It’s a sunny Sunday morning, and I’m sitting in Leigh Eats cafe and fish'n'chip shop on what has become a weekend ritual: coffee and a savoury (or cinnamon) brioche. As I wait for my order, I notice the chirpy locals who pop their heads through the entrance and yell, "How are ya!" They wave happily at Tim and Annaliese, the shop owners manning the front counter and coffee machine. Warm greetings are exchanged, followed by "See ya soon!"

We usually associate houses built 100+ years ago, like Victorian manors and period bungalows with character. But does a house have to be old to have character? Short answer: no. Even if your house is brand new (or new-ish), you can still bring in a sense of story or history with furniture, art and decor. Here are 4 easy ways to add more character to your home:

Why a plain white or grey bathroom? Why not go bold and create a space that makes getting ready for the day or bed a joyful experience? These were my initial thoughts going into our small bathroom makeover. Often, bathrooms can feel cold and uninviting (figuratively and literally) as many of the features in a bathroom are made from hard, cold materials (e.g. tiles, glass, metal). But I think a room constructed of hard materials can still look and feel warm and inviting - with the combination of colour, pattern and texture. 

Nestled in the heart of Mangōnui along the banks of a winding river against a backdrop of an olive grove is The River Bothy, a rustic glamping retreat. Serene, picturesque, and private, The River Bothy is the perfect dog-friendly hideaway for those seeking an internet-free break from the world.

When I hatched the idea of converting our 54 sqm aluminium double garage into an office/creative studio, I had in mind a space to work, create, chill, and think. Working from home meant my work life had encroached on our personal living space. I needed a divide, and it made sense to use our garage (which was being used as storage space for junk).

Looking for sustainable interior design ideas? Get inspired with these 3 books that will change the way you approach home styling.

Darker, moodier palettes are having a moment in 2024. This so-called ‘trend’ has been a go-to design choice by interior designers for yonks. While lighter-coloured interiors will always be the safer option, many of us home dwellers are waking up to the beauty and versatility of darker paint colours. 

When it comes to laundry rooms - the words fun and whimsy don’t spring to mind. For our laundry room makeover, we wanted to create a space with personality, a sense of drama and practicality. I loved the idea of a ‘bare bones’ laundry - exposed timber shelves, raw textures combined with brass, focussing on ‘luxe’ elements with a minimalist approach.