meaning adults convinced me that being an artist wasn’t really a job and that…