Your home & lifestyle
Inspirationstartshere:GuthrieBowronWaipukurau
Formanyhomeowners,makingdecorating decisionscanfeeldaunting.Fromchoosingthe rightcolourpalettetoselectingflooringorwindow treatments,theprocessisoftenfilledwithuncertainty. That’swhereGuthrieBowronWaipukuraustepsin,not justasaretailerbutasatrusteddesignpartneroffering completedecoratingsolutionsunderoneroof.
InApril2024,HusbandandWifeDuoJeremy& KaylanIrelandfulfilledalong-helddreambypurchasing theCentralHawke’sBayGuthrieBowronfranchise. Theirvisionwasclear:tocreateacentralhubwhere localscouldaccessexpertadvice,qualityproducts, andpersonalisedservice,allinonewelcomingspace. Today,thatvisionisthriving.
TheteambehindGuthrieBowronWaipukurauisa familyaffair,backedbydecadesofexperience.Kaylan brings14yearsasabathroomdesignconsultant. Jeremydrawsonhisbackgroundinkeyaccount managementforabathroomsupplycompany.Kelly, Kaylan’smother,offers22yearsofdecoratingexpertise fromMitre10.Laurenaddsafreshperspectivewithan honoursdegreeindesign,majoringintextiles.
Thestoreitselfisdesignedtoinspire.Clientscan exploreawiderangeofservicesincludingcolour consultancy,customwindowfurnishings,anda fullspectrumofDuluxpaints.Exclusivefabricsand wallpapers,bespokerugs,andartisanhomewares roundouttheoffering,creatingaspacewhereideas cometolife.
Recentadditionshaveelevatedthestore’sonestop-shoppromise.GuthrieBowronWaipukuraunow housesTileWarehouse,theonlytileoutletinCentral Hawke’sBay.Theyhavealsorecentlypartneredwith CarpetKingHastingstointroduceadedicatedflooring centre,offeringacomprehensiveselectionofcarpet, vinyl,andtileoptions,allavailablelocally.
LaurenandKaylanexploringfabricsfromGuthrie Bowron’sexclusiveIlivcollection.
In-homeconsultationsareacornerstoneofthe business.KaylanandLaurenregularlyvisitclientsto providetailoredadviceoncurtainsandblinds,colour schemes,andtileselections.Theseconsultations areofferedfreeofcharge,reinforcingtheteam’s commitmenttoaccessibilityandpersonalisedservice.
GuthrieBowronisproudtobeNewZealand’s longest-standinghomedecoratingfranchise,with51 storesnationwide.Thougheachstoreisindependently
ownedandoperated,thenetworksharesapassionfor design,quality,andcustomercare.GuthrieBowron Waipukurauexemplifiesthatspirit,bringingnational expertisetoalocalaudiencewithheart,style,anda deepunderstandingofwhatmakesahousefeellike home.
Formoreinspiration,visit guthriebowron.co.nz orstopbythestoretoexperiencethedifference firsthand.
Callusforachatwithourknowledgeableteamaboutwindowfurnishingsorflooring options,andbookafreein-homemeasureandquote.
GUTHRIEBOWRONWAIPUKURAU 109-111RuataniwhaStreet 068587116
sales.waipukurau@guthriebowron.co.nz guthriebowron.co.nz
Picturedlefttoright:Kelly,Lauren,KaylanandJeremy.
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 spacestoseeifthere’sanareatocreate acomfortableandrelaxing‘chillout’ space.Itmightbeassimpleasalounger underatreewithanupcycledtable, paintedorstainedinyourfavourite Resenecolour,fordrinksandsnacks.
Outdoors,youcouldmarkoutasmall areaorcreateapathtoyourretreat spacewithpaintedpaverstoplacea tableformorningcoffee.Addcolour bypreparingyourconcretepaverswith ReseneConcretePrimer,thenuse Resenetestpotsinyourfavouritecolours tocreateyourowncolourfuldesignor pattern.Orforanon-slipfinishyoucan paintyourcleanedpaversinResene Non-SkidDeck&Path.
Surroundyouroutdoorcalmzonewith moveablewoodenplantersoncastor wheelssoyoucanarrangethespaceto
Paintedpaversimmediatelyelevateand personalisethisretreatzone.
suitthesun,breezeortoaccommodate largerandsmallernumbersofpeople. Woodenpalletsareagreatupcycling materialtouseforDIYplanters.Finish theminReseneWoodsmanwoodstain. AdarkstainshadelikeReseneCharred Blackmakesagreatbackdropforflowers andgreenery.Justaddfairylights!
Foraretreatzoneinsideyourhouse, tryandfindacornerforafavouritechair orevenapileofcomfycushions.Paint aroundthatcorner,includingthefloor
Creatingarelaxationnook,eitherindoorsoroutdoors,canbeachievedquicklywitha touchofcolourandcreativeuseoffurnitureanddécor.
andceilinginadifferentcolourtothe restoftheroom,evenjustashadeor toodarkerthanyourroomcolourwill markthespaceoutasseparatewithout competingwithyourexistingcolour palette.TryReseneDoubleTeaagainst wallsinReseneQuarterTeaforaneutral look.It’sasimplevisualtrickthatmakes yourreadingzonefeelseparateandabit moresecludedevenwhenit’spartofa biggerroom.
Addpersonaltoucheslikethrows,and
ifyouhavespace,addamoveabletrellis orscreen,paintedtomatchyourcolour schemeforaddingprivacy.
Addcolourwhereyoucan Oneofthesimplestwaystogiveyour homeafreshlookforspringistolook foreasywaystoaddcolour.Ifyoulivein aneutralspace,justaddingafewbursts ofcolourcangivebothyourinteriorsand yourselfaninstantlift.
CourtesyofResene
Wallpaper-daretobedifferent
Wallpaperfashionisundergoingavibrant transformationthisyear,reflectingabroader shiftininteriordesigntowardpersonal expression,sustainability,andsensoryrichness.Gone arethedaysofplainfeaturewallsandminimalist palettes-today’swallpapertrendsarebold,immersive, anddeeplyconnectedtobothnatureandnarrative.
Oneofthemoststrikingdevelopmentsistherise oftexturedandtactilewallpapers,whichadddepth andwarmthtointeriors.Thesedesignsoftenmimic naturalmaterialslikestone,wood,orlinen,creating agrounded,organicfeelthatresonateswithNew Zealand’slovefornature-inspiredliving.Wallpapers withlime-washedeffectsorsoftgradientsinearthy tones-suchasclay,sand,andolive-areespecially popular,offeringaserenebackdropthatcomplements timberfurnishingsandindoorgreenery
Boldnarrativewallpapersarealsomakingwaves. Thesedesignsturnwallsintostorytellingcanvases, featuringlarge-scalemuralsofmythicalforests, abstractdreamscapes,orexoticlandscapes.Thistrend reflectsagrowingdesireforhomesthatfeelpersonal andexpressive.Scenicmurals,oncereservedforgrand estates,arenowaccessibleandwidelyembraced, helpinghomeownersreconnectwithnatureandcreate spacesthatfeellikeretreatsfromthedigitalworld.
Heritageprintsareexperiencingarenaissance,with classicmotifsfromdesignerslikeWilliamMorrisbeing reimaginedformodernhomes.Thesetimelesspatterns blendbeautifullywithbothminimalistandmaximalist interiors,offeringanostalgicyetsophisticated aesthetic.Chinoiserie,withitswhimsicalandintricate designs,isalsomakingacomeback,especiallyinfamily spaceswherestorytellingandimaginationarekey
Anotherexcitingshiftisthemovetoward wallpaperingallfourwalls-adeparturefromthe traditionalfeaturewall.Thiswraparoundapproach createsacohesive,immersiveenvironment,particularly effectivewithbotanicalorjungle-inspireddesigns.It’s
aboldstatementthattransformsroomsintothematic experiences,idealforthoselookingtomakeadramatic impact.
Evenceilingsaregettingattentionin2025,with wallpaperbeingusedonthe“fifthwall”toaddsurprise anddelight.Ceilingmurals,whethercelestialorfloral, offerauniquewaytoelevateaspaceandareespecially popularinchildren’sroomsandcreativestudios.
Overall,wallpaperfashionisaboutembracing individuality,layeringtextures,andcelebratingboththe pastandthefuture.Whetherthroughdreamysurfaces, boldpatterns,orheritagemotifs,wallpaperisnolonger justabackground-it’sacentralcharacterinthestoryof yourhome.
Painting&Paper
TransformingHomes&Spaces AcrossHawke’sBay
Reflectyour personalitywith softfurnishings
Thisyearsoftfurnishingsaretaking centrestageininteriordesign, offeringarichtapestryofcolour, texture,andpersonality.Thetrends reflectabroaderculturalshifttoward comfort,sustainability,andexpressive living-wherefabricsarenotjust decorative,butdeeplytiedtohowwefeel inourhomes.
Oneofthemoststrikingdevelopments istheembraceofboldpatternsand textures.Designersaremovingaway fromminimalismandleaningintovisual storytellingthroughfabric.Oversized florals,retrogeometrics,andabstract printsaremakingaconfidentreturn, allowinghomeownerstoinfusetheir spaceswithcharacterandcreativity.This revivalissupportedbyadvancesindigital printing,whichenableintricate,playful designsthatwerepreviouslydifficultto achieve.
Textureisanotherkeyplayerthis season.High-pileupholstery,crushed velvets,anddimensionaltextileslike exaggeratedboucleandsoftchenille arebeingusedtoadddepthandtactile interest.Thesematerialsareoften juxtaposedwithtailoredweavesand heavylinens,creatingalayered,luxurious feel.There’salsoanoticeableshifttoward naturalfibres-linen,hemp,andcotton arefavourednotonlyfortheiraesthetic appealbutfortheirbreathabilityand sustainability.Withwellbeingatthe forefrontofdesign,fabricsthatfeelgood anddogoodareinhighdemand.
Colourpalettesareevolvinginaway thatreflectsbothnostalgiaandmodern sophistication.Earthytonesdominate,
withrust,moss,mushroom,and chocolatebrownleadingtheway.These huespairbeautifullywithtimberand brass,creatingagrounded,organiclook. Forthoseseekingasoftertouch,blush pink,oatmeal,andecruoffernuanced alternativestotraditionalneutrals. Greenremainsafavourite,especiallyin murkiershadeslikeartichokeandmoss, whileaccentsofacidgreenandlilacadd unexpectedvibrancy.
ThePantoneColouroftheYearMochaMousse-isalsoinfluencingsoft furnishingchoices.Thismutedbrown, reminiscentofcoffeeandchocolate, embodiescomfortandquietluxury. It workswellwithcomplementarytones likecornflowerblue,rosetan,andwillow, offeringaversatilebaseforlayeringfabrics andtexturesthroughoutthehome.
INSECTFREE
ENVIRONMENTS
Sustainabilitycontinuestoshapethe industry.Manysuppliersarenowoffering eco-consciousfabricsmadefromrecycled yarnsorrepurposedfashionoff-cuts. Washableperformancefabricswithhigh lightfastnessareidealforNewZealand’s indoor-outdoorliving,especiallyinhomes withlargewindowsandsun-drenched spaces.Theseinnovationsreflecta growingpreferenceformaterialsthatare bothbeautifulandresponsible. Inessence,2025’ssoftfurnishing trendsinNewZealandareaboutcreating interiorsthatareexpressive,tactile, anddeeplypersonal.Whetherthrough boldprints,richtextures,orsustainable choices,fabricsarehelpingtotellthe storyofwhoweare-andhowwewant tolive.
•Safeforpeopleandpets-OurNaturalPyrethrinhasatriple actionfunctionofflushing,repellingandkillinginsects
•SimplySetandForget!-Protectyourspacewithhasslefree, 24hourprotection
•Dispensesafinemist-ourpyrethrin“hangsintheairlonger” duetoourdispensertechnologymakingoursystemeffective
•NaturalPyrethrin-derivedfromChrysanthemumdaisies,each batchisdifferentsoinsectsareunabletoadapt
•Safeforuseinrestaurants,cafes,earlylearningcenters, resthomes,receptions,tourismandofcourseyourhome!
Gardenpreparationfor aproductiveseason
Septemberisatransformative monthinthegarden,asthechill ofwinterbeginstofade,andthe promiseofspringtakeshold.It’satime whengardenersshakeofftheslower paceofthecoldermonthsandembrace theflurryofactivitythatcomeswith preparingforthegrowingseason.The soil,havingrestedthroughwinter,is nowreadytoberevitalised.Gardeners beginbyturningovergardenbeds, addingcompost,andcheckingfor drainageissues.Thisfoundationalwork isessentialforsupportingthevigorous growththatspringencourages.
Withthesoilprepared,attention turnstoplanting.Septemberisidealfor sowingawiderangeofvegetablessuch ascarrots,peas,spinach,andlettuce.In warmerregions,tomatoes,capsicums, andcucumberscanbestartedunder cover.Flowerbedsalsocometolife,with gardenersplantingspringfavouriteslike marigolds,petunias,andsnapdragons. Theseearlybloomsnotonlyaddcolour butalsoattractpollinators,whichare vitalforahealthygardenecosystem.
Lawns,oftenneglectedduringwinter, requirecareandrejuvenation.Gardeners beginmowingmoreregularly,trim edges,andapplyfertilisertoencourage lushgrowth.Aeratingthelawnand reseedingbarepatcheshelpsrestore itsvitality.Mulchinggardenbedsis
anotherimportanttask,helpingto retainmoistureandsuppressweedsas temperaturesrise.
Fruittreesandberrybushesbenefit frompruningandfeedinginSeptember. Gardenersinspectforsignsofdiseaseor pestsandapplyappropriatetreatments.
Strawberriescanbeplantednow, andcitrustreesmayneedaboostof magnesiumtosupporthealthyfoliage andfruitdevelopment.Perennialsthat havebecomecrowdedaredividedand replanted,ensuringstrongflowering laterintheseason.
Irrigationsystemsarecheckedand repairedtoensureconsistentwatering astheweatherwarms.Gardenersalso beginmonitoringforslugs,snails,and aphids,whichbecomemoreactive inspring.Organicdeterrentsand companionplantingareoftenusedto managethesepestswithoutharming beneficialinsects.
Theworkdonenowsetsthestage foraproductiveandbeautifulseason ahead.Whethertendingtovegetables, flowers,fruittrees,orlawns,every taskcontributestothegarden’s transformationfromwinterdormancyto springvitality.Theenergyoftheseason ispalpable,andforgardeners,it’satime ofbothpromiseandreward.
Pop-upperfectioninParklands
Whileourhighlyanticipated MissionHillsshowhomeis underconstruction,aunique opportunityawaitsvisitorsat11Tutira PlaceinParklands.Thistemporary “pop-up”showhomeismorethan justaplaceholder–it’sathoughtfully designed,custom-builtresidencethat showcasestheinnovation,adaptability, andstylethatPlatinumHomesHawke’s Bayoffers.
Setonanunusuallyshapedsection, theParklandsshowhomeisatestament tocleverarchitecturalplanning.Rather thanseeingthesite’sgeometryasa challenge,thedesignteamembracedit, craftingahomethatflowsnaturally,with alargeopenplankitchen/livingareaand cosyandprivatebedroomsattheback ofthehouse.
Inside,thehomefeaturesafreshand invitingcolourpalettedevelopedin collaborationwithColourConsultant KarenCross.Attheheartofthescheme isReseneQuarterLemongrass,asoft, earthytonethatbringswarmthand lightintoeveryroom.Pairedwith complementaryhuesandtextures,the palettecreatesacalm,contemporary atmospherethat’sperfectformodern living.
Thoughtemporary,theParklandsshow homeoffersafullexperienceforvisitors. It’sachancetoexploredesignideas,see qualitymaterialsinaction,andgetafeel forthethoughtfuldetailsthatdefineour builds.Whetheryou’replanninganew homeorsimplyseekinginspiration,this pop-upspaceiswellworthavisit.
Lookingahead,excitementisbuilding forthenewpermanentshowhomein MissionHills,settoopenearlynextyear. Thisfour-bedroom,high-specresidence willfeaturesolarenergy,asunken lounge,andalargeentertainer’skitchen –alldesignedtoreflectthefutureof stylish,sustainableliving.Itwillbea flagshipspace,showcasingtheverybest indesign,technology,andcomfort.
NestledinoneofNapier’smost sought-afterlocations,Mission HillsEstateofferssweepingviews, generoussectionsizes,andapeaceful atmosphere,it’saneighbourhoodthat feelsbothexclusiveandwelcoming.The
areaisknownforitsproximitytothe iconicMissionEstateWinery,lushgreen spaces,andeasyaccesstothecity–makingitidealforfamilies,professionals, andanyoneseekingarefinedlifestyle. Whetheryou’redrawntothequietcharm orthepromiseofabeautifulhome, MissionHillsisaplacewherequality livingtrulybegins.PlatinumHomes cansupportyouthroughtheprocess ofpurchasingasectioninMissionHills, comeseeusfirst!
Inthemeantime,11TutiraPlaceoffers arareglimpseintotheflexibilityand visionthatunderpinthePlatinumHomes approachtohomebuilding.Visitusin
Parklandsandexperiencethepop-up showhomeforyourself.Whetheryou’re dreamingofyournexthomeorsimply curiousaboutwhat’spossible,we’dlove towelcomeyou.
DouglasInnovation bringsLouvretec toHawke’sBay
Hawke’sBayhomeownersand architectsnolongerneedtotravel northorwaitforthenexthome showtoexperienceLouvretec.Thankstoa newpartnershipwithDouglasInnovation, NewZealand’smostsuccessfuloutdoor livingbrandisnowavailablerighthere inHastings–ondisplayintheDouglas showroom.
DouglasInnovationco-ownersAdamGreville &CodieSimmondsarethrilledtobeoffering LouvretecattheHastingsshowroom. Imagesupplied.
DouglasInnovationhaslongbeen knownasHawke’sBay’sgo-toforpremium outdoorlivingspacesandcustomtextile design.Fromarchitecturalroofsystems andcanopiesthroughtobespoke upholstery,theHastings-basedteamhas builtareputationforcraftsmanship,quality, andbringinginnovativesolutionstolife.
Thatcommitmenthasjustgoneastep further.DouglasInnovationisnowthe exclusivedistributorofLouvretecproducts inHawke’sBay–givinglocalsdirectaccess tooneofNewZealand’smostsuccessful outdoorlivingbrands,withoutneedingto waitforthenexthomeshowortravelto Auckland.
Foundedinabarnmorethan25years ago,Louvretechasgrownintoaglobal exporterofaward-winningopening roofsandlouvresystems.Stillproudly NewZealandownedandoperated,the companyisrecognisedworldwidefor precisionengineering,sleekdesign,and seamlessindoor–outdoorflow–Kiwi ingenuityatitsbest.
“PartneringwithLouvretecmeanseven morechoiceandadvancedfeaturesforour customers,”saysco-ownerPeteSwinburn. “It’sacontinuationofthesuperiorquality we’reknownfor–nowwiththeadded depthofLouvretec’sindustry-leading range.”
AlouvredopeningroofandshutterssystembyLouvretec.ImageLouvretec. thecompanysupportsTreesThatCount, prioritisesreducingsupplychainimpacts, andutilisesaluminium–adurable, endlesslyrecyclablematerial.
Douglas’experienceincludesmore than250louvreroofinstallationsacross theregion.Inchoosingtoworkwiththe Louvretecproduct,Douglasnowoffersa broaderoutdoorlivingportfolio–going wellbeyondasimplelouvrerooftoinclude Louvretec’sexcitingnewSlimlinerange, retractableroofs,andbespokeadd-ons. Homeowners,architects,andbuildersalike cannowspecifyLouvretecandcustomise designslocally,withfullshowroom support.
LouvretecDirectorBillCollinssaysthe partnershipiswell-matched:“Douglas’ craftsmanship,professionalism,and customer-firstfocusmakethemanatural fitasourHawke’sBaydealer.”
Sustainabilityisalsoakeyfocus. ThroughitsLouvretecGreenprogramme,
PROTECT&TRANSFORM
your SPACE
Recentcommercialawardsforprojects suchasMix’dCocktailBarandMCL’sWest QuayApartmentshighlightDouglas’ abilitytodeliverstand-outarchitectural solutionsforHawke’sBay.WithLouvretec nowpartoftheoffering,thescopefor bothresidentialandcommercialprojectsis greaterthanever.
Abrand-newLouvretecOpeningRoof demoisnowinstalledandreadytoviewat theDouglasshowroom,413QueenStreet West,Hastings(openMondaytoFriday, 8am–4.30pmorbyappointment). www.louvretec.co.nz www.douglasinnovation.nz
Inspirationalkitchens
Thisyearkitchendesignis embracingablendofsustainability, smarttechnology,andbold aesthetics,reflectingbothglobal influencesandlocallifestylepreferences. Oneofthemostdominanttrendsis theshifttowardopenplanliving.Kiwi homeownersareincreasinglyremoving wallstocreateseamlesskitchen-livingdiningspacesthatfosterconnection andmaximisenaturallight.This designapproachisparticularlypopular inheritagehomes,wheremodern functionalityisintroducedwithout sacrificingcharacter.
Sustainabilitycontinuestobea cornerstoneofkitchendesign.Ecoconsciouschoicesareevidentinthe useofrecycledglass,bamboo,and
locallysourcedtimberforcabinetryand benchtops.Energy-efficientappliances andwater-savingfixturesarenow standard,withbrandslikeFisher& PaykelandBoschleadingthecharge. Compostingsystemsandmulti-bin setupsforwasteseparationarealso becomingcommon,reflectingagrowing environmentalawarenessamongNew Zealanders.
Colourpalettesin2025areinspired byAotearoa’snaturalbeauty.Earthy tonessuchasterracotta,olivegreen, andsandybeigearereplacingtheoncedominantall-whitekitchens.Jeweltones likeemeraldandburgundyarealso makingasplash,oftenpairedwithwarm woodaccentsandmattefinishes.This movetowardricher,moreexpressive
colourschemesiscomplementedby texturedsurfaces-thinkflutedwood cabinetry,rough-hewnstone,andboldveinednaturalstonecountertops.
Smarttechnologyistransforming kitchensintohigh-functioninghubs. Wirelesschargingstations,voiceactivatedassistants,andapp-controlled appliancesarebecomingmainstream. Touchlesstaps,sensorlighting,and smartfridgesthatsuggestrecipesbased oncontentsarejustafewexamplesof howtechisenhancingconvenienceand hygiene.Theseinnovationsareespecially appealinginurbancentreslikeAuckland, wherespaceandefficiencyarekey.
Kitchenislandsremaincentralto design,evolvingintomultifunctional
spacesforcooking,dining,and socialising.Largerislandsnowfeature integratedcooktops,seating,and storage,oftenservingastheheartof thehome.Meanwhile,outdoorkitchens aregainingtraction,especiallyinregions withfavourableclimates.Thesesetups extendlivingspacesintothegarden, completewithBBQs,pizzaovens,and weatherproofmaterialslikestainless steelandconcrete.
Overall,kitchentrendsreflectadesire forspacesthatarenotonlybeautiful andfunctionalbutalsosustainableand deeplypersonal.Whetherrenovating avillaordesigninganewbuild, homeownersareprioritisinglongevity, comfort,andstyleinequalmeasure.
CHBTankCleaners
Transformyouroutdoorspaces
Decorativeconcreteisbecoming astandoutfeatureinresidential design,blendingdurabilitywith aestheticappeal.Homeownersare increasinglychoosingfinishesthat reflecttheregion’srelaxedyetrefined lifestyle.Exposedaggregateremains apopularchoice,offeringtextureand visualinterestwhilecomplementing naturalsurroundings.Colouredconcrete isalsoontherise,withearthytones andsoftgreysbeingfavouredforpatios, driveways,andcourtyards,adding warmthandcohesiontooutdoorspaces.
Stampedconcreteisgainingtraction foritsabilitytomimicnaturalmaterials likestoneandtimber,providinga cost-effectivealternativethatdoesn’t compromiseonstyle.Thistechnique isespeciallypopularforpoolsurrounds andgardenpaths,wherevisualimpact andslipresistancearekey.Polished concreteismakingitswayintointeriors, appreciatedforitssleekfinishandability toreflectlight,enhancingthesenseof spaceinmodernhomes.
Sustainabilityisinfluencingchoices too,witheco-friendlymixesand sealersbecomingmoreaccessible. Homeownersareshowinginterestin low-carbonconcreteoptionsandrecycled aggregates,aligningwithbroader environmentalvalues.Customisation isanothergrowingtrend-designsnow oftenincludeengravedpatternsor geometriclayoutsthataddapersonal touch.
Decorativeconcreteisevolvingfroma purelyfunctionalmaterialintoaversatile
designelement.Whetherusedtoframe agarden,anchoracontemporaryliving space,orcreateawelcomingentrance, it’sclearthatconcreteisbeingreimagined tosuitbothpracticalneedsandcreative ambitions.
Landscapingtrendsaresimilarly shapedbyadesireforsustainability andpracticality.Xeriscaping-designing gardenstominimizewateruse-is increasinglypopular,especiallyasHawke’s Bayfacesvariablerainfallandwater conservationbecomesmorecritical. Nativeplantslikeharakekeandmānuka
arebeingfavouredfortheirresilience andabilitytosupportlocalbiodiversity. Traditionallawnsarebeingreplaced withlow-maintenancealternativessuch asclover,creepingthyme,andeven wildflowermeadows,whichrequireless waterandattractpollinators.
Outdoorspacesarebeingtransformed intomultifunctionallivingareas.Covered patios,firepits,andoutdoorkitchensare nowcommonfeatures,allowingresidents toenjoytheirgardensyear-round.Vertical gardensandlivingwallsarealsoonthe rise,particularlyinurbansettingswhere
spaceislimited.Theseinstallationsnot onlyenhancevisualappealbutalso improveairqualityandprovideinsulation. Hardscapingisplayingacentralrolein shapingtheseoutdoorenvironments. Recycledpavers,reclaimedwood,and salvagedstonearebeingusedtocreate pathways,patios,andretainingwallsthat arebothdurableandenvironmentally friendly.Permeablepavingsolutions,such asporousconcreteandgravel,arehelping managestormwaterrunoff,reducing erosionandimprovingdrainage.
Interiorsgrounded innaturalbeauty
Interiordesignisembracingaharmonious blendofcomfort,sustainability,and individuality,reflectingthecountry’s deepconnectiontonatureanditsevolving lifestyleneeds.Thisyear’strendsareall aboutcreatingspacesthatfeelpersonal, functional,andgroundedinnaturalbeauty. Oneofthemostprominentshiftsisthe movetowardwarm,earthytones.Kiwis aresayinggoodbyetostarkwhitesand coolgreys,insteadwelcominghueslike clayred,sandybeige,andolivegreen. Thesecoloursnotonlybringwarmth anddepthtointeriorsbutalsoechothe naturallandscapesofAotearoa.They pairbeautifullywithrawmaterialssuch
astimber,stone,andlinen,reinforcinga grounded,organicaesthetic.
Curvedformsarealsomakingastrong comeback.Fromarcheddoorwaysand roundedkitchenislandstosoft-edged furnitureandorganic-shapedmirrors, curvesaresofteningthehardlinesof moderninteriors.Thistrendaddsasense offlowandcomfort,makingspacesfeel moreinvitingandlessrigid.It’sasubtle nodtobiophilicdesign,whichseeksto mimictheshapesandrhythmsofthe naturalworld.
Sustainabilitycontinuestobeamajor influenceinNewZealandhomes.More homeownersareoptingforreclaimed wood,recycledfabrics,andlocally craftedfurniture.Thisnotonlyreduces environmentalimpactbutalsoadds characteranduniquenesstoeachspace. Supportinglocalartisansandusingecoconsciousmaterialsisnolongeraniche choice-it’sbecomingthestandardfor thoughtfuldesign.
Functionalityisanotherkeytheme, especiallyashomesadapttoserve multiplepurposes.Withremotework andflexiblelifestylesbecomingmore common,spacesarebeingdesignedto multitask.Thinkhomeofficesthatdouble asguestrooms,ordiningareasthat transformintocreativestudios.Smart storagesolutionsandmodularfurniture areessentialtoolsinmakingthemostof everysquaremetre,particularlyinurban settings.
Textureisalsotakingcentrestage in2025.Designersarelayeringtactile elementslikebouclefabrics,lime-washed walls,andwovenrugstocreatedepthand visualinterest.Evenceilingsandwallsare gettingthetexturedtreatment,adding richnessanddimensiontootherwiseflat surfaces.Thistrendinvitestouchand interaction,makinghomesfeelmorelivedinandluxurious.
Finally,colourisbeingusedmore expressively.Whileearthyneutrals dominate,accentsofboldhues-like cornflowerblue,rosetan,andPantone’s 2025ColouroftheYear,MochaMousse -arebeingintroducedtoaddpersonality andflair.Thesetonesreflectadesirefor quietluxuryandemotionalconnection, turninghomesintotruereflectionsoftheir inhabitants.
Lightinginnovation
Lightingtrendsreflectadynamic blendoftechnologicalinnovation, sustainability,andaesthetic refinement.Ashomesbecome smarterandmoreattunedtowellness andenvironmentalimpact,lighting designisevolvingtomeetthesenew expectations.
Oneofthemostprominenttrendsis theriseofsmartlightingsystems.These systemsareincreasinglyintegratedwith voiceassistantsandhomeautomation platforms,allowinguserstocontrol brightness,colourtemperature,and evenenergyusagewithease.Adaptive lightingisparticularlypopular,adjusting throughoutthedaytomimicnatural sunlightandsupportcircadianrhythms. Thisnotonlyenhancescomfortbutalso promotesbettersleepandproductivity.
Ambientlightingisgainingtraction ashomeownersmovebeyondbasic functionalitytocreatemood-enhancing environments.TuneableLEDlightsthat shiftfromwarmtocooltonesarenow standardinmanynewbuilds.These lightshelpsetthetonefordifferent activities-brightandenergizingfor cookingorworking,andsoftand relaxingforwindingdownintheevening. Dimmerswitchesandlayeredlighting plans,whichcombineambient,task,and accentlighting,offerflexibilityanddepth tointeriorspaces.
Minimalistaestheticscontinueto influencefixturedesign.Recessed lightingandultra-thinLEDpanelsare favouredfortheirsleek,unobtrusive
lookthatcomplementsopenplanliving. Thesefixturesprovideampleillumination whilemaintainingaclean,modernfeel. Atthesametime,statementpendant lightsaremakingaboldcomeback. Sculpturalandoversizeddesignsserveas bothfunctionallightingandartisticfocal points,oftenfeaturinggeometricshapes andmixedmaterialslikeglass,metal, andceramics.
Sustainabilityisanotherkeydriver oflightinginnovation.LEDtechnology hasadvancedsignificantly,offering longerlifespansandreducedenergy consumption.Designersarealso embracingeco-friendlymaterialssuchas bamboo,recycledmetals,andreclaimed woodforfixtures.Solar-powered lightingsolutionsarebecomingmore viable,especiallyforoutdoorspaces, aligningwithNewZealand’sgrowing commitmenttogreenliving.
Finally,biophiliclighting-which integratesnaturalelementsintodesignisgainingpopularity.Fixturesthatmimic daylightprogressionorincorporate organicmaterialslikewoodandstone helpbringtheoutdoorsin.Somedesigns evenincludebuilt-inplantersorhighlight indoorgreenery,reinforcingaconnection tonaturewithinthehome.
Overall,lightinginNewZealand homesisbecomingmorepersonalised, sustainable,andvisuallyexpressive, reflectingbroadershiftsinlifestyleand designpriorities.
Comfortableloungesinvogue
Loungesuitetrendsarereflecting astrongshifttowardcomfort, sustainability,andpersonal expression.TheKiwilifestyle-relaxed, nature-connected,andincreasingly eco-conscious-isshapinghowpeople furnishtheirhomes,especiallytheirliving rooms.Loungesuitesarenolongerjust functionalseating;they’recentraltothe aestheticandemotionaltoneofahome. Oneofthemostdominanttrendsisthe useofnaturalandsustainablematerials. Loungesuitesupholsteredinrecycled
fabrics,organiccotton,andeco-friendly foamaregainingpopularity.Framesmade fromFSC-certifiedwoodandlow-VOC finishesarepreferred,aligningwiththe growingdemandforenvironmentally responsiblechoices.Thisemphasison sustainabilityiscomplementedbya riseinbiophilicdesign,whereearthy texturesandtones-likemochabrown, olivegreen,andsand-createacalming, groundedatmosphere.
Soft,roundedshapesareanother hallmarkof2025’sloungesuitedesign.
Gonearethesharp,boxysilhouettesof previousyears.Instead,curvededgesand organicformsdominate,offeringamore invitingandcozierfeel.Theseshapesare especiallypopularinopen-planhomes, wherefurnitureneedstoflownaturally withthespace.
Modularandmulti-functionallounge suitesarealsotrending,particularly inurbanareaswherespaceisata premium.Thesesuitescanberearranged tosuitdifferentlayoutsoroccasions andoftenincludehiddenstorageor
convertiblefeatures.Thisflexibilityallows homeownerstoadapttheirlivingspaces withoutsacrificingstyle.
Colourtrendsareleaningtowardwarm neutralsandboldaccents.ThePantone ColouroftheYear,MochaMousse-a muted,chocolateybrown-hasbecome astapleinloungesuiteupholstery, offeringbothsophisticationandcomfort. Meanwhile,the“unexpectedred”trendis makingitswayintolivingroomsthrough accentcushionsorstatementchairs, addingvibrancywithoutoverwhelming thespace.
Finally,personalisationand craftsmanshiparekey.Mass-produced furnitureisbeingreplacedbybespoke loungesuitesthatreflectindividual tastes.Whetherit’sacustomfabric choice,auniquetimberfinish,ora handcraftedframe,NewZealandersare embracingfurniturethattellsastoryand addscharactertotheirhomes.
LoungesuitetrendsinNewZealandthis yearareaboutcreatingspacesthatfeel personal,comfortable,andconnectedto nature-wherestylemeetssustainability andindividuality.
