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  • Our Cabinet Story: Custom Cabinetry Designed Around Your Life

    Our Cabinet Story: Custom Cabinetry Designed Around Your Life

    At BoxMakers, we know a cabinet is more than just wood and hinges. It’s the backdrop to life’s everyday moments: the midnight snack run, the Sunday baking mess, or the secret spot where birthday presents are hidden. Cabinets are where life happens, quietly, but meaningfully.

    We specialise in custom cabinetry for every room in your home, tailored to your lifestyle and your space. From sleek modern kitchens to warm farmhouse-style designs, every cabinet is as unique as the people who use it. And the best part? You’re part of the design story. Our process is collaborative, ensuring your cabinets reflect your style, your workflow, and your imagination.

    What We Offer: Custom Cabinet Solutions for Every Room

    Custom Kitchen cabinets

    Make cooking a joy and storage effortless. Our kitchens are designed to suit your workflow, with a wide selection of finishes, layouts, and hardware options. From modern minimal kitchens to timeless classic designs, we craft spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

    Bathroom Vanities

    Combine elegance with practicality. Our custom bathroom vanities are designed to resist moisture and daily wear while offering clever storage solutions. Perfect for keeping your bathroom organised without compromising on style.

    Closet & Wardrobe Systems

    Transform your bedroom with bespoke closet solutions. From walk-in wardrobes to fitted wardrobe walls, our systems help you organise your clothes, shoes, and accessories with purpose and polish.

    Garage & Utility Storage

    Keep your garage tidy with heavy-duty storage cabinetry designed to handle tools, sports gear, and seasonal items. Everything stays organised, accessible, and out of sight when not in use.

    Multipurpose room with custom-made bookshelves

    Why Choose BoxMakers?

    We combine over 15 years of craftsmanship and design experience with practical storage solutions to create custom cabinets that truly enhance homes across the Auckland region. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, closet, or garage, our cabinets are built to last and designed to make everyday life easier — and more beautiful. With our experience and reach, we bring thoughtful, tailored cabinetry solutions to homes large and small throughout Auckland.

    Talk to us about your plans →

  • Storage Solutions with BoxMakers

    Storage Solutions with BoxMakers

    Running out of kitchen space is a familiar feeling for most homeowners: whether it’s crammed cupboards or a crowded benchtop, no one likes to see a kitchen littered with pots, cans, and groceries.

    At BoxMakers, we’ve continually stayed on top of every new development in the kitchen storage space. In decades past, solutions such as pull-out pantries were expensive to implement and often featured a tedious amount of custom design work. Nowadays, storage systems can be installed in every corner of your kitchen, with incredible performance and affordability.

    Tiered Corner Unit

    We all know about awkward kitchen corners and especially how easy it is to get lost in there, knocking down bottles and pans. Thankfully, there are numerous solutions purpose-built for tacking the corner problem. As featured in our Remuera kitchen renovation, tiered corner units can be used to double the amount of practical space, with operation that brings forth everything that’s tucked away. For that, Fit NZ’s Giamo Magic Corner Unit made an appearance.

    Pull-Out Pantry

    Full-size pull-out pantries function similarly to a fridge, but feature intricate rail and extension systems that brings everything towards you upon opening. Our Murray’s Bay renovation featured this to address storage concerns. With Kesseböhmer’s Tandem Arena unit, BoxMakers are confident that those storage woes are thoroughly assuaged.

    Tandem pantry unit, Kesseböhmer, arena style

    Pull-Out Bins

    Sight and smell are your worst enemies when it comes to chucking away kitchen waste. Under-bench pull-out bins are perfect for tucking away all those unpleasantries, and they come in all shapes and sizes. BoxMakers have been frequently impressed with Fit NZ’s Tanova series, which we recently used in our Sandringham project.

    Under-Bench Units

    Make every inch count with an under-bench pantry unit. With different sizes to accommodate spices, bottles, and everyday groceries, these convenient units typically come in 1 or 2 tiers. Our Mount Roskill kitchen renovation featured a Sige Infinity Pullout Bottle Rack, supplied by Enko, which was perfect for complementing kitchen storage.

    Lazy Susan Corner Unit

    Another smart corner addition is the Lazy Susan style of storage units. Also known as carousels, these corner units feature rotational operation to ensure easy access, regardless of where your goods are. Supplied by Häfele, Kesseböhmer’s Revo 90° corner unit is a great example of this, and we recently used in our Mt Roskill project.

    Storage solutions aren’t limited to the above either – new innovations are always being developed and BoxMakers are here to make sure that your kitchen has the perfect space-saving solutions tailored just for you.

  • Subtle European Influences in a Modern Kitchen Transformation

    Subtle European Influences in a Modern Kitchen Transformation

    For this kitchen renovation in Murray’s Bay, the end result is completely unrecognisable! Having inherited mediterranean influences, the home featured several indoor archways in both the kitchen and living spaces, but was long due for an overhaul.

    The primary reason for renovation was aging hardware – in both style and performance. It was clear that the walls and floors were in rough shape from decades of use, and the open shelf cupboards were practically bursting at the seams. Citing clutter and wear, the client called for a modern, clean, and practical kitchen. One of the most notable changes required was the removal of the mediterranean brick-style arch that doubled as the kitchen entryway. This provided a seamless connection to the neighbouring room and allowed for an extra end of the kitchen bench to be usable.

    BoxMakers chose to keep the same U-shape layout as it was still a highly efficient way of arranging the kitchen and maximising space. This allowed for the easy connection of new appliances, such as the rangehood and cooktop. We noted that the original kitchen suffered most from a dearth of storage space, which shaped our decision to create a storage-oriented kitchen. This, of course, called for an abundant supply of cabinetry, including numerous floor-to-ceiling units.

    The cabinets were MDF, finished in white melamine – a theme that was kept consistent across the entire kitchen. In place of the open cupboards, BoxMakers installed a full-height shelf unit covered by an elegant bifold door solution. Perpendicular to it, the fan favourite Kesseböhmer Tandem pantry unit made an appearance, right beside the fridge. Allowing for a gargantuan level of storage, the unit is complemented by additional cabinets and drawers.

    The benchtop was decided in close collaboration with the owner – Uniquartz’s Calacatta Grigio, a grey-based cut of engineered stone. It features a striking arrangement of stoney colours from marble white to dark slate. The patten is notable for resembling rippling waves against a temperamental backdrop of achromatic lightning – a particularly detailed piece evocative of the stormy Mediterranean Sea, which ties in perfectly with the home’s original style and the iconic Italian Carrara marble from which Calacatta Grigio is inspired by.

    In keeping with the clean, modern aesthetic, Mardeco’s extrusion handles were selected, finished in simple white. These allowed for handleless designs across almost the entire kitchen, completing its unobtrusive appearance. Below the bench, Artia supplied the Italian-made Sige pull-out corner unit, while Häfele supplied the Kesseboehmer base pull-out set. For the appliances, the owner chose Asko, another European brand. This extended to the dishwasher, oven, and cooktop.

    BoxMakers delivered on a highly capable modern kitchen that featured an incredible variety of storage solutions that is capable of sorting out any level of clutter. In close direction with the owner, we were able to install purpose-built drawers to contain what they wanted, where they wanted. While it may look like a simple modern kitchen at a glance, the renovation is packed with advanced storage solutions throughout, carefully interwoven with European influences.

  • What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation More, Layout or Materials?

    What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation More, Layout or Materials?

    Knowing where to invest your kitchen budget can be invaluable to both cost saving and maximising performance. Two of the most significant cost-affecting areas of a kitchen renovation are its layout and materials, but in most residential renovations, it’s the materials that tend to move the price tag more.

    So How Does Layout Affect Cost?

    Your kitchen’s layout defines the positioning of all your fixtures, furniture, and appliances. It dictates the ebb and flow of your kitchen, making sure that everything you need is placed smartly, efficiently, and conveniently. Typical kitchen layouts include: single wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula, and island.

    The more benchtop area used, the more expensive a kitchen is typically going to be; as it doesn’t simply demand more benchtop material, but also the unit’s cabinetry and hardware.

    However, for most home renovations, layout changes alone don’t cause dramatic budget jumps. Many homeowners choose to retain their existing layout, which keeps costs manageable by avoiding plumbing or electrical rework. Even when redesigning the space, the expense of moving services or breaking walls can often be contained compared to what premium materials might cost.

    What About Materials?

    Here’s where the numbers can really start to climb. Choosing high end materials can make even single wall layouts fetch hefty price tags. The two major areas that can eat up your budget are the benchtop and cabinetry, but smart selection and efficient planning can cut down costs while looking akin to more premium offerings. Elsewhere, the floor, splashback, and accessories can also vary in material price.

    Chiefly among renovators’ minds is the kitchen benchtop. Often seen as the centrepiece of one’s kitchen, it comes as no surprise that a hefty amount of the budget is dedicated to the bench. Laminate benchtops are the cheapest and provide excellent value for money. Engineered stone is a popular mid-range choices that may require maintenance. Porcelain and real stone, though undeniably stunning, can easily double or triple the material cost, especially in large kitchens.

    Cabinetry also has the potential to quickly drive up costs. Here, materials typically come in the form of the core material and the finish. For the core, MDF strikes a good balance between durability, price, and finish variety. At the high-end, real wood is a pricey yet premium option. For the finish, melamine is affordable with a good range of aesthetics. A shift from white melamine to real wood veneer, for example, can dramatically elevate the look and the cost.

    The splashback also has a diverse number of options, with tile being the cheapest yet perhaps the most versatile. Even within tile options, price can still vary drastically depending on material. Glass, stainless steel, and engineered stone are all valid mid-range choices. Porcelain makes another appearance as an expensive choice here. Elsewhere, the little things such as handle materials and cabinet systems can slowly add to the price.

    The Verdict

    While layout changes certainly impact cost, particularly if you’re knocking down walls or moving plumbing. In most residential kitchen renovations, it’s the materials that make the bigger difference.

    A change from laminate to porcelain, or from melamine to real timber veneer, can easily outweigh the expense of reworking your layout. That said, the final cost always depends on your project’s scale, style, and priorities.

    The best approach? Start with a clear vision of what matters most, functionality, finishes, or both, and plan your renovation around that balance.

  • Saving Your Kitchen with Smart Storage

    Saving Your Kitchen with Smart Storage

    Nobody enjoys seeing bottles, boxes, and pans taking up precious benchtop space. A crowded kitchen isn’t just a practical nuisance – it can also be embarrassing when hosting guests. If you’ve fallen victim to loss of space – fear not! In 2025, it’s easier than ever to find advanced, yet affordable solutions to tackle clutter and tidy your kitchen to make it good as new.

    Over time, you may have experienced seeing less of your benchtop and more of your sundry kitchen goods. Gradual mess can become the bane of a kitchen’s existence, but kitchen planning and storage solutions can handily remedy that. Cabinet tech has been one of those silent innovators that have evolved quicker than people may realise. It used to be that going custom was the only way to get pull-out pantries, hidden bins, and intricate corner systems. Today, these capable kitchen add-ons are available from numerous retail and hardware stores, thanks to advances in materials, manufacturing, and global supply chains.

    One of the biggest misconceptions about amassing storage space is that it’s all about having as many cabinets as possible. In truth, it’s all about making the space you have work for you, and using it as efficiently as possible. Now, pull-out pantries, integrated bins, and modular shelving are all easy to obtain and install, providing multiple levels, divisions, and angles of access.

    BoxMakers have worked with trusted brands such as Häfele, Fit, Blum, Enko, and more to deliver high quality kitchen solutions that look good, feel good, and have plenty of room for everything. Cabinets and drawers can all be upgraded with smooth operation mechanisms such as soft-close hinges and runners, and modern corner units can feature revolving shelves, multi-level operation, and advanced retraction mechanisms.

    Using smart storage isn’t just efficient – it’s trendy. Pulling out your pantry solutions is a fast way to impress guests and retrieve kitchen essentials, all without obscuring your benchtop. You already have the space – now make the most of it.

    Resources: https://linkmix.co/45465289

  • A Covert and Minimalist Kitchen

    A Covert and Minimalist Kitchen

    Nestled away in the sunny Helensville countryside, this tranquil rural home recently saw a brand new BoxMakers kitchen. What was special about this project, however, was the roof it was under. Instead of being part of the main home, this was a unique kitchen tailored to fit a detached workshop.

    With convenience and versatility in mind, the client wanted an accessible way to prepare meals in the comfort of their own workplace. This meant no more back and forth travel or clashed occupancy of the main kitchen. The main themes of this kitchen were being utilitarian, covert, and minimalist. BoxMakers knew the assignment well, and aimed to strike a balance between professionalism and elegance, all while adhering to the surrounding purpose and themes.

    The owner wanted black to be the central colour of the kitchen, and BoxMaker delivered. With 16mm MDF as the core material, all of the bench cabinets were finished in Black Pearl melamine by Melteca – a midnight finish that strikingly swallows light, yet glistens under the right conditions. This clandestine cabinet collection contained a carefully curated composition of drawers, providing a striking resemblance to tool storage units, in running with the utility-centric theme.

    Häfele’s Luxe handles were chose for their hidden profile design, creating flush and uniform cabinet faces. Mardeco’s 2006 series handle was chosen for the larger cabinet. All of them, of course, came in black. Inside the cabinetry, you can find Häfele’s signature drawer hardware, as well as Enko’s Uni-Bin Soft Close Waste bins for disguising waste.

    The focal point of this kitchen is the benchtop. In close collaboration with the owner, we decided on a finish that matched the stealthy aesthetic while weaving in some of the colour of the floor’s dark wood. UniQuartz’s Brown Forest was chosen – streaks of golden-brown woven against a mesmerising obsidian grey backdrop.

    The client’s fixtures and appliances were meticulously chosen to reflect their vision. Carysil’s Enigma sink was chosen for its true-to-name mysterious yet modern appearance while Casa’s sink mixer made for a perfect minimalist pairing. A compact 2-zone cooktop by Vogue continued the dark, minimalist trend.

    Taking in design cues from utility-oriented storage, BoxMakers delivered a highly modern single-benchtop kitchen that is just as capable as it is dark. The room’s warm overhead lights make each cooking session a bold cinematic experience.

  • Dos and Don’ts of Cabinet Maintenance

    Dos and Don’ts of Cabinet Maintenance

    Whether you’ve just finished installing a set of brand-new cabinetry or are looking to maintain longevity for your current set, it’s always better to know best practices for keeping them pristine.

    Wet Storage

    Don’t: use your cabinets to store dripping wet plates, cloths, or towels. You can’t count on evaporation alone to save your cabinets from waterlogged materials. Drenched cloths can seep water into corners and cracks, bloating and damaging your cabinetry.

    Do: wring out and dry your rags before storage. Not only does this make for more pleasant viewing, but it’s a smart practice to ensure ready cloths for next use. More importantly, this prevents moisture ingress into your cabinetry.

    Chemicals

    Don’t: use harsh chemicals or strong solvents. Chemicals such as bleach or ammonia are dangerous to cabinet finishes, and can take the glisten away from your handles. Ingress can harm the core material as well.

    Do: investigate your cabinet. Cabinetry can come in a broad range of materials and finishes. Find out what it’s made of and use their recommended cleaning method. Otherwise, a mild, non-abrasive cleaner will do just fine.

    Cleaning

    Don’t: use brushes or scrubbers that have thick, abrasive heads. Strong bristles can lead to scratches and damage to the finish, which in turn, acts as a catalyst for moisture damage.

    Do: use cloths in a gentle and circular motion. Combined with a gentle cleaning solution, this method should pick up dirt and clean away stains.

    Cabinet Liners

    Don’t: forego cabinet liners in high-risk areas just because they clash with the look and feel of your kitchen. Scratches and spills that would have otherwise damaged your cabinet can be mitigated with liners.

    Do: apply cabinet liners in kitchens and laundry rooms. Wherever you typically find cooking products, chemicals, or sundry objects like stationery, cabinet liners act as an extra layer of defence against unwanted damage.

    Hinges

    Don’t: neglect your cabinet’s hinges when cleaning. Hinges are a core component of your cabinets and ensure smooth operation.

    Do: give your hinges special attention. Instead of wiping them down like you would your cabinet, clean away dust and debris. Check if they need greasing and oil with lubricant if needed.

    To clean like a pro, treat each material differently and use gentle solutions that won’t damage the surface. A mild soap and warm water, or a dedicated cabinet cleaning solution is ideal. Knowing your cabinets’ materials and cleaning accordingly can save you a lot of stress and work.

    Source:

    https://www.thekitchn.com/kitchen-cabinet-cleaning-mistakes-23591076

    https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/985231164317580/

  • A Multi-Room Renovation in Westmere

    A Multi-Room Renovation in Westmere

    Last year, one of our most diverse projects was a double room renovation in Westmere. This was a highly involved project that showcased our cabinetmaking expertise in tailoring to numerous use cases. The family’s lifestyle was fast outgrowing their original rooms and required solutions that better suited their needs and activities.


    To start off, the owner required an unused bedroom to be converted into a study room. BoxMakers’ role included designing and incorporating a solution that allowed for dual desktop computer placement with specially installed cable grommets to minimise visual clutter. The client envisioned a clean, neat, and productive workspace that could be used for both study and work. As a whole, the study room included a large corner desk, complete with a full suite of cabinetry – including overhead shelves and cabinets, as well as drawers and corner shelving.


    Material-wise, Dezignatek’s White Thermofoam became the choice for the cabinet face panels, with their Oslo-style door profiles. Their centre indents create a subtle sense of texture and tactility without detracting from the clean look. The shelves were finished with a Timber Veneer in American White Oak while the desktop featured the same finish, and featured a mixed core Plywood constitution for lasting durability. Häfele’s soft-close series was used for both the hinges and drawer runners, hampering those jarring door sounds. iLLUMAX’s LED strips were applied underneath the open shelves to provide warm task lighting – perfect for reading and paperwork.


    Elsewhere, the children’s playroom was renovated to serve as a general living space, adapting to the family’s evolving needs. The room had also inherited some extra space thanks to a recent expansion. Taking full advantage of the renewed space, the owner called upon BoxMakers to design and build a set of cabinetry befitting of this new and improved room.


    The layout consisted of an arch arrangement of open shelves over a row of cabinets with a flat benchtop – perfect for showcasing pottery, books, and framed photos. The base benchtop features the same mixed-core plywood found in the study, keeping aesthetic consistency while providing an incredible amount of storage room. The TV-space is also immense, allowing room for large screens that could be watched from the other end of the room.


    This multi-faceted project showcases BoxMakers’ ability to create purpose-built, space-efficient rooms and effectively transform spaces to accommodate a broad range of lifestyles.

  • 5 Forms of Kitchen Lighting and How They Enhance Your Space

    5 Forms of Kitchen Lighting and How They Enhance Your Space

    It comes as no surprise that the kitchen sports incredible potential for diverse lighting arrangements. Often the centrepiece of one’s home, it’s vital to get the right lighting setup if you want to make the most of your kitchen.

    Each piece contributes to layered lighting through a trinity of purposes: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting provides general light, task lighting provides more focused light for particular roles, while accent lighting highlights details and adds drama. Here are five popular kitchen lighting fixtures, and how they contribute to your kitchen.

    Pendant Lights

    Typically hung over islands or dining areas, pendant lights provide both accent and task lighting. Perhaps the most eye-catching form of kitchen lighting as the focus isn’t just the light itself but the fixture in which they reside. They can come in any form: from simple bulbs and globes to intricate crystal arrangements and stylised clusters that are more akin to chandeliers.

    Toe Kick Lights

    Installed at the base of cabinets, toe kick lights highlight the profile of your cabinets and provide nuanced illumination in dark environments. An elegant form of accent lighting, it provides a subtle complement of light that doubles as a navigational aid while also adding drama and complexity to your cabinets.

    Under Cabinet

    Mounted just under overhead cabinets, these provide lighting for your benchtops and workspaces – a convenient form of task lighting. Under-cabinet lights are ideal for food preparation work and often work well independent of general ambient lighting. Another effect of this lighting is that is highlights your benchtops and splashback, which is perfect for showing off gorgeous arrangements,

    Recessed Lighting

    One of the many forms ambient lighting can manifest in a kitchen, recessed lighting resides within the ceiling cavity itself, and offers a flush, uniform look to your ceiling. It pairs well with modern themes and low-ceiling kitchens to provide general illumination for your kitchen. A 3000K colour temperature is typical for a warm and inviting kitchen.

    Cabinet Interior

    Primarily serving as accent lights within glass cabinets, these inner-cabinet fixtures can come in a surprising number of forms. From LED strips, to puck lights, to mini spotlights and more, this diverse genre of decorative lighting serves perfectly to accentuate and highlight your displays.

    Whether you’re after bold new pendant lights or practical and reliable ceiling lights, find the perfect balance between ambient, task, and accent for a smart, layered kitchen.

  • Acoustic Solutions for Busy Urban Homes

    Acoustic Solutions for Busy Urban Homes

    Picture a lazy Sunday afternoon in your favourite chair, looking forward to a good book, when all of a sudden, your neighbours raise a raucous party across the street. Nobody wants unwanted noise entering their home. Find out the best solutions for warding away unsolicited noise.

    Windows & Doors

    By double, or even triple-glazing your windows, not only do you get superior thermal and energy performance, but you also benefit from a strong sound barrier. This works remarkably well against streetside noise. The cavity between panes plays a pivotal role in dampening sound transmission. For doors, choosing a dense, solid core material is excellent for alleviating aural assault. Materials such as particleboard or MDF are a common core material, typically paired with a plywood or MDF outer layer. Rubber or foam stripping can seal the gaps for further noise dampening.

    Curtains

    For optimal acoustic performance, thick, dense, and large curtains are your best bet. Velvet, wool, and heavy linen are perfect for hampering noise. Blackout curtains perform well too, as a thick constitution is required for good light blocking. Consider larger sizes which extend from the ceiling to the floor.

    Gap Sealant

    Similar to typical caulk, acoustic sealants are also used for filling gaps, but their flexible composition allows them to continually block sound and vibrations instead of cracking over time. It can be applied around windows, door frames, and other openings to bolster your sonic defence.

    The opposite can be just as important too – keeping noise from escaping is vital for maintaining privacy and security. For personal conversations, balanced acoustics, and immersive movie sessions, choosing the right acoustic solutions can enhance your day-to-day lifestyle.

    Soft Furnishings

    Who said noise suppression couldn’t be fun? Take your pick of carpets, furniture, and cushions to create a sound-absorbing environment. Rugs and floor coverings can soften footfalls while velvety pieces like ottomans can catch home-wide sounds. Accessories such as plushies and cushions can balance out your environment (and look good while doing it).

    Acoustic Panels

    Ubiquitously seen in recording studios, drama rooms, and behind content-creators, acoustic panels have found widespread popularity in the online landscape of today – and for good reason. Tailor-made for balancing sound, these panels are perfect for installing on hard walls and ceilings. Furthermore, you’re no longer limited to the same stripey black foam – their popularity has spurred countless materials, shapes, and designs so you can find the perfect fit for your style.

    Buffer Furniture

    No, we don’t mean muscular shelves and cabinets – but it does help to be bulky for this purpose. Want more privacy in neighbouring rooms? Placing large pieces of furniture against shared walls is perfect for adding an extra layer of sound dampening. Bookshelves and dressers provide ample density for noise reduction.

    Whether you want to stop sound from coming or sound from leaving, there are always ways to bolster your privacy and maximise home comfort using the solution that is right for you.