Mel & Jay’s Stylish Signature Start to Home Ownership
Design-Forward, Budget-Smart: The Perfect First Home Combo
Sometimes the best-laid plans don’t work out.If you’re lucky enough, you end up with something much better than you’d originally hoped for. This was the happy result for a Waikato couple whose unsuccessful attempts at finding an existing house led them to a solution they’d never ever considered – building.
As it turns out, it was an inspired choice. The family has a brand-new,low-maintenance family home in Hamilton and were able to tweak existing plans to give them the style, accents and extras they wanted.After living in Sydney, Mel and Jay felt the pull of home and decided to head back to New Zealand.
While staying with friends, they began doing the rounds of open homes, but nothing felt right. They hadn’t considered building from scratch until they chanced upon a house and land package. With their interest piqued,the couple started investigating, and it was clear the pros far out weighed the cons. “We found the perfect Signature Homes house and land package in the perfect area for our family,” says Mel.
The Brief: Let the Views In, Keep the Stress Out
Their slightly elevated section offered a great outlook, so it was important the design captured that sense of openness. Outdoor living was also high on the list, and above all, they wanted a home that felt stylish but wouldn’t stretch the budget.
As first-home builders, they were looking for something practical, low-maintenance, and future-proof - with a few special features that made it theirs.
The Look: First Home Feels with Showhome Style
Mel’s natural eye for design shines through in every space. From the moment you step through the door, it feels like you’ve walked into a beautifully curated showhome - polished concrete floors, wooden accents, statement pendant lights, and a custom concrete benchtop that’s the centrepiece of the kitchen.
“We were very budget-conscious,” says Mel. “But the Signature team helped us choose materials that looked great and didn’t break the bank."
They worked with Signature Homes’ colour consultant to build a soft, neutral palette that feels timeless - perfect for long-term living or potential resale.
Outside, the mix of white painted brick and timber cladding gives the home serious street appeal. It’s fresh, modern, and made for easy upkeep—exactly what they needed for a low-maintenance lifestyle.
The Details That Matter
Mel and Jay knew where to spend and where to save. They invested in key upgrades like a sleek black sink and tapware, tiled showers, thicker carpet underfoot, and square-stop ceiling finishes for that crisp, clean look.
“It’s the little touches that make it feel more ‘us’,” says Mel.
Now, Mel and Jay are loving life in a home that reflects their style, their smarts, and their story - from open-home wanderers to first-home owners with Signature flair.
Mel and Jay's Signature Greenprint
Mel and Jay chose Signature Homes’ Waxeye plan as the perfect starting point for their first build. With its open-plan layout and easy flow, it ticked many of their boxes - then they made a few smart tweaks to tailor it to their must-haves. The result? A home that balances style, practicality, and personality.
