& lifestyle Your home
Inspirationalkitchens
Thisyearkitchendesignisembracingablend ofsustainability,smarttechnology,andbold aesthetics,reflectingbothglobalinfluences andlocallifestylepreferences.Oneofthemost dominanttrendsistheshifttowardopenplanliving. Kiwihomeownersareincreasinglyremovingwallsto createseamlesskitchen-living-diningspacesthatfoster connectionandmaximisenaturallight.Thisdesign approachisparticularlypopularinheritagehomes, wheremodernfunctionalityisintroducedwithout sacrificingcharacter.
Sustainabilitycontinuestobeacornerstoneof kitchendesign.Eco-consciouschoicesareevidentin theuseofrecycledglass,bamboo,andlocallysourced timberforcabinetryandbenchtops.Energy-efficient appliancesandwater-savingfixturesarenowstandard, withbrandslikeFisher&PaykelandBoschleadingthe charge.Compostingsystemsandmulti-binsetups forwasteseparationarealsobecomingcommon, reflectingagrowingenvironmentalawarenessamong NewZealanders.
Colourpalettesin2025areinspiredbyAotearoa’s naturalbeauty.Earthytonessuchasterracotta, olivegreen,andsandybeigearereplacingtheonce-
dominantall-whitekitchens.Jeweltoneslikeemerald andburgundyarealsomakingasplash,oftenpaired withwarmwoodaccentsandmattefinishes.This movetowardricher,moreexpressivecolourschemesis complementedbytexturedsurfaces-thinkflutedwood cabinetry,rough-hewnstone,andbold-veinednatural stonecountertops.
Smarttechnologyistransformingkitchensintohigh-
functioninghubs.Wirelesschargingstations,voiceactivatedassistants,andapp-controlledappliances arebecomingmainstream.Touchlesstaps,sensor lighting,andsmartfridgesthatsuggestrecipesbased oncontentsarejustafewexamplesofhowtechis enhancingconvenienceandhygiene.Theseinnovations areespeciallyappealinginurbancentreslikeAuckland, wherespaceandefficiencyarekey.
Kitchenislandsremaincentraltodesign,evolving intomultifunctionalspacesforcooking,dining,and socialising.Largerislandsnowfeatureintegrated cooktops,seating,andstorage,oftenservingasthe heartofthehome.Meanwhile,outdoorkitchensare gainingtraction,especiallyinregionswithfavourable climates.Thesesetupsextendlivingspacesinto thegarden,completewithBBQs,pizzaovens,and weatherproofmaterialslikestainlesssteeland concrete.
Overall,NewZealand’skitchentrendsin2025reflect adesireforspacesthatarenotonlybeautifuland functionalbutalsosustainableanddeeplypersonal. Whetherrenovatingavillaordesigninganewbuild, homeownersareprioritisinglongevity,comfort,and styleinequalmeasure.
Exceptionaltree careservice
RobertsTreeSurgeonsLtdisaleading arboricultureserviceproviderbasedherein Gisborne.Establishedin2003byPaulRoberts, thecompanyhasgrownfromapassionfortreesinto awell-respected,award-winningenterprise.Withover twodecadesofindustryexperience,RobertsTree Surgeonshasbuiltareputationforprofessionalism, safety,andenvironmentalstewardshipacrosstheEast Coastregion.
Thecompanyoffersacomprehensiverangeof treeservices,includingpruningandreduction, dismantlingoflargetrees,stumpgrinding,hedge trimming,branchchipping,siteclearance,and qualifiedtreeinspections.Theyarealsoequippedto handleemergencytreeservicesandpowerline-related work,operatingasapprovedcontractorsforFirstlight Network.Theirservicescatertobothresidentialand commercialclients,includingcouncilcontractsforthe GisborneDistrictCouncil,wheretheymaintainparks, reserves,andstreettrees.
RobertsTreeSurgeonsisdistinguishedbyits commitmenttosafetyandquality.Treeworkis inherentlyhazardous,andthecompanyadheres strictlytoindustrybestpracticesandrobusthealth andsafetyprotocols.Theirteamisfullyinsured, ensuringpeaceofmindforclientsintheunlikelyevent ofanincident.Thestaffcompriseshighlyskilledand passionatearboristssupportedbyaprofessionaloffice
teamthatdeliverspromptandefficientcustomer service.
SustainabilityisacorevalueatRobertsTree Surgeons.Thecompanycontinuallyinvestsin improvingitssystemsandreducingitsenvironmental impact.Thisincludestheuseofmodernequipment andmachinerydesignedtoenhanceoperational efficiencywhileminimizingecologicaldisruption.
Communityengagementisanothercornerstoneof thebusiness.RobertsTreeSurgeonsactivelysupports localinitiativesandoffersapprenticeshipopportunities throughpartnershipswithtrainingproviderssuchas PrimaryITO.Thisnotonlyfosterscareerdevelopment inarboriculturebutalsostrengthensthelocal workforce.RobertsTreeSurgeonshassponsoredthe A&PShowforanumberofyears.
Customerfeedbackconsistentlyhighlightsthe company’sreliability,professionalism,andfairpricing. Clientscommendtheteamfortheircourteous service,tidyworksites,andresponsivenessduring emergencies.Thesetestimonialsreflectthe company’sdedicationtoexceedingclientexpectations andmaintaininglong-termrelationships.
RobertsTreeSurgeonsLtdstandsasatrusted nameinGisborne’sarboriculturesector,combining technicalexpertise,environmentalresponsibility,and communityvaluestodeliverexceptionaltreecare service.
Craftingtimber excellencein Gisborne
CutAboveSawmilling&Woodworks isalocallyownedandoperated businessinGisborne,renowned foritsdedicationtoqualitytimber productsandbespokewoodwork solutions.Specialisinginportable sawmilling,timbersupply,andcustom woodcraft,thecompanyhascarveda nicheinbothresidentialandcommercial marketsbycombiningtraditional craftsmanshipwithmoderndesign sensibilities.
BenMillwardandhiswifeStephhave runthebusinessfor12years.Steph wasbornandbredinGisbornewhile Benisasixth-generationforesterand sawmillerfromYorkshireinEngland.He started“dabbling”inwoodworkingbyhis father’ssideataveryearlyage.
AttheheartofCutAbove’soperations isitsportablesawmill,whichallows forflexibleandsustainabletimber processing.Thismobilityenablesthe teamtoworkdirectlyon-site,reducing transportationcostsandenvironmental impact.Thecompanysourcesavariety ofnativeandexotictimbers,including macrocarpa,blackwalnut,elm,jarrah, andredwood,ensuringadiverseand high-qualityselectionforitsclients. Theyaimtoplantatleastthreetreesfor everyonetheycutdown,bothnative& exotics.Thisensuresstocksarebuiltup forfuturegenerations.
CutAbove’sproductrangeisextensive
andthoughtfullycurated.From structuraltimbersuchassleepers,rails, posts,decking,cladding,andbeams, tofinelycraftedfurniturepieces,the businesscaterstoawidespectrum ofneeds.Theircustomwoodworks includecabins,barleaners,stools, gates,benches,tables,signage,and evenwhimsicalcreationssuchascarved mushrooms,fairyhouseinstallations andawoodenwhale.Onecurrent projectiscraftingasixmetre,10-tonne crayfishforGisborneDistrictCouncil. Theirworkisbothfunctionaland artistic,reflectingtheteam’spassionfor woodworkingandattentiontodetail.
Thecompanyisparticularlyactivein communityandeducationalprojects, havingsuppliedandinstalledfurniture andplaystructuresforlocalschoolsand councilplaygrounds.Theircommitment tosupportinglocalinitiatives andbusinessesisevidentintheir collaborativeapproachandthepride theytakeincontributingtoGisborne’s builtenvironment.
CutAboveSawmilling&Woodworks engageswithitsaudiencethrough regularupdatesonFacebook showcasingrecentprojectsandtimber finds.Whetherit’samassivemacrocarpa barrelunearthedfromaswamp,ora sleekredwoodtabledesignedfora pizzaoven,eachposthighlightsthe uniquenessoftheirmaterialsandthe
creativityoftheircraftsmanship. Sinceestablishmenttheyhave builtasolidreputationforreliability, sustainability,andartisticflair.Noorder istoosmallortoobigastheyenjoyall woodworkingprojects.Theteam’sability totransformrawlogsintoenduring piecesofbeautyandutilitymakesthem astandoutchoiceforanyoneseeking
high-qualitywoodproductswitha personaltouch.
Forinquiriesorcustomorders, customersareencouragedtoreachout directlyandexplorethepossibilities ofworkingwithateamthattruly understandstheartandscienceofwood. Facebook:CutAboveSawmillingand Woodworks.
OllieColling,FawnWhiteandBenMillward,picturedsittinginthenewlysculptured“fairy house”attheBotanicalGardens.
Woolpressbarleanerandstools. Workinvolveschildren’splaygroundsforthe councilandschools.
Interiors grounded in natural beauty
Interior design in New Zealand for 2025 is embracing a harmonious blend of comfort, sustainability, and individuality, reflecting the country’s deep connection to nature and its evolving lifestyle needs
This year ’ s trends are all about creating spaces that feel personal, functional, and grounded in natural beauty
One of the most prominent shifts is the move toward warm, earthy tones Kiwis are saying goodbye to stark whites and cool greys, instead welcoming hues like clay red, sandy beige, and olive green These colours not only bring warmth and depth to interiors but also echo the natural landscapes of Aotearoa They pair beautifully with raw materials such as timber, stone, and linen, reinforcing a grounded, organic aesthetic
Curved forms are also making a strong comeback From arched doorways and rounded kitchen islands to soft-edged furniture and organic-shaped mirrors, curves are softening the hard lines of modern interiors This trend adds a sense of flow and comfort, making spaces feel more inviting and less rigid It’s a subtle nod to biophilic design, which seeks to mimic the shapes and rhythms of the natural world
Sustainability continues to be a major influence in New Zealand homes More homeowners are opting for reclaimed wood, recycled fabrics, and locally crafted furniture This not only reduces environmental impact but also adds character and uniqueness to each space Supporting local artisans and using eco-conscious materials is no longer a niche choice - it’s becoming the standard for thoughtful design
Functionality is another key theme, especially as homes adapt to serve multiple purposes With remote work and flexible lifestyles becoming more common, spaces are being designed to multitask Think home offices that double as guest rooms, or dining areas that transform into creative studios Smart storage solutions and modular furniture are essential tools in making the most of every square metre, particularly in urban settings
Texture is also taking centre stage in 2025 Designers are layering tactile elements like boucle fabrics, limewashed walls, and woven rugs to create depth and visual interest Even ceilings and walls are getting the textured treatment, adding richness and dimension to otherwise flat surfaces This trend invites touch and interaction, making homes feel more lived-in and luxurious
Finally, colour is being used more expressively While earthy neutrals dominate, accents of bold hues - like cornflower blue, rose tan, and Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse - are being introduced to add personality and flair These tones reflect a desire for quiet luxury and emotional connection, turning homes into true reflections of their inhabitants
SpringisPrimeTimeforVegetableGrowing
Planttype&timing
•There’samassiveselectionofvegetablesto choosefrom.Thebestplacetostartistofind outwhatgrowsbestatthetimeofyearyou’re planting.
•Mostvegetablesdon’tgrowwelloutofseason. Ourgrowingguideinstoreandonourwebsitewill helpyoudecidewhattoplant,andwhen.
•You’llseethatyoucanplantdifferentkindsof vegesallyearround,andhowlongeachofthem willgrowfor.
Location
•Ifyoudon’thaveanexistingvegegarden,thenpick outanicesunny,shelteredareatoturnintoyour newvegepatch.Araisedgardenbedisagreat placetostart.
Soil
•Theeasiestthingtodoisuseavegetablemix. It’sahighqualitynatural-basedplantingmixwith therightblendofnutrientsthat’llgiveyourveges thebestpossiblestart,andsustainedgrowth throughouttheseason.Youcanalsoboostyour soilwithaliquidfertilizerlikeseaweedtonic.
•Ifyou’rediggingyourselfanewvegegarden–you’llwanttohaveagoodlookatyoursoilbefore youstart,asthere’snopointgoinganyfurther ifit’snotingoodcondition.Forexample,ifyour soilhasgotalotofclayinit,orifit’salkaline,your vegeswon’tgrowwell.Butyoucanprepthesoil fornextyearbytreatingit–socomeinstoreand we’lltellyouhow.
•Asfarasplanttypegoes,modernhybridvarieties arehigheryielding,bettertasting,andmore diseaseresistant.
•Ifyou’restartingfromseed,startgerminatingina miniglasshouseinaseedtray,andthentransplant intothegarden.Buttheeasiestwaytostartout istobuyseedlings.It’llsaveyoutime,andoften onlyasmallnumberofplantsareneeded.Look forgoodqualityseedlingswith6-8fullyformed leaves,and5-8cminheight.
Planning
•Drawupaplan.Whenplanningyourvegetable garden,youwanttocreatesections,orgrowing zones.Checkthespacingforeachofyourplantsas perthetag.
•Remembertoplantforsuccession.Beginners oftenmakethemistakeofplantingthewhole gardeninOctober–whichmeanseverything’s readytobeharvestedallatthesametime,justas yougoawayonholiday.So,staggeryourplanting andsowalittle,butoften.
•Makeuseoftheseasonchangesandrotateyour crops.
Planting
•Whenplantingintoanexistingbed,it’sagoodidea toaddafreshlayerofvegetablemixtogiveitthe rightnutrientsforgoodgrowing.
•Layoutyourplantsaccordingtoyourgrowing zones.Leavespaceforsuccessionplantingand companionplanting.
•Digaholetofiteachpotsize.Removeeach seedlingfromtheirpots,placeintotheholeand backfillwithsoil.Presseachplantfirmly,butgently, intoplace.
•Stakeorframeanyvegetables,suchasbeans,that requireastructuretogrowaround.
•Addalayerofpeastrawmulchtoprotectyour plantsagainsttheelements.This’llalsohelpkeep therootsmoistandkeeptheweedsatbay.
•Wateryourplants.
•Addslugandsnailpelletstoprotectagainstthese pests.
Watering
•Duringdryweather,it’simportanttokeep vegetablesactivelygrowingwithregularwatering. Iftheysuffermoisturestress,they’lljustboltto seed.
Feeding
•Feedthemregularlywithvegetablefood–it’sarich formulationoffertilisersincludingdolomite,blood &bone,andsheepmanuredust.It’llencourage healthygrowthandattracttheworms.It’sspecially formulatedwiththerightNPKratio.
Pests&disease
•Weather,weeds,pestsanddiseasescanallaffect thesuccessofyourgarden.Keepagoodlookout forpestsanddiseases–andwhenspraying,think aboutusinganorganicspray,likeapyrethrum spray,soyou’renotusinganyunwantedchemicals. Andwhenusingchemicalsprays,it’sreally importanttoknowaboutthewithholdingperiod ofyourspray.Thisistheperiodoftimethatmust passbetweensprayingandharvesting–andit’llbe onthelabel.
•Ifyouspotanyofthesepestsordiseases,comein storeandwe’llsortyououtwiththerightproduct. Ifyou’renotsurewhatyou’relookingat,justtakea photoandbringitin.
CourtesyofMitre10Gisborne
Makeoverideastospringinto
Withwarmer,longerdays inevitablycomesthedesire, andoftentheneed,totake onsomesortofhomemaintenanceor makeoverproject.
Windowscanbeopened, temperaturesareoptimumforpaint dryingandsurfacesleftmossyor mildewybywinterweatherarereadyfor somecare,attentionandfreshcoatsof colour.
Herearejustsomeideasforspring-or summer-makeoverprojectsthatwill leaveyourhomelookingfreshandsmart insideandout;mostofwhichcanbe doneinaweekend.
Createspace
Lookaroundyourindoorandoutdoor
Popsofcolourandcontrastwillquicklygive anoutdoorareaanewleaseoflife.
spacestoseeifthere’sanareatocreate acomfortableandrelaxing‘chillout’ space.Itmightbeassimpleasalounger underatreewithanupcycledtable, paintedorstainedinyourfavourite Resenecolour,fordrinksandsnacks.
Outdoors,youcouldmarkoutasmall areaorcreateapathtoyourretreat spacewithpaintedpaverstoplacea tableformorningcoffee.Addcolour bypreparingyourconcretepavers withReseneConcretePrimer,then useResenetestpotsinyourfavourite colourstocreateyourowncolourful designorpattern.Orforanon-slip finishyoucanpaintyourcleanedpavers inReseneNon-SkidDeck&Path.
Surroundyouroutdoorcalmzonewith moveablewoodenplantersoncastor
Creatingarelaxationnook,eitherindoors oroutdoors,canbeachievedquicklywitha touchofcolourandcreativeuseoffurniture anddécor.
wheelssoyoucanarrangethespaceto suitthesun,breezeortoaccommodate largerandsmallernumbersofpeople. Woodenpalletsareagreatupcycling materialtouseforDIYplanters.Finish theminReseneWoodsmanwoodstain. AdarkstainshadelikeReseneCharred Blackmakesagreatbackdropforflowers andgreenery.Justaddfairylights! Foraretreatzoneinsideyourhouse, tryandfindacornerforafavouritechair orevenapileofcomfycushions.Paint aroundthatcorner,includingthefloor andceilinginadifferentcolourtothe restoftheroom,evenjustashadeor toodarkerthanyourroomcolourwill markthespaceoutasseparatewithout competingwithyourexistingcolour palette.TryReseneDoubleTeaagainst
Acontrastfrontdoorwithtonallysimilar furnitureanddecortouchescreatesahighimpactfrontentrance.
etime decorate, assist.
wallsinReseneQuarterTeaforaneutral look.It’sasimplevisualtrickthatmakes yourreadingzonefeelseparateandabit moresecludedevenwhenit’spartofa biggerroom.
Addpersonaltoucheslikethrows,and ifyouhavespace,addamoveabletrellis orscreen,paintedtomatchyourcolour schemeforaddingprivacy.
Addcolourwhereyoucan Oneofthesimplestwaystogiveyour homeafreshlookforspringistolook foreasywaystoaddcolour.Ifyoulivein aneutralspace,justaddingafewbursts ofcolourcangivebothyourinteriors andyourselfaninstantlift.
CourtesyofResene
Paintedpaversimmediatelyelevateand personalisethisretreatzone.
Comfortableloungesinvogue
In2025,loungesuitetrendsare reflectingastrongshifttoward comfort,sustainability,andpersonal expression.TheKiwilifestyle-relaxed, nature-connected,andincreasingly eco-conscious-isshapinghowpeople furnishtheirhomes,especiallytheir livingrooms.Loungesuitesareno longerjustfunctionalseating;they’re centraltotheaestheticandemotional toneofahome.
Oneofthemostdominanttrends istheuseofnaturalandsustainable materials.Loungesuitesupholstered inrecycledfabrics,organiccotton,and eco-friendlyfoamaregainingpopularity. FramesmadefromFSC-certifiedwood andlow-VOCfinishesarepreferred,
aligningwiththegrowingdemandfor environmentallyresponsiblechoices. Thisemphasisonsustainabilityis complementedbyariseinbiophilic design,whereearthytexturesand tones-likemochabrown,olivegreen, andsand-createacalming,grounded atmosphere.
Soft,roundedshapesareanother hallmarkof2025’sloungesuitedesign. Gonearethesharp,boxysilhouettesof previousyears.Instead,curvededges andorganicformsdominate,offering amoreinvitingandcozierfeel.These shapesareespeciallypopularinopenplanhomes,wherefurnitureneedsto flownaturallywiththespace.
Modularandmulti-functionallounge suitesarealsotrending,particularly inurbanareaswherespaceisat apremium.Thesesuitescanbe rearrangedtosuitdifferentlayoutsor occasionsandoftenincludehidden storageorconvertiblefeatures.This flexibilityallowshomeownerstoadapt theirlivingspaceswithoutsacrificing style.
Colourtrendsareleaningtowardwarm neutralsandboldaccents.ThePantone ColouroftheYear,MochaMousse-a muted,chocolateybrown-hasbecome astapleinloungesuiteupholstery, offeringbothsophisticationand comfort.Meanwhile,the“unexpected red”trendismakingitswayintoliving
roomsthroughaccentcushionsor statementchairs,addingvibrancy withoutoverwhelmingthespace.
Finally,personalisationand craftsmanshiparekey.Mass-produced furnitureisbeingreplacedbybespoke loungesuitesthatreflectindividual tastes.Whetherit’sacustomfabric choice,auniquetimberfinish,ora handcraftedframe,NewZealandersare embracingfurniturethattellsastoryand addscharactertotheirhomes.
Inessence,loungesuitetrendsinNew Zealandthisyearareaboutcreating spacesthatfeelpersonal,comfortable, andconnectedtonature-wherestyle meetssustainabilityandindividuality.
Transformyour outdoorspaces
Decorativeconcreteisbecoming astandoutfeatureinresidential design,blendingdurabilitywith aestheticappeal.Homeownersare increasinglychoosingfinishesthat reflecttheregion’srelaxedyetrefined lifestyle.Exposedaggregateremains apopularchoice,offeringtextureand visualinterestwhilecomplementing naturalsurroundings.Coloured concreteisalsoontherise,withearthy tonesandsoftgreysbeingfavoured forpatios,driveways,andcourtyards,
addingwarmthandcohesiontooutdoor spaces.
Stampedconcreteisgainingtraction foritsabilitytomimicnaturalmaterials likestoneandtimber,providinga cost-effectivealternativethatdoesn’t compromiseonstyle.Thistechnique isespeciallypopularforpoolsurrounds andgardenpaths,wherevisualimpact andslipresistancearekey.Polished concreteismakingitswayintointeriors, appreciatedforitssleekfinishandability toreflectlight,enhancingthesenseof spaceinmodernhomes.
Sustainabilityisinfluencingchoices too,witheco-friendlymixesand sealersbecomingmoreaccessible. Homeownersareshowinginterest inlow-carbonconcreteoptions andrecycledaggregates,aligning withbroaderenvironmentalvalues. Customisationisanothergrowingtrend -designsnowoftenincludeengraved patternsorgeometriclayoutsthatadda personaltouch.
Decorativeconcreteisevolving fromapurelyfunctionalmaterialinto aversatiledesignelement.Whether
increasinglypopular.Nativeplants likeharakekeandmānukaarebeing favouredfortheirresilienceandability tosupportlocalbiodiversity.Traditional lawnsarebeingreplacedwithlowmaintenancealternativessuchasclover, creepingthyme,andevenwildflower meadows,whichrequirelesswaterand attractpollinators.
Outdoorspacesarebeing transformedintomultifunctionalliving areas.Coveredpatios,firepits,and outdoorkitchensarenowcommon features,allowingresidentstoenjoy theirgardensyear-round.Vertical gardensandlivingwallsarealsoonthe
rise,particularlyinurbansettingswhere spaceislimited.Theseinstallations notonlyenhancevisualappealbut alsoimproveairqualityandprovide insulation.
Hardscapingisplayingacentralrolein shapingtheseoutdoorenvironments. Recycledpavers,reclaimedwood, andsalvagedstonearebeingusedto createpathways,patios,andretaining wallsthatarebothdurableand environmentallyfriendly.Permeable pavingsolutions,suchasporous concreteandgravel,arehelping managestormwaterrunoff,reducing erosionandimprovingdrainage.
