Journal

Christchurch-based makeup artist and content creator Kasia Stanicich is no stranger to creative expression. Known for her intuitive style and strong visual eye, Kasia recently turned that same instinct toward building her first home. Shaped by thoughtful design choices, fast-paced decision-making, and a clear sense of how she wanted the space to feel, the result is a home that reflects both her creativity and the way she lives. We sat down with Kasia to talk inspiration, standout moments from the build, and the design decisions that brought her vision to life.

Steven and Yuki have created a home that perfectly balances modern design with warmth and personality. Their two-level house blends sleek architectural lines with natural materials, thoughtful interiors, and subtle Japanese influences. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that every corner has been carefully considered — a reflection of their love for design, comfort, and timeless style.

We sat down with Steven to hear more about their home, their approach to interiors, and how their travels and personal style have shaped the spaces they live in.

Meet Chanel, a primary school teacher turned stay-at-home mum, and her husband Jeshua, who are raising their three children—Ralph (6), Margot (4), and little August, affectionately known as Augie (2), who has Down syndrome—alongside their miniature dachshund, Alfred. A family with a love for travel and exploring different cultures, they have lived overseas in a few places, bringing a worldly perspective to their home life. When they’re not travelling, they’re immersed in one of their greatest passions: renovating and designing homes.

Their current home, a relocated 1920s bungalow, is full of character, from its high ceilings to its original floors and heritage features. For Chanel, designing a home is about blending timeless style with personal touches, experimenting with colour and pattern, and creating spaces that are both beautiful and family-friendly. In this interview, she shares her approach to interior design, tips for decorating stylish yet practical spaces, and why the Andes Peak carpet has been a perfect fit for their lifestyle, as well as what they’re most excited to tackle next: a bold, colour-drenched living room in her favourite shade of pink.

Fresh off years of living abroad and embracing the slower pace of rural life, Fatima and former All Black Julian Savea returned to New Zealand with a clear vision: to create a home that captured everything they loved about their life overseas while grounding their family back home. What began as a dream gradually evolved into a full-scale new build — one shaped by intention, lifestyle, and a shared love for beautiful, functional design.

In this interview, Fatima and Julian share an inside look at their building journey: from finding inspiration and defining their design priorities, to navigating the inevitable challenges that come with creating a home from the ground up. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to crafting spaces that feel warm, practical, and family-focused, their story offers thoughtful insights for anyone considering a build of their own.

You might recognise Sophie Chung from Chatty Chums, her witty beauty and lifestyle platform, or as the Beauty Editor at M2woman. Between creating content for some of New Zealand’s favourite brands and sharing snippets of her life on @oheyitsfifi, Sophie somehow found time to completely renovate her home. Here, she shares the story behind her design journey.