Tag: Kitchen layout

  • What is Japandi Design and Why is it So Popular?

    What is Japandi Design and Why is it So Popular?

    As an alternative to the bold and busy look of maximalist design, the interior world has shifted toward something calmer and more familiar: Japandi. This style blends the best qualities of Japanese and Scandinavian (Scandi) design into one clean, calming approach.

    Wabi Sabi Japandi Living room

    Japanese design has long influenced many modern styles around the world, including Western minimalism and Scandi interiors. A lot of Japan’s aesthetic roots come from the ideas of wabi (侘) and sabi (寂), often described as finding “beauty in imperfection.” While the concept is deeper than this simple summary, it forms the heart of Japanese style: simple shapes, light colours, natural materials, and the removal of anything unnecessary.

    Scandinavian design began in the Nordic countries in the early 20th century. It focuses on functionality and simplicity. Light wood is a key feature, bringing natural patterns and bright tones into spaces. Scandi design is also known for its use of natural elements, which inspired modern biophilic design. While it’s less spiritual than Japanese design, it is grounded in values like equality, comfort, and sustainability. Its timeless, nature-focused feel makes it fit easily with today’s eco-conscious lifestyles.

    So what makes Japandi special? Emerging over the last decade, Japandi combines these two styles to create bright, peaceful, functional spaces with a strong connection to nature. It brings together Japan’s handcrafted simplicity with Scandinavia’s focus on comfort, warmth (hygge), and practicality. Both styles value minimalism, natural materials, and open, breathable layouts — making their fusion feel seamless.

    Scandinavian kitchen design

    Japandi colours range from soft whites to warm beige to deeper chestnut tones. Indoor greenery is often used to add natural contrast. You might recognise shoji — Japanese sliding doors made of wooden grids and paper. These light, elegant panels fit perfectly in Japandi spaces as room dividers or decorative features. Vertical slatted walls are also common, reminding us of both traditional Japanese joinery and Scandinavian timber cladding. This mix creates a look that is both modern and natural. Add Scandinavia’s textiles, gentle curves, and cosy atmosphere, and you have a truly balanced environment.

    Although often seen in living rooms, Japandi works beautifully in kitchens too. Think handleless cabinets, light wood finishes, and clean, open layouts. A white benchtop with gold veining can even give a subtle nod to kintsugi. Finish with earthy-toned pots, greenery, and rounded pendant lights for a soft Scandi touch.

    Kintsugi: the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold.

    Japandi has grown rapidly in popularity — and it’s easy to see why. While Japan’s global influence plays a role, Japandi’s rise comes from the combined strength of both styles and the growing appeal of minimalist and nature-based design. It meets today’s desire for sustainable, calming, and modern living. With its timeless look, Japandi resonates with people of all ages and is likely to stay popular for many years.

    With its dual heritage, Japandi is a versatile and adaptable style — especially in New Zealand, where indoor–outdoor living is part of our culture. By blending two like-minded design philosophies, Japandi creates the perfect mix of modern style, comfort, and natural warmth.


    Sources:

    Japandi: The beautiful marriage between Japanese and Nordic design | Architectural Digest India

    From Japandi to Japanese Craft – The Trend Curve™

    Natural Materials in Scandinavian Design | The Modern Dane

  • Make Your Kitchen Feel High-End on a Budget

    Make Your Kitchen Feel High-End on a Budget

    Often notorious for being the most expensive amongst interior work, pricing a kitchen renovation can be a scary process, especially if your ambition outpaces your budget. This was the case for many decades, where it was only possible to get high-end looks with high-end spending – but no longer. Getting a film-worthy kitchen is more viable than ever.

    Attaining a pricey-looking kitchen for cheap is all about distributing your budget. For a typical kitchen, you should put an emphasis on visuals. Walk through your kitchen as though it were an open home – what do you first see? The elements that take up the most visual real estate are the cabinetry and benchtop, then the lighting and splashback. A premium-looking kitchen revolves around aesthetic investment. This also works incredibly well for boosting your home value.

    Here are some tips for the most essential parts of a kitchen:

    Benchtop

    Getting the look and feel of genuine imported Italian marble used to be a costly endeavour. With engineered stone, you get superior durability and usability while accurately replicating the mesmerising tones and intricate weaves of Calacatta or Statuario – all for a fraction of the price.

    Cabinetry

    Consistence and modernity are key to making your cabinets punch above their weight class. MDF is a reliable core material, and can support an incredible range of surfaces from realistic veneers to glossy laminates. It can be an affordable combination for shiny cabinets in your colour of choice.

    Lighting

    Often overlooked as an optional kitchen accessory, good lighting can practically transform your kitchen. Pendant lights, under-cabinet lights, and toe-kick lights can seriously give the impression of a premium kitchen while adding practicality. Even a handful of select, budget-friendly options can make a big difference.

    Splashback

    While acrylic splashbacks may be the most affordable, they may not pass the eye test when under scrutiny. Tile splashbacks provide a genuine look and feel with plenty of affordable options. Both offer high variety in terms of looks but tiles will hold up better over time.

    Layout

    The flow of a kitchen is essential to a “luxury” feel. Openness is king in the modern landscape. Layout changes, however, can be an unnecessary expense as it requires more work in design and service connections. You should consider a layout change if your kitchen feels obstructed. A good kitchen should never feel difficult to enter.

    Hardware

    Complete your kitchen with finishing touches. Among kitchen hardware, handles are the most visually prominent. They can be subtle, eye-catching, or anything in between – even budget handles offer premium aesthetics nowadays. Tactilely, soft-close mechanism can make cabinet operation feel premium, and in-cabinet storage solutions provide practical packing – their value is seen through daily use.

    Appliances

    Pick mid-range appliances from known brands. Don’t be upsold on rarely-used features offered by their flagship range. Realistically, their mid-tier offerings have a more than ample feature set for day-to-day use.

    Luxury doesn’t have to be replicated through cost alone. Through careful selection and thoughtful planning, you can achieve the look of kitchens many times your budget while still having incredible performance.

  • Sleek, Beautiful, and Highly Functional — Sandringham Kitchen Renovation

    Sleek, Beautiful, and Highly Functional — Sandringham Kitchen Renovation

    This recently completed Sandringham kitchen renovation transforms a compact second-storey space into a sleek, modern hub designed for both style and functionality. The homeowner’s vision called for a striking Kombu green and stainless steel colour palette, paired with an array of smart kitchen storage solutions, and BoxMakers delivered every detail with precision.


    Packed with Storage Solution

    Overlooking the scenic suburbs of Sandringham, this modern kitchen combines clever design with practical storage. The base cabinets feature a Kesseboehmer dual-level pull-out set and Tanova Simplex dual pull-out bins, keeping daily essentials organised and easily accessible. Häfele extrusion handles and drawer runners were selected for a clean, professional finish that complements the kitchen’s contemporary look.

    A standout feature of this project is the custom fridge-side cabinet, designed to match the height of the fridge enclosure. This tall pantry unit includes a combination of open shelves, mid-size drawers, and large handled drawers — 2 of each — using Harn Ritma drawer kits supplied by Fit NZ. This design allows for multiple storage options in a convenient, central location, perfect for everyday kitchen use.

    Colour palette & Design intentions

    The kitchen’s Melteca Green Slate Pearl cabinetry is paired with a stainless-steel benchtop from Classic Stainless, measuring 25mm in thickness. Rare in contemporary kitchens, this professional-grade benchtop offers heat resistance, durability, and hygienic performance while adding a sleek, industrial touch that complements the two-tone design.

    With its combination of bold colours, intelligent storage solutions, and professional-grade materials, this modern Sandringham kitchen balances aesthetic appeal with unmatched functionality. It’s a space designed for the ambitious household chef — stylish, efficient, and built to last.


    Designer: Mona Simathamchai

    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • Realistic Timeline for an Auckland Kitchen Renovation

    Realistic Timeline for an Auckland Kitchen Renovation

    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.


    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • Storage Solutions with BoxMakers

    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.

    Fit NZ Magic Corner Unit - 2 Tier - 4 Solid Base Baskets - Universal Opening - Soft Close

    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.

    Tandem pantry unit, Kesseböhmer, arena style

    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.

    Tanova Designer Kitchen Bin Systems

    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.

    Sige Infinity Pullout Bottle Rack
    Revo 90° corner unit, arena style

    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.


    Designer: Mona Simathamchai

    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • Subtle European Influences in a Modern Kitchen Transformation

    Subtle European Influences in a Modern Kitchen Transformation

    For this kitchen renovation in Murray’s Bay, the end result is completely unrecognisable! Having inherited mediterranean influences, the home featured several indoor archways in both the kitchen and living spaces, but was long due for an overhaul.


    Signs Calling For Renovation

    The primary reason for renovation was aging hardware – in both style and performance. It was clear that the walls and floors were in rough shape from decades of use, and the open shelf cupboards were practically bursting at the seams. Citing clutter and wear, the client called for a modern, clean, and practical kitchen. One of the most notable changes required was the removal of the mediterranean brick-style arch that doubled as the kitchen entryway. This provided a seamless connection to the neighbouring room and allowed for an extra end of the kitchen bench to be usable.

    White modern kitchen Auckland

    Storage-oriented Kitchen

    BoxMakers chose to keep the same U-shape layout as it was still a highly efficient way of arranging the kitchen and maximising space. This allowed for the easy connection of new appliances, such as the rangehood and cooktop. We noted that the original kitchen suffered most from a dearth of storage space, which shaped our decision to create a storage-oriented kitchen. This, of course, called for an abundant supply of cabinetry, including numerous floor-to-ceiling units.

    The cabinets were MDF, finished in white melamine – a theme that was kept consistent across the entire kitchen. In place of the open cupboards, BoxMakers installed a full-height shelf unit covered by an elegant bifold door solution. Perpendicular to it, the fan favourite Kesseböhmer Tandem pantry unit made an appearance, right beside the fridge. Allowing for a gargantuan level of storage, the unit is complemented by additional cabinets and drawers.

    Kitchen storage

    Design and Materials

    The benchtop was decided in close collaboration with the owner – Uniquartz’s Calacatta Grigio, a grey-based cut of engineered stone. It features a striking arrangement of stoney colours from marble white to dark slate. The patten is notable for resembling rippling waves against a temperamental backdrop of achromatic lightning – a particularly detailed piece evocative of the stormy Mediterranean Sea, which ties in perfectly with the home’s original style and the iconic Italian Carrara marble from which Calacatta Grigio is inspired by.

    In keeping with the clean, modern aesthetic, Mardeco’s extrusion handles were selected, finished in simple white. These allowed for handleless designs across almost the entire kitchen, completing its unobtrusive appearance. Below the bench, Artia supplied the Italian-made Sige pull-out corner unit, while Häfele supplied the Kesseboehmer base pull-out set. For the appliances, the owner chose Asko, another European brand. This extended to the dishwasher, oven, and cooktop.

    U-shaped kitchen

    BoxMakers delivered on a highly capable modern kitchen that featured an incredible variety of storage solutions that is capable of sorting out any level of clutter. In close direction with the owner, we were able to install purpose-built drawers to contain what they wanted, where they wanted. While it may look like a simple modern kitchen at a glance, the renovation is packed with advanced storage solutions throughout, carefully interwoven with European influences.


    Designer: Mona Simathamchai

    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation More, Layout or Materials?

    What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Renovation More, Layout or Materials?

    Knowing where to invest your kitchen budget can be invaluable to both cost saving and maximising performance. Two of the most significant cost-affecting areas of a kitchen renovation are its layout and materials, but in most residential renovations, it’s the materials that tend to move the price tag more.

    Kitchen layout

    So How Does Layout Affect Cost?

    Your kitchen’s layout defines the positioning of all your fixtures, furniture, and appliances. It dictates the ebb and flow of your kitchen, making sure that everything you need is placed smartly, efficiently, and conveniently. Typical kitchen layouts include: single wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula, and island.

    The more benchtop area used, the more expensive a kitchen is typically going to be; as it doesn’t simply demand more benchtop material, but also the unit’s cabinetry and hardware.

    However, for most home renovations, layout changes alone don’t cause dramatic budget jumps. Many homeowners choose to retain their existing layout, which keeps costs manageable by avoiding plumbing or electrical rework. Even when redesigning the space, the expense of moving services or breaking walls can often be contained compared to what premium materials might cost.

    What About Materials?

    Here’s where the numbers can really start to climb. Choosing high end materials can make even single wall layouts fetch hefty price tags. The two major areas that can eat up your budget are the benchtop and cabinetry, but smart selection and efficient planning can cut down costs while looking akin to more premium offerings. Elsewhere, the floor, splashback, and accessories can also vary in material price.

    Chiefly among renovators’ minds is the kitchen benchtop. Often seen as the centrepiece of one’s kitchen, it comes as no surprise that a hefty amount of the budget is dedicated to the bench. Laminate benchtops are the cheapest and provide excellent value for money. Engineered stone is a popular mid-range choices that may require maintenance. Porcelain and real stone, though undeniably stunning, can easily double or triple the material cost, especially in large kitchens.

    Cabinetry also has the potential to quickly drive up costs. Here, materials typically come in the form of the core material and the finish. For the core, MDF strikes a good balance between durability, price, and finish variety. At the high-end, real wood is a pricey yet premium option. For the finish, melamine is affordable with a good range of aesthetics. A shift from white melamine to real wood veneer, for example, can dramatically elevate the look and the cost.

    Dark brown real wood veneer cabinet finish

    The splashback also has a diverse number of options, with tile being the cheapest yet perhaps the most versatile. Even within tile options, price can still vary drastically depending on material. Glass, stainless steel, and engineered stone are all valid mid-range choices. Porcelain makes another appearance as an expensive choice here. Elsewhere, the little things such as handle materials and cabinet systems can slowly add to the price.

    The Verdict

    While layout changes certainly impact cost, particularly if you’re knocking down walls or moving plumbing. In most residential kitchen renovations, it’s the materials that make the bigger difference.

    A change from laminate to porcelain, or from melamine to real timber veneer, can easily outweigh the expense of reworking your layout. That said, the final cost always depends on your project’s scale, style, and priorities.

    The best approach? Start with a clear vision of what matters most, functionality, finishes, or both, and plan your renovation around that balance.


    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • Saving Your Kitchen with Smart Storage

    Saving Your Kitchen with Smart Storage

    Nobody enjoys seeing bottles, boxes, and pans taking up precious benchtop space. A crowded kitchen isn’t just a practical nuisance – it can also be embarrassing when hosting guests. If you’ve fallen victim to loss of space – fear not! In 2025, it’s easier than ever to find advanced, yet affordable solutions to tackle clutter and tidy your kitchen to make it good as new.


    Good Storage Planning

    Over time, you may have experienced seeing less of your benchtop and more of your sundry kitchen goods. Gradual mess can become the bane of a kitchen’s existence, but kitchen planning and storage solutions can handily remedy that. Cabinet tech has been one of those silent innovators that have evolved quicker than people may realise. It used to be that going custom was the only way to get pull-out pantries, hidden bins, and intricate corner systems. Today, these capable kitchen add-ons are available from numerous retail and hardware stores, thanks to advances in materials, manufacturing, and global supply chains.

    Kitchen smart storage

    Storage Myth?

    One of the biggest misconceptions about amassing storage space is that it’s all about having as many cabinets as possible. In truth, it’s all about making the space you have work for you, and using it as efficiently as possible. Now, pull-out pantries, integrated bins, and modular shelving are all easy to obtain and install, providing multiple levels, divisions, and angles of access.

    Our Smart Storage Partners

    BoxMakers have worked with trusted brands such as Häfele, Fit NZ, Blum, Enko, and more to deliver high quality kitchen solutions that look good, feel good, and have plenty of room for everything. Cabinets and drawers can all be upgraded with smooth operation mechanisms such as soft-close hinges and runners, and modern corner units can feature revolving shelves, multi-level operation, and advanced retraction mechanisms.

    Using smart storage isn’t just efficient – it’s trendy. Pulling out your pantry solutions is a fast way to impress guests and retrieve kitchen essentials, all without obscuring your benchtop. You already have the space – now make the most of it.


    Resources: https://linkmix.co/45465289

  • A Covert and Minimalist Black Kitchen in Helensville

    A Covert and Minimalist Black Kitchen in Helensville

    Nestled away in the sunny Helensville countryside, this tranquil rural home recently saw a brand new BoxMakers kitchen. What was special about this project was its colour palette, which was pure matt black with minimalist style.

    Conveniently Located Kitchen

    Instead of being part of the main home, this was a unique kitchen tailored to fit a detached workshop. With convenience and versatility in mind, the client wanted an accessible way to prepare meals in the comfort of their own workplace. This meant no more back and forth travel or clashed occupancy of the main kitchen. The main themes of this kitchen were being utilitarian, covert, and minimalist. BoxMakers knew the assignment well, and aimed to strike a balance between professionalism and elegance, all while adhering to the surrounding purpose and themes.

    cabinet pivot sliding door

    Distinct Colour Theme

    The owner wanted black to be the central colour of the kitchen, and BoxMaker delivered. With 16mm MDF as the core material, all of the bench cabinets were finished in Black Pearl melamine by Melteca – a midnight finish that strikingly swallows light, yet glistens under the right conditions. This clandestine cabinet collection contained a carefully curated composition of drawers, providing a striking resemblance to tool storage units, in running with the utility-centric theme.

    Materials & Storage Solutions

    Häfele’s Luxe handles were chose for their hidden profile design, creating flush and uniform cabinet faces. Mardeco’s 2006 series handle was chosen for the larger cabinet. All of them, of course, came in black. Inside the cabinetry, you can find Häfele’s signature drawer hardware, as well as Enko’s Uni-Bin Soft Close Waste bins for disguising waste.

    Enko Uni-Bin Soft Close Waste bins

    The focal point of this kitchen is the benchtop. In close collaboration with the owner, we decided on a finish that matched the stealthy aesthetic while weaving in some of the colour of the floor’s dark wood. UniQuartz’s Brown Forest was chosen – streaks of golden-brown woven against a mesmerising obsidian grey backdrop.

    Appliances

    The client’s fixtures and appliances were meticulously chosen to reflect their vision. Carysil’s Enigma sink was chosen for its true-to-name mysterious yet modern appearance while Casa’s sink mixer made for a perfect minimalist pairing. A compact 2-zone cooktop by Vogue continued the dark, minimalist trend.

    Taking in design cues from utility-oriented storage, BoxMakers delivered a highly modern single-benchtop kitchen that is just as capable as it is dark. The room’s warm overhead lights make each cooking session a bold cinematic experience.


    Designer: Mona Simathamchai

    👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.

  • Dos and Don’ts of Cabinet Maintenance

    Dos and Don’ts of Cabinet Maintenance

    Whether you’ve just finished installing a set of brand-new cabinetry or are looking to maintain longevity for your current set, it’s always better to know best practices for keeping them pristine.

    Wet Storage

    Don’t: use your cabinets to store dripping wet plates, cloths, or towels. You can’t count on evaporation alone to save your cabinets from waterlogged materials. Drenched cloths can seep water into corners and cracks, bloating and damaging your cabinetry.

    Do: wring out and dry your rags before storage. Not only does this make for more pleasant viewing, but it’s a smart practice to ensure ready cloths for next use. More importantly, this prevents moisture ingress into your cabinetry.

    Dark oak cabinet face panel

    Chemicals

    Don’t: use harsh chemicals or strong solvents. Chemicals such as bleach or ammonia are dangerous to cabinet finishes, and can take the glisten away from your handles. Ingress can harm the core material as well.

    Do: investigate your cabinet. Cabinetry can come in a broad range of materials and finishes. Find out what it’s made of and use their recommended cleaning method. Otherwise, a mild, non-abrasive cleaner will do just fine.

    Cleaning

    Don’t: use brushes or scrubbers that have thick, abrasive heads. Strong bristles can lead to scratches and damage to the finish, which in turn, acts as a catalyst for moisture damage.

    Do: use cloths in a gentle and circular motion. Combined with a gentle cleaning solution, this method should pick up dirt and clean away stains.

    Cabinet Liners

    Don’t: forego cabinet liners in high-risk areas just because they clash with the look and feel of your kitchen. Scratches and spills that would have otherwise damaged your cabinet can be mitigated with liners.

    Do: apply cabinet liners in kitchens and laundry rooms. Wherever you typically find cooking products, chemicals, or sundry objects like stationery, cabinet liners act as an extra layer of defence against unwanted damage.

    Cabinet hinges

    Hinges

    Don’t: neglect your cabinet’s hinges when cleaning. Hinges are a core component of your cabinets and ensure smooth operation.

    Do: give your hinges special attention. Instead of wiping them down like you would your cabinet, clean away dust and debris. Check if they need greasing and oil with lubricant if needed.

    To clean like a pro, treat each material differently and use gentle solutions that won’t damage the surface. A mild soap and warm water, or a dedicated cabinet cleaning solution is ideal. Knowing your cabinets’ materials and cleaning accordingly can save you a lot of stress and work.


    Source:

    https://www.thekitchn.com/kitchen-cabinet-cleaning-mistakes-23591076

    https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/985231164317580/