Trendsideas

You don't see gallery sculptures swamped with surrounding pieces – and same should go for your freestanding tub, as in this bathroom

A frosted window splashback ensures plenty of natural light falls on perimeter work surfaces in this contemporary kitchen

Mirrors in a lift stop people complaining about the ride time – for similar reason, two volumes of handy storage go unnoticed in this coastal bathroom

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 

A his and her vanity, corner bath and feature textured tile all come together to give this ensuite a spa-like treatment

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

This primary bathroom highlights the freestanding statement tub and sculptural pendant, with the surrounding landscape providing a dramatic backdrop

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

In this roomy master suite, white Japanese finger tiles form a feature wall that provides interest and a low-upkeep splashback for the his and hers vanity.

For this white, bright kitchen, a Whispair rangehood draws cooking smells but not the eye, clad as it is in the same finish as the cabinetry

Cabinetry proportions offer a valuable design tool – here, the height of the cabinets was extended to emphasis the kitchen within the room 

In fact, the stained cladding, timber soffits, wood screens and soaring gable are all on show from within the second floor lounge of this new home