There's more to decor than neutral hues - so why are we so reluctant to venture into the world of bright hues? Suzanne McFadden asks the experts.

Four of the country's best designers talk to Kirsten Matthew about making beautiful furniture and homewares, New Zealand's place in contemporary design, and their most favourite things.

The council is planning to redesign Freyberg Place. This is one of our most urban public places but the vision we've seen in the Herald is for a bush walk.

The right barbie will make summer a squeeze.

An energy makeover helps a house go from ice to nice.

Gone are the days of using a garage just to store the car.

When Vee Kessner wanted to do a design-based degree, Kessner's mother told her she needed to get a business qualification under her belt.

The boss of the $850 million Transmission Gully project worked on one of Queensland's biggest motorway jobs before shifting here.

Much fanfare accompanied the announcement of the Tamaki urban regeneration. But progress has not matched expectation and the Government has set about rectifying flaws.

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce is supporting a halt of work on two large wharf extensions into the Waitemata Harbour.

Don’t panic, Auckland can be fixed. Greg Dixon talks to the author of a new book on New Zealand urban design about the 10 things we need to do to make it truly liveable.

A legal challenge to the lawfulness of two wharf extensions in the Waitemata Harbour will be heard in June.

Artists' impressions of Auckland's City Rail Link include a new underground station at Karangahape Rd built to resemble a stingray.

Some of the biggest buildings of the new-look Christchurch are being put together virtual piece by virtual piece, thanks to remarkable 3D technology.

Heads could roll over Ports of Auckland expansion plans, according to a senior Auckland Council source.

Fake grass, once considered a bit tacky, is making a kitschy comeback - popping up in backyards, apartment patios, commercial buildings, bars, schools and even inside some homes.

A small fibre-cement-board do-up cottage on a large tree-lined site in the Waitakere Ranges has been bought for TVNZ's new DIY reality show, Our First Home.

A Scottish-based Kiwi designer is flushed with excitement as her colourful and unique take on the humble toilet is turning heads in the UK.

Auckland councillor Chris Darby says architecture at the 282-residence 16ha Waimahia Inlet special housing area left him cold and buyers were put off.

A tiny house where residents have to climb on the kitchen units to reach a mezzanine bed is on the market in London.

California's Sunset Strip, known for its giant billboards, celebrity hot spots and rock clubs, is getting a makeover.

A French urban planning expert is in New Zealand this week, courtesy of think-tank the New Zealand Initiative.

Seven New Zealand buildings are shortlisted for awards in the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, held from October 1 to 3.

Waterfront Auckland has been asked to “take the lead” to build two large buildings on Queens Wharf in exchange for upgrading the downtown ferry terminal.