HB Today - Your Home & Lifestyle February 2026

Your home and lifestyle

Natureinspiresnewkitchendesigns

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n2026,NewZealandkitchensareevolvingintowarmer, moreexpressive,andhighlyfunctionalspacesthat reflectbothglobaldesignmovementsandthecountry’s uniquerelationshipwithnature.Aclearshifttoward“warm modern”interiorsisinfluencingeverythingfromcolour palettestomaterialchoices.Designersaremovingaway fromthestarkwhitesandcoolgreysofpastyears,instead embracingearthy,nature-inspiredtonessuchaswarm browns,mutedgreens,softgreys,andorganicneutrals. Thesehuescreateagroundedatmospherethatfeels relaxedandconnectedtotheoutdoors,aqualityNew Zealandersconsistentlyprioritiseintheirhomes.

Naturalmaterialscontinuetodominatekitchensacross Aotearoa.Timber,stone,quartz,andmarbleremainstaple finishes,notonlyfortheirdurabilitybutforthewarmth andauthenticitytheybringtoaspace.Whetherused inbenchtops,splashbacks,orflooring,thesematerials supportthegrowingdesireforkitchensthatfeeltactile andsensory.Manyhomeownersareoptingforslabstyle benchtopswithfewerjoins,waterfall-edgedislands,and continuoussurfacesthatclimbthewall,reinforcinga sculptural,architecturallook.

Functionalityalsotakescentrestagein2026. Thebelovedkitchenislandisbecomingevenmore indispensable,nowdesignedasamultipurposehub forprepwork,casualmeals,workingfromhome,and socialising.InNewZealand,whereindoor-outdoorflow isintegraltolifestyle,islandsoftensitwithinopen,sunlit layoutsthatblurtheboundariesbetweenkitchen,dining, andoutdoorspaces.Largewindows,skylights,andsliding orbi-folddoorsenhancethisconnection,invitingnatural lightandextendingthesenseofspace.

Storageinnovationisanotherdefiningthemeofthe year.Handle-lesscabinetry,hutch-stylecupboards, hiddenappliances,andfull-heightstoragesolutions createuncluttered,sereneenvironmentswhileoffering greaterpracticality.Minimalismisstillembraced,but withsoftness—thinkopenshelvingstyledwithcurated ceramicsorgreenery,avoidingtheclinicalfeelofearlier decades.

Smarttechnologycontinuesitssteadyrise,with touchlesstaps,app-connectedappliances,andenergyefficientlightingdesignedtosimplifydailyroutines.These updatesalignwithNewZealand’sfocusonsustainability, whichremainsadrivingforce.Manyhomeownersare choosingrecycledorresponsiblysourcedmaterials, energy-efficientappliances,andecomindedfabrication processes.Indoorplantsandnaturalfinishesfurther

reinforcebiophilicdesign,contributingtothefeelingofwell beingthatmodernKiwikitchensseektonurture.

Layeredtextures,expressivelighting,andsubtlemetallic accents-particularlygold-roundoutthe2026aesthetic, addingpersonalitywithoutoverwhelmingthecalm,naturefocusedfoundations.Whatemergesisakitchenstylethat iswarm,authentic,functional,anddistinctlyNewZealand.

Thejoyofflowers

ByChrysAyley

“It’snotjustaboutbusinessit’s aboutjoy–it’sliketherapy.”

Threeyearsago,CycloneGabrielleall butdestroyedthehomeofKristinBaylisin Meeanee,Napier.Itwas12monthsbefore thehousewasrenovated,andKristin stayedwithfriendswhiletheworktook place.

Shesaysshefellinlovewithflowers afterthecycloneandwantedtogiveback somethingtothecommunity.Sherealised therewasagapinthemarketandset aboutcreatingaflowerfarm.Shenamed ittheLittleLifestyleFlowerFarm.“Iwanted tobringcolourbackafterthecyclone,”she says.

Thefarmisupandrunningandshe’s hadabusysummerrunningpickyour ownsessionsandnumerousflower relatedactivities.There’sagreatchoice ofactivitiesrangingfrompickyourown daystobouquetarrangingworkshopsand ahowtoharvestcutflowersworkshop. Towardstheendoftheseason,she’llrun seedharvestinganddahliadiganddivide workshops.Thereareseveraloptionsfor bridesincludingweddingpackagesand privatepicks.Sherecentlyran3successful soldoutdahliacuttingsworkshopevents withaviewtoholdmore.“It’sbringingme alotofjoyseeinghappyfaceslikekidsina candyshop.”

Toreachthisstagehastakenahuge effort.Shesetaboutthetaskwithvigour andstartedcreatingthehousegardenand thenexpandedittoagardenbedwith10 dahlias.Lastyearsheplanted65dahlias andthisyearthereare900onthefarm. Sheboughtatractor,installedirrigationand raisedthousandsofseedlings.

“It’s6–7monthsofhardwork.”Butthe workwasenjoyableandanopportunity togetawayfromthecomputer:Kirstinisa graphicartist/socialmediamanagerwhen she’snottendingtotheflowers.Shedoes, however,haveseveralvoluntaryhelpers

Afieldworkshoponhowtoharvestcutflowersisonoffer.PhotobyCharlotteAnderson.

whomighttakehomeabucketofflowers aspayment!

Whiledahliasarehermaincropshe alsogrowsstatice,zinnias,strawflowers, craspedia,cosmos,scabiosaand snapdragons.Shehopestohavecalalilies forsalenextyear.

Theweatherisamajorfactorinfluencing wheneventsmaytakeplacesoKristin postsdatesonhersocialmediaaccounts. Peoplecansignupforupdatesonher website.

https://littlelifestyleflowerfarm.nz/

Painting&Paper

TransformingHomes&Spaces

ThedamagecausedbyCycloneGabrielle.

The artof letting go

Declutteringyourhousecanfeellike anoverwhelmingtask,especially whenyouaresurroundedbyyears ofaccumulatedbelongings,butitisalso oneofthemostrewardingchangesyou canmaketoyourlivingspace.Acluttered homeoftenleadstoaclutteredmind,with visualnoisemakingithardertorelaxor focus.Bytakingtimetothoughtfullyassess whatyoutrulyneed,youcreateacalmer environmentthatiseasiertoliveinand maintain.Declutteringisnotaboutstripping yourhousebare;itisaboutchoosingwhat

addsvaluetoyoureverydaylifeandletting gooftherest.

Agoodplacetostartisbytacklingone areaatatimeratherthanattempting theentirehouseinasingleweekend. Focusingonsmall,manageablespaces buildsmomentumandpreventsburnout. Manypeoplebeginwithhigh-trafficareas suchasthelivingroomorkitchen,where cluttertendstobuildupquickly.Sorting itemsintoclearcategories-thingstokeep, donate,recycle,orthrowaway-helpsyou makedecisionsefficientlyandlimitsthe

temptationtosimplymovemessfromone roomtoanother.

Wardrobesareoftenoneofthemost challengingspacestodeclutter,largely becauseclothingholdsemotionalvalue andrepresentsdifferentstagesoflife. Introducingwardrobeorganiserscanmake asignificantdifferencebothduringand afterthedeclutteringprocess.Drawer dividers,hangingshelves,andstorage boxesencourageyoutodesignateaproper homeforeachitem,makingiteasiertosee whatyouownandreducingunnecessary

duplication.Whenclothesareeasyto accessandneatlyarranged,youaremore likelytowearwhatyouhaveandlesslikely toaccumulatemorethanyouneed.

Asyouprogress,itishelpfultobehonest withyourselfabouthowoftenyouuse eachitem.Ifsomethinghasnotbeen worn,touched,orevenrememberedin thepastyear,itmaynolongerdeservea placeinyourhome.Declutteringisalsoan opportunitytoimprovehowyourspace functions.Investinginsimplestorage solutions,suchaslabelledcontainersor multi-purposefurniture,canhelpmaintain orderwithoutconstanteffort.

Beyondthephysicalbenefits, declutteringoftenbringsanemotional lift.Atidy,organisedhomecanreduce stress,savetime,andevenimprove sleep.Oncetheexcessisgone,cleaning becomesquickeranddailyroutinesfeel smoother.Declutteringyourhouseisnot aone-offprojectbutanongoinghabit. Withthoughtfulsystemslikewardrobe organisersinplaceandamindfulapproach towhatyoubringintoyourhome, maintainingaclutter-freespacebecomes farmoreachievableandsatisfying.

Thetinyhomemovement isgainingmomentum

Tinyandrelocatablehomeshave becomeadefiningthreadinNew Zealand’sevolvinghousingstory, offeringanappealingblendofaffordability, simplicityandfreedomatatimewhen traditionalhomeownershipremainsout ofreachformany.Whilethetinyhome movementhasbeengainingmomentum globally,Aotearoa’sembraceofsmall-scale livingisuniquelyshapedbyitsregulatory environment,culturalprioritiesandshifting economicpressures.Recentlegislative changeshaveplayedasignificantrolein clearingthepathformoreflexiblehousing options,makingitsignificantlyeasier forNewZealanderstobuildorsituatea compactdwellingontheirproperty.

Foryears,prospectivetinyhomeowners facedamazeofrulesthatvariedfrom counciltocouncilandoftendepended onmurkydistinctionsbetweenwhether astructurewasconsideredabuildingor avehicle.Muchoftheearlyguidance, includingthatfromtheMinistryofBusiness, InnovationandEmployment(MBIE), highlightedthattinyhomesonwheelscould betreatedaseithervehiclesorbuildings dependingonwhethertheyweremoveable andintendedforlong-termoccupation, creatinguncertaintyforcountlessbuyers andbuilders.Althoughthisguidancehelped clarifyhowtheBuildingActappliedto differenttypesoftinydwellings,itdidnot changetheunderlyinglaw,leavingmany

NewZealanderswaitingformoredecisive reforms.

Thatreformfinallyarrivedthrough severalmajorlegislativedevelopments between2024and2026.InJune2024,the governmentannouncedaproposalthat wouldallowanyonetobuildasinglestorey grannyflatortinyhomeupto60square metreswithouttheneedforbuildingor resourceconsent,doublingtheprevious exemptionlimitof30squaremetres.While thischangewouldstillrequirediscussions withlocalcouncilstoensuresitesaren’t floodproneandthatplansfordrainageand infrastructureareproperlydocumented,it markedaclearshifttowardenablingsmall

dwellingsratherthanconstrainingthem. Theproposalwoncrosspartysupportand wasexpectedtotakeeffectbymid2025, signallingabroadrecognitionoftinyhomes asapracticalsolutionwithinthewider housinglandscape.

Moreexpansivereformfollowedeven morerecently.AsofJanuary2026,the BuildingandConstruction(SmallStandaloneDwellings)AmendmentAct2025has comefullyintoeffect,allowingstandalone dwellingsupto70squaremetrestobebuilt withoutabuildingconsent.Thischangeis significant,notmerelybecauseitincreases thesizeofconsentexemptdwellings,but becauseittakesameaningfulsteptoward standardisinghowthesesmallstructures aretreatedacrossthecountry.Thenew legislationremovesasubstantialamount ofadministrativeredtape,enablingfaster installationofmodularandprefabricated unitsandopeningthedoorforbothurban andrurallandownerstoaddfullyfunctional livingspacesontheirpropertymore efficientlythaneverbefore.

Continuedonpage6

Despitethereducedpaperwork,thelaw maintainsastrongemphasisonsafetyand professionaloversight.Althoughconsents arenolongerrequiredforthesestandalone tinyhomes,buildersandownersmust stillcomplywiththeNewZealandBuilding Code,ensureproperinstallationofelectrical, waterandwastewatersystems,andnotify councilsthroughstandardprocesseslike ProjectInformationMemoranda(PIMs) whenneeded.Thisbalanceseekstocut throughdelayswithoutcompromisingthe basicperformancerequirementsthatkeep dwellingssafe,dryanddurable.

Notalltinyhomesautomaticallybenefit fromthenewlegislativelandscape, however.Forexample,theproposed consentexemptionsapplyingfromearly 2026applyonlytofixed,singlestorey structureswithsimpledesigns,permanently connectedtoessentialservicesand locatedonlandalreadycontainingaprimary dwelling.Theydonotextendtotinyhouses ontrailers,whichcontinuetooccupya legalgreyareabecausetheirclassification hingesonwhethertheyfunctionasvehicles orbuildings.Astinyhomeadvocateshave

noted,theseexemptionsofferattractive opportunitiesforlandowninghouseholds butdolittletohelpthosewhosetinyhomes aremobileorsituatedonleasedland. Thisdistinctionhasbecomeincreasingly importantasmoreNewZealandersexplore mobilelivingforbothfinancialflexibilityand lifestylereasons.

Evenforfixedtinyhomes,questions remain.Althoughthelegislationpromises toreducecostsbyeliminatingconsents, homeownersmaystillfacedevelopment contributions,serviceconnectionfeesand ongoingcouncilrequirements.Industry expertsandearlyadoptershavepointed outthat“noconsent”doesnotmean“no compliance,”aseverystructuremuststill meetbuildingcodestandardsandfollow properinstallationprocedurestoremain lawfulandsafe.Compliancecostsmay thereforeremainameaningfulfactor,but theyarenowmorepredictableandless dependentoncouncilinterpretationsthan before.

Theappealoftinyandrelocatablehomes extendsfarbeyondregulatoryincentives. FormanyNewZealanders,thesehomes representautonomy,sustainabilityanda moreintentionalwayofliving.Storiesof smallspaceliving,fromminimalistcouples toretireesseekingtodownsize,highlight alifestyleshiftrootedinenvironmental consciousnessandadesiretoescapethe burdenoflargemortgages.Newscoverage hasillustratedhowevenultracompact dwellings,sometimesassmallasafew squaremetreswithcompostingtoilets, havecapturedpublicimaginationaspart ofabroaderculturalembraceofsimple living.Relocatableunitshavealsoproven especiallyattractiveforfamilieswantingself containedspacesforextendedwhānau,for propertyinvestorsseekingpassiveincome opportunitiesandforlandownersinhigh pressurerentalmarkets.

Anotheremergingdimensionistourism.

Withtheriseofglampingandoffgrid retreats,relocatablehomeshavebecome acornerstoneofNewZealand’sboutique accommodationsector.Theirlowimpact installationandabilitytositlightlyonthe landmakethemidealforecofocused enterprises,aligningwiththecountry’s environmentalidentityandofferingnew incomeopportunitiesforrurallandowners. AsNewZealandcontinuestoface housingshortagesandaffordability challenges,tinyandrelocatablehomesare

poisedtoplayalastingroleinthenational landscape.Thegovernment’srecent legislativeupdateshavebroadenedthe possibilitiesforsmalldwellings,lowering barrierswhilestillensuringhighstandardsof constructionandsafety.Thiscombination mayhelpshifttinyhomesfromaniche movementtoamainstreamhousingoption -onethatembracespracticality,creativity andvaluesdeeplyrootedintheKiwiwayof life.

PhotographscourtesyofHouseMe.

Wall murals come of age

Wal murals have moved firmly into the mainstream in New Zealand, transforming from niche design statements into a popular choice for both residential and commercial interiors Once associated mainly with children’s bedrooms or large-scale street art, murals are now being embraced by homeowners renters, cafés, offices and retail spaces as an accessible way to add personality and visual impact

One of the biggest drivers behind the rise of wall murals is a growing desire for individuality in design As open plan living and neutral colour palettes have become more common, many New Zealanders are searching for ways to inject warmth and character without committing to major renovations Wall murals offer a high-impact solution that can completely change a space while remaining re atively cost-effective and non-permanent, particularly when compared with structura alterations or bespoke joinery

Advances in digital printing technology have also played a key role Modern wall murals are ava lable in high-resolution, fade-resistant inks on a wide range of materials that su t New Zealand homes Paste-the-wall wallpapers, peel-and-stick vinyls and removable fabric murals have made installation simpler and more renter-friendly, appealing to a younger demographic that values flexibility For commercial environments hard-wearing finishes designed to cope with moisture, sunlight and heavy use have broadened their appeal

Social media has further fuelled the trend P atforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are packed with dramatic mural-clad living rooms moody bedrooms and eye-catching hospitality spaces, inspiring homeowners to think beyond

paint In New Zealand particularly, there is strong interest in designs that reflect the natural landscape and local identity, with murals featuring native flora coastal scenes bush and abstract interpretations of land, sky and sea proving especially popular

So, what’s available? The range s extensive Nature-inspired murals remain a top choice, from oversized botanical prints and forest scenes to panoramic beaches and mountain ranges Abstract and geometric designs appeal to those seeking a more contemporary look, while textured murals that mimic concrete, linen, plaster or marble offer subtle depth without overwhelming a space For children’s rooms illustrated murals featuring anima s maps or storytelling landscapes are widely available

Custom murals are also gaining traction Many suppliers now offer bespoke designs using personal photographs, original artworks, or tailor-made patterns scaled to fit a specific wall This has become popular for feature wa ls, offices wanting branded interiors and hospitality venues looking to create a memorable atmosphere

For those who are brave enough to dabb e with paint there’s a so the option of creating a one off mural tailored to your exact specifications

Overall, wall murals are no longer seen as a bold gamble In New Zealand homes and businesses, they are increasing y viewed as a practical, expressive design tool - one that reflects a shift toward more personalised, creative interiors

Workinginharmonywith

ByChrysAyley

TuckedawayinthefoothillsofTeMataPeakliesa localtreasurethatispossiblytheBay’sbestkept secret.TurnoffTeMataRoadjustbeforeBlackBarn, drive800metrespastextensivevineyardsandcolourful gardenstoarriveattheNewZealandheadquartersof Weleda.

Hereisabeautiful,largelyuntouchedhomesteadbuilt in1904.Nearbyisashop,adispensary,afactoryand distributionfacility.Adjoiningisadelightfulvisitorgarden that’sopentothepublic.Thehomestead,theheadquarters forWeledaNZ,containstheadministrativeoffices,and ishomeoftheSophiaHealingCentrewheretwodoctors practiceintegrativemedicine.

WeledawasfoundedinSwitzerlandin1921underthe

guidanceofDrRudolphSteinerandDrItaWegman.It isbasedontheanthroposophicalprinciplesofworking withnaturenotagainstit.Weledaisnowtheworld’s largestmanufacturerofcertifiedorganiccosmeticsand anthrosophicalmedicines.

Anthroposophyexploresconnections.AtWeleda,their understandingoftheharmoniousconnectionbetween peopleandplantsenablesthemtodevelopbetternatural products.Anthroposophicmedicinetakesaholisticviewof thehumanbeingandpromotesahealthybalancebetween body,mindandspirit.

WeledawasestablishedinNewZealandin1955bya pharmacistanddoctorinAuckland.Britishpharmacist SylviaWaltersopenedthefirstWeledapharmacyat TarunainTeMataPeakRoadin1958.By1988thebusiness neededmorespace,sotheyrelocatedtothecurrentsite whichhasaninterestinghistory.

Thehousenotlongafterconstruction.

ALIFESTYLE CHANGEAWAITS INHAWKE’SBAY

Buildingahomeismorethanaproject;it’sastatementabouthowyouwanttolive.At TWHomes,wedesignwithpurpose,creatinghomesthatarebothtimelessandmodern. Everydetailisconsidered,fromflexiblelayoutstohigh-qualitymaterials,soyourhome feelsasgoodasitlooks.

WeofferhouseandlandpackagesacrossHawke’sBay,fromNapiertoHavelockNorth, givingyouthefreedomtochoosealocationanddesignthatsuitsyourlifestyle.Our teammanagestheentireprocessfromconcepttocompletionwithclarity,confidence, andcare,soyoucanenjoythejourneyasmuchasthedestination.

Whenyou’rereadytobuildahomethatreflectsyouraspirations,chooseTWHomes. BecauselifeinHawke’sBaydeservesahomethatisasexceptionalastheregionitself. Startyourjourneytodayattwhomes.co.nz ContactDebbieDudding–0273066073

Thehomestead“Swarthmoor”wasconstructedin1904 forthethirddaughteroftheChambersfamily-Margaret andherhusbandJohnHoldsworth.Margaretdiedin1926, andthepropertywassoldtoWalterMclean,abachelor.He wasakeengardenerandcreatedthefirstgardensatthe property.Mcleandiedin1943,andthehousewasbought byHerbertSutcliffe,founderoftheSchoolofRadiant Living,whousedthehomesteadastheinternational headquartersfortheschool.Thehomesteadwasknown asPeloha-anacronymforPEace,LOveandHArmony.

Theinteriorstillhasmanyoriginalfeatures.

peopleandnature

Ofthe20hectaresonly2.5haarecultivatedusing biodynamicprinciples.Thereareapproximately50staff bothparttimeandpermanent,fourcowsandseveral goats.Thecowsprovidevaluablemanurethat’susedin compostmakingwhilethegoatstakecareofweedssuch asblackberry.Thegroundsareattendedtobytwofulltime gardeners,someparttimersandoccasionalcasualworkers areemployed.

Biodynamicshasitsrootsfromaseriesoflecturesby RudolphSteinerin1924.Itrespectsthenaturalworldand itsrhythms.Soilhealthisthecornerstone:biodynamic practicesfocusonbuildingandmaintainingsoilfertility throughcomposting,covercroppingandnaturalfertilisers. Weleda’sglobalheadquartersareinSwitzerlandwith majormanufacturingplantsinSwitzerland,Germanyand France.TodayWeledacosmeticsandmedicinescan befoundinover50countriesandhassubsidiariesin20

countries.Rawmaterialsaresourcedfromallovertheworld andstrictethicalcriteriaareappliedtoalltheirnaturalraw materialsupplychains.Themedicinalplantsaregrown accordingtotheprinciplesofbiodynamicfarmingineight Weledagardensworldwide.

Throughoutthesummermonthsthepublichavethe chancetotakeatourofthehouseandgarden.Theonehourtourstartswithsomehistoricbackgroundfollowed byatourofthehomestead.Stepbackintimeandadmire richtimberfeaturesincludingthemagnificentstaircaseand timberwallpanelling.Theentrancehalldoorfeaturessuperb stained-glasswindows.Thehomesteadhousesthestaff andtheirmodernequipmentsuchascomputersbutthe oldandnewmeldtogetherperfectly.Upstairstheveranda offerssweepingviewstowardsNapier.

Visitorsthencommencethegardentour.Thereis somewhatofaclimb,soareasonableleveloffitnessis

required.Visitorscaninspecttheherb/flowerdryingroom andparticipateinconversationsaboutthevariousplants andtrees.

Visitorstheninspectthefieldswhereorangecalendula andpurpleechinaceagrowside-by-side.Theafternoon finisheswithatourofthevisitorgardenandadjacent fishpondandanopportunitytobrowsetheshop.

TheshophastwoNaturopathsandaMedicalHerbalist onsite,withafullarrayoftheWeledaproductsand adispensaryfullofAnthroposophicalmedicines,and practitionersupplementsthattheycanrecommendforyour healthailments.Ithasbeendescribedbycustomersasthe prettiestplaceyoucancometoattendtoyourhealthneeds. Thegardensandpond,nativebirdsandtranquillityofthe placearehealinginitself.

Tourscanbebookedatwww.weleda.co.nzandalsoon Eventfinda

Make the most of your space

Creating a sense of space in a sma er house is less about square metres and more about smart design thoughtful organisation and how the home is experienced day to day With the right approach even compact properties can feel open calm and comfortable rather than cramped The key lies in working with what you have and making every element earn ts place

Light is one of the most effective tools for opening up a small home Natural l ght makes rooms feel larger, so t’s worth maximising t wherever possible Keeping window treatments minimal, opting for sheer curtains, or removing heavy drapes altogether allows daylight to travel further into a space Lighter wall colours also help reflect light, creat ng a br ghter, airier feel, while darker shades tend to absorb it and visua y shrink a room M rrors can amplify this effect by bouncing light around and giving the illusion of additional depth

Furniture cho ce plays a significant role in creat ng space Oversized pieces can quickly overwhelm a small room so scale is crucial Slim-profile sofas, armless chairs, and furniture with visible egs allow the eye to travel underneath and around them, making rooms feel ess cluttered Multipurpose furniture, such as ottomans with hidden storage or dining tables that double as workspaces, reduces the need for extra items and keeps the layout streamlined

Storage is often the biggest challenge in smaller homes, but clever solutions can make a dramatic difference Built-in shelving, vertica storage, and under-bed drawers allow you to make use of areas that might otherwise be wasted Clear surfaces create a sense of visua calm, so storing items out of sight wherever possible instant y makes rooms feel more spac ous Regular decluttering is equally important; keeping only what you use, and love prevents the home from feeling overcrowded

Open-plan living can also help smaller houses feel larger, but it’s important to balance openness with definition Using rugs, light ng, or subtle changes in furniture layout can create zones within a room without closing it off This prevents the space from feeling chaotic while maintaining

a sense of flow Consistency in flooring and colour palettes throughout the house further enhances this effect, allowing the eye to move seamlessly from one area to another

Ultimately creating space n a smaller house s about intention By prioritising light, choosing furniture wise y, stay ng organised, and maintaining visual simplicity, small homes can feel surprisingly expansive With thoughtful design, a compact house can be ust as functional and welcoming as a much larger one

Howtocreateapet-friendly homethatstilllooksgood

Designingyourhometoworkforyourpetsdoesn’t meanyouhavetogiveuponstyle.Withabitof planningandsomecleverpaintandcolourchoices, youcancreateaninteriorthatlooksgreat,feelscalmand standsuptothosemuddypaws,claws…andperhapsthe oddaccident!

Thetrickistodesignwithyourpetsinmindfromthe start,ratherthanforevertryingtoprotectyourhomefrom them.

Startbygivingpetsaplaceoftheirown.Dogsin particularlovehavingaclear‘homebase’wheretheycan sleep,playandrelax.Inotherwords,theythriveinroutine. Acosybed,abasketfortoysandaspotthat’scloseto outdooraccessbutawayfrombusywalkwayscouldhelp keepthezoomiesoutoftherestofthehouse.

Catsaremoreindependent,butyoucangentlyguide thembycreatingwarm,sunnynooksorshelvesthat letthemclimb,perchandobserve.Paintedshelvescan doubleasadesignfeaturewhilekeepingcuriouspawsoff benchtops.

Storageisanotherunsungheroofpet-friendlydesign. Leads,towels,foodandgroominggearcanquicklyadd visualclutter.Adedicatedcupboard,laundryshelforsmall mudroomnearthedooryouuseforwalksmakeslifeeasier andkeepsmesscontained.

Wallsandfloorsdoalotofheavyliftinginpethomes, sopaintchoiceiskey:

•Slightlyhighersheenfinishesareeasiertowipedown andrepeldirtandfur.

•UseReseneSpaceCoteLowSheenfordurable,easycleanwalls.

•ChooseReseneLustacrylorReseneEnamacrylfordoors andlowerwallareassuchasdadosbutalsoskirting boardsthattakemoreknocks.

•PaintfloorswithReseneWalk-onflooringpaintfora

tough,washablesurface,orforatougherfinishconsider usingReseneAquapoxy,awaterborne2-partepoxy, usedingaragesandforhighwearflooring.

•Ifstartinganewandyouhavebaretimberfloorsconsider stainingwithReseneColorwoodbeforeclearfinishing withReseneQristalClearFloor1Korbetterstill,Clearfloor 2Kforextradurability.

Whenitcomestofurnitureandfinishes,durability matters:

•Choosetightlywoven,easy-cleanfabrics

•Avoidlooseweavesanddelicatenaturalfibresthatshow wearquickly

•Leatherandhardwearingsyntheticsareforgivingand easytomaintain

•Matchingpaintandupholsterytonestoyourpet’sfur helpsdisguisesheddingbetweencleans

Colouralsoplaysarole:

•Verystarkwhitesshoweverymarkandscuff

•Warmerneutralssuchassoftbeigesandgentlegreys aremoreforgiving

•Ifyou’reupforit,optforatexturedwallusingResene FXPaintEffectsandtwocoloursofyourchoice,thiswill concealscuffs,dirtandfurmoreeasilythanasingletone

•Petbedsandbowlsincoloursthatsuityourpalettefeel intentionalratherthandistracting

CourtesyofResene

Allyourflooringneedsunder

GardeningtasksforMarch

Marchmarksthebeginningof autumn,atransitionalmonthwhere warmdaysandcoolernightscreate idealconditionsforharvesting,planting,and preparingthegardenforwinter.Thismonth isaboutshiftingfromsummermaintenance toautumnreadiness,withastrongfocuson weeding,mulching,wateringadjustments, andgeneralcleanup.Regularlyremoving weedspreventscompetitionfornutrients, whilemulchinghelpsregulatesoil temperatureandretainmoistureasnights cool.Cleaningawayfallenleavesanddebris alsoreducespestanddiseaserisks.

Marchisprimetimeforplantingwinter crops.Commonchoicesincludegarlic, onions,broccoli,cauliflower,cabbage, spinach,kale,andlettuce.Sowinggreen

manurecropssuchaslupins,mustard, oroatshelpsreplenishsoilfertilityforthe nextgrowingseason.It’salsothemonth toharvestlatesummerproducesuchas tomatoes,peppers,pumpkins,andother warmseasoncropsstillmaturing.Thisis thetimetofocusonharvestingremaining summervegetablesandbeginningsowing forwinterincludingcabbage,broccoli, spinach,silverbeet,carrots,beetroot,and radishes.

Marchisanexcellenttimeforboth harvestingandplanting.Deciduousfruit treessuchasapples,pears,andstone fruitscanbeprunedafterfruitingtoimprove airflowandpromotestrongstructure. Nettingmaybeneededtoprotectripening fruitfrombirds.Thisperiodisalsofavourable forplantingnewtrees,asthesoilremains warmenoughforrootestablishmentbefore winter.fruittreessuchasapples,pears, plums,peaches,feijoas,citrus,andfigs flourishwhenplantednow.

Theflowergardenalsobenefitsfrom autumnplanting.Marchisidealforputting inspringfloweringbulbslikedaffodils,tulips, crocuses,ranunculus,andhyacinths. Annualssuchaspansies,violas,and primrosesaddcolourtowinterbeds.Pruning summerfloweringshrubsanddeadheading spentbloomskeepsthegardentidyand encouragesnewgrowth.

Whenitcomestolawncare,Marchis oneofthebestmonthsformaintenance andpreparation.Raisingthemowerheight slightlyhelpsgrassdevelopresilience headingintocoolerweather.Applyingaslow releaseautumnlawnfertiliserstrengthens growthandpreparesthelawnforwinter.If

overseedingorestablishingnewlawnareas, nowisthetime.Overseedthinpatchesto improvedensity.Minimisefoottrafficover winterandkeepthelawnfreeofdebris. Avoidfeedingduringcoldspellsandensure properdrainagetoprotectgrasshealthand supportearlyspringrecoverytoo.

Inautumn,rakeleavesregularly,aerate compactedsoil,andapplyaslowrelease fertilisertostrengthenroots.Overseed thinpatchestoimprovedensity.Inwinter, minimisefoottraffic,keepthelawnfreeof debris,andraisemowerheightforanyfinal cuts.

Hybrids-confused?

Hybridcarsallsharethecoreprincipleofcombining aninternalcombustionenginewithoneormore electricmotors,butthewaytheybalancethese powersourcescanvarysignificantly.Understandingthe differenttypesofhybridsystemsisessentialforanyone comparingfuelefficiency,drivingexperience,orlong-term cost.Althoughtheyfallunderthesamebroadcategory, mildhybrids,fullhybrids,andpluginhybridseachoffer distinctadvantages,limitations,andidealusecases.

Mildhybridvehicles(MHEVs)arethesimplestand oftenthemostcosteffectivetypeofhybrid.Inthese systems,theelectricmotordoesn’thaveenoughpower todrivethecaronitsown.Instead,itassiststhepetrolor dieselengineduringacceleration,helpssmoothoutstop starttransitions,andrecoversenergyduringbraking. Becausethebatteryisrelativelysmall,mildhybridsrely almostentirelyonthecombustionengineforpropulsion.

Theresultisamodestimprovementinfuelefficiency— oftenjustafewextramilespergallon—andaslight reductioninemissions.They’reidealfordriverswhowant hybridbenefitswithoutchangingtheirdrivinghabitsor payingapremium.

Fullhybridvehicles(HEVs),sometimescalled“self charginghybrids,”offeramoreadvancedsystemthat canpowerthecarusingtheengine,theelectricmotor,or bothworkingtogether.Thesecars—likethewellknown ToyotaPrius—candriveshortdistancesatlowspeeds usingelectricityalone.Thepetrolengineautomatically kicksinwhenextrapowerisneededorwhenthe battery’schargeisdepleted.Fullhybridstypicallyuse regenerativebrakingandenginepowertokeepthe batterycharged,sotheyneverneedtobepluggedin. Comparedwithmildhybrids,HEVsprovidegreaterfuel savings,smootherlowspeedmovement,andnoticeably

loweremissions.Theytendtobeparticularlyefficientin stopstarturbandriving.

Pluginhybridvehicles(PHEVs)representthemost electricfocusedoptiononthehybridspectrum.They featureamuchlargerbatterycapableofpowering thecarforextendedelectriconlyranges—typically anywherefrom30to60kilometres,dependingonthe model.Driversplugthemintoanexternalpowersourceto recharge,similartoanelectricvehicle.Whenthebattery isdepleted,thepetrolenginetakesover,allowinglong journeyswithoutconcernforcharginginfrastructure. PHEVsofferthegreatestpotentialforfuelsavings, especiallyforcommuterswhocancompletemostdaily drivingusingelectricpoweralone.However,theyare moreexpensiveanddependonconsistentchargingto delivertheirfullbenefits.

Insummary,themaindifferencesbetweenhybrid typesrevolvearoundbatterysize,electriconlycapability, andhowmuchtheyrelyonthecombustionengine.Mild hybridsoffersmallefficiencygains,fullhybridsprovide balancedversatility,andpluginhybridsdeliverthe highestfuelsavingsforthosewillingtochargeregularly.

PhotoscourtesyofToyotaNewZealand