Each year, New Zealand’s interior design community waits for two of the biggest honours: Interior Designer of The Year and Home Interior of The Year. These awards, presented by Home Magazine, recognize the designers and homeowners who push boundaries and create inspiring living spaces. They celebrate clear thinking, skilled craftsmanship, and genuine collaboration—from the first sketch to the final finishes.
Competing for Interior Designer of The Year starts with submitting a project package. Designers send photos, plans, and a simple description of how they solved layout challenges, used light, and chose materials. Judges look for fresh ideas and smart solutions—how a tight city flat can feel spacious, how natural light boosts comfort, or how recycled timber adds character. Entries must explain how the design improves daily life and respects sustainability, such as reducing energy use or picking eco-friendly finishes.
After the initial round, judges pick a longlist and arrange on-site visits. Seeing a space in person helps experts notice details photos can’t capture: the feel of custom cabinetry, the way a corner window frames a view, or the ease of use built into every handle. Designers share their hurdles—tight budgets, awkward sites, or ambitious green goals—and show how they found clever answers. From this careful review, one standout professional is named Interior Designer of The Year.
At the same time, the Home Interior of The Year award highlights the finished spaces themselves. Finalists tell a clear story through colour, texture, lighting, and furniture. Judges sense the mood of each home: a beachside retreat that blurs indoors and out, a small apartment that feels airy despite its size, or a heritage villa refreshed with modern comforts. They check practical touches too, like hidden storage that keeps clutter out of sight or a built-in bench that makes every corner useful.
Finalists for Home Interior of The Year appear in a special Home Magazine feature. Rich photography and short design notes let readers step inside these homes and spot ideas for their own spaces. Alongside the judges’ picks, a public vote runs for the Readers’ Choice Award. This gives everyday New Zealanders a chance to back the finished interior that speaks to them most.
The awards follow a clear yearly rhythm. Entries usually open in early autumn and close a few months later. Judges review and visit in late autumn and winter, with finalists announced in spring. By midyear, a gala night brings everyone together to reveal winners of Interior Designer of The Year, Home Interior of The Year, category awards, and the Readers’ Choice winner.
Entering these awards brings big benefits. Finalists gain national exposure, attracting new clients and media attention. Homeowners feel proud seeing their spaces celebrated by industry leaders. And readers pick up practical tips—floor plans, material sources, and behind-the-scenes insights—perfect for their own renovations or décor updates.
Beyond the magazine pages, the awards extend into the community through open homes and virtual tours. Visitors tour finalist projects, ask questions of the designers, and gather real-life inspiration. Online 360° walkthroughs let anyone explore these spaces from anywhere in the country. Both Interior Designer of The Year and Home Interior of The Year help shape New Zealanders’ ideas about home, driving trends in sustainable materials, flexible layouts, and designs that put people first.
If your project deserves a national stage, start preparing now. Entries for the next Interior Designer of The Year and Home Interior of The Year open soon. Gather your best photos and plans, write clear notes on your goals, anad get ready to show how your work can improve daily life. Aim for these top interior design awards and share your creativity with the whole country.
Call to Action:
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration. Visit the Home Magazine awards section for entry details, deadlines, and inspiration from past winners. Submit your project for Interior Designer of The Year or Home Interior of The Year—and let your design shine!