When Janey Larsen was growing up, her mum, an antique rug importer, had a favourite saying: "If you have a rug and a chest you can make a home anywhere in the world."

Unaware of what surprises were hiding behind the facade of the 1920’s Californian Bungalow in Herne Bay, they quickly realised that patience was the key to a successful heritage renovation.

Hidden in the garage or shoved in the shed, the laundry is an often neglected area. But with some smart design and little dose of love, your laundry will feel like a happier place to be.

In the entrance to Janey and Dave Larsen’s Remuera, Auckland home, a French antique chandelier from Blue Moon Collection hangs above a 200-year-old chair from Vitrine and a Mongolian chest that was a wedding present…

There's a bit of a riot going on in home interiors this spring – a riot of colour and jungle-themed prints. Botanicals – leaves, flowers and exotic birds – are appearing everywhere, on wallpaper, cushions, duvet covers, and chairs.