July 27, 2026
Naming your home is a lovely thing to do, and a steel name plate makes it official. I make a lot of these, and people often ask for ideas as much as the sign itself. Here are some directions to think about, and how to choose a plate that lasts.
Māori words make beautiful house names, chosen with respect and often for a meaning that suits the home. A few people love: Aroha (love), Kāinga (home), Whare (house), Rangimārie (peace), Manaaki (to care for and host), Tūrangawaewae (a place to stand, home). It's always worth checking the meaning, and where it matters to you the appropriateness of a word, before you commit.
Names drawn from where you are read beautifully: a nearby hill, bay or river, or the view from the deck. Think Hilltop, Bayview, Sea Breeze, The Point, Kōwhai Cottage or Pōhutukawa House. They root the home in its spot.
Baches get to be more relaxed and a bit cheeky. Names like Sandy Feet, The Crib, Gone Fishing, Slice of Heaven, Toes in the Sand or Happy Place all suit a place you go to unwind.
Your family name, the year you built or moved in, or a nod to where the family came from all make a personal, lasting choice. The Smiths, Established 2019, or a family name in a handwritten style are all popular.
Once you've got the name, the plate is the easy part. I make them powder coated in black, white or gold over aluminium or stainless steel, in corten, or in brushed marine-grade 316 stainless, so they hold up outdoors in NZ weather. Pick a size that reads from the gate or door, a finish that suits your cladding, and a font that matches the feel of the name, classic, modern or handwritten.
Every name plate is custom. You choose the name, size and finish, I send a design proof to approve, and it's cut here in Auckland once you're happy. Lead time is around 20 business days from approval.
Have a look at my personalised signs and house numbers and address signs, or get in touch with the name you have in mind.
Māori words like Aroha, Kāinga or Rangimārie, landscape names like Bayview or Kōwhai Cottage, relaxed bach names like Sandy Feet or Slice of Heaven, or a family name and the year you moved in.
Check the meaning of the word and that it suits your home and intent. Choose something you have a genuine connection to, and if you're unsure, ask someone who knows the language.
Powder-coated aluminium or stainless steel, corten, or brushed marine-grade 316 stainless. All are made to last outdoors. Right on the coast, choose aluminium or 316 stainless.
Yes. You choose the name, size, font and finish, I email a design proof to approve, and I cut it in Auckland once you're happy. Lead time is around 20 business days.
Big enough to read from the gate or front door. Measure the distance and size up if you're between sizes.
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