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  • The Most Common Kitchen Cabinetry Regrets We See Every Year

    The Most Common Kitchen Cabinetry Regrets We See Every Year

    Designing a new kitchen is exciting. It is also a significant investment, and the decisions you make will affect how you live every day. Each year, we meet homeowners who wish they had approached certain cabinetry and layout choices differently. Most regrets are not dramatic design failures. They are small, practical oversights that slowly become daily frustrations.

    Here are the most common cabinetry regrets we see and how to avoid them:

    Functional and Layout Mistakes

    1. Insufficient storage

    One of the biggest regrets is insufficient storage, particularly the lack of deep drawers in base cabinetry. Traditional cupboards with shelves may seem cost-effective, but they make it difficult to access pots, pans, and heavier items. Deep drawers provide better visibility, easier access, and more efficient use of space.

    2. Poorly design corner storage

    Corner cabinets are another frequent issue. Corners often become dead space or are fitted with outdated, inefficient mechanisms that do not fully utilise the area. Thoughtful corner solutions like pull-our storage systems or lazy Susan, can dramatically improve storage capacity and accessibility.

    3. Low quality materials

    Low-quality materials and hardware are a regret that tends to surface a few years after installation. Particleboard that swells, thin hardware that loosens, and weak drawer runners that fail under weight all lead to premature repairs or replacement.

    4. Electrical needs

    Overlooking electrical needs is another regret that only becomes obvious once you start living in the space. Modern kitchens require ample power for appliances and everyday devices. Outlets should be carefully planned along benchtops, within islands, and even inside pantries. It is always better to allow for more power access than you think you need.

    5. Not enough clearance space

    Ignoring clearance space can make even a beautiful kitchen feel cramped. Adequate room must be allowed for doors and drawers to open fully and for multiple people to move comfortably around the space.

    Design and Maintenance Regrets

    6. High-maintenance colours and finishes

    Cabinet colour and finish choices often lead to long-term dissatisfaction. Very dark cabinetry can show dust, fingerprints, and water marks. As a result, they typically require constant maintenance to look clean. High-gloss finishes can also create ongoing maintenance frustration, especially when paired with poor lighting. Surfaces that constantly show fingerprints and smudges quickly become tiresome to maintain.

    On the other hand, highly trendy colours can date quickly. Many homeowners later wish they had chosen a more timeless base and introduced personality through elements that are easier to update.

    7. Too much for splashback

    Busy splashbacks are another frequent regret. Highly patterned or brightly coloured tiles may initially feel expressive, but they can overwhelm the space and compete with the cabinetry. A more restrained splashback, such as a timeless stone slab or subtle tile, often allows the cabinetry and architectural details to stand out while still adding depth and texture.

    8. Monotone designs

    A “flat” or overly monochromatic design is the opposite problem. When the splashback, benchtops, and cabinetry all match too closely, the result can feel dull and uninspired. Layering materials and finishes thoughtfully adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

    9. Treating lighting as an afterthought

    Lighting is often underestimated. A kitchen needs a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to function properly. Without under-cabinet lighting, work surfaces can feel dim and impractical. Pendant lighting over islands should provide both functional illumination and considered design impact.

    Non-Essential Gadgets

    10. Unnecessary gadgets

    Another regret we see is investing in luxury gadgets that look impressive but go largely unused. Features such as warming drawers, built-in coffee stations, or specialty taps can sound appealing in theory. In practice, they often become expensive additions that do not meaningfully improve everyday life. Instead, the most valued investments tend to be the practical workhorses: quality cooking appliances, reliable refrigeration, and well-designed storage. These are the elements that genuinely change how a kitchen performs.

    The Common Thread

    Most cabinetry regrets come down to one thing: prioritising appearance or trends over daily function. A kitchen should first and foremost support how you live. When storage, layout, materials, lighting, and proportion are carefully considered, the design naturally feels better and lasts longer.

    Thoughtful planning at the cabinetry stage is what protects your investment. When the fundamentals are right, the kitchen not only looks impressive on completion day, but continues to perform beautifully for years to come.

    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]

    Sources:

    https://superstarkitchen.co.nz/blog/fit-out-mistakes-homeowners-should-avoid-what-homeowners-wish-knew-earlier

    https://hackerkitchens.co.nz/blogs/10-kitchen-renovation-mistakes-according-to-professionals

    https://www.thespruce.com/kitchen-features-people-regret-the-most-11800976

  • Why Can Kitchen Cabinet Quotes Vary So Much?

    Why Can Kitchen Cabinet Quotes Vary So Much?

    If you’ve ever compared two kitchen designs that look almost identical, then been shocked by how far apart the prices are, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear once homeowners start gathering quotes.

    The truth is simple but often misunderstood: kitchen cabinetry is priced on what it’s made from and how it’s built, not how it looks in a photo. The real differences usually sit behind the doors, inside the drawers, and in how the kitchen is put together and supported over time.

    Below are the 5 main reasons cabinet quotes can vary so widely, even when the designs appear similar.

    1. The materials you don’t see make a big difference

    At first glance, most cabinets look solid and well finished. But what’s behind the doors matters far more than what you see on day one.

    Cabinet substrates vary significantly in density, stability, and durability. Some lower-cost options use lighter boards that perform fine initially but struggle over time as hinges, drawers, and shelves are repeatedly stressed. This can lead to sagging doors, loose fixings, and reduced lifespan.

    At BoxMakers, we primarily use high-quality MDF substrates, chosen for their stability, consistency, and excellent finish results. Where a project calls for it, we also offer plywood and fire-resistant substrates, depending on the client’s needs, budget, and compliance requirements. The right substrate is selected based on how the kitchen will actually be used, not just how it needs to look.

    2. What’s behind the doors isn’t all the same

    This is where prices often start to separate quickly.

    A basic cupboard with a shelf is relatively simple to manufacture. A drawer unit, on the other hand, is a precision-built system involving drawer boxes, runners, soft-close mechanisms, and careful alignment. Multiply that across an entire kitchen and the difference becomes significant.

    Hardware quality also plays a major role. European-standard drawers, runners, hinges, and internal storage systems are engineered to carry more weight, move smoothly, and last longer. They cost more than entry-level hardware, but they’re designed to be used thousands of times without failing.

    These details don’t jump out in a rendering, but they’re exactly what you feel every day when you live with the kitchen.

    3. Finishes and manufacturing standards affect longevity

    Two cabinets can be the same colour and still be finished very differently.

    The type of finish, how it’s applied, and the manufacturing standards behind it all influence cost. Premium finishes tend to be more durable, more consistent, and better at handling moisture, heat, and daily cleaning. Cheaper finishes can look great at installation, but may mark, fade, or deteriorate faster.

    We offer a wide range of finishes and focus on pairing the right finish with the right substrate and usage. The goal isn’t to upsell, but to make sure the finish you choose performs well in your specific kitchen environment.

    4. Installation, coordination, and accountability are often excluded

    Another major reason quotes vary is what’s included beyond the cabinetry itself.

    Some quotes cover cabinetry supply only. Others include professional installation, coordination with plumbers and electricians, problem-solving on site, and support once the kitchen is in use. These are very different scopes of work, even if the cabinetry drawings look similar.

    We provide professional installation and can also coordinate plumbing and electrical services, which reduces risk, delays, and miscommunication. Having one team responsible for fit, finish, and coordination often results in a smoother build and fewer surprises.

    A lower quote isn’t necessarily wrong, but it may mean more responsibility, decision-making, and stress sits with the homeowner instead.

    5. Customisation and fit are rarely equal

    Cabinetry that is designed specifically for your space will always differ from cabinetry adapted to fit.

    True custom cabinetry accounts for wall conditions, ceiling heights, services, and how you move through the kitchen. It minimises wasted space and improves both function and appearance. That level of design, detailing, and production naturally costs more than standardised solutions, but it also delivers a kitchen that feels intentional and tailored, not forced to fit.

    Every piece we produce is designed and made to suit your space, not the other way around.

    Why cheaper quotes are rarely like-for-like

    When one quote comes in much lower than the rest, it’s usually not because someone is overcharging. More often, it’s because something has been simplified, substituted, or left out.

    Differences often appear in hardware quality, internal storage, installation scope, finishes, or aftercare. On paper, the kitchens may still look similar, but the experience of using them — and maintaining them — can be very different.

    Understanding these differences early makes comparing quotes clearer and helps you make a confident, informed decision.

    What this means for you

    If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or new build, the most important thing isn’t finding the cheapest number. It’s understanding what you’re actually getting for your investment.

    Working with a team that explains options clearly, matches materials to real-life use, and takes responsibility from design through installation can make the process far less stressful and far more predictable.

    If you’re unsure why quotes vary, or whether you’re comparing like-for-like, that’s exactly the right time to ask questions — before decisions are locked in.

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

    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.

  • Built for Efficiency: Modern Massey Kitchen & Wardrobe

    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]

  • A Seriously Sweet & Special Kitchen

    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]

  • An Accommodating Kitchen Pantry Unit

    An Accommodating Kitchen Pantry Unit

    Among our more modest kitchen upgrades, our BoxMakers renovation in Bucklands Beach saw the addition of several cabinets and drawers. These included new internals such as hinges and runners, to improve the overall look and operation of the kitchen.

    The bulk of our work involved the centre cabinet collection, which required more room to accommodate a fridge, as well as new appliances. BoxMakers carefully designed a new set of cabinets around the central need of having fridge housing. This resulted in a distinct three-stage layout, featuring (from left to right) the appliance column, refrigerator, and pantry.

    Beautiful Panels

    Our panel selection came in Quarter Thorndon Cream from Prime Panels: a slick melamine on MDF combination that serves as a fitting partner for the fridge’s glossy cool white. Starting from the left, the unit features a dual-drawer layout with an overhead cabinet. The oven was also replaced, coming in Bosch’s 8 Series.

    Central to the unit is the fridge housing, which offers large enough dimensions to accommodate a variety of modern refrigerators. Overhead is a horizontal cubby, perfect for storing kitchen rolls and coffee capsules. The fridge itself is a triple-tier multipurpose unit from Mitsubishi Electric.

    On the right is where the bulk of the cabinetry rests. Featuring a double door pantry with Häfele hinges and 4 tiers of shelving, it offers accommodations for all sorts of groceries and sundries. Below rests a triple assortment of drawers, carefully put together with Häfele’s Luxe handles and their drawer system for silky smooth handling and a flush, handleless exterior.

    This new cabinet unit interacts exceptionally well under the existing skylight, since natural light is perfect for rummaging through both the fridge and pantry

    BoxMakers are confident that this new unit provides excellent appliance accommodations without sacrificing storage space, thanks to our efficient design and smart use of internal hardware.

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

  • A Fully Handleless Minimalist Kitchen

    A Fully Handleless Minimalist Kitchen

    For our very special homes in Mt Albert, BoxMakers worked hard to create specially tailored, form-fitting, high-performance kitchens suited for a wide range of needs. Our work in Lot 2 was aimed at answering all of a typical family’s requirements in a sleek and functional solution.

    A Sleek Island-Style

    The layout took the form of a slim L-shaped design with an island. This arrangement allowed for practical intensive cooking sessions with all major working areas mere steps away from each other, while also giving extra room for family convening and dining. The main kitchen area shows two distinct depths: the outer cabinetry is distinguished by its Melteca Storm Pearl finish, which blends the lines between brown and dark blue, and inner cabinetry came in simple white melamine. The white cabinetry is recessed on the bench overhead, matching the vein-streaked splashback and icy white benchtop.

    Modern minimalism is the name of the game for kitchen style. Featuring handleless cabinets and stainless-steel fixtures, this kitchen prides itself on smooth lines and accessible function. This was achievable thanks to Fit NZ’s push-to-open mechanisms and Häfele’s Luxe hidden handles. Every cabinet from the VIBO bottle organiser, to the corner cabinet and Tanova pull-out bin offered handleless operation.

    LEDs & Appliances

    With numerous LEDs, power points, and stainless-steel appliances, this modern and effective kitchen sports a stylish triple-colour combo. The suspended pendant light adds further aesthetic character with its unique double helix design. Its intertwining nature provides both ambient and local lighting.

    This kitchen offers the full experience while presenting it in a sleek, minimalist package; all with instantaneous access to the dining and living rooms.

    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]

  • A Stellar Dual-Function TV Cabinet & Guest Renovations

    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.

  • Dazzling & Warm: A Sunlit Glenfield Kitchen

    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]

  • 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.

    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.

    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.