Tag: Kitchen cabinet

Glossy or Matte Kitchen Cabinets? How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Kitchen

Choosing a kitchen cabinet finish isn’t just about looks. Glossy and matte cabinets behave very differently in real homes, especially once light, space, cleaning habits, and daily use come into play. Making the right decision early can save you frustration, maintenance headaches, and regret later.

We manufacture custom cabinetry and see firsthand how different finishes perform over time. Below is a practical breakdown to help you decide which option genuinely suits your kitchen, lifestyle, and long-term expectations.

Glossy Kitchen Cabinets

Glossy cabinets have a smooth, highly reflective surface created through high-gloss paint, acrylic, or laminate finishes. The shine is achieved during manufacturing using polished pressing plates, resulting in a crisp, mirror-like surface that reflects light.

This finish is commonly used in modern and contemporary kitchens where brightness and clean lines are a priority.

Why homeowners choose glossy finishes

Glossy cabinets are excellent at reflecting both natural and artificial light, which can dramatically brighten a space. In smaller kitchens or homes with limited daylight, this reflective quality can make the room feel noticeably larger and more open without structural changes.

They also deliver a sleek, modern aesthetic. The uninterrupted surface creates a streamlined look that works particularly well with minimalist layouts, integrated appliances, and contemporary benchtops. From a maintenance perspective, the smooth surface allows grease and spills to be wiped away easily with a damp cloth.

What to be mindful of

The same reflectivity that makes glossy cabinets attractive also makes fingerprints, smudges, and fine scratches more visible. In busy family kitchens, this can mean more frequent cleaning. Strong lighting or large windows may also create glare, which can feel harsh if not carefully planned. Glossy finishes are best suited to modern interiors and may feel out of place in more traditional or rustic homes.

Matte Kitchen Cabinets

Matte cabinets feature a low-sheen, non-reflective surface created using textured pressing plates during manufacturing. The result is a soft-touch finish that absorbs light and delivers a calm, understated appearance.

Matte finishes are popular for homeowners seeking warmth, subtlety, and design versatility.

Why homeowners choose matte finishes

Matte cabinetry creates a refined, sophisticated look that doesn’t overpower the space. Because it doesn’t reflect light, it feels calmer and more tactile, pairing beautifully with natural materials like timber, stone, and textured tiles.

Matte finishes are also highly versatile. They suit modern, Japandi, industrial, and classic kitchens alike, making them a safe long-term choice for homeowners who value timeless design. In bright kitchens, matte cabinets help reduce glare and visual noise, improving overall comfort.

What to be mindful of

Matte surfaces can be more demanding to clean. Oils and stains may absorb into the finish and require more effort to remove. In smaller or darker kitchens, matte cabinets can make the space feel more enclosed if lighting isn’t carefully designed. Over time, high-touch areas such as around handles may show wear if the finish isn’t properly specified and manufactured.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing

Light and space

Glossy finishes enhance light and make compact kitchens feel larger. Matte finishes absorb light and add depth, working best in well-lit or larger spaces.

Maintenance habits

Glossy cabinets wipe clean easily but show marks more clearly. Matte cabinets hide fingerprints better but can require deeper cleaning when stained.

Overall style

Glossy suits sleek, contemporary kitchens. Matte offers flexibility across modern, transitional, and classic styles.

Durability and use

Both finishes are durable when manufactured correctly, but wear patterns differ. Choosing the right finish for high-use areas is essential.

This is where professional advice matters most. Finish choice should never be made in isolation from layout, lighting, cabinetry construction, and how the kitchen will actually be used.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

There is no universal “better” option. A glossy kitchen may be perfect for a compact townhouse needing brightness, while a matte finish may suit a larger family home seeking warmth and balance.

The best kitchens aren’t defined by trends — they’re defined by how well they support everyday living.

At BoxMakers, we don’t push finishes. We guide homeowners through real-world considerations, then manufacture cabinetry that performs as beautifully as it looks.

FAQs

1. Are glossy cabinets harder to maintain than matte?

Not necessarily. Glossy cabinets are easier to wipe clean, but they show fingerprints more readily. Matte cabinets hide marks better day-to-day but may need more effort to remove grease or stains. The “right” choice depends on how your kitchen is used.

2. Will matte cabinets go out of style?

Matte finishes are considered timeless because they adapt well to many design styles. While gloss trends rise and fall, matte cabinetry remains consistently popular in both modern and classic homes.

3. Can I mix glossy and matte finishes in one kitchen?

Yes, and when done well, it can look excellent. Many kitchens combine matte cabinetry with glossy splashbacks or feature panels. The key is balance and professional planning.

Why Early Guidance Matters

Cabinet finishes are difficult and expensive to change once installed. Choosing correctly at the design stage prevents regret, saves money, and ensures your kitchen ages well.

If you’re unsure, that’s exactly the right time to talk — not after manufacturing begins.

February 9, 2026
Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid (and How Auckland Homeowners Get Them Right)
Planning a new kitchen or renovating an existing one is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your home. It’s not just about choosing finishes or appliances — it’s about how the space works every single day.

At BoxMakers, we often meet clients who come to us after feeling overwhelmed by options or worried about making an expensive mistake. The good news? Most kitchen issues we see aren’t caused by bad taste — they’re caused by layout decisions made too late, or without enough practical guidance.

Below are the most common kitchen layout mistakes we see in Auckland homes, and more importantly, how they’re avoided with thoughtful design.

1. Ignoring How You Actually Move in the Kitchen

One of the most well-known principles in kitchen design is the work triangle — the relationship between the fridge, sink, and cooktop. When these are placed too far apart, blocked by islands, or interrupted by walkways, everyday tasks become inefficient and tiring.

In real homes, especially Auckland villas and townhouses, the goal isn’t a textbook triangle — it’s clear, unobstructed movement. We aim for practical spacing (roughly 1.2–2.7 metres between points) while ensuring other people can move through the kitchen without disrupting cooking.

This is where experience matters. A layout that looks good on paper can feel frustrating in real life if traffic flow isn’t considered early.

2. Treating Lighting as an Afterthought

Relying on a single ceiling light is one of the fastest ways to make a new kitchen feel underwhelming. Overhead lighting alone creates shadows exactly where you don’t want them — on benchtops, cooktops, and prep areas.

A well-designed kitchen layers lighting:
- General lighting for the room
- Task lighting for work surfaces (like under-cabinet LEDs)
- Feature or pendant lighting for islands and dining areas
In Auckland homes, where natural light can vary significantly by season and orientation, lighting planning is not a luxury — it’s essential for comfort and usability.

3. Underestimating Space Around Appliances

Cramped kitchens aren’t always small kitchens — they’re often poorly planned kitchens. Common issues include fridge or dishwasher doors blocking walkways, ovens clashing with drawers, or insufficient landing space beside appliances.

We plan kitchens so that:
- Appliance doors can open fully
- Two people can work without colliding
- Benchtop space supports how you cook, not just how the kitchen looks
These details are difficult to fix once cabinetry is installed, which is why layout decisions should happen before materials are locked in.

4. Not Planning Enough Storage (Then Living with the Consequences)

One of the biggest regrets homeowners share is not allowing enough storage. When storage is underestimated, benchtops become cluttered, and the kitchen quickly feels chaotic.

Smart storage isn’t about adding more cupboards — it’s about designing the right storage:
- Drawers instead of shelves where possible
- Dedicated spaces for bins, small appliances, and pantry items
- Storage that matches your cooking habits
This is especially important in Auckland homes where open-plan living means kitchen clutter is always visible.

5. Poor Appliance Placement

Oversized or poorly positioned appliances can disrupt both workflow and aesthetics. Common issues include fridges that protrude into walkways or microwaves and wall ovens interfering with cabinetry use.

Good appliance planning balances:
- Size and scale of the kitchen
- Ergonomics and accessibility
- Visual integration with cabinetry
We often help clients downsize or reposition appliances to improve flow — without sacrificing performance.

6. Forgetting Ventilation and Services

Ventilation is often overlooked, especially in renovations. Gas cooktops and high-output induction units require proper extraction to perform safely and effectively.

Likewise, insufficient power points, poorly placed switches, or no allowance for future appliances can limit how your kitchen functions over time. These are small decisions that have long-term impact — and they’re far cheaper to plan early than retrofit later.

7. Forcing an Island Where It Doesn’t Belong

Kitchen islands are popular — but they’re not always appropriate. In tighter Auckland homes, squeezing in an island can create traffic bottlenecks and reduce usable space.

Sometimes a peninsula, breakfast bar, or reconfigured bench provides better results. The right solution depends on how many people use the kitchen, how it connects to adjacent spaces, and how circulation works through the home.

8. Assuming You Need a Completely New Layout

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a successful renovation requires starting from scratch. In reality, many existing kitchen layouts were designed around practical constraints like doors, windows, and plumbing locations.

We never automatically dismiss an existing layout. Often, small changes — opening a wall, adjusting cabinetry, or adding an island — deliver major improvements without the cost of relocating services. This approach can save tens of thousands and reduce renovation risk.

9. Ignoring Vertical Wall Space

In compact kitchens, wall space is valuable storage real estate. Stopping cabinetry short of the ceiling often wastes space and creates dust-catching gaps.

Taking cupboards to the ceiling increases storage and creates a more finished look. If full-height cabinetry feels too heavy, mixing closed storage with open shelving can balance practicality and aesthetics.

10. Making Decisions Too Late

The most expensive kitchen mistakes happen when layout decisions are made after design, quoting, or construction has already started. At that stage, changes often mean delays, rework, and added cost.

Early design clarity leads to:
- Better budgets
- Fewer compromises
- A kitchen that works long-term, not just at handover
FAQs: Kitchen Layout Mistakes

1. Do I really need professional help for kitchen layout planning?

If you want the kitchen to work well long-term, yes. Layout mistakes are hard to see early and expensive to fix later. Professional planning helps avoid regret and ensures your investment is protected.

2. Is it cheaper to keep my existing kitchen layout?

Often, yes. Retaining plumbing and electrical locations can significantly reduce costs. The key is knowing when a layout works — and when it doesn’t. That judgement comes from experience.

3. When is the best time to get advice on my kitchen design?

Before you finalise layouts, cabinetry, or appliance selections. Early conversations save money, reduce stress, and lead to better outcomes.

Why Talking Early Matters

A kitchen renovation is a major financial decision — and it should feel considered, not rushed. If you’re unsure about your layout, storage, or whether your ideas will actually work in your space, that uncertainty is a sign to talk early, not later.

At BoxMakers, our role isn’t to push designs — it’s to help you make confident, informed decisions that suit your home and how you live.

A well-designed kitchen isn’t just beautiful. It works — quietly, efficiently, and every day.

Sources:

https://www.houzz.co.nz/magazine/pro-panel-10-kitchen-layout-blunders-and-how-to-avoid-them-stsetivw-vs~113830097

https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchens/kitchen-layout-mistakes
February 9, 2026
The Science Behind Layout and Practicality in the Modern Kitchen
While having a beautiful, attractive, and aesthetically refined kitchen is of course important, looks can often overshadow performance, which is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s bustling modern household. Often playing second fiddle to outward appearances, the practicality of a kitchen entirely affects its usability. If appliances are the beating heart of a kitchen, then ergonomics are the circulatory system. Find out the science behind fine-tuning a kitchen, and why you should apply it.

Layout: Within a kitchen, you’ll often find yourself bouncing between the three main working areas: the sink, cooktop, and fridge. This trifecta of pivotal roles forms the foundation of kitchen design and make up the aptly named “kitchen work triangle”. Make sure these spaces are 1.2 to 2.4 metres apart, with 4 to 8 metres as the total perimeter, without any other work paths infringing on its space.

This triangle cuts down transition time drastically, while also ensuring that the space is free from any obstructions. As for entry, make sure you don’t have to walk the length of the kitchen just to enter it. This can be a problem with G-shaped kitchens if the entry isn’t positioned conveniently.

Height: In the age of increasing heights and diversifying demographics, it can be rare to feel a perfect fit with a new kitchen. Since most benchtops aren’t adjustable like desks, taking some time to get it right can save you from a lot of backache. The typical working benchtop height is between 85 to 95 cm. See what’s suitable for your height below:
- 150cm – 160cm = an 84cm high benchtop
- 160cm – 170cm = an 88cm high benchtop
- 170cm – 180cm = a 92cm high benchtop
- 180cm – 190cm = a 96cm high benchtop
A good rule of thumb is to put your palms flat on your benchtop and see if your elbows are resting at a 45-degree angle with your forearms. If so, then that height is a good fit. For placing shelves, keep them around 45-60 cm above the benchtop, or 65 cm above the cooktop, with essential shelves no more than 1.4 m off the floor. Proper shelving balances working space, accessibility, and cooktop clearance.

Drawer Opening: It can be finicky having multiple drawers open, especially when going back and forth, bumping around the kitchen. At the same time, pushing them shut brings noise and possible damage. Consider self-close drawer slides to make closing worry-free, or soft-close systems, which dampen sound and minimise impact – all with just a gentle push.

For lift-up cabinets, look for those with a stay-open mechanism so that you can retrieve goods with both hands. You can use the drawer size to sort goods: shallow drawers for cutlery, medium drawers for bowls, and deep drawers for pots and containers.

Convenience Mapping: Unless you want to treat cooking like a marathon, aim at minimising the amount of movement needed to retrieve any and all goods. This includes your whiteware, appliances, and cooking tools. For example, keep your pans right by your cooktop at waist or shoulder height, keep your tableware cabinets next to your dishwasher, and avoid tucking away your favourites in bottom cabinet corners – your back will thank you for it.

Having smart storage solutions can be a lifesaver in this instance: base cabinet pull-outs can provide easy access to pantry goods, while pull-out bins make short work of disposal with none of the smell. Consider putting your cabinet corner to work with a carousel unit for further space efficiency.

Safety – When working around all sorts of sharp objects and hot surfaces, getting hurt is the last thing anyone wants. In addition to having drawers & doors closed, sound footing is also important. Check just how “non-slip” your flooring actually is, and how it works with footwear and socks.

For nighttime working, consider installing task lighting such as under-cabinet LEDs for a focused work area. Toe kick illumination can be especially useful when left on after lights-off, providing you and your family with a guide and saving many a pinkie toe from those pesky stubs.

Focusing on form over function is understandably popular, but it’s best to get a measure of your kitchen’s usability. While the effects of aesthetics are apparent immediately and fully, the effects of layout, height, and operability are often not discovered until later. Building your dream kitchen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and getting it right is just as important as ever. Make sure you get the ergonomics you want and find the balance that’s just right for you.

Sources:

Applying the science of ergonomics in high-end kitchens

https://www.nakedkitchens.com/blog/kitchen-ergonomics-make-your-kitchen-more-efficient
February 9, 2026
Handleless Cabinetry: A Modern and Practical Kitchen Addition

One of the staples of modern minimalism, the handleless trend is undoubtedly an ideal option for achieving the cleanest look possible. With so much noise and complexity in the world, coming home to a smooth and simple kitchen can bring a much-needed reprieve.

Aesthetics: With a surge in popularity over the past two decades, modern handleless cabinetry is often found playing leading roles in minimalist kitchens around the world. They’re a great partner for any type of cabinet finish, but with a tendency to work better with glossy, single-colour panels rather than rustic hardwood or overly detailed patterns. Shiny or reflective cabinets can benefit from having nothing that interrupts the flow.

Handleless cabinets are an ideal partner for melamine, vinyl, and subtle veneers. They’re also great for redirecting attention, drawing eyes to the material itself, nearby prized pieces like a benchtop or display shelf, and enriching their colours. Without a handle, the panels can achieve an extremely flush look, with the bare minimum of gaps to discern between cabinets. While the physical space handles take up is minimal, you’d be surprised by how much visual clutter can be freed by a handleless design.

Practicality: The absence of handles is also the most magical part of these cabinets. In the kitchen, you will often extrusion profile handles being used. These aluminium handles are fitted over the top or side of a panel to create a recessed well in which you can grip and pull, often resembling the letters G, L, and U. J-pull handles work similarly, but instead feature the groove cut directly into the panel material itself. Another mechanism is push-to-open, which operates exactly as it sounds.

Even without noticeable handles, these panels are easy and intuitive to operate. It may seem hard to identify the grip location and opening direction, but these will come incredibly quickly and easily. Bereft of handles, you can also shed any worries of catching your clothes or bumping your hand.

Maintenance: Perhaps the best part of maintaining handleless cabinets, the surfaces are easy to clean with nothing in the way. They also don’t smudge as much due to where you grip them. Opening recessed handles only requires force from inside the groove, which means you can open it without ever leaving a fingerprint. That being said, the grooves themselves still need occasional cleaning. Horizontal designs should be cleaned more often than vertical or upside-down arrangements since they can collect debris easier.

Gentle cleaning with mild soap is perfect for keeping long term longevity of your handles. As far as durability is concerned, aluminium extrusion handles have next to nothing to worry about. Their recessed nature makes accidental damage next to impossible. For panels with recesses built into the cabinet material itself, harsh use can damage it over time, especially if cuts in the finish are left undiscovered, weakening the substrate.

With great aesthetics and easy maintenance, handleless cabinetry is a top choice for modern households. They can enhance kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces alike, drawing or refocusing attention to different parts of your home. While they typically fetch a higher price than traditional handles, the upsides can be well worth it if you’re looking for a minimalist change. If you’ve been hooked by the Scandinavian, Japandi, or modern minimalist styles, look no further!

Sources:

Handleless Kitchens: Effortless Elegance or Design Dilemma?

How Practical Are Handleless Kitchens? What You Need to Know – BH BespOak

February 9, 2026
Built for Efficiency: Modern Massey Kitchen & Wardrobe

Sitting beside blossoming Westgate in Massey, BoxMakers delivered a stellar kitchen & wardrobe job for this sloped-site home. With long-term value being key to the client’s requests, we aimed to deliver a solution that anticipated growing traffic and use over time.

As part of a brand-new home build, our team were called in to design and install a modern, L-shaped kitchen. Since it was the cornerstone of the home’s open floor plan, this kitchen was planned with the goal of being accessible, seamless, and unobtrusive. Its split-level nature distinguishes it as truly a room of its own.

BoxMakers were chosen because we knew the objective well, and that we could co-ordinate effortlessly with our construction division to ensure the home was a cohesive whole, rather than parts distinctly put together. This was a decision that facilitated flow, accuracy, and efficiency, tying in to the kitchen’s core themes.

Simple but Powerful

This strikingly simple modern kitchen produces a direct statement. Featuring truffle-finished MDF panels, shiny bar-pull handles, and a snowy white benchtop, every surface glistens with fresh efficiency. Behind, the marble-look splashback weaves in a touch of sophistication. Of note is the particularly wide rangehood accommodation, in anticipation of heavy cooking duties thanks to the region’s ever-expanding palette.

Smart Bathroom Work

BoxMakers’ work also extended to the bedrooms, where we performed the cabinet work for all three, including the master suite. The two regular bedrooms saw a triple-bar arrangement with dual cubbies and drawers. The master bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe with closet rods extending the full length of the space alongside a doubly expanded cubby section.

Our work on this Massey kitchen compresses our values into their simplest form: beauty, efficiency, and offering enough cabinetry to carry you well into the future.

Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]

February 9, 2026
A Seriously Sweet & Special Kitchen

Capping off our 2025 year, we applied the finishing touches on our brand-new kitchens in Mount Albert. As part of our multi-home joinery work, lot 3 showcases a tailor-made set of entry cabinets, a special modern-minimalist kitchen, as well as a sneaky upstairs laundry space.

On the ground floor, the owners’ visionary idea for their entryway & kitchen was brought to life. In tackling all of their storage needs, BoxMakers designed and installed a custom set of cabinets, shelves, and displays, complete with a small workspace. The Nordic Oak MDF benchtop is complemented with handleless cream cabinetry above and below. The accompanying 17-shelf dual-door cabinet is opened with ergonomic lip pull handles by Mardeco.

Custom Entry Cabinetry

The true star of the show, however, is the 6-shelf glass display cabinet for the family’s resident figurine collector. Featuring an elegant glass door, secure shelving, and under-shelf LED strips, this delightful display is sure to shine bright. Its tasteful accent lighting will make any display the centre of attention.

An Airy and Welcoming Kitchen

Just past the entryway, featuring nurturing colours and an open, airy feel, the minimalist kitchen serves as a staple of clean and simple design. With handleless cabinetry in a smooth French Cream by Melteca, these delicious face panels breathe a saccharine aroma into the room.

Sandwiched between is the benchtop and splashback, which came in matching White Carrara engineered stone. Lightly veined in tones of milk, cream, and honey, this tasty finish extended to the kitchen island for a matching look, which is bathed under the supple glow of a unique swirling pendant light.

Häfele were chosen for the extrusion handles, mounting, and drawer slides – the silent champions of smooth operation. As far as smart kitchen storage goes, we used Vibo’s Galaxy series of bottle organisers, and Fit NZ’s Simplex pull-out bins. This custom kitchen also features loads of custom storage, including a 6-tier pantry, pull-out shelves, and plenty of overhead room with tactile push-to-open mechanisms.

Bosch were the go-to brand for our appliances this time, featuring their cooktop, oven, rangehood, and dishwasher – all high-performance and ready to make the most delectable of meals.

A Hidden Upstairs Gem

Upstairs, the clients had a very special idea for their laundry needs. Hidden away behind an unassuming set of closet doors is a full-fledged laundry space, complete with a sink, worktop, and a generous attachment of cabinetry. The silvery sink and tap by Omison pairs perfectly with the white of the bench, splashback, and cabinets, whose arrangement was carefully curated to accommodate an over/under washer-dryer combo.

It was a pleasure to work on this treat of a kitchen. We can just tell it’s going to be perfect for discussing, dining, and of course, dessert.

Designed by: Mona Simathamchai

Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]

February 9, 2026
A Stellar Dual-Function TV Cabinet & Guest Renovations

The second act to our Tāwharanui Peninsula project, this luxury home saw a stellar TV unit, wardrobe, and bathroom vanity by BoxMakers. Coming in the same vein of dark yet graceful midnight-themed cabinetry, this mysterious living room unit offers more than what meets the eye…

Brooding silently at the end of a decadently spacious lounge, this cool and collected TV cabinet holds a few more secrets than it might seem. Clad in the armour of night, this bespoke unit effortlessly flaunts StyleLite’s Carbon series in TruMatte – a hypnotic black teeming with thick atmosphere. The thick outer panels emphasise its strong, silent nature while also limiting glare for the TV inside. Below, a subtle triplet of cubbies allow for convenient media storage.

The cabinet doors are composed of a modern arrangement of vertical slats. Plytech supplied their Maestro Latt series, a premium panel which we selected in Pepper Oak on Black – an airy timber reprieve with a contrasting dark underlay for definition and effect. The two-tiered rail allows the entire until to be concealed, but the real mystery isn’t the panels themselves – it’s what behind them…

Sliding over the door, the slats reveal a full kitchenette, complete with a sink, splashback, and mini-fridge. Needless to say, yes, it came in black. Featuring Silestone’s Night Tebas18, the benchtop is a captivating star-specked spacescape, whose details are only observable under close scrutiny.

Shifting through the deepness of space is the splashback, which features undulating tones of wavelike stone and a pattern evocative of a gas giant’s stormy shell. With the same black matte panels and glossy onyx handles, this mesmerising midnight enigma offers galactic levels of convenience and storage, especially with Häfele’s drawer systems. It even has a local ice giant (a mini fridge).

The guest bedroom also saw a blacked-out addition in the form of a wardrobe. With smooth sliding doors, accommodating cubbies, and ample hanger space, this wardrobe is perfect for handling guest storage. Enko was our choice for the drawers here as their Slimbox system was perfect for handling large capacities with smooth operation.

Elsewhere, the guest bathroom features a modern natural aesthetic. To deliver definition against its light wooden tones, BoxMakers installed a bathroom vanity of the same black scheme with a few key differences: the face panels reintroduced Dezignatek’s fluted design, while the basin resembled the hollowed-out half of a meteorite. Its raw, natural curves pair perfectly with the bathroom’s natural aesthetic, while the floating vanity adds a touch of modernity. With a smartly disguised kitchen and TV space, large wardrobes, and modern vanities, this project is out of this world. Featuring premium materials fit for its luxury location, this multi-faceted BoxMakers renovation delivered functional upgrades across the guest suite, thoroughly dripping with atmosphere. Also, they’re incredibly cool.

February 9, 2026
Dazzling & Warm: A Sunlit Glenfield Kitchen

As part of a larger home renovation, this special Glenfield residence called for a kitchen to match. Citing aging hardware with mismatched appliances for their needs, the owner was keen to see a full BoxMakers makeover.

Being the home’s pièce de resistance, special attention was paid to crafting this brilliant modern kitchen. Sporting a G-shape layout, this kitchen offers nearly 360 degrees of functionality, with an incredible amount of modern hardware and cabinetry, all with a perfectly positioned entry point for convenient access to the rest of the home.

Colours & Themes

The colours and themes revolve around the existing timber ceiling, which offered rich orange hues. To complement this, we chose a light colour palette across the board. The MDF cabinetry proudly features a light and breezy combination of Spanish White Velvet and Bleached Maple Woodgrain finishes from Prime Panels. Collaborating with Stone Space, the benchtop is a beautiful cut of Calacatta Bianco engineered stone, swimming with delicate flashes of gold and grey. When sunlight hits the room, the kitchen is positively glowing!

Appliances & Hardware

New appliances were a core component of this upgrade. With ambitious levels of cooking in mind, we installed a 500-Series Induction Cooktop from Haier and FOTILE’s EMG-Series rangehood. Both are incredibly capable choices with a sleek, modern design chosen for their powerful ability to tackle the most complex of meals. Likewise, the Omison sink, Domenic Tap, FOTILE oven, and Bosch dishwasher were all versatile options. It even features an InSinkErator food disposal system, completing this comprehensive suite of fixtures and appliances.

Behind the panels, you can find an abundance of kitchen hardware. Fit’s Tanova hidden bins and Duplo corner unit go hand in hand with Häfele’s pull-out set. Combined with BoxMakers’ abundantly positioned cabinets, the owner would want for nothing when it comes to storage space. Fleshed out with stunning LEDs, handles, and Häfele’s silky smooth drawer systems, every aspect of this kitchen is made for the modern power user.

Designed by: Mona Simathamchai

Looking for new cabinetry or thinking about a kitchen renovation? Call us on 09 827 1177, or chuck us an email at [email protected]

February 9, 2026
Realistic Timeline for an Auckland Kitchen Reno

Renovating your kitchen is an exciting journey that can breathe new life into your home. Depending on your scale and ambition, the process as a whole can get quite lengthy. Here’s a quick guide to get you up to speed on what you can expect out of your kitchen renovation’s timeline.

Design & Consultation

When you first begin, you’ll likely be looking for a trusted designer who can deliver everything you want out of your new kitchen. Visiting different designers and weighing their catalogues, selections, and quotes can be a great way of finding a good fit, but being reliable, experienced, and trustworthy is important too. When you’ve chosen your designer, working with them to determine the scale of work, kitchen design, layout, and more can last a few weeks but largely depends on the rate of communication between you and the designer. You can expect site visits and measurements during this phase.

Material Selection & Ordering

Here you’ll be finalising the materials used for your kitchen, including everything from the benchtop and cabinetry to fixed appliances such as the oven, cooktop, and rangehood. Once they’re locked in, the designer will order them. The ordering itself typically only takes 2 weeks, but finalising materials has the potential to drag out a renovation job. Constant communication and settling topics quickly can speed up the timeline. During this phase, you can spend the time getting your home ready for the kitchen work, such as setting up a temporary kitchen, protecting the floors, and making room for the tradespeople to move.

Demolition

When all is decided and the major components are ready, demolition can begin. This is when the old kitchen is removed, along with any other parts, such as flooring, walls, or columns. The used kitchen parts are typically dismantled and recycled, but good condition parts can be sold or repurposed for another room. Demolition usually only lasts a week, but could be longer if more than just your kitchen needs to be removed.

Fabrication

For designers that provide custom cabinetry (such as ourselves), they take time to manufacture your tailor-made cabinets in-house. This typically takes place after the design and renovation is locked in, and can take place concurrently with on-site efforts such as demolition and preparation. Fabrication involves taking the chosen cabinet materials and custom cutting them to match your home’s dimensions, leading to a much better fit compared to flat-pack or premade cabinets. This includes personalised accommodations for appliances and in-cabinet storage solutions. Fabrication typically lasts around 3 – 4 weeks.

Site Prep & Rough-in

This is when the old kitchen has been removed, and the tradespeople are preparing the room for the new kitchen. The process typically involves readying the electrical and plumbing systems with new wires and pipes. This phase can be long or short depending on the scale of your project. Notably, if your kitchen layout is planned to change, then the service connections will need rerouting, which requires more time. Complex renovations may require more than a month.

Installation

When the site is prepared and ready for your new kitchen, putting the parts together is the final phase of your renovation. This includes installing the cabinetry, benchtop, flooring, and hardware such as hinges, handles, and drawer systems. After, the splashback and fixed appliances are installed, with everything properly connected to your home’s services. Finally, the finishing touches are applied, followed by the final inspection and clean-up. Installation typically lasts 2 weeks.

Design & Consultation: Weeks to months depending on communication.

Material Selection & Ordering: 2 weeks, longer if more deliberation required.

Demolition: 1 week.

Fabrication: 3 – 4 weeks.

Site Prep: Highly varies depending on the layout and the scope of the project

Installation: 2 weeks.

Overall, you can expect your kitchen to be out of commission for around 1 – 2 months, while the whole process may last several months depending on how much consultation is required and how complex the project is. While the process itself can be quite involved, it is a highly rewarding experience and an opportunity to make your kitchen truly yours.

October 30, 2025
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.

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.

October 24, 2025