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Search habitat magazine storiesCrafting classic furniture is Sefton Powrie's special talent. His wife's Sarah's is designing interiors. Together, they created an elegant Georgian-style kitchen that suits the traditional look of their renovated villa and yet has all the functionality demanded by a modern lifestyle... more
You've just finished painting your bedroom with waterborne paint. Although you'd like to sit bit and admire your handiwork, the paintbrush and roller need to be rinsed off. Where do you do this?... more
A beginners guide to:Art speaks louder than words
Know a little about art, but perhaps you're not confident about your judgment? Do you feel intimidated by the whole notion of buying an original piece of art? Forget the fear factor - it can be fun. Original art can also be a very good investment... more
For most of us, a bathroom does not serve a purely functional purpose. It can provide a sanctuary in which to linger and reflect while we wash away the cares of the day. A bathroom can also be a place in which to quickly revitalize and refresh ourselves... more
Artist and mother Meghann Stewart freely admits she is meticulous - even obsessive - about most things. Meghann has adopted a very disciplined approach that sees her painting three days a week in her Kingsland studio... more
Although he's renowned as one of New Zealand's top heritage architects, in many ways Ian Bowman considers himself first and foremost an historian. It's just that for him, history comes alive in the structures people have built, much more than through books or old newspapers... more
Sharon Finn is a working mum and that's the way she likes it. For 10 years, while husband Neil was making music, she was closeted in the garden shed following her calling as an artist... more
So you've chosen to get someone else to help out with your renovating. Just remember that correcting a bad paint or papering job can be difficult, expensive, time consuming and more hassle than it's worth. The key to success when using a decorator is to choose a good tradesperson... more
Home heating has become a primary source of air pollution in many urban areas. One of the new national environmental standards that came into force last October looks set to change all that... more
It brightens and inspires our world, can sway our thinking and influence our moods. It reflects our tastes, personality and style. Where would we be without colour? So, the question is, what's hot this season?... more
Liz and Paul Gallagher bought their 90-year-old villa, situated on two acres of farmland at Dairy Flat outside Auckland, 12 years ago. Little did they realise that their vision for the house would literally be turned around 180 degrees... more
A well-designed garden pathway is like a good friend, leading you confidently through the landscape and ultimately brining you to a clear destination. Directing visitors to the front door was just one of the objectives of the garden. Another priority was to create a private and welcoming space... more
As with all great success stories, Resene's stems from humble beginnings. One day, back in 1946, Eastbourne builder Ted Nightingale faced a dilemma. Needing an alkali-resistant paint to protect his concrete buildings, but with nothing available on the commercial market, he set about developing his own... more
When your children wake up, what do they see? Careful consideration of colour, style and quality can make children's bedrooms fun and comfortable now, and adaptable for their needs and wants as they grow older... more
Turn boring and dreary window frames and furniture into smart woodlike features with seven easy steps... more
The way you dress a window can greatly influence the style and character of a room. Blinds, for example, offer clean lines and a contemporary look, while curtains contribute softness and warmth... more
What kind of home do you live in? If it's older, how does it fit into the timeline that is our architectural heritage?... more
habitat is printed on environmentally responsible paper using environmentally responsible ink.
From issue 8 onwards, copies flow wrapped and sent to Resene Cardholders are flow wrapped in environmentally responsible material from epi-global. This product when discarded in soil in the presence of microorganisms, moisture and oxygen will biodegrade decomposing into simple materials found in nature, as described in ASTM D6954-04.