One of the most unique vanity units we’ve put together, this powder room project makes a splash with a unique blend of black & brass. As though a room with shrapnel-like black walls wasn’t enough, this owner sought to take it one step further and boldly bask in the brilliance of a brass vanity.
In order to achieve this understandably lurid display, our team prepared 18mm black woodgrained MDF as the substrate, so that any exposed internals matched the scheme. Even the drawer itself is finished in black, and the Häfele runners are conveniently tucked out of sight – as though enshrouding the rest of the room solely to accentuate the finish sheen…
Arriving at the centrepiece, we clad the MDF in folded sheets of 0.5mm brass via lamination. Delivered by Ambro Metals, these sheets offer increased fire safety, natural aging, and antibacterial properties. With the drawer fully closed, it appears as though the basin is resting on a giant block of gold. The sheen effortlessly dances against the walls – a lavish yet ethereal evocation.
For the fixtures, the owner decided on a circular vessel basin, finely finished in speckled black and perfectly ornamented with a speckled brass stopper. This is paired with an aged brass faucet and handle, which smoothly completes the aesthetic.
As a whole, this small but striking installation is made to make an impression. The above wall light provides meaningful task lighting while also accentuating the glow of the drawer. Every component is pieced together to signal luxury, and the bold brass is sure to be unforgettable.
As part of our upgrade package for our Freeman’s Bay project, BoxMakers crafted a highly accommodating custom TV cabinet. Precision cut and perfect to the millimetre, this TV unit was purpose-built to fit a specific space within this home.
Slotted perfectly into the living room alcove, this brand new BoxMakers TV cabinet stands tall with 4 layers of shelving atop a quadruple doored set of cabinets. Starting from the top, the unit’s apex sits exactly flush with the room’s curtain rod. Finished with smooth Quarter Thorndon Cream from Prime Panels, this nuanced white blends perfectly with the living room.
With the body made out of double-thickness MDF thanks to joined panels, the shelves’ rigidity is second to none. The thick, custom joined panels were chosen specifically to accommodate sculptures and antiques, and can of course double as a bookshelf.
At the centre, we’ve created room enough to comfortably fit TVs up to 58 inches, making for a great viewing experience. Perfect for movie night, yet subtle and seamless, this unit is highly capable without being flashy.
Making a returning appearance from the kitchen, Forté’s Ebony Rustic Plank serves as the tabletop. Its textured European Oak face adds maturity and elegance. Of note is the black, powder-coated steel edge we paired with it, which was custom ordered from TFW.
Altogether, this custom TV unit makes the most of an alcove space to hide what needs to be hidden and flaunt what is to be shown – all while possessing the elegance, maturity, and subtlety of a smart, modern home solution.
Designed by: Mona Simathamchai
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or send us an email at [email protected]
Our expertise was called upon to deliver some finishing upgrades for this modern white kitchen in Freeman’s Bay. In upgrading this existing kitchen, BoxMakers’ role covered the benchtop, island, and of course, some custom cabinetry.
The first order of business was the kitchen island, which featured an incredibly mature blend of Melteca’s Blackened Ash Organic finish and Forté’s Ebony Rustic Planks. This gives a layered, tactile, and storied appearance that divulges detail to those with a keen eye. Capping it off is Consentino’s Dekton Rem benchtop, whose hurried streaks of stormy veins gently grace the soft white face – a choice pairing for this elegant white kitchen.
Behind it, BoxMakers carefully devised and installed a fridge cabinet – a simple yet effective white shell that handily covers and complements any appliance. We also installed a hidden bin, from Fit NZ’s Simplex series, making waste concealment even more convenient.
Opposite the island, we fashioned a standalone kitchen cabinet, cut and measured perfectly to seamlessly integrate with the finished kitchen height. It features glossy Arctic Ice from Bestwood, combined with the same Ebony Planks found on the island, and adorned with Mardeco’s Kitchen Cup handles. Even more interesting is its internals, which features a sneaky two and a half drawer arrangement with all-Häfele components.
Stretching across the kitchen is the pièce de resistance, in the form of the benchtop. BoxMakers installed Prime Panels’ Papamoa series – a subtly speckled slab in a matured shade of white.
The combination of light and dark elements creates a dynamic sense of contrast in this kitchen, but one thing is for certain – every new addition adds both elegance and maturity.
Designed by: Mona Simathamchai
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or send us an email at [email protected]
The second lot of the Sunnynook homes offers a quaint, yet dazzling modern kitchen. BoxMakers took great care to design it with efficiency and space-saving in mind, while touting a full-feature set, sleek new appliances, and of course, loads of quality cabinetry.
Lot 2’s kitchen takes on a distinct identity thanks to its cosy upstairs location. It uses a single wall + island layout, and is accompanied with plenty of natural light thanks to a convenient splashback window and a beautiful sliding door. Similar to the other lots, the kitchen combines Prime Panels’ Quarter Thorndon Cream with Melteca’s Aged Ash for a white & light wood finish.
The kitchen island applies the woodgrain to great effect, with convenient table-end shelving below a white benchtop. Above, the warm, golden glow of the island pendant lights conjure magical moments in the evening, bathing the kitchen with a soft, nurturing radiance.
For such a compact kitchen, it certainly packs quite the repertoire of storage. Including everything from overhead handleless doors, to hanging cubbies, to cornerside shelves, this assortment of cabinetry allows this kitchen to punch well above its weight.
Keeping consistent with this blend of modernity and practicality, even the smaller lot 2 kitchen holds its own thanks to a clever implementation of cabinetry and well-integrated appliances.
Designed by: Mona Simathamchai
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]
As part of our multi-vanity renovation in Waiheke Island, BoxMakers chose a stunningly simple yet wholly elegant design for the girls’ vanity. Purpose-built with ease of operation and minimalism in mind, this unit is designed for sleek adaptability.
Smooth, pure, and chic, the benchtop is made from Caesarstone’s Organic White. This thin-profile, speckled mineral top is perfect for delivering a strong surface without the bulkiness of thicker benches. Within, it effortlessly accommodates the circular basin, chosen by the homeowner. Likewise, the faucet fixtures are in matching aged brass with the master vanity.
Below, the cabinetry features 16mm Prime MDF finished and edged with VidaSpace’s Desert Oak Veneer. Of note is the opening mechanism for the drawers, which carefully incorporates a 25mm finger-pull gap to allow for handleless operation, making the entire face fully uniform. The internals feature Häfele’s Alto soft-close system, which makes opening and closing smooth and silent – perfect even for nighttime.
We also included a cabinet-side power outlet, which means your electric toothbrush or hairdryer can operate comfortably within hand’s reach.
BoxMakers were also in charge of the mirror: a centre-open unit that reveals dual internal shelves, plus more power outlets. Kitted with Häfele’s soft-close hinges, mirror-side beauty lights, and an internal demister pad to chase away fog, it’s clearer than ever to wash, do makeup, or simply admire oneself. Opening and closing is handleless as well, with drop-down finger-pulls comfortably situated at the bottom.
This girls’ vanity is an excellent example of BoxMakers’ attention to use case. We design joinery that fits – not just physically and aesthetically, but practically. Whether it’s a featureful modern kitchen, practical man-cave bathroom, or a trendy minimalist vanity, we know the assignment and can tailor to your needs perfectly.
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]
When planning a kitchen or renovation, one of the biggest decisions sits behind the doors: what your cabinets are actually made from. Each material has its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, design goals, and how the space will be used day to day.
Below is a clear breakdown of the most common cabinet materials used in New Zealand homes.
1. Solid Wood
Solid timber cabinets are made from natural wood boards, offering a timeless and authentic appearance. Popular species such as kauri, matai, jarrah, and oak each bring unique grain patterns and tones, meaning no two kitchens will look exactly the same.
Advantages
Long-lasting and structurally strong
Natural beauty that ages well
Good acoustic qualities
Disadvantages
Sensitive to humidity and temperature changes
Can expand, contract, or crack if not properly treated
Typically higher cost due to craftsmanship
Ideal for:
Homeowners who value natural character and are willing to invest in a classic, durable look.
Pro Tip:
Ensure timber is correctly sealed and installed with allowance for movement. Wood species selection matters — some are more stable than others in changing climates.
2. Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)
MDF is an engineered wood product created by compressing fine wood fibres with resin under high heat and pressure. It provides a smooth, consistent surface, making it a popular choice for painted cabinetry.
Advantages
Smooth finish ideal for paint
Cost-effective compared to solid wood
Stable and uniform surface
Disadvantages
Can be moisture-sensitive if not sealed properly
Not as structurally strong as plywood or solid timber
Ideal for:
Homes seeking a clean, modern, painted finish at a practical price point.
Pro Tip:
Use moisture-resistant MDF in kitchens and laundries, and ensure edges are well sealed to prevent swelling over time.
3. Plywood
Plywood is made by layering thin sheets of timber veneer, glued together with alternating grain directions. This cross-layer construction gives it strength and stability.
Advantages
Strong and lightweight
Better moisture resistance than standard MDF or particleboard
Holds screws and hardware securely
Disadvantages
More expensive than MDF or particleboard
Exposed edges may require finishing for a refined look
Ideal for:
Homeowners wanting a balance between durability and performance, especially in high-use kitchens.
Pro Tip:
Choose high-grade plywood for cabinetry to ensure consistency and minimise internal voids.
4. Particleboard
Particleboard is manufactured from wood chips and resin pressed into sheets. It is commonly used in budget-friendly cabinetry.
Advantages
Affordable
Widely available
Suitable for low-load applications
Disadvantages
Lower structural strength
More vulnerable to moisture damage
Shorter lifespan compared to other materials
Ideal for:
Projects with tight budgets or low-demand spaces where long-term heavy use is not expected.
Pro Tip:
If using particleboard, ensure proper sealing and avoid high-moisture environments unless specifically moisture-resistant grades are selected.
5. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cabinetry is widely used in commercial kitchens for its durability and hygiene. It has also gained popularity in modern residential designs.
Advantages
Highly hygienic and easy to clean
Resistant to heat and moisture
Contemporary, industrial appearance
Disadvantages
Shows fingerprints easily
Can create glare under certain lighting conditions
Ideal for:
Minimalist or industrial-style homes seeking a sleek, professional aesthetic.
Pro Tip:
Opt for fingerprint-resistant finishes and plan lighting carefully to reduce harsh reflections.
There is no single “best” cabinet material — only the right one for your situation. Budget, lifestyle, humidity levels, design preference, and expected wear all play a role in making the right choice.
The key is selecting materials intentionally, rather than simply choosing what looks good on display.
As part of our recent Sunnynook townhouse project, our BoxMakers team designed and delivered kitchens for every last one. With brand new contemporary homes, we had to adapt our kitchen game to match.
When it came to designing these kitchens, the chief concern was making an aesthetic match with the existing build. But since our construction division was handling the home itself, we were able to coordinate flawlessly to execute a synchronised vision.
In unit 1 of this project, the kitchen was located on the upper level. Featuring a broad single-wall & island layout, this smart and modern kitchen is teeming with details waiting to be picked apart. We picked a smooth white to match the inner and outer walls, specifically Quarter Thorndon Cream from Prime Panels – a colour we kept consistent across these new homes. In unit 1, this is kept consistent from end to end.
The overall style takes inspiration from Scandinavian minimalism, and subtly applies it to a modern and contemporary aesthetic. Thanks to our excellent craftsmanship, the cabinetry gaps are flush, consistent, and perfect, making for not only a satisfying layout, but also appearance.
While the overhead cabinets are handleless, the under-bench units feature Mardeco’s bar pull handles in gunmetal. With a flared-base design, these grips embody a tough-yet-graceful look.
Ornamenting the splashback is a subway tile arrangement in glossy white. This is sat over UniQuartz’s White Sand benchtop, whose detailed granules gracefully give detail to the arrangement.
Opposite, we see our first foray from Melteca’s Aged Ash finish applied to the kitchen island. With a generous overhang and still enough room for appliances & a sink, this island is the perfect complement to a kitchen that has it all.
Designed by: Mona Simathamchai
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]
A longtime staple of interior design, housing indoor plants has stayed not only relevant, but integral as part of a home’s atmosphere. The term “mise en scene” is commonly used in film to refer to all that encompasses a shot – from the props to the lighting and costumes – everything within is used to achieve “completeness”. If this were applied to your home’s interior, then plants are a core component of that same process. They coalesce with your walls, floors, furniture, and décor to uplift the space and “complete” the scene.
So What Do Plants Do?
The flora and greenery of the great outdoors is something that brings relief, calmness, and a sense of connectivity with the world around us. Having indoor plants allows us to capture a slice of that feeling, and use it to bring the homes we live in to life. Depending on the plant, you can evoke freshness, vibrance, or even playfulness. They can relieve stress for the self, convey your personality, and help balance a room’s humidity. Small plants provide a cute and subtle accent while larger plants can be used as presence pieces that draw attention.
How Do I Use Plants in a Room?
Incorporating plants is all about nuance over noise. Good usage is oft described as “punctuating” a room, symbiotically working with the interior to elevate one another. Avoid overwhelming a room for the sake of it – a single plant in the right position is better than many crammed throughout. Experiment with different positions – you’d be amazed how many work well. Because of their organic nature, it’s a good idea to use odd numbers of plants in a room non-symmetrically. This helps to replicate their sense of naturalness. Tall plants always work well as corner pieces, mid-sized plants can pair with vanities or around sofas, and small plants thrive on shelves and coffee tables.
How Do I Choose a Plant?
Shape, size, and colour are king when it comes to finding the right plant. Partnering slender plants against the sides of furniture is always a good call. They call also be used to spruce up entryways. When considering shape, think about what you want to pair the plant with. You can also mull over its silhouette, and whether or not its profile overwhelms or is invisible against your interior. Plan for how big the plant can get, and how it might look when mature. Does the plant flower? Will a change of colour complement or oversaturate the room? Some plants also have more involved care routines than others. Think about whether you want something that needs nurturing or minimal attention.
What About Plant Care?
Gardening and plant care can come very differently to each person. Some might see it as rewarding and enjoyable, while others may view it as a chore or burden. Being open to a deeper care routine frees up more choices in plant variety, but is entirely optional to get a good-looking assortment. Many species can thrive with minimal attention, but even the toughest need a good position. Managing sunlight is imperative for a plant’s success. Succulents, for example, thrive under direct sunlight, while peace lilies and philodendrons would like to avoid it.
How Should I Choose a Pot?
Your plants’ vessels can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. Going in to your local thrift store or department store can fetch some surprisingly elegant solutions. The prevalence of indoor gardening has made a broad range of planter designs available. Just like with the plant itself, choose a colour that befits your space. Eccentric or tubular designs can be used for modern, bubbly interiors, while brown and bulbous vessels are great for injecting an old-school feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, dabbling in pottery can be great for personal expression, regardless of your skill level.
Overall, indoor plants are an incredibly prevalent piece of your home. With an abundance of varieties, there is a fit for every interior and every person. Whether you’re after sizable sculptural statements or small, subtle supplements, adding a touch of greenery is sure to inject both vitality and elegance to complete your home.
A subtle alternative to the lurid viscosity of maximalist expression, the world of interior design sought a new, yet inherently familiar trend in Japandi. A natural fusion of two thematically agreeing styles, Japandi is a subtle meld of Japanese and Scandinavian (Scandi) design.
As a progenitor of minimalist architecture, Japanese design sensibilities planted seeds in many of the 20th century’s trending styles, including both western minimalism and Scandinavian interiors. Much of Japan’s aesthetic roots stem from the combination of wabi (侘) and sabi (寂), which can be interpreted as the “beauty in imperfection”, among different meanings. While summarising it as such can’t quite do it justice, we will leave it there for the sake of brevity. This underlying ideal forms the foundation of their style, which is best known for simple designs, light tones, natural materials, and the omission of unnecessary ornamentation.
Scandinavian design emerged from the Nordic countries in the early 20th century. Its focus was oriented around functionalism and simplicity. Light wood features prominently in its palette, providing both natural patterns and airy tones. A major influence for modern biophilic design, Scandinavia’s focus on organic elements is a staple of their design principles. While its philosophical origins aren’t as spiritually rooted as Japan’s, Scandi architecture is nonetheless steeped in social values of equity, humanism, and sustainability. Perpetually relevant and unequivocally timeless, its proclivity towards natural elements makes it compatible with a variety of contemporary styles, especially as the world once again embraces eco-centric values.
So what about Japandi itself? A relatively recent phenomenon emerging out of the past decade, Japandi’s fusional characteristics draw from the aforementioned styles to create airy, functional, and tonally light spaces with a deep connection to nature. By blending Japan’s philosophically rich and simple yet intricately made materials with Scandi functionality, sustainability, and cosiness (hygge), we achieve a welcome marriage of two geographically distinct yet ideal-aligned styles. In common with each other, both champion the vitality of nature, minimalism, and open spaces.
Japandi colours range from pastel whites, to warm beige, to dark chestnut. Green is often introduced via house plants. You may be familiar with shoji – Japanese doors or dividers that feature a paper grid arrangement. These delicate yet beautiful panels can be easily integrated into Japandi design, making for excellent dividers or decorative features. Slatted wall designs are also common, with dense vertical columns being evocative of both traditional Japanese joinery and Nordic timber cladding. It balances both modernity, with its minimalist design and naturality, with its forest-like imagery. Blend with Scandinavia’s use of cloth, curves, and coziness for incredible beauty and comfort.
While often seen in living spaces, Japandi design is also incredibly competent for kitchens. With handleless rectangular cabinetry, light wood aesthetics, and plenty of open space, the possibilities are endless. Cleverly, you can also pick a white benchtop with gold veins for a pseudo-kintsugi aesthetic. Sparsely decorate with plants in earthily-toned pots and rounded pendant lights for a balanced Scandi influence.
Rapidly gaining in popularity, Japandi is winning over the hearts and minds of homeowners across the world. So why has it taken over so quickly? With world-leading cultural influence, it comes as no surprise that Japan’s influence has reached so broadly – but Japandi isn’t popular because it stems from a cultural juggernaut; its virality has since been built towards by both its individual counterparts and western minimalism. Combine this with eco-friendly values and a reignited passion to be closer to nature, Japandi offers comfortable modern living and acts as a middle ground between the trifecta of minimalist, modernist, and biophilic design, all while steeped in multicultural ties. Its timeless nature appeals to people of all ages and is sure to stay relevant long into the future.
Japandi’s dual-heritage makes it an incredibly versatile style, both decoratively and functionally, especially here in New Zealand, where our coalescence with the outdoors is inherent. By forming a hybrid of two like-minded ideologies, Japandi perfectly melds modernity, comfort, and naturality.
Often notorious for being the most expensive amongst interior work, pricing a kitchen renovation can be a scary process, especially if your ambition outpaces your budget. This was the case for many decades, where it was only possible to get high-end looks with high-end spending – but no longer. Getting a film-worthy kitchen is more viable than ever.
Attaining a pricey-looking kitchen for cheap is all about distributing your budget. For a typical kitchen, you should put an emphasis on visuals. Walk through your kitchen as though it were an open home – what do you first see? The elements that take up the most visual real estate are the cabinetry and benchtop, then the lighting and splashback. A premium-looking kitchen revolves around aesthetic investment. This also works incredibly well for boosting your home value.
Here are some tips for the most essential parts of a kitchen:
Benchtop – Getting the look and feel of genuine imported Italian marble used to be a costly endeavour. With engineered stone, you get superior durability and usability while accurately replicating the mesmerising tones and intricate weaves of Calacatta or Statuario – all for a fraction of the price.
Cabinetry – Consistence and modernity are key to making your cabinets punch above their weight class. MDF is a reliable core material, and can support an incredible range of surfaces from realistic veneers to glossy laminates. It can be an affordable combination for shiny cabinets in your colour of choice.
Lighting – Often overlooked as an optional kitchen accessory, good lighting can practically transform your kitchen. Pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and toe-kick lights can seriously give the impression of a premium kitchen while adding practicality. Even a handful of select, budget-friendly options can make a big difference.
Splashback – While acrylic splashbacks may be the most affordable, they may not pass the eye test when under scrutiny. Tile splashbacks provide a genuine look and feel with plenty of affordable options. Both offer high variety in terms of looks but tiles will hold up better over time.
Layout – The flow of a kitchen is essential to a “luxury” feel. Openness is king in the modern landscape. Layout changes, however, can be an unnecessary expense as it requires more work in design and service connections. You should consider a layout change if your kitchen feels obstructed. A good kitchen should never feel difficult to enter.
Hardware – Complete your kitchen with finishing touches. Among kitchen hardware, handles are the most visually prominent. They can be subtle, eye-catching, or anything in between – even budget handles offer premium aesthetics nowadays. Tactilely, soft-close mechanism can make cabinet operation feel premium, and in-cabinet storage solutions provide practical packing – their value is seen through daily use.
Appliances – Pick mid-range appliances from known brands. Don’t be upsold on rarely-used features offered by their flagship range. Realistically, their mid-tier offerings have a more than ample feature set for day-to-day use.
Luxury doesn’t have to be replicated through cost alone. Through careful selection and thoughtful planning, you can achieve the look of kitchens many times your budget while still having incredible performance.
