Category: cabinet story

Engineered Stone Benchtop Trends in New Zealand Kitchens
When it comes to kitchen design in New Zealand, the benchtop often becomes the heart of the space. It’s where meals are prepared, family gathers, and friends linger over coffee. More than just a work surface, a benchtop sets the tone for the kitchen’s look and feel.
Engineered stone benchtops continue to be one of the most popular choices for Kiwi homeowners thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and range of stunning finishes. But within this category, there are plenty of design directions you can take. Here are five engineered stone benchtop trends shaping kitchens across NZ right now:
1. Veined Patterns
The marble-look trend is here to stay. Engineered stone with soft or bold veining offers all the elegance of natural marble without the upkeep. It’s an ideal choice for New Zealand families who want luxury but also need practicality. Whether paired with classic white cabinetry or darker tones, veined surfaces add depth and character that feel timeless.
2. Matte & Honed Finishes
For years, polished high-gloss stone was the go-to. Now, Kiwi homeowners are gravitating toward honed or matte finishes. These surfaces have a softer, more natural texture, reducing glare from sunlight (especially in bright, north-facing Auckland kitchens). The look is contemporary, understated, and pairs beautifully with timber accents.
3. Neutral & Earthy Tones
In line with the wider movement towards calming, nature-inspired interiors, more neutral and earthy engineered stone benchtop colours are being chosen. Warm greys, taupes, and beiges create a softer backdrop that feels inviting and versatile. These tones work particularly well in open-plan NZ homes, where the kitchen flows seamlessly into living and dining areas.
4. Extra-Thin Profiles
Minimalist design has been steadily gaining traction in New Zealand, and benchtops are following suit. Slim profiles, often between 12–20mm, create a sleek, contemporary look that suits European-inspired or modern Kiwi homes. Thinner benchtops are especially effective on kitchen islands, giving them a refined edge that still feels robust.
5. Waterfall Islands
Few design features make as strong a statement as a waterfall island. By continuing the stone down the sides, the kitchen island becomes a true centrepiece. In NZ homes, where the island often doubles as a dining or entertaining hub, this detail makes the space feel cohesive and luxurious. Waterfall islands also highlight the natural beauty of veined engineered stone, turning the benchtop into a feature in its own right.
Engineered stone benchtops in NZ kitchens offer the perfect balance of performance and beauty, which is why they remain a top choice for both new builds and renovations. From timeless veined patterns to modern thin profiles, today’s trends allow you to create a kitchen that’s both practical and striking.
At Boxmakers, we design and build kitchens tailored to the way New Zealanders live, combining craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and quality materials.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation or new build in Auckland, our team can help you explore the right benchtop choice for your home.
👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
Resources:
https://www.realsimple.com/nkba-2026-kitchen-trends-report-11813491
https://archant.co.nz/blog/articles/5-impressive-benchtop-surfaces-for-2023-and-beyond.html
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https://linkmix.co/44079347
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September 20, 2025
Fit: Saving Space with Smart Storage
Kiwi-owned and operated, Fit are a proud manufacturer of innovative home and kitchen storage solutions. Their own brands, Giamo and Tanova, provide powerful options in both kitchen storage and hidden bins respectively – both of which are incredible in reducing clutter and providing convenience.
Giamo Range
Fit’s Giamo range tackles the increasingly relevant problem of kitchen and pantry storage, with units dedicated to food, cookware, and utility storage. BoxMakers have consistently called upon Giamo for intricate and smart pull-out pantries, corner units, and drawer units. Their solutions have helped our kitchens to be incredibly efficient in both physical space and visual clutter. Dedicated in-cabinet units easily sort and conceal bottles, pans, and spices, saving valuable benchtop space.
Tanova Series
Fit’s Tanova series provides pull-out bin solutions, an effective way of freeing up kitchen space while also adding convenience. Instead of having a kitchen bin take up valuable corner space, Fit’s Tanova bins sit in an accessible in-bench location. In keeping with our goal of delivering space-efficient kitchens, these pull-out bins provide more movement room but also conceal the sight and smell of kitchen waste.
Fit’s range of products have helped BoxMakers immensely in creating versatile and highly functional kitchens. Their solutions are tailored towards space-saving and convenience, with a range of pull-out solutions, making sure that each of our kitchens is more than meets the eye.
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September 19, 2025
BoxMakers’ Home Show Kitchen Detailed
The team at BoxMakers are proud to show the special kitchen we’ve been working on for the Auckland Home Show. With a meticulous amount of hard work, planning, and collaboration, we’ve prepared a display that showcases the very essence of what BoxMakers are all about!
The key themes for kitchen are dynamism, naturality, and timelessness.
Cabinet panels
Starting with the cabinetry and the main body of the kitchen, we chose MDF for the core material, thanks to its durable build and diverse range of possible finishes. Laminex’s Timber Veneer in Mink Shadow was chosen as the primary finish. The rich finish exudes a timeless essence, capable of seamlessly incorporating with a range of layouts and fixtures, whether they’re modern or traditional. We partnered with Laminex and Impey’s for the MDF, melamine, and veneer. Their excellent materials and finishes were imperative to completing our look.
Kitchen Layout
Putting the materials to work, our cabinetry arrangement consists of an enclosed design surrounding the benchtop, stemming from the base cabinets. The Mink Shadow panels box in the main benchtop and rangehood, making for a cosy and sophisticated look. To the left, dual cabinets span the full height of the arrangement, providing an incredible amount of storage. Further left is an incredibly elegant display cabinet, complete with half a dozen shelves and rear LED lighting. Royal Glass graciously sponsored our kitchen with their 4mm toughened panels for the display doors, while Fit NZ supplied the Apex Dark Profile LED lighting.
The cabinet handles are supplied by our friends at ENKO, who also provided our pull-out pantry handle. The primary model used is their Arpa Plate series, by Viefe, finished in Brushed Black. The Art Deco-inspired design compliments the cabinetry with a cool, quasi-retro design.
Our cabinets and drawers wouldn’t be complete with the components that make them run – Häfele were our partners for making sure our work opened and closed as smoothly as possible, with a wide range of push-to-open and soft-close mechanisms, such as the minimalist Nova Pro Scala by Grass. Inside, we collaborated with Blum for the internal drawer systems.
Also in fitting out our cabinets, we’re again pleased to work with Fit for the pantry systems and pull-out bin. Ritma’s Soft Close Pantry System was chosen for two of our internal drawers, bringing generous storage with a gentle touch. The Tanova pull-out bin provides clandestine waste storage without the smell.
Kitchen Island
We’ve partnered with Stone Space for our benchtops – for both the island and cooktop. The latter features Dekton’s Sirius finish, a dark, textured surface, while the island is finished in Taj Mahal quartzite. While the Sirius subtly blends in amidst the dark cabinets, the vivid Taj Mahal island creates a striking contrast against the rich backdrop. As the island is meant to stand dynamically as a common space – for more than just cooking and dining, the wavy white serves to balance the kitchen aesthetic to be all-purpose. Enhancing the texture’s contours is the fluted panel that wraps around the island. Dezignatek’s Swurves Taranaki was chosen for this, in close collaboration with them – a tactile choice with classical influences.
For our splashback, we chose MosaicFX’s Honed Kit Kat finished in Verde Green. As perhaps the most eye-catching component of our kitchen, we chose this tile selection for its curious verdant touch. The woodland greens blend perfectly against our deeply coloured cabinets, creating a natural aesthetic that evokes imagery of New Zealand’s wildlife. Showerwell are our partners for this beautiful splashback selection. Completing the countertop look is the rangehood, which is wrapped in an elegant enclosure of Bronze Brushed Melamine, in partnership with Impey’s.
We worked with Häfele again for the sink, which is a Subline 400-U Sink, Blanco Silgranit Range, finished in white. Compact, elegant, and geometric, it fits flawlessly into the pale kitchen island. Mico sponsored us when it came to the kitchen tap, which is a Level Mixer by Paffoni, finished in stainless steel.
Panasonic provided us with a quality cooktop, oven, and dishwasher for our kitchen. Featuring incredibly innovative and high-tech solutions, each fixture and appliance brought the best of modern technology to blend with our timeless kitchen. The cooktop is a black-finished touch panel induction unit with a mesmerising flush design, and the oven, likewise in a dark finish, also features a touch-LCD panel, while also providing features such as air-frying, gliding shelves, and pyrolytic cleaning. The dishwasher is also a smart appliance, featuring a versatile touch menu that supports a wealth of cleaning options.
The combination of a timeless, natural aesthetic, with cutting edge appliances and fixtures make this kitchen not only visually refreshing, but a breeze to work with. Providing ample room for cooking, storage, and general family activities, all in a classy, visually striking package, this kitchen dynamically brings the best of form and function together.
Designer: Mona Simathamchai
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September 11, 2025
BoxMakers’ 2025 Auckland Home Show Kitchen
The centrepiece of our BoxMakers stall at the Auckland Home Show is designed to cater to everyday New Zealand homeowners. The aim is to showcase a kitchen that strikes a delicate balance between aesthetics, affordability, and practicality, with features that can benefit the modern New Zealand lifestyle.
Design intentions
Our Home Show display was inspired by the idea of a crafting a space that acted not simply as a kitchen, but as a common space for everyday activities. Its range of purpose extends outside that of a highly capably cooking space, but as a place to gather with limitless possibilities for activities. We took inspiration from the flexibility of open-plan layouts, aiming to create a space that was not only practical for general use, but also aesthetically adaptable – pleasing in a diverse range of home environments.
Sustainable production techniques and enhanced element resistance made MDF our material of choice in balancing compatibility and longevity, not to mention its diverse propensity for finishes.
Colour Palette
We chose a deep walnut colour, which carries a timeless essence that stays relevant even as trends come and go, combining functionality with a refined visual presence. Our goal was to represent top-tier balance that is in line with everyday New Zealand considerations.
Center piece – Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is a core component of completing this communal area, acting as a second hub for the home – with room to eat, play, and dream. Finished in a refreshing white, the island provides a crisp and welcoming contrast against the deep wood cabinetry. The colours are incredibly accommodating, and are easy to compliment a wealth of home aesthetics.
BoxMakers’ has meticulously put together this kitchen with the goal of embodying our core values: balancing aesthetics with practicality, durability, and affordability. We wanted to create a multifunctional kitchen that New Zealanders can be proud to own, with endless potential for growth.
Designer: Mona Simathamchai
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September 5, 2025
Why Proper Cabinet Alignment Matters
Installing cabinetry is more than just adding pretty shelves and drawers to a home. On top of having a deft pair of hands, technical knowledge and component awareness is required to make both the operation and alignment not just smooth – but just right.
Why it matters?
Proper cabinet alignment is imperative to achieving a uniform, flush look that allows the unit to stand out because of its cohesiveness as a whole, rather than jutting doors and crooked panels. Improper alignment can cause door sag, mismatched handle positioning, and a shelving arrangement that simply… looks off. It’s not just an aesthetic issue either: substandard work can lead to excessive wear on the hinges and drawer runners, resulting in noise, stiffness in operation, and undue stress on the cabinet frame.
Our Process
Applying our team’s storied experience, we are able to deliver a comprehensive service that covers not only design, but also the expert installation of kitchens, cabinets, and much more. We start with meticulous measurement of the site – including wall dimensions, curvature, and anomalies. Our use of laser measures and levels allow for incredible accuracy when planning for what goes where. Our design team takes these measurements and plans out a solution using modelling software. This facilitates our selection of the optimal material thickness, frame arrangement, and unit positioning to maximise space efficiency.
Work In Action
For one of our cabinetry jobs in Remuera, we applied our handcrafted process to deliver a set of stunning and matching cabinets. After a highly involved measurement and design stage, we began work on the physical cabinets. Making them to our exact requirements – from dimensions, to materials, to hinge holes, we were able to deliver cabinets that were compatible with our desired handles, hinges, and latching system.
Delicate care was taken during this process, such as ensuring consistent hinge recesses and level installation, as well as avoiding excess screw tension – this was to curb any potential droopiness or misalignment. Handles were installed flush and level with each other, and symmetrically when required. In the end, we delivered a stylish and sophisticated finished product.
In creating flush sets of cabinets, proper proactive measurement is key to saving considerable stress in the future. DIY projects may benefit from shims and filler panels, but the biggest selling point of custom cabinetry is that the work is destined for your home – and yours alone.
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August 27, 2025
Letting Nature In: The Growth of Biophilic Design
One of the most prominent design trends that have emerged from the past decade is the embrace of nature’s very own palette. Being even more relevant in New Zealand, the appeal of a naturally themed home has been embraced by many – with homeowners seeking a return to the very style perfected by Mother Nature herself.
Plants and Palettes
The palette itself is a soft mixture of earthy browns and gentle sand, accessorised largely with natural greens, evoking a brisk walk along one of New Zealand’s myriad natural trails. Among its many selling points is the ability to bring nature indoors – with one of the trend’s primary traits being an abundance of potted plants and indoor flora – Plant-lovers rejoice! Previously, biophilic design was practically limited to commercial buildings and large spaces, but emerging trends have fostered more variety in home-cultivation.
Complemented with water features?
A carefully curated experience can bring back the best that nature has to offer. Natural incense, earthy tones, and extensive exposure to air can breathe new life into your home. If you’re really feeling ambitious, water features and indoor gardens can contribute to a multi-sensory approach. As a highly complementary colour, natural green pairs perfectly with woven browns and pale tan for an old-fashioned look, or with stone grey and marble white for a modern take.
Sustainability at the core
With the increasing relevance of sustainability over the past two decades, combined with broadening ecological awareness and the work-from-home era, many homeowners found that bringing nature to their house was one way to get the best of both worlds. Pinterest’s 2022 trend report noted significant interest in biophilic design, with more users yearning for therapeutically conductive homes. Taking a break amidst nature is one of humanity’s timeless escapes, but with increasing urban sprawl and transportation woes, it comes as no surprise that many have opted to bring nature to themselves, instead of the other way around.
Sources:
https://linkmix.co/42488677
August 20, 2025
Flat-pack or Custom: Which Cabinetry Option Suits You Better?
When outfitting your kitchen with a suite of new and shiny equipment, the choice between flat-pack or custom cabinets can be especially tough. The opportunity for renovation doesn’t come often, and you’re deciding on what you’ll be swinging open for the foreseeable future.
Price
In preparing for a renovation, you’ve probably spied some of these modestly-priced cabinets in home improvement stores, weighing the savings against a set of custom cabinets, and that much is undeniable; flat-pack units are produced with the goal of providing serviceable, low-cost units. Additionally, more cost can be saved if you choose to fit the unit yourself, saving yourself valuable installation fees. Custom cabinetry, on the other hand, is pricier, with installation included as part of the service but can very well be worth it.
Quality
In comparing quality between ready-to-assemble cabinets versus a custom job, it comes as no surprise that the latter scores a decisive victory. Flat-packs are reliable for the most part, but are commonly manufactured with materials such as particle board, which is vulnerable to moisture and can prove difficult to repair. With custom cabinetry, you’ll often see premium wood and long-lasting materials. The premium you pay for custom includes the service and expertise of professionals, ensuring perfect installation and compatibility, in contrast to flat-packs; where further work is required if the dimensions or accommodations are off.
Identity
Flat-pack cabinets are designed to accommodate a wide variety of homes, offering a degree of versatility, but this also means they aren’t perfect for any one in particular. Catering to a broad variety of homeowners comes with compromises in identity. Custom cabinet services consider your kitchen as a whole, and tailor their work to you and your home specifically, providing a solution that compliments and elevates your kitchen, while also contributing to your home’s value.
If you’re handy with a toolbox, flat-packs can give you a set of new cabinets the same day you get home from the shop. There’s no doubt that the savings and convenience can be highly appealing, but when it comes to kitchen cabinetry, you certainly get what you pay for. It all comes down to your budget and vision for your kitchen.
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Resources
July 18, 2025
Reviving the Cube: Are Glass Blocks Making a Return?
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 Eyes
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
July 9, 2025
Must-Have Features for Your Custom Kitchen
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.
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July 2, 2025
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.
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
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.
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June 27, 2025