Arthaus in New Plymouth is a well-known homewares and design store. It is proudly New Zealand owned and offers a carefully curated collection of art, gifts and pieces for you and your home. Owner Lisa England has been operating the business for 15 years.

Lisa at her New Plymouth property, a rebuilt funeral home.

How would you describe your home and style?

My house is a 1920s bungalow split in two. We have boutique one-bedroom accommodation in the front half and an industrial-style open-plan apartment at the back.

What inspires you about living in your region?

Taranaki has often been referred to as the lifestyle capital of New Zealand. We have the beach in our backyard, the coastal walkway, Pukekura Park and of course Egmont National Park. Taranaki is spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out and we have a thriving art and retail scene.

What’s the last thing you bought for your home?

More house plants. I love green and I love how much a plant can breathe life into a room.

What is your favourite room in the house and why?

The living room in our accommodation. It’s white on white with vintage and industrial furniture. It’s full of art and collectables. It’s a calm relaxing space.

The boutique accommodation features a wall of interest (the tan leather chair and industrial sideboard are from Arthaus).

What’s the trend you wish would make a comeback and why?

I don’t follow trends too closely. I believe house trends are like fashion – it all swings around and makes a comeback, just with a new twist. Create your own style.

If money was no object, what would you buy for your home and why?

A hot tub! We don’t have a bath and some nights all I want to do is sink into hot water and forget about the day.

If you were renovating a home, where would you spend the bulk of your renovation budget and why?

In the kitchens and bathrooms. These rooms are used the most, so create something you will enjoy spending time in. Make them functional and have some statement pieces.

What would you go budget on?

Anything you can do yourself. We’re a nation of DIY experts, so never pay anyone to do something you can do yourself. Give it a go. If you get it wrong you can always pay someone to fix it.

The round wire shelf in the master bedroom is a showcase for some of Lisa’s finds.

You’ve got a day to refresh your house. What do you do?

Get out the hedge trimmer and the window cleaner. Both are constant chores, but always so satisfying when done.

What should every home have and why?

A scullery. A designer kitchen only looks good when everything is hidden away, but that isn’t always practical or functional. A scullery hides everything.