One of the most unique vanity units we’ve put together, this powder room project makes a splash with a unique blend of black & brass. As though a room with shrapnel-like black walls wasn’t enough, this owner sought to take it one step further and boldly bask in the brilliance of a brass vanity.
In order to achieve this understandably lurid display, our team prepared 18mm black woodgrained MDF as the substrate, so that any exposed internals matched the scheme. Even the drawer itself is finished in black, and the Häfele runners are conveniently tucked out of sight – as though enshrouding the rest of the room solely to accentuate the finish sheen…
Arriving at the centrepiece, we clad the MDF in folded sheets of 0.5mm brass via lamination. Delivered by Ambro Metals, these sheets offer increased fire safety, natural aging, and antibacterial properties. With the drawer fully closed, it appears as though the basin is resting on a giant block of gold. The sheen effortlessly dances against the walls – a lavish yet ethereal evocation.
For the fixtures, the owner decided on a circular vessel basin, finely finished in speckled black and perfectly ornamented with a speckled brass stopper. This is paired with an aged brass faucet and handle, which smoothly completes the aesthetic.
As a whole, this small but striking installation is made to make an impression. The above wall light provides meaningful task lighting while also accentuating the glow of the drawer. Every component is pieced together to signal luxury, and the bold brass is sure to be unforgettable.
As part of our multi-vanity renovation in Waiheke Island, BoxMakers chose a stunningly simple yet wholly elegant design for the girls’ vanity. Purpose-built with ease of operation and minimalism in mind, this unit is designed for sleek adaptability.
Smooth, pure, and chic, the benchtop is made from Caesarstone’s Organic White. This thin-profile, speckled mineral top is perfect for delivering a strong surface without the bulkiness of thicker benches. Within, it effortlessly accommodates the circular basin, chosen by the homeowner. Likewise, the faucet fixtures are in matching aged brass with the master vanity.
Below, the cabinetry features 16mm Prime MDF finished and edged with VidaSpace’s Desert Oak Veneer. Of note is the opening mechanism for the drawers, which carefully incorporates a 25mm finger-pull gap to allow for handleless operation, making the entire face fully uniform. The internals feature Häfele’s Alto soft-close system, which makes opening and closing smooth and silent – perfect even for nighttime.
We also included a cabinet-side power outlet, which means your electric toothbrush or hairdryer can operate comfortably within hand’s reach.
BoxMakers were also in charge of the mirror: a centre-open unit that reveals dual internal shelves, plus more power outlets. Kitted with Häfele’s soft-close hinges, mirror-side beauty lights, and an internal demister pad to chase away fog, it’s clearer than ever to wash, do makeup, or simply admire oneself. Opening and closing is handleless as well, with drop-down finger-pulls comfortably situated at the bottom.
This girls’ vanity is an excellent example of BoxMakers’ attention to use case. We design joinery that fits – not just physically and aesthetically, but practically. Whether it’s a featureful modern kitchen, practical man-cave bathroom, or a trendy minimalist vanity, we know the assignment and can tailor to your needs perfectly.
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]
As part of our unforgettable renovation for this luxury Waiheke home, BoxMakers played a pivotal role in the master ensuite, overseeing work on a spectacular double vanity. Serving the flagship bedroom, the client wished for a unit that could not only uphold but elevate the quality of the bathroom as a whole – something that BoxMakers wholeheartedly delivered.
Fully built with premium materials, this ensuite is one for the history books. Right beside luxury views across Waiheke Island, our vanity stands tall as a hallmark of excellence.
A Premium Vanity
First and foremost, the body is made from a solid slab of Universal Granite’s Taj Mahal engineered stone. This ensured seamless, matching basins, and a perfect pairing with the aged brass faucet fixtures. With a crystalline, almost leathered appearance, in the tones of a stormy waterfall, this Taj Mahal finish is flowing with character.
Below, the broad cabinet drawers feature a finger-pull design with VidaSpace’s Desert Oak veneer. This intrinsically calming finish creates a perfect contrast with the benchtop. Of note is the handleless operation, which makes the face panels flush with the rest of the unit, and creates a seamless aesthetic that runs as gently as a calm stream. Likewise, opening is just as much a breeze, thanks to Häfele’s Alto soft-close system.
Quality Dual Mirror-Cabinets
Above, the dual basins naturally call for dual mirrors. These twin mirror cabinets feature 5mm rectangular polished edges and a similarly handleless design, with a bottom finger-pull mechanism. Also installed was a 3mm aluminium frame to all four edges of each mirror, adding a distinct highlight. On either side, tube-style wall scones mount outside the mirrors, complementing each night with a dazzling warm glow akin to torchlight.
With a seamless benchtop and cabinetry pairing, this master ensuite vanity comes with every feature to complement its centrepiece. Paired with sweeping island views, it makes for a perfect place to unwind or freshen up.
Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]
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.
