Each year, two of New Zealand’s most exciting awards shine on the best in home design: Home Interior of The Year and Home Magazine Home of The Year. These awards honour projects that blend style, function, and creativity, showing us new ways to make our homes feel warm, inviting, and unique. 

Home Interior of The Year spotlights the magic that happens inside a home. A panel of judges looks for rooms that work well, look beautiful, and use materials wisely. Winners might include a tiny city apartment made into a calm haven or a coastal retreat that brings the sea right inside. Judges praise clever storage ideas, smart lighting choices, and eco-friendly touches like recycled-tile backsplashes or low-energy LED fixtures. Every winner tells a story of transformation—how simple changes in color, layout, or lighting can make daily routines feel special. 

On the other hand, Home Magazine Home of The Year celebrates entire properties—from the front gate to the backyard deck. Judges check how well a home fits its surroundings, how strong its build quality is, and how it makes life easier for the people living there. They look at rooflines, landscaping, and how rooms flow together. A winning home might feature a garden that doubles as a play area, large windows that welcome sunlight, or walls made with natural, sustainable materials. These homes show us how outdoor and indoor living can become one seamless experience. 

Both awards place big emphasis on sustainability. Many winners use passive solar designs to heat their homes without high energy bills. Rainwater tanks, green roofs, and native planting all make homes more eco-friendly. Simple steps—like installing dual-flush toilets or choosing certified timber—add up to big savings for families and smaller footprints on the planet. The stories behind these award-winning projects offer real-life examples of how anyone can make greener choices without losing style. 

Entering these awards is open to homeowners, architects, builders, and designers alike. To join, entrants submit photos, floor plans, and a short note explaining their vision. Finalists receive coverage in the magazine, social media spotlights, and invitations to celebratory events. It’s a chance to share hard work and creativity with a wide audience—and to learn from others who love good design as much as you do. 

Even if you don’t plan to enter, browsing past winners of Home Interior of The Year and Home Magazine Home of The Year gives you plenty of ideas. You might discover a new paint shade, a clever way to hide cords, or a smart garden path design. Seeing how award-winning homes handle storage, light, and flow can inspire you to make changes in your own space—big or small. 

Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a full build, let these award winners guide you. Note how they balance beauty with practicality, how they blend natural elements with modern comforts, and how they keep the needs of the people in mind first and foremost. Their work proves that great design isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a home that feels right, works well every day, and lasts for years. 

Ready to turn your own home into a standout space? Contact us today to talk about ideas inspired by Home Interior of The Year and Home Magazine Home of The Year. Let’s make your next project an award-worthy showcase of your style and creativity.