BoxMakers’ work for this unique kitchen makeover in Sunnyhills remains one of our most visually striking transformations. The rift in design style spans close to half a century, creating one of the largest visual upgrades we’ve done. The core themes of this upgrade are minimalism, achromaticity, and tactility.
The original kitchen was designed in a mid-century modern style, with prominent retro influences reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. It came complete with strong orange and brown accents which spanned to the wallpaper, splashbacks, and benchtop. The owner wished for a modern minimalist style for their new kitchen, a stark contrast to the lurid oranges and browns. It wasn’t simply the design that was outdated either; the appliances and furnishings were notably aged, and wouldn’t look out of place in a 70s television show.
With the goal of creating something plain and simple, the owner called upon BoxMakers to deliver a full kitchen renovation. The primary colours were an arresting achromatic black and white – and this extended to all the appliances, furnishings, and fixtures. MDF was chosen for the cabinetry material, coated in Prime White by PrimePanels. This white theme extended to the benchtop, which came in a glossy White Ice by Uniquartz, matching the doors and walls. Everything else, however, came in the colour of night.
The glossy splashback was the most prominent display of contrast in the entire kitchen. Adorned with tactile wavelike grooves, it evoked the sense of swimming in a midnight sea under a moonless sky. Each ridge was carefully contoured to mirror the gentle silence of nighttime waves. Likewise, the pendant light above the peninsula wing is a horizontal bar of pure black, adding to the minimalist goal.
Stefano Orlati was the brand for the cabinet handles. Their Matt Black square pull handles were the perfect choice in both shape and colour. While many minimalist builds opt for hidden or recessed handles, this kitchen’s tactile focus meant that full-grip bars were perfectly suited. The black theme can also be seen in the sink, faucets, and appliances, such as Fisher & Paykel’s Series 5 Cooktop. Häfele’s Comfort II series served as a pull-out unit, tucking away bottles and spices beneath its minimalist exterior.
Every detail was thoughtfully considered by BoxMakers to offer a seamless blend of style and practicality, resulting in a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is efficient.
