Journal

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.

For Olive Point Studio, great design is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about creating homes that flow seamlessly and stand the test of time. In this project, Architectural Designer, Sara, transformed her parents’ home with a neutral palette, natural textures, and flooring choices that add both warmth and durability. The result is a space that feels personal, timeless, and beautifully liveable.

When you think of a dream beach house, you might picture something stylish, timeless, and built to withstand the elements—and that’s exactly what Alex and Corban have created with their Whananaki retreat. From its fascinating origins as a repurposed Mini Cooper garage to its latest transformation into a thoughtfully designed, sustainable getaway, every inch of this home tells a story.