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.
As the crown jewel of your kitchen, the benchtop doubles as both your aesthetic and functional centre. Subject to daily use, your kitchen’s operation revolves around your benchtop – whether it’s for food prep, storage, or dining. You’ll want to take care of your bench as well as it takes care of you, and it all starts with choosing the right care routine for your material. In doing so, here is a detailed guide for 4 different benchtop materials:
Natural Stone: An expensive, natural, and highly unique choice, genuine stone is chosen mainly for its one-of-a-kind patterns and premium aesthetics. While it may shine for looks and individuality, it is not an easy material to maintain. Natural stone’s porous nature means that without a seal, it can trap moisture and bacteria. Liquids that seep in can also alter its appearance by causing stains.
The most important aspect of maintaining natural stone’s sheen and integrity is to have it sealed regularly, typically once every 2 years for granite, and more often for lighter-toned materials (as they are typically more porous). This can be prolonged by maintaining the seal itself during cleaning. Using gentle, pH-neutral cleaners will stop it from breaking down. You’ll know the seal needs replacing if a drop of water seeps in or if it darkens the stone. Due to its unique aesthetics, physical repairs may not preserve the original look. Deep scratches will be more noticeable on natural stone as well, so avoid harsh objects. It is, however, remarkably heat-resistant.
Engineered Stone: Durable, non-porous, and moderately priced, engineered stone is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Its maintenance requirements are lower than natural stone, being easier to clean and perfectly uniform thanks to its composition of crushed quartz and resins – the latter being why it’s non-porous.
The resin binders fill the gaps and the slab is vacuum-compacted. It will be sufficient to clean the surface with mild soap and water. Spills can be wiped away without concern and scratches won’t compromise its integrity. While it’s highly durable, high levels of physical impact or heat can still damage the resin, so be sure to keep your hot pans away.
Laminate: Featuring even more aesthetic variety than engineered stone, laminate benchtops shine brightest for design diversity, affordability, and DIY-friendliness. Thicker offerings can mimic stone’s appearance at a much lower cost, though it certainly won’t mimic its physical properties. It’s key to know laminate’s composition: an engineered wood substrate with a surface layer of bonded resin, paper, and print. This makes it vulnerable to heat and sharp objects, so avoid placing those directly on the counter.
While laminate typically performs well against water, keeping it wiped down and dry can prevent rare cases of moisture-ingress, which can cause the material to swell or warp if there is an opening. Abrasive cleaning tools or agents can also damage the surface.
Timber: Timber benchtops are typically made of solid wood strips that have been bonded together and sealed. The core material is usually a hardwood and they’re known for their natural, warm appearances.
Similar to natural stone, its aesthetics depend on what is naturally available, and therefore is more limited. Another shared trait is their inherent porous nature, meaning regular sealing is required for continued use. To maintain it, apply an oil finish every 12 months and avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals. Instead, use soft cloths and warm water to clean it. Due to its similarities with laminate benchtops, they are not particularly heat or scratch resistant.
Each benchtop material has its strengths and weaknesses. As shown by natural stone (particularly marble), pricier doesn’t always mean more durable. Universally, all benchtops can benefit from gentle cleaning with warm water. Depending on the material, regular sealing can be a welcome protectional supplement or an essential layer for integrity preservation.
Tucked away in Tawharanui Peninsula, this reclusive yet beautiful home called upon BoxMakers for a wardrobe, mini pantry, and bathroom vanity. Crafted primarily for guest use, these upgrades were made to add both function and cosmetic coherence. Being within a luxury home, BoxMakers took great care to not only uphold, but elevate its high-class standards.
The unique onyx theme stemmed from both the owner’s preference, as well as the surrounding textures. Most notable is the vertical fluting on the face panels, which was inspired by the suite’s woodwork. For this, BoxMakers used Dezignatek’s Prague series of Thermofoam, finished in Black Bark. The deep, tactile ridges bring forth a unique modern design, especially when combined with its trapezoidal handles from Mardeco’s 3210 range. The Brushed Nickel finish adds a distinctive steely touch.
Above, the benchtop marks the return of UniQuartz’s Brown Forest finish, an ideal pairing for dark coloured cabinetry. Stealthily streaked with earthy veins, it effortlessly adds both character and nuance to this quaint kitchenette. The overhead cabinets operate on a handleless design and offer plenty of storage space while below, a mini bar is perfectly situated for a refreshing summer drink. Combined, it encourages visitors to feel like more than just a guest.
In the guest bedroom, BoxMakers installed a full-fledged wardrobe unit featuring a complete suite of drawers, shelves, and rods, as well as a full height mirror. Finished in Melteca’s Borders Oak Organic, this wardrobe fits perfectly with the bedroom’s fluted wall panel. We aimed to maximise smoothness and operability with Enko’s Anthracite-finished Slimbox drawer system. Even the wardrobe rails came in black, sourced from SD Aluminium.
Also part of our renovation work was the bathroom vanity, which featured the same Dezignatek fluted panels and Mardeco handles. Unique to the bathroom was the carcass material, which sported a mixed core plywood substrate for improved strength and weight support. This kept the design language consistent while also being highly performant.
This renovation appears sleek and modern at a distance, but only upon closer inspection will you find the natural elements intertwined within; a hidden gem, much like the residence as a whole. Combined with sprawling views of Kawau Bay, every guest is sure get the full luxury experience.
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]
BoxMakers played a pivotal role in the transformation of the classrooms and toilets in Southern Cross Campus’s B Block. With a wealth of experience delivering quality joinery for schools, our expertise was indispensable to the welfare and usability of the new rooms.
For one of the newly reworked science rooms, BoxMakers installed a robust and versatile custom teaching unit, with materials carefully suited for long-lasting durability. It was a large cabinet with an integrated sliding whiteboard, featuring a wealth of concealable storage space. The whiteboard itself is a premium porcelain enamel piece by Polyvision, surrounded with Silver Pearl aluminium edges. Beneath the board surface, an accessory ledge is thoughtfully implemented to accommodate a range of teaching supplies, such as markers, erasers, and cloths. This slim cut benchtop uses Laminex’s Formica range, a high-pressure laminate that offers superior durability and performance.
Below the ledge is a wide array of cabinets, complete with locks to ensure secure storage. The cabinet carcass is made of 16mm MDF, while its aesthetics are supplemented with Classic Oak Naturale melamine from Laminex. This provides an organic appearance without the heft or maintenance of natural wood. The handles are Sylvan’s Norton series, in black. Their square bar profile is minimalist and to the point.
Our team also installed the hot water cylinder cupboard, which featured an MDF core with a white finish. We delivered this with Häfele hinges and built-in locks to ensure both security and ease of operation. A similar outfit was also performed for the data cabinet.
Our BoxMakers team was also crucial to the bathroom work, installing the toilet partitions. The cubicle walls were installed with Laminex’s Compact series, featuring calming wood patterns. Above, the headrail was an anodised silver aluminium. We also installed the locks, hinges, stoppers, and more. Stemming from our work, the bathrooms now feature durable, modern, and easy to use stalls.
This shows BoxMakers’ exceptional ability to install specification-adherent materials for specialised, high-use environments. It also demonstrates our versatility as not just kitchen professionals, but skilled installers of niche systems schoolwide and beyond.
