When it comes to appearances the exterior of a home has the potential to be powerful or passé depending on how it’s finished.

Exterior design should incorporate the size, shape and style of a house.

If we believe foody magazines and cooking shows on the box, everybody knows what vinaigrette is, how to deglaze a pan and that white sauce is a thing of the past. I disagree.

A new insect pest is attacking tomatoes, potatoes and related crops in New Zealand gardens.

When colour is used in a home it frequently reflects the people and personalities who inhabit it.

Caring for the environment and creating a healthy home go hand in hand whether you are building or renovating a home.

Incorporating good design doesn’t need to result in increased costs and a major mortgage.

Owning a home comes with regular responsibilities from, rates to insurances, maintenance, electricity and telephone.

While many of these costs are hard to avoid, some can be drastically reduced with a little planning.

Building something from scratch or renovating involves stretching savings and making the most of our money.
 
Whether you are building a new house or preparing to renovate every project should begin with knowing what you can afford.
 

One of the most important steps in securing a home is arranging finance.

Creating the perfect home is possible, but only if you know what you are doing.

All too often dreams are derailed as budgets begin to bulge and decisions become difficult.

It's so hot I'd like to sit in a cool pool all day slurping iced coffee in the morning, iced soup for lunch, icecream for tea and something boozey on the rocks a little later. Chilled soups might seem a bit outlandish at first, but they're so good you've got to try one.