We are US citizens who have permanently relocated to New Zealand. We love this country and intend to grow old here. Our only complaint is the state of housing here - it is extremely expensive, the quality is poor, energy efficiency and warmth are rare and the designs on offer do not fit with our slightly traditional American sensibilities. There is also the added problem that I am a little bit allergic to most things that are found in modern home construction - so I really need a "healthy home". I am a fan of the "not too big" approach to design. We are not after a "McMansion", in fact we would like the smallest possible home, while still giving myself, my husband and our growing son the spaces we need. What I do want is a bit of character, natural light and architectural variety, but it must also be efficient, comfortable, healthy and most of all affordable. A building plot here will cost us about what a middle class family in the US would spend on a fully finished house, so it doesn't leave much for conventional building. So what I am trying to find out is, are there any companies (either in NZ or, if not, some place that would ship to NZ) that can offer us a turn-key home that meets our needs and can be finished for around $150k NZD + land? Thanks.

Are there little bits and pieces that you could salvage and put into a shadowbox? Just little things that mean something to you or that would remind you of good times you had in your home.

The first time I met the White house, I was impressed with her grandeur and character having retained all her original features, but , she was tired and dark and in need of a little prescriptive care from the House Doctor - especially if her owners wanted to sell her for top $. She had strong bones and high ceilings and direct access to her own beach, all features that are highly desirable in the property market. With great clients to work with the White house was an easy fix and a simple rejig or the floor plan, a new kitchen, bathroom and a repaint was all the magic she needed to fix her real estate aches and pains. The results were so successful she attracted the attention of Your Home & Garden and stylist Natalie Hoelen. Kitchen Before Kitchen After Living Room Before Living Room After Kids Room Before Kids Room After Master Bedroom Before Master Bedroom After Let us know your thoughts below!

Hi Gerné - thought I could give you some ideas on how to maximise this kitchen on a low budget. You've added some great photos here to demonstrate the space! From what I can see you have a minimalistic style and lean more towards stainless and monochromatic materials, (love your tap by the way) - There are a number of ways you could add a little more storage and character without spending much.. In the photo there are numbers for reference; 1. I would investigate floating shelves - there are a number of different colours, widths, and lengths to suit the space accordingly. installing these on each side of your splash back would add a bit more storage for your favourite pieces i.e.; vases, baskets, soft accents.. this is more about proving a space to add individuality rather than practical storage. - bare in mind that these need to be installed on load bearing walls - from personal experience they can slant and sag if not completed correctly. 2. This space looks narrow from the photo - you can find a great range of shelving units from Freedom Furniture.. I would recommend a corner unit or a thin & long shelf, I would go with black to retain the scheme here. Kmart has also got some great pieces that I think would fit well into your scheme - check out their Urban Range! 3. Luckily there is storage space up here - I would utilise it for things that aren't used as often that you wouldn't mind getting on a step ladder to retrieve. I have added some photos of above cabinet storage for some inspiration. 4. I would also recommend utilising this space; from the photo this looks nice and wide and would accomodate a free standing shelf well. If you have heard of IKEA I would check out Urban Sales - unfortunately there is no IKEA in NZ - however this is a trusted retailer that supplies products from the store to NZ. Hope this helps! - Also I would recommend investing in additional cabinet space against this wall (5) it would add a huge amount of storage for your family and their needs. I have tried to find the most inexpensive options for you as I am aware of cost. Happy to come at this from another angle if this isn't what you were looking for!