Tag: Cabinet maker

An Elegant Townhouse Kitchen – Sunnynook
To fit out one of our Sunnynook townhouses, we called upon the services of our brilliant BoxMakers team to design and execute a perfect kitchen and cabinetry solution. In a home designed by our architectural counterpart, VIKON Construction, BoxMakers sought to deliver a size-appropriate yet featureful inclusion that worked in tandem with the surrounding open floor plan.
Cabinet Finishes
Featuring a combination of Scandinavian design cues and modern farmhouse aspects, this highly functional kitchen leans heavily on creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The woodgrain of the cabinetry and gloss of the subway tiles create a striking balance of texture and polish, while also fusing styles for a multilayered kitchen appearance. Finished in Melteca’s Aged Ash Organic melamine, the cabinets evoke a certain sense of naturalness – perfectly complimented by earthly accessories such as potted plants.
Appliances and Engineered Stone Benchtop
The sink unit and cooktop are placed perfectly opposite one another, on separate benchtops, and are both finished in White Sand Engineered Stone by Uniquartz. The subtle gloss gels charmingly with the subway-tiled splashback, completing the white and wood aesthetic.
Storage Solution
Our custom cabinetry features a handless design for the overheard units, complimented by a quaint three-shelf display and a convenient extended-base cupboard. The rangehood is also subtly hidden away beneath the main cabinet. Likewise, a Tanova pull-out bin is tucked away within the bench. Our bench cabinets feature Mardeco’s 4045 handles finished in black, and are also used on the accompanying fridge cabinetry, generously sized to accommodate a wide range of refrigeration units. Unlike the rest of the cabinetry, these MDF panels are finished in embossed white, easing the aesthetic transition into the living space.
The combination of these elements creates a curated and functional meld of both form and function, while taking up only a modest amount of room.
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August 28, 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
Plentiful Pantry Storage in Avondale kitchen renovation
One of our more recent projects, this Kitchen renovation in Avondale called for an extensive facelift, including brand new custom cabinets, kitchen fixtures, and a slew of storage additions.
Overview
This renovation was performed primarily to tackle the shortage of space in the original kitchen which resulted in a cramped layout with no room for appliances. This spurred the need for new cabinetry units, especially across the kitchen overhead.
Cabinet details
Our cabinetmaking team carefully selected embossed melamine for the new units, settling on Prime Panels’ Prime White for the colour, a clear choice to compliment the walls. Installation called for the removal of a tall double-door cabinet that took up far more storage space than it provided. This freed up room for the new benchtop to continue around the corner, granting valuable oven-space.
The renewed space also opened up room for a collection of overhead and bench unit cabinets, making storage and accessibility far more accommodating than before.
Above the new Bosch cooktop, a hidden rangehood is accommodated by the overhead cabinetry, significantly reducing visual clutter while also contributing to the sleek, featureful nature of the kitchen.
Smart Storage Solutions
That’s not the only hidden feature either – a pull-out Kesseböhmer pantry is built into the bench cabinetry, and dual Tanova soft close bins are tucked away down beside the kitchen sink. Behind the kitchen corner, dual pull-out shelves by Artia allow for seamless kitchenware storage.
On the other side of the doorway is the fridge unit and accommodating cabinetry. The top level features a dual-door cabinet with custom notched shelving for accessible rear access. Beneath it lies a rolling door unit by Sage Doors – also finished in matching white, used to prevent dust accumulation on dormant appliances and dampen visual clutter.
Setting the mood
The benchtop is White Ice Engineered Stone by Uniquartz, which completes the white-themed kitchen. Providing a sleek accent are the Mardeco cabinet handles, finished in Brushed Nickel, with a colour-matching kitchen mixer by Galaxy Homeware.
To top it all off, the overhead cabinets are equipped with undermounted warm LED lighting strips, making for delicate nighttime illumination, and introducing a sunny accent to the cool-white kitchen.
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August 21, 2025
A Stylishly renovated Kitchen Packed With Features
In mid-2025, the BoxMakers team were called to deliver a kitchen and bathroom renovation project in Mount Roskill. On top of delivering custom shelves and cabinetry, the project also called for the installation of a variety of modern kitchen features, such as a rotating corner solution, hidden kitchen bins, and a pullout bottle rack.
Sleek and Subtle Cabinetry
For the kitchen cabinet face panels, the project called for melamine MDF in a white finish. The overhead panels operate on a handleless design, adding a smooth, flush, and contemporary aesthetic to the upper strip of the kitchen. Underneath, the base cabinets feature sleek angular chrome handles which add a clean and contemporary accent to the kitchen.
Featureful Living
Beneath the new 30mm Cararra Gold quartz benchtop, a range of unique kitchen amenities are tucked away. While they may seem like simple cabinets at first glance, the units in fact sport a variety of hidden solutions. The corner unit is a two-tiered revolving carousel featuring ample room for pots, bowls, and trays. Beside the stovetop, a convenient double-bin drawer rests along soft-close slides, providing generous room for waste disposal without the sight and smell. Also present is a pullout bottle rack, which adds liberal storage for cooking ingredients without having to walk across the room.
An Enhanced Bathroom Experience
As with the kitchen work, BoxMakers also performed significant work on the bathroom, replacing the tile shower base, shower glass, and handling tile installation across multiple rooms. In addition to this, we also undertook electrical, carpentry, and plumbing work. A range of new fittings were also installed, such as toilets, bathtubs, and vanities, their selection carefully curated by the owner. The backlit LED mirrors provided a futuristic touch to the vanities. These renewed bathrooms sported superior watertightness, functionality, and overall polish.
We are proud to have finished work on a highly capable kitchen and bathroom renovation to create something that is more than what meets the eye. The refreshing aesthetics and featureful inclusions are sure to carry this home well into the future.
Planning a renovation? We design and build integrated cabinetry that transforms spaces from cluttered to considered.

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August 14, 2025
Waiheke Bathroom Cabinetry – A Blend of Elegance and Luxury
On this Waiheke Island project, we were approached by a client who had a clear and luxurious design vision, but needed a skilled partner to bring it to life. With limited cabinetry suppliers available on the island, they came to us for our expertise and ability to deliver high-end results. While we were responsible for the cabinetry throughout the home, today we’re highlighting one standout feature: the bathroom cabinetry.
To enhance the space, we manufactured a combination of sleek wooden cabinetry and a striking brass-covered cabinet. The warm wood tones offer a natural, grounded feel, while the brass detailing adds a layer of sophistication and glamour—perfectly complementing the overall design intent.
This space is a testament to how thoughtful material choices and precision craftsmanship can transform even the smallest room into a design statement.
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July 16, 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
An Achromatic Open plan U-shaped Kitchen Design
BoxMakers’ work for this unique kitchen makeover in Sunnyhills remains one of our most visually striking transformations. The rift in design style spans close to half a century, creating one of the largest visual upgrades we’ve done. The core themes of this upgrade are minimalism, achromaticity, and tactility.
The original kitchen was designed in a mid-century modern style, with prominent retro influences reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. It came complete with strong orange and brown accents which spanned to the wallpaper, splashbacks, and benchtop. The owner wished for a modern minimalist style for their new kitchen, a stark contrast to the lurid oranges and browns. It wasn’t simply the design that was outdated either; the appliances and furnishings were notably aged, and wouldn’t look out of place in a 70s television show.
With the goal of creating something plain and simple, the owner called upon BoxMakers to deliver a full kitchen renovation. The primary colours were an arresting achromatic black and white – and this extended to all the appliances, furnishings, and fixtures. MDF was chosen for the cabinetry material, coated in Prime White by PrimePanels. This white theme extended to the benchtop, which came in a glossy White Ice by Uniquartz, matching the doors and walls. Everything else, however, came in the colour of night.
The glossy splashback was the most prominent display of contrast in the entire kitchen. Adorned with tactile wavelike grooves, it evoked the sense of swimming in a midnight sea under a moonless sky. Each ridge was carefully contoured to mirror the gentle silence of nighttime waves. Likewise, the pendant light above the peninsula wing is a horizontal bar of pure black, adding to the minimalist goal.
Stefano Orlati was the brand for the cabinet handles. Their Matt Black square pull handles were the perfect choice in both shape and colour. While many minimalist builds opt for hidden or recessed handles, this kitchen’s tactile focus meant that full-grip bars were perfectly suited. The black theme can also be seen in the sink, faucets, and appliances, such as Fisher & Paykel’s Series 5 Cooktop. Häfele’s Comfort II series served as a pull-out unit, tucking away bottles and spices beneath its minimalist exterior.
Every detail was thoughtfully considered by BoxMakers to offer a seamless blend of style and practicality, resulting in a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is efficient.
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June 25, 2025