Category: cabinet story

Flashing back to the neon-drenched sidewalks of the 80s, the glass block has seen a resurgence in popularity as of late but the trend hasn’t returned off nostalgia alone. Its recent rise can be attributed to a variety of factors, including cost, performance, and modern aesthetic trends.

In a recent report by Hannah Holland of The Washington Post, glass blocks are found to be cheaper per square foot compared to a traditional glass wall, even accounting for labour and installation. In contrast to glass bricks, blocks have an air pocket in the centre, and thereby don’t incur the costs of being full-glass.

Beauty in Simplicity: While their sight might hearken back to nostalgia-soaked sights of the 1980s or the brutalist designs of the late Soviet Union, recent applications of its feature-set turn the almighty glass block into a tasteful and elegant feature of modern homes. It introduces architectural curiosity while injecting a form of light that evolves throughout the day, complimenting a variety of home palettes and adding a refined touch to your living space.

More than Meets the Eye: Grace and simplicity, however, aren’t its only selling points. The glass block is also highly practical; offering both heat retention and light diffusion, which contributed to its global historical prevalence. The blocks are also translucent, allowing plenty of light through, but preserving your privacy; the value of which can’t be understated in this day and age. In addition, glass blocks offer both fire-separation properties as well as structural resilience. Its blocky nature means that unlike traditional glass walls, they offer superior shock resistance, damage containment, and impact durability.

With the rise of modern trends such as pixel art, perhaps it comes as no surprise that this cubic pastime is shaping back into our lives.

Primary source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2024/06/24/glass-blocks-back-in-style/

Make your kitchen smarter, sleeker, and built for everyday living.

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, it’s not just about looks — it’s about making it work for you. At BoxMakers, we believe good design should solve problems, simplify daily routines, and spark a little joy every time you open a drawer.

Here are 10 must-have features to consider in your custom kitchen:

1. Soft-Close Drawers and Doors

No more slamming! Soft-close hinges and drawer runners add a premium feel, extend the life of your cabinetry, and keep things calm and quiet — even on busy mornings.

2. Pull-Out Pantry Units

Maximise vertical space and keep everything within reach. Pull-out pantries make spices, cans, and snacks easy to see and access, especially in narrow kitchens.

3. Corner Storage Solutions

Say goodbye to the dark abyss of corner cabinets. Solutions like lazy Susans, magic corners, or corner drawers turn wasted space into storage gold.

4. Hidden Bin or Recycling Station

Keep your kitchen looking clean with pull-out bin drawers that hide rubbish and recycling while keeping them easily accessible where you need them most.

5. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Integrated LED strips under wall cabinets improve visibility while cooking and add an ambient glow in the evenings — practical and beautiful.

6. Built-In Spice Racks or Knife Drawers

Custom inserts for spice jars, knives, and utensils make meal prep faster and safer, while keeping your benchtop clutter-free.

7. Deep Drawers for Pots and Pans

Ditch the old-school base cabinets. Deep drawers glide out effortlessly and let you store heavy cookware without the bending and digging.

8. Appliance Garage

Tuck away your toaster, blender, or coffee machine in a custom-built cabinet with a lift-up or roll-down door — easy to access, easy to hide.

9. Charging Station or Power Drawer

Stay connected with built-in USB ports or concealed power strips in a drawer — perfect for charging phones or powering small appliances without messy cables.

10. Open Shelving for Display and Personality

Balance function with style by adding open shelves for cookbooks, ceramics, or plants — bring warmth and personality into the heart of your home.

How to Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen: Smart Design Tips That Work？

Small kitchens can be charming and functional—if designed right. Whether you’re living in an apartment or simply working with limited space, a smart kitchen layout and clever storage solutions can make a big difference.

At BoxMakers, we specialise in custom kitchen solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of every inch of your small kitchen.

1. Go Vertical with Storage

When floor space is limited, think upwards. Tall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling provide valuable storage without eating up your workspace. Use the top shelves for less frequently used items, and consider adding a stylish step stool as part of your kitchen accessories.

Pro Tip: Custom-built upper cabinets with soft-close mechanisms make daily use much easier and safer.

• Choose Muti-Functional Cabinetry

Incorporate smart storage features like:

• Pull-out pantries
• Corner carousels
• Drawer organisers
• Hidden bins

These additions not only save space but also reduce clutter — making your kitchen feel larger than it is.

• Use Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces

Colour matters. Lighter tones like white, cream, or pale grey can make a small kitchen feel open and airy. Glossy finishes and glass cabinet doors reflect light and add to the illusion of space.

BoxMakers offers a wide range of finishes and materials to suit your design preferences and enhance brightness.

• Custom Cabinets = Perfect Fit

Every centimetre counts in a small kitchen. Pre-made cabinets often leave gaps or wasted corners. Custom-designed cabinets are built to fit your exact space, ensuring no room is wasted and your kitchen feels cohesive and intentional.

• Add Smart Storage Accessories

Little things can go a long way

• Magnetic knife strip
• Hanging rails for utensils
• Foldable or pull-out countertop extensions
• Slim rolling carts for narrow gaps

There cleaver create more usable space without a major renovation.

• Keep it Clutter-Free

The more visible clutter you have, the smaller your kitchen feels. Store appliances inside cabinets where possible, and keep countertops clear. Custom cabinets can including storage for microwaves, toasters, and even coffee machines.

we understand that a cabinet is more than wood and hinges. It’s the backdrop to life’s daily moments: the midnight snack run, the baking mess on a Sunday afternoon, the place your child hides birthday gifts. It’s where life happens — quietly, but meaningfully.

we specialise in custom cabinetry for every room and every need. From sleek modern minimalism to warm farmhouse charm, our designs are as unique as the people who use them. And the best part? You’re the co-author of the story. Our design process is built around you — your space, your lifestyle, and your imagination.

What We Offer:

• Custom Kitchen Cabinets – Designed to make cooking a joy and storage effortless. Choose from a wide variety of finishes, hardware, and layouts tailored to your workflow.
• Bathroom Vanities – Elegant, efficient, and built to resist moisture and wear, our vanities combine smart storage with style.
• Closet Systems – From walk-ins to wardrobe walls, we help you organize with purpose and polish.
• Garage & Utility Storage – Heavy-duty cabinets designed to keep your tools, gear, and seasonal items out of sight but always within reach.