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  • Glossy or Matte Kitchen Cabinets? How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

    Glossy or Matte Kitchen Cabinets? How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

    Choosing a kitchen cabinet finish isn’t just about looks. Glossy and matte cabinets behave very differently in real homes, especially once light, space, cleaning habits, and daily use come into play. Making the right decision early can save you frustration, maintenance headaches, and regret later.

    We manufacture custom cabinetry and see firsthand how different finishes perform over time. Below is a practical breakdown to help you decide which option genuinely suits your kitchen, lifestyle, and long-term expectations.

    Glossy Kitchen Cabinets

    Glossy cabinets have a smooth, highly reflective surface created through high-gloss paint, acrylic, or laminate finishes. The shine is achieved during manufacturing using polished pressing plates, resulting in a crisp, mirror-like surface that reflects light.

    This finish is commonly used in modern and contemporary kitchens where brightness and clean lines are a priority.

    Why homeowners choose glossy finishes

    Glossy cabinets are excellent at reflecting both natural and artificial light, which can dramatically brighten a space. In smaller kitchens or homes with limited daylight, this reflective quality can make the room feel noticeably larger and more open without structural changes.

    They also deliver a sleek, modern aesthetic. The uninterrupted surface creates a streamlined look that works particularly well with minimalist layouts, integrated appliances, and contemporary benchtops. From a maintenance perspective, the smooth surface allows grease and spills to be wiped away easily with a damp cloth.

    What to be mindful of

    The same reflectivity that makes glossy cabinets attractive also makes fingerprints, smudges, and fine scratches more visible. In busy family kitchens, this can mean more frequent cleaning. Strong lighting or large windows may also create glare, which can feel harsh if not carefully planned. Glossy finishes are best suited to modern interiors and may feel out of place in more traditional or rustic homes.

    Matte Kitchen Cabinets

    Matte cabinets feature a low-sheen, non-reflective surface created using textured pressing plates during manufacturing. The result is a soft-touch finish that absorbs light and delivers a calm, understated appearance.

    Matte finishes are popular for homeowners seeking warmth, subtlety, and design versatility.

    Why homeowners choose matte finishes

    Matte cabinetry creates a refined, sophisticated look that doesn’t overpower the space. Because it doesn’t reflect light, it feels calmer and more tactile, pairing beautifully with natural materials like timber, stone, and textured tiles.

    Matte finishes are also highly versatile. They suit modern, Japandi, industrial, and classic kitchens alike, making them a safe long-term choice for homeowners who value timeless design. In bright kitchens, matte cabinets help reduce glare and visual noise, improving overall comfort.

    What to be mindful of

    Matte surfaces can be more demanding to clean. Oils and stains may absorb into the finish and require more effort to remove. In smaller or darker kitchens, matte cabinets can make the space feel more enclosed if lighting isn’t carefully designed. Over time, high-touch areas such as around handles may show wear if the finish isn’t properly specified and manufactured.

    Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing

    Light and space

    Glossy finishes enhance light and make compact kitchens feel larger. Matte finishes absorb light and add depth, working best in well-lit or larger spaces.

    Maintenance habits

    Glossy cabinets wipe clean easily but show marks more clearly. Matte cabinets hide fingerprints better but can require deeper cleaning when stained.

    Overall style

    Glossy suits sleek, contemporary kitchens. Matte offers flexibility across modern, transitional, and classic styles.

    Durability and use

    Both finishes are durable when manufactured correctly, but wear patterns differ. Choosing the right finish for high-use areas is essential.

    This is where professional advice matters most. Finish choice should never be made in isolation from layout, lighting, cabinetry construction, and how the kitchen will actually be used.

    So, Which One Is Right for You?

    There is no universal “better” option. A glossy kitchen may be perfect for a compact townhouse needing brightness, while a matte finish may suit a larger family home seeking warmth and balance.

    The best kitchens aren’t defined by trends — they’re defined by how well they support everyday living.

    At BoxMakers, we don’t push finishes. We guide homeowners through real-world considerations, then manufacture cabinetry that performs as beautifully as it looks.

    FAQs

    1. Are glossy cabinets harder to maintain than matte?

    Not necessarily. Glossy cabinets are easier to wipe clean, but they show fingerprints more readily. Matte cabinets hide marks better day-to-day but may need more effort to remove grease or stains. The “right” choice depends on how your kitchen is used.

    2. Will matte cabinets go out of style?

    Matte finishes are considered timeless because they adapt well to many design styles. While gloss trends rise and fall, matte cabinetry remains consistently popular in both modern and classic homes.

    3. Can I mix glossy and matte finishes in one kitchen?

    Yes, and when done well, it can look excellent. Many kitchens combine matte cabinetry with glossy splashbacks or feature panels. The key is balance and professional planning.

    Why Early Guidance Matters

    Cabinet finishes are difficult and expensive to change once installed. Choosing correctly at the design stage prevents regret, saves money, and ensures your kitchen ages well.

    If you’re unsure, that’s exactly the right time to talk — not after manufacturing begins.

  • Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid (and How Auckland Homeowners Get Them Right)

    Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid (and How Auckland Homeowners Get Them Right)

    Planning a new kitchen or renovating an existing one is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your home. It’s not just about choosing finishes or appliances — it’s about how the space works every single day.

    At BoxMakers, we often meet clients who come to us after feeling overwhelmed by options or worried about making an expensive mistake. The good news? Most kitchen issues we see aren’t caused by bad taste — they’re caused by layout decisions made too late, or without enough practical guidance.

    Below are the most common kitchen layout mistakes we see in Auckland homes, and more importantly, how they’re avoided with thoughtful design.

    1. Ignoring How You Actually Move in the Kitchen

    One of the most well-known principles in kitchen design is the work triangle — the relationship between the fridge, sink, and cooktop. When these are placed too far apart, blocked by islands, or interrupted by walkways, everyday tasks become inefficient and tiring.

    In real homes, especially Auckland villas and townhouses, the goal isn’t a textbook triangle — it’s clear, unobstructed movement. We aim for practical spacing (roughly 1.2–2.7 metres between points) while ensuring other people can move through the kitchen without disrupting cooking.

    This is where experience matters. A layout that looks good on paper can feel frustrating in real life if traffic flow isn’t considered early.

    2. Treating Lighting as an Afterthought

    Relying on a single ceiling light is one of the fastest ways to make a new kitchen feel underwhelming. Overhead lighting alone creates shadows exactly where you don’t want them — on benchtops, cooktops, and prep areas.

    A well-designed kitchen layers lighting:

    • General lighting for the room
    • Task lighting for work surfaces (like under-cabinet LEDs)
    • Feature or pendant lighting for islands and dining areas

    In Auckland homes, where natural light can vary significantly by season and orientation, lighting planning is not a luxury — it’s essential for comfort and usability.

    3. Underestimating Space Around Appliances

    Cramped kitchens aren’t always small kitchens — they’re often poorly planned kitchens. Common issues include fridge or dishwasher doors blocking walkways, ovens clashing with drawers, or insufficient landing space beside appliances.

    We plan kitchens so that:

    • Appliance doors can open fully
    • Two people can work without colliding
    • Benchtop space supports how you cook, not just how the kitchen looks

    These details are difficult to fix once cabinetry is installed, which is why layout decisions should happen before materials are locked in.

    4. Not Planning Enough Storage (Then Living with the Consequences)

    One of the biggest regrets homeowners share is not allowing enough storage. When storage is underestimated, benchtops become cluttered, and the kitchen quickly feels chaotic.

    Smart storage isn’t about adding more cupboards — it’s about designing the right storage:

    • Drawers instead of shelves where possible
    • Dedicated spaces for bins, small appliances, and pantry items
    • Storage that matches your cooking habits

    This is especially important in Auckland homes where open-plan living means kitchen clutter is always visible.

    5. Poor Appliance Placement

    Oversized or poorly positioned appliances can disrupt both workflow and aesthetics. Common issues include fridges that protrude into walkways or microwaves and wall ovens interfering with cabinetry use.

    Good appliance planning balances:

    • Size and scale of the kitchen
    • Ergonomics and accessibility
    • Visual integration with cabinetry

    We often help clients downsize or reposition appliances to improve flow — without sacrificing performance.

    6. Forgetting Ventilation and Services

    Ventilation is often overlooked, especially in renovations. Gas cooktops and high-output induction units require proper extraction to perform safely and effectively.

    Likewise, insufficient power points, poorly placed switches, or no allowance for future appliances can limit how your kitchen functions over time. These are small decisions that have long-term impact — and they’re far cheaper to plan early than retrofit later.

    7. Forcing an Island Where It Doesn’t Belong

    Kitchen islands are popular — but they’re not always appropriate. In tighter Auckland homes, squeezing in an island can create traffic bottlenecks and reduce usable space.

    Sometimes a peninsula, breakfast bar, or reconfigured bench provides better results. The right solution depends on how many people use the kitchen, how it connects to adjacent spaces, and how circulation works through the home.

    8. Assuming You Need a Completely New Layout

    One of the biggest misconceptions is that a successful renovation requires starting from scratch. In reality, many existing kitchen layouts were designed around practical constraints like doors, windows, and plumbing locations.

    We never automatically dismiss an existing layout. Often, small changes — opening a wall, adjusting cabinetry, or adding an island — deliver major improvements without the cost of relocating services. This approach can save tens of thousands and reduce renovation risk.

    9. Ignoring Vertical Wall Space

    In compact kitchens, wall space is valuable storage real estate. Stopping cabinetry short of the ceiling often wastes space and creates dust-catching gaps.

    Taking cupboards to the ceiling increases storage and creates a more finished look. If full-height cabinetry feels too heavy, mixing closed storage with open shelving can balance practicality and aesthetics.

    10. Making Decisions Too Late

    The most expensive kitchen mistakes happen when layout decisions are made after design, quoting, or construction has already started. At that stage, changes often mean delays, rework, and added cost.

    Early design clarity leads to:

    • Better budgets
    • Fewer compromises
    • A kitchen that works long-term, not just at handover

    FAQs: Kitchen Layout Mistakes

    1. Do I really need professional help for kitchen layout planning?

    If you want the kitchen to work well long-term, yes. Layout mistakes are hard to see early and expensive to fix later. Professional planning helps avoid regret and ensures your investment is protected.

    2. Is it cheaper to keep my existing kitchen layout?

    Often, yes. Retaining plumbing and electrical locations can significantly reduce costs. The key is knowing when a layout works — and when it doesn’t. That judgement comes from experience.

    3. When is the best time to get advice on my kitchen design?

    Before you finalise layouts, cabinetry, or appliance selections. Early conversations save money, reduce stress, and lead to better outcomes.

    Why Talking Early Matters

    A kitchen renovation is a major financial decision — and it should feel considered, not rushed. If you’re unsure about your layout, storage, or whether your ideas will actually work in your space, that uncertainty is a sign to talk early, not later.

    At BoxMakers, our role isn’t to push designs — it’s to help you make confident, informed decisions that suit your home and how you live.

    A well-designed kitchen isn’t just beautiful. It works — quietly, efficiently, and every day.

    Sources:

    https://www.houzz.co.nz/magazine/pro-panel-10-kitchen-layout-blunders-and-how-to-avoid-them-stsetivw-vs~113830097

    https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/kitchen-layout-mistakes

  • Living Room Lighting Tips

    Living Room Lighting Tips

    As the beating social heart of your home, your living space is where everything happens. From immersive movie nights to frenetic family gatherings, it comes as no surprise that your lounge is the happiness hub of any house. So how does one make a living room tailored for every scenario? The answer to that is in lighting. Find out how you can make your perfect vibe with these easy tips.

    Light Layering

    The quintessential rulebook for a complete room, applying multi-source layered lighting via ambient, accent, and task lights is important to bring out depth and focus while enjoying general illumination.

    Ambient Lighting: Your typical overhead lights, ambient lighting encompasses the entire room, providing general illumination. It covers a space well enough alone, but only by collaborating with accent and task lighting does it truly elevate your living room. Ambient lights can come in recessed fixtures, chandeliers, or ceiling oysters.

    Accent Lighting: These lights often cover a small, specific area or display piece, and are used to highlight or provide depth. Subtle under-frame lights for a painting, LED strips lining display cabinets, or perhaps mini-spotlights to highlight a hard-won trophy or luscious house plant – these are all great examples of accent lighting at work. Yes, even those pulsating LED wall tiles count as accent lighting.

    Task Lighting: Aimed at facilitating a particular task, these lights often cover a local area within the room. For your living room, consider having a seat-side lamp for reading. It can be anything from a small desk lamp, to a standing floor lamp. If your living room has a space for homework or writing, a sturdy table light or wall scone makes for great task lighting.

    Adjustable Lighting

    The ideal lighting for cosy family evenings and raucous guest gatherings will invariably be different. For this reason, it can be beneficial to have lighting that can adapt to different circumstances. There are a few ways to achieve this:

    Adjustable Colour Temperature: It would be handy to have both cool and warm whites at your disposal. Cramming differing light temperatures into a single room used to be quite the feat, but now this can be achieved via smart lights. Now in 2026, it’s exceptionally common to find adjustable smart lights in all sorts of form factors, making changing hues as easy as opening an app. Many aren’t even limited to your typical home-friendly colours. If you wish to plunge your living room into deep rave purples, look for bulbs with full RGB support.

    Adjustable Brightness: This function often came in the form of dimmer switches. If you didn’t already have one installed, it could be a pain to wire. Most smart bulbs also feature adjustable brightness, which is often also app-controlled. However, some people prefer the touch of a physical switch, which is where smart dimmers come in, with many allowing wireless control of a room’s brightness, provided you have the compatible lights. This allows for both moody movie nights and vibrant social gatherings.

    Light Positioning

    So, you have the right lights, but are they in the right places? There are a few considerations that might go unnoticed until everything is already installed.

    Spatial Positioning: When it comes to putting down accent lights, try and keep the units properly distanced and even. Turning off your main lights, do your accents tend to pool together, is one side fully lit and the other dark? It may be hard to notice the contrast with your ambient lights on, but good accent spacing can make each showpiece its own attraction.

    Glare: For those of you that enjoy streaming, gaming, or simply tuning in to the news, having a bright background lamp drown out your TV can be quite the glaring problem. Make sure overhead lights are positioned away from your TV, or vice versa. Similarly, pale furniture can reflect light, further brightening a room, while dark furniture can absorb a bit of that light.

    Varying Light Types: Aside from LED strips and table lamps, you can consider applying indirect lighting, which first bounces off a surface before providing illumination. Adding pendant lights, wall scones, and corner lights can be useful to in making a room seem welcoming without being overwhelming. Finally, don’t forget about arguably the most important type: natural light. Adding it to the mix during daytime can create some seriously slick combos.

    While typical room lighting is easy to achieve, it’s the details that really make your living space pop. From adding depth and colour diversity to spatial positioning, lighting can be masterfully used to breathe life into the centre of your home.

    Sources:

    Living room lighting: ideas, tips & inspiration | Gira

    How Do I… Light My Living Room? | Houzz NZ

  • Bathroom Cabinetry: Aesthetics with Water-resistant materials

    Bathroom Cabinetry: Aesthetics with Water-resistant materials

    Often neglected, yet nonetheless an essential part of any home, the bathroom serves as an important litmus test when hosting guests. Even if you have a state-of-the-art kitchen with perfect, premium cabinetry, neglecting your bathroom can speak volumes about the rest of the home. Thankfully, bathroom vanities have seen just as much innovation in material diversity. Here are some of the top contemporary choices when it comes to the base:

    Solid Wood: Traditional, rustic, and positively dripping with style, solid wood is the timeless choice that offers top-notch toughness and durability, often growing more refined with age. These can handle bulky countertops and tough loads such as multi-basin layouts. Capable of being refinished, solid wood is a material that can evolve with you well into the future. One of the major downsides is the high cost and vulnerability to humidity. Even its use in kitchens requires good sealing, and that’s doubly true when it comes to bathrooms. Water seeping in can cause bloating, rot, and structural weakness.

    MDF: A popular contemporary choice for bathrooms, MDF is a versatile platform whose strength lies in its affordability and aesthetic malleability. Able to play host to a wide range of finish products such as melamine, veneer, laminate, paint, and polyurethane. You can have full black matte vanities, glistening bold laminate vanities, or traditional shaker-style faces – the possibilities are endless. Its waterproofing largely depends on the finish used. Polyurethane, for example, is excellent for resisting moisture, but can also be costly. In contrast, paint can chip, and DIY applications may leave room for gaps. Without proper sealing, MDF can swell and warp.

    Frame Vanity: Often composed of a rigid metal or steel structure, these barebones bodies are stronger than they look. While they may resemble the skeleton of vanities past, these bar-based bathroom frames often tout the best price-durability ratio. Their metal construction can handle even the toughest of countertops with strength to spare while also being practically waterproof. Owing to their barebones structure, however, means they often don’t come with many storage compartments. Perhaps the most visible downside is the lack of aesthetic compatibility. Their direct and essential nature appeals best to commercial spaces, but can still work well in homes, so long as the rest of the bathroom doesn’t clash.

    Particleboard: Affordable, lightweight, and sporting a diverse finish-set, particleboard is a common budget option for cost-sensitive bathrooms. While structurally weaker and more pliable than MDF, particleboard is just as capable of accessing the broad range of finishes made for engineered wood. If you’re going for particleboard, however, odds are you’re looking at melamine, laminate, or thermofoil rather than polyurethane. A good finish application can provide waterproofing that’s just as good vs an MDF substrate, but where particleboard’s weakness comes in is via its structural hold. You’ll have fewer options when it comes to choosing your benchtop and basin. Those will have to be lightweight so that the board’s vulnerabilities aren’t exploited.

    Natural Stone: Often serving as a high-end, all-in-one option that comprises both the base and the countertop, a solid piece of natural stone is the ultimate expression of bathroom luxury. Sometimes, even the basin is carved into the very surface. Commonly seen in premium hotels, malls, and resorts, these absolute units tout no equal when it comes to lavish presentation. Despite their looks, these stone vanities still come with some notable cons. Foremost is their gargantuan price tag, especially if you’ve suddenly developed a taste for Roman mountains. Second, natural stone’s porous nature means they need sealing just like any other moisture-vulnerable material. For stone, penetrating sealers work to fill the pours, while topical sealers form a protective surface film. Natural stone also offers few opportunities to incorporate cabinetry and storage.

    When it comes to the vanity’s body, wood or engineered wood often tout the most diversity in aesthetics and storage compatibility. Steel/metal frames give great waterproofing and durability at the cost of appearances and features, while natural stone invests all its points into simply looking stunning.

  • Eco-Friendly Cabinetry Materials for Sustainable Homes

    Eco-Friendly Cabinetry Materials for Sustainable Homes

    With New Zealand’s reputation as one of the foremost countries for sustainability and environmental awareness, making your cabinets from eco-friendly materials can help play your part in keeping this country green. While wood and its products are quintessential across joinery, there are many ways to help make a difference.

    Bamboo: Having risen in popularity over recent decades, engineered bamboo is fast becoming a top choice as a sustainable wood replacement. Technically a grass, bamboo is fast-growing and easily regenerative. Making appearances as cabinetry, decking, and even benchtops, bamboo is not only versatile, but also highly durable thanks to its multiple laminated layers of strips. The downsides are its higher cost and need for sealing. Also, exposure to sunlight and heat, plus natural aging can cause its colour to change over time.

    Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged and reused without breaking it down, reclaimed wood is often claimed from old structures and repurposed. It’s used more or less in its original form, which comes with numerous benefits. These include keeping its original looks, retaining its natural patina, and inheriting the history carried by the piece. When it comes to sustainability, few options can come close: reclaimed wood is simply reusing what already exists, rather than consuming energy to create something new. For making something with a certain rustic charm while championing the environment, there’s no better option.

    Low-VOC finishes: With many wood products in need of sealing for proper waterproofing and sustained durability, choosing a finish with low-VOC is an eco-friendly alternative. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which create pungent-smelling finishes that release more harmful chemicals. Low-VOC or no-VOC finishes (paints, varnishes, sealants) often use a water base for reduced odour and fumes. The downsides of low-VOC are that they usually cost more and the application may not be as smooth.

    Transport Emissions: Since New Zealand is not the only country actively pursuing environmentally friendly products, many international names offer sustainable materials created through eco-friendly processes. While they may offer production advantages compared to local materials, you should also consider the cost of transportation – not in terms of the shipping fee, but with the emissions and carbon footprint produced. Consider locally-made materials to keep emissions down. Even non-biodegradable materials such as MDF offer improved sustainability vs hardwood and are produced with increasingly sustainable methods.

    Eco-Friendly Hardware: Even when accessorising your cabinets, there are environmentally friendly options. When picking your handles, for example, you can choose those made with reclaimed wood or recycled metals. Bamboo is again a good choice here. If it’s ornamentation you’re after, you’d be surprised with what you can find in local flea markets and op shops. Lastly, since modern kitchens are all about lighting, going with LEDs is more energy efficient, reducing both costs and extending its lifespan.

    There are many ways to source environmentally-sound cabinetry, with the best methods being choosing bamboo and reclaimed materials. For sealants and paint, choosing low-VOC solutions is great for a less invasive option. Whether you’re looking to build new cabinets or accessorise the ones you have, there are always options to help the planet and look good while doing so.

    Sources:

    Sustainability in Cabinetry: Finding the Right Balance | Carlielle Kitchens

    Cabinetry for Sustainable Homes: What Builders Should Always Include

    Color Questions :: Simply Bamboo

  • The Science Behind Layout and Practicality in the Modern Kitchen

    The Science Behind Layout and Practicality in the Modern Kitchen

    While having a beautiful, attractive, and aesthetically refined kitchen is of course important, looks can often overshadow performance, which is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s bustling modern household. Often playing second fiddle to outward appearances, the practicality of a kitchen entirely affects its usability. If appliances are the beating heart of a kitchen, then ergonomics are the circulatory system. Find out the science behind fine-tuning a kitchen, and why you should apply it.

    Layout: Within a kitchen, you’ll often find yourself bouncing between the three main working areas: the sink, cooktop, and fridge. This trifecta of pivotal roles forms the foundation of kitchen design and make up the aptly named “kitchen work triangle”. Make sure these spaces are 1.2 to 2.4 metres apart, with 4 to 8 metres as the total perimeter, without any other work paths infringing on its space.

    This triangle cuts down transition time drastically, while also ensuring that the space is free from any obstructions. As for entry, make sure you don’t have to walk the length of the kitchen just to enter it. This can be a problem with G-shaped kitchens if the entry isn’t positioned conveniently.

    Height: In the age of increasing heights and diversifying demographics, it can be rare to feel a perfect fit with a new kitchen. Since most benchtops aren’t adjustable like desks, taking some time to get it right can save you from a lot of backache. The typical working benchtop height is between 85 to 95 cm. See what’s suitable for your height below:

    • 150cm – 160cm = an 84cm high benchtop
    • 160cm – 170cm = an 88cm high benchtop
    • 170cm – 180cm = a 92cm high benchtop
    • 180cm – 190cm = a 96cm high benchtop

    A good rule of thumb is to put your palms flat on your benchtop and see if your elbows are resting at a 45-degree angle with your forearms. If so, then that height is a good fit. For placing shelves, keep them around 45-60 cm above the benchtop, or 65 cm above the cooktop, with essential shelves no more than 1.4 m off the floor. Proper shelving balances working space, accessibility, and cooktop clearance.

    Drawer Opening: It can be finicky having multiple drawers open, especially when going back and forth, bumping around the kitchen. At the same time, pushing them shut brings noise and possible damage. Consider self-close drawer slides to make closing worry-free, or soft-close systems, which dampen sound and minimise impact – all with just a gentle push.

    For lift-up cabinets, look for those with a stay-open mechanism so that you can retrieve goods with both hands. You can use the drawer size to sort goods: shallow drawers for cutlery, medium drawers for bowls, and deep drawers for pots and containers.

    Convenience Mapping: Unless you want to treat cooking like a marathon, aim at minimising the amount of movement needed to retrieve any and all goods. This includes your whiteware, appliances, and cooking tools. For example, keep your pans right by your cooktop at waist or shoulder height, keep your tableware cabinets next to your dishwasher, and avoid tucking away your favourites in bottom cabinet corners – your back will thank you for it.

    Having smart storage solutions can be a lifesaver in this instance: base cabinet pull-outs can provide easy access to pantry goods, while pull-out bins make short work of disposal with none of the smell. Consider putting your cabinet corner to work with a carousel unit for further space efficiency.

    Safety – When working around all sorts of sharp objects and hot surfaces, getting hurt is the last thing anyone wants. In addition to having drawers & doors closed, sound footing is also important. Check just how “non-slip” your flooring actually is, and how it works with footwear and socks.

    For nighttime working, consider installing task lighting such as under-cabinet LEDs for a focused work area. Toe kick illumination can be especially useful when left on after lights-off, providing you and your family with a guide and saving many a pinkie toe from those pesky stubs.

    Focusing on form over function is understandably popular, but it’s best to get a measure of your kitchen’s usability. While the effects of aesthetics are apparent immediately and fully, the effects of layout, height, and operability are often not discovered until later. Building your dream kitchen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and getting it right is just as important as ever. Make sure you get the ergonomics you want and find the balance that’s just right for you.

    Sources:

    Applying the science of ergonomics in high-end kitchens

    https://www.nakedkitchens.com/blog/kitchen-ergonomics-make-your-kitchen-more-efficient

  • Handleless Cabinetry: A Modern and Practical Kitchen Addition

    Handleless Cabinetry: A Modern and Practical Kitchen Addition

    One of the staples of modern minimalism, the handleless trend is undoubtedly an ideal option for achieving the cleanest look possible. With so much noise and complexity in the world, coming home to a smooth and simple kitchen can bring a much-needed reprieve.

    Aesthetics: With a surge in popularity over the past two decades, modern handleless cabinetry is often found playing leading roles in minimalist kitchens around the world. They’re a great partner for any type of cabinet finish, but with a tendency to work better with glossy, single-colour panels rather than rustic hardwood or overly detailed patterns. Shiny or reflective cabinets can benefit from having nothing that interrupts the flow.

    Handleless cabinets are an ideal partner for melamine, vinyl, and subtle veneers. They’re also great for redirecting attention, drawing eyes to the material itself, nearby prized pieces like a benchtop or display shelf, and enriching their colours. Without a handle, the panels can achieve an extremely flush look, with the bare minimum of gaps to discern between cabinets. While the physical space handles take up is minimal, you’d be surprised by how much visual clutter can be freed by a handleless design.

    Practicality: The absence of handles is also the most magical part of these cabinets. In the kitchen, you will often extrusion profile handles being used. These aluminium handles are fitted over the top or side of a panel to create a recessed well in which you can grip and pull, often resembling the letters G, L, and U.  J-pull handles work similarly, but instead feature the groove cut directly into the panel material itself. Another mechanism is push-to-open, which operates exactly as it sounds.

    Even without noticeable handles, these panels are easy and intuitive to operate. It may seem hard to identify the grip location and opening direction, but these will come incredibly quickly and easily. Bereft of handles, you can also shed any worries of catching your clothes or bumping your hand.

    Maintenance: Perhaps the best part of maintaining handleless cabinets, the surfaces are easy to clean with nothing in the way. They also don’t smudge as much due to where you grip them. Opening recessed handles only requires force from inside the groove, which means you can open it without ever leaving a fingerprint. That being said, the grooves themselves still need occasional cleaning. Horizontal designs should be cleaned more often than vertical or upside-down arrangements since they can collect debris easier.

    Gentle cleaning with mild soap is perfect for keeping long term longevity of your handles. As far as durability is concerned, aluminium extrusion handles have next to nothing to worry about. Their recessed nature makes accidental damage next to impossible. For panels with recesses built into the cabinet material itself, harsh use can damage it over time, especially if cuts in the finish are left undiscovered, weakening the substrate.

    With great aesthetics and easy maintenance, handleless cabinetry is a top choice for modern households. They can enhance kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces alike, drawing or refocusing attention to different parts of your home. While they typically fetch a higher price than traditional handles, the upsides can be well worth it if you’re looking for a minimalist change. If you’ve been hooked by the Scandinavian, Japandi, or modern minimalist styles, look no further!

    Sources:

    Handleless Kitchens: Effortless Elegance or Design Dilemma?

    How Practical Are Handleless Kitchens? What You Need to Know – BH BespOak

  • How to Communicate Your Design Vision

    How to Communicate Your Design Vision

    Have you recently begun plans to renovate your home? Seeing your vision brought to life is one of the greatest joys of being a homeowner. The role of an interior designer is to help manifest it practically. Planning out your dream with a designer can be a highly reflective, engaging, and rewarding process. The path to realising your vision often involves discovering more about yourself, but this path isn’t a one-sided effort: here are some of the best ways to make sure your designer dreams the same dream you do.

    Consultation:

    The initial stage involves some of the most essential building blocks of any project. With these, the designer can understand what needs to be done, and when. When first meeting with your designer, be sure to bring these to the table.

    Scope: Determine how big your project’s going to be and what’s to be changed. If you’re doing a kitchen renovation for example, do you need to tear down walls or redo floors? Will the layout as a whole change, or stay the same?

    Timeline: Think of when you would like your project to be done. Knowing your scope can help with the estimate. While it may not be set in stone, this can help your designer gauge your scale and set expectations.

    Budget: Also largely influenced by your scope, consider how much you’re willing to spend. This gives your designer a target, and they’ll let you know if the discrepancy is too big.

    Vision: Perhaps what has influenced you most on your renovation journey, think about your motivations for change. Is it for practical purposes? Did you come across a particularly striking design? Feel free to share whatever inspired you – it could be anything from an Instagram post, a mood board you found on Pinterest, or perhaps you’ve been swept by the Scandinavian sensation after a bustling IKEA visit.

    Collaboration:

    By the time you’ve hired a designer and are actively working with them, it’s finally time to let all your ideas loose. It’s perfectly fine to let the designer fill in the gaps for aspects you’re unsure of; what’s important is both parties being on the same page.

    Lifestyle Needs: At this stage, you can convey all of your non-negotiables and personal requirements. Are you someone who enjoys the quiet life? Does your family have staggered wake-up times? Consider some acoustic panels to dampen sound transfer. Maybe your kitchen is too cold in the morning – now’s the perfect chance to upgrade your windows. Will the shape of your kitchen benchtop make it hard to move in and out? Feel free to share your concerns with your designer – they can suggest some valuable solutions.

    Providing Sketches: If you’ve been thinking hard about the layout and have mapped out your vision – good job! It can provide a strong kick off point to launch the design process. Keep in mind that this will often evolve and change as the designers refine them into professional plans. Make sure to highlight your priorities and note what elements are still open to interpretation. Talk your designer through your thoughts, and when they provide their versions of the plan, be sure to clarify anything you’re unsure about.

    Bringing Your Idea: When it comes to renovations, you’ve probably put a lot of thought into the colours and materials. Whether it’s a Japandi living room or a transitional style kitchen, think about the elements that resonate with you most and communicate them. If you’re still unsure about the style you’re after, pick some images that really resonate with you, otherwise simply asking for a “modern” kitchen could yield drastically different results from your expectations.

    Terminology: While your designer will do their best to convey everything so that the two of you understand, getting to know some of their jargon can bridge any gaps in communication. A quick Google search can clear up much of the terminology and you’ll be able to use it to deliberate concepts & ideas better.

    Honesty: If you disagree with something the designer suggests, don’t stay silent and assume it will work out; it might end up bothering you after the work is complete. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings – your designer will always be ready with alternate suggestions. Make sure your assumptions have been clearly addressed. If you expect your cabinets to come with soft-close hinges, for example, check that they’re listed in the project or with your designer.

    Listening to Feedback: Professional designers are well-versed in knowing what works and what doesn’t. If they say that your layout isn’t ideal, or if your chosen styles clash, be sure to lend an ear to their advice. Balancing aesthetics, function, and feasibility is their job. Keeping open communication with them and taking feedback is the key to making the best space possible.

    Expecting Changes: Not sure if you’re going to live through your renovation at home? Ask your designer for their recommendation, or check out this handy guide on how you can make the most of a live-in renovation.

    By the time you’ve finalised your design, you’ll likely have learnt more about yourself. It’s as much a journey of self-discovery as it is renewal. In transforming your home, you’re actualising the self and painting reality with your vision – that is the product of a good, collaborative design effort.

    Sources:

    How to Present Your Design Ideas to an Interior Designer | Houzz NZ

  • How to Survive a Live-In Renovation

    How to Survive a Live-In Renovation

    If your home is about to go through some changes, you’ve probably put some thought into where you’ll be living during the works. Not everyone has extended family ready to accommodate them, or the extra budget to spend on temporary living. Depending on the scale of works, you may be able to save money and avoid waking up to an unfamiliar ceiling by choosing to stay at home while works complete.

    Can I Live-In During this Renovation? Before anything begins, figure out whether or not you need to leave your home. Look at where the scale extends to: if you’re doing a full home renovation or otherwise have all your bedrooms and bathrooms out of commission, you’re likely looking at finding a new place to sleep unless you have a granny flat sitting conveniently in your yard. If the work is partial, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or living space, you’ll probably be able to sit it out, and here are some of the best tips for doing so:

    Clear Navigation: It’s a great idea to plan your daily routine in advance for when construction happens. Think about the affected area and how it affects your routing around the house. Make sure you have unobstructed access to a bathroom, living area, and your kitchen (if it isn’t the target of works). Communicate with the builder about where their workers can and cannot go. If it’s your kitchen that’s out of commission, bring your microwave and fridge to the family space, along with a camping stove. Add some furniture, utensils, and tableware, you can set up your very own mini kitchen!

    Managing Sound: We’ve all heard the nuisance of neighbouring construction noise. While you many not be able to ask the workers to turn down their tools, you can effectively tune them out for you and your family. A lifesaver when it comes to international flights, having a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is perfect for sealing away the buzz & bustle of renovation while enjoying your tunes at the same time. If not, earplugs are also a great option.

    Tackling Clutter: Since you’ll be clearing away goods from the renovation space, you can take this time to decide what will stay with you into the new room. It’s a perfect time to undertake some overdue spring cleaning and your home will feel lighter for it. Invest in a few storage boxes to hold temporary items, as well as for stowing away objects you’re still on the fence about parting with. Also, expect quite a bit of dust during the works – move or cover furniture to keep them pristine!

    Proper Planning: Communication is what makes or breaks the renovation experience. Having the builder on the same page can save you from considerable headaches down the line. Be sure to get a detailed list of works as well as a schedule. This can show you exactly when you can expect works to take place, and what’s to be done. From here you can analyse if anything has been left out of the scope. Getting this sorted early can save you from a rude awakening – both literally and figuratively.

    Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The best way to avoid the dust and noise of construction work is to escape it. While spending all day away isn’t always an option, taking an afternoon trip is perfect for forgetting about the chaos. It’s an essential way of finding normalcy and resetting the mind. Taking a break and enjoying some fresh air can do wonders for making time fly.

    By living at home, you can save money and watch each stage of the work complete. With proper planning and setup, you can make the renovation process not just tolerable, but fun. It can provide you with a new experience and a fresh perspective while counting down to a brand-new space.

    Sources:

    Survive a live-in renovation | Hannah Bullivant • Interior Designer

  • An All-Round Reception Upgrade

    An All-Round Reception Upgrade

    Facing the problems of cramped seating, poor navigability, and aging furniture, this reception at a renowned Mt Eden school was due for a BoxMakers renovation. Featuring a wholly redone front desk, brand new cabinets, and a custom front façade, this upgrade was centred around practicality while preserving the school’s heritage.

    Find out what we did to tackle each problem the original reception had:

    Flow & Printer Accessibility:

    Originally, the reception had two forward-facing seats, and one facing the wall. Not only did this cause congestion, but it also affected uniformity. As such, accessing the printer, which was on the opposite end, was difficult.

    Since it was constantly in use, traffic easily crowded up. BoxMakers alleviated this issue by rearranging the layout for all three seats to be facing the front, and relocated the printer to a dedicated space we made by the doorway. This freed up a tremendous amount of room and made the reception area feel much airier as a result.

    Desk Height & Front Façade

    The former front desk suffered from the woes of a low, non-standard height, which made for tight leg space, and a feeling of constriction. In order to expand the space and add more height, the reception fascia had to be altered. To this end, BoxMakers redesigned the lower half with a contemporary woodgrain look featuring both sleek angles and soft curves.

    We paid a lot of respect to the original look when designing this, making sure it appeared faithful to the school’s heritage. With elegant lighting and plenty of legroom, the reception looks and feels better than ever.

    Cabinet Positioning and Replacement

    Facing aging and yellowed cabinets, the school sought a fresh, unobtrusive solution. The back face of the original space featured awkwardly-mounted units that crowded the head-level space and made movement cumbersome. BoxMakers cleared these away, while installing a healthy complement of brand new, custom cabinets all around the edges.

    Melteca’s Snowdrift finish combined with Prime Panels’ Premium Ply woodgrain made for a light and modern look. Combine that with Mardeco’s Barcelona handle series, and you have a smart complement of reception cabinetry that is just as capable as it is good looking. With lockable cabinets, double-door shelving units, and numerous Häfele drawers, the staff would want for nothing when it comes to storage.

    BoxMakers are pleased to have made the reception a more accommodating space are we are confident that it has made the room much more comforting to work in. Our team is always happy to find solutions that empower not just the students, but also the staff, and everyone around them.

    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]