Trends 40-01

In this family-friendly design, the children are encouraged to use the backyard as an extension of the interiors and as a more direct path to access the heart of the home

With wings to the left and right, a central breezeway reveals what this home is all about – eco-luxury that connects directly to the land

The new Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa offers spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellbeing – a marine-grade Dimond roof protects the culturally in-tune destination

Contemporary, sunny and spacious on the inside, this relaxed indoor-outdoor home features a character cladding on the outside

The owners were quite specific, wanting a timeless, French coastal look interior – one suited to the landscape close to Akaroa, with its French colonial history 

Sense of community is a driver with Fowler Homes – now the noted home builder is building a Queenstown home to be auctioned, with all profits going to Mike King’s I Am Hope Foundation

This suburban family home opens up to its rural views at the rear, while materials and layout reflect an easy connection between indoors and out

Whether it's designs to build off, a small-site offering, a rural dwelling or a buyable showhome, G.J. Gardner can help – here are some examples

This mid-level lounge opens up to its mountain and city views with wall size sliders – optimising the home's connection to nature

How to create authentic interiors that are well considered and individual to your tastes – styling ideas from interior designer Stacey Gillies

Mexican mosaics acquired during the owners' time abroad make for a leading feature in this colourful bathroom sanctuary

This low-upkeep landscaping project reflects on the clean-lined home it extends from, stepping down to accommodate spa and then lawn

This bold kitchen sits well in its classic villa environment – industrial strength ventilation is downplayed while displayed plants are also discreetly housed

A new garden pavilion and a penthouse suite together with natural, crafted interiors help this house celebrate natural connections to its Table Mountain setting

Mirrors aren't the only design tool when it comes to growing the sense of space in your bathroom – this white, roomy design employs another 

This contemporary, whānau-friendly kitchen features adroit colour choices that help its stone benchtops connect with the wider interior

Maintained sight corridors, architectural empathy with the house, natural accents and the inclusion of cooking, dining and lounge spaces all helped shape this river-view pavilion

Many things inform great bathroom design – here, astute material choices create atmosphere and contribute to the coherence of the wider home

From dated to refined – this fit-out brings the look and function of a clifftop penthouse apartment into the 21st century

This rear lounge-deck-master suite extension is a master class in connecting to the views while keeping in step with the original cottage

One owner wants such and such, the other owner wants something different – requirements are reconciled with design cleverness in this family kitchen

Your kitchen island doesn't have to just be  a freestanding work surface with cabinetry – these examples take island design that bit further, and we think the results are outstanding