Fall in Love with Your Home All Over Again

Making the Most of the Home You Already Have

Like many Cantabrians, you love where you live and can’t imagine moving, but perhaps your beloved home feels like it’s not quite keeping up with your family’s needs? Maybe you’re running out of storage, the kids need more room to play, or you simply want to refresh tired spaces.

The good news is, that with a few simple tweaks, you can rediscover the joy in your home, create new possibilities, and make the most of every corner. Here are some easy ways to fall in love with your home all over again.

1. Reimagine Your Outdoor Spaces

In Canterbury, we’re lucky to have beautiful, long summers and crisp, clear winter days. Why not make the most of them by turning your backyard into an extension of your living space?

Add a pergola, louvre roof, or shade sail for year-round comfort.
Invest in cosy outdoor furniture or a fire pit for winter evenings.
Create zones—like a veggie patch, kids’ play area, or outdoor dining spot—to get more out of your space.

Outdoor fire from Stoke Fireplace Studio Christchurch

2. Get Clever with Storage

It’s amazing how quickly clutter can build up, especially in family homes. Smart storage solutions can make a huge difference:

Think vertically—use shelving and tall cabinetry to make the most of wall space.
Create access to under-utilised attic space for more storage.
Utilise under-stair nooks or add built-in benches with hidden storage.
Declutter seasonally—rotate clothing, toys, or sports gear so you only keep what you use regularly.

Attic Ladder from Sellwood unlocks potential storage options

3. Refresh, Don’t Renovate

You don’t always need a full-scale reno to transform a space. Sometimes, a few simple updates are enough to breathe new life into your home:

A fresh coat of paint can completely change the mood of a room.
Swap outdated handles, taps, or light fittings for modern styles.
Add greenery—indoor plants instantly make rooms feel more inviting.
Update your flooring, it’s amazing the impact starting from the ground up makes to a room.

New flooring that makes an impact from Wools of New Zealand

4. Maximise Multi-Use Areas

When your home feels too small, often it’s not about square metres—it’s about how you use them. Look for ways to double-purpose spaces:

A guest room that doubles as a home office.
A garage that doubles as a gym or workshop.
An open-plan living area that can be rearranged for entertaining.

Thoughtful use can create multipurpose spaces, such as an office during the week and a guest bedroom on weekends.

5. Create Feel-Good Rituals

Sometimes it’s not about the house itself, but how you live in it. Start new traditions that make your home feel special—Sunday morning breakfasts in the sunniest spot, family movie nights, or an annual backyard BBQ with friends.

Make the most of warm summer nights by turning your garden into an outdoor theatre.

Why Visit the Canterbury Home Show?

If you’re inspired to make the most of your current home, the Canterbury Home Show is the perfect place to start. You’ll find clever storage ideas, outdoor living solutions, and expert advice to help you create a home you’ll continue to love for years to come.

Your dream home doesn’t have to mean a “for sale” sign. With a few changes, the home you already have can be everything you need and more. Fall back in love with your spaces, maximise their potential, and enjoy the comfort of staying right where you are.

And when you’re ready for inspiration, head along to the Canterbury Home Show—it’s your one-stop shop for fresh ideas and expert know-how.