Tag: Kitchen renovation

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.
Discuss your next plan now
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.
Discuss your next plan now
June 25, 2025