Tag: Modern kitchen

10 Kitchen Island Design Ideas That Elevate Everyday Living
In many New Zealand homes, the kitchen island has become far more than a prep surface. It’s where meals begin, conversations happen, laptops open, and guests naturally gather. A well-designed island can dramatically improve how your kitchen functions while also becoming a strong visual centrepiece.
If you’re planning a new kitchen or renovation, here are some kitchen island design ideas that balance style, practicality, and the way Kiwis really live.
1. Waterfall Edge Islands
A waterfall edge island allows the benchtop material to flow seamlessly down the sides of the island to the floor. This creates a clean, sculptural look and is one of the most popular ways to showcase engineered stone, marble-look surfaces, or natural stone.
Beyond aesthetics, waterfall edges add a sense of cohesion and durability, protecting cabinetry from wear while elevating the overall feel of the kitchen.
2. Curved Edge Islands
Curved edges are becoming increasingly popular in modern NZ kitchens. By softening corners, curved islands introduce elegance and visual flow while also reducing sharp edges that can be easy to bump into in busy households.
This design is particularly well-suited to smaller kitchens or family homes, where safety, movement, and comfort matter just as much as style.
3. Split-Level Kitchen Islands
A split-level island creates a clear distinction between cooking and eating zones. One level can hide food prep and appliances, while the other offers a dedicated space for dining or entertaining.
This layout also opens up opportunities to mix materials, colours, or finishes — adding visual interest while keeping the kitchen organised and functional.
4. Islands with Open Shelving
Open shelving built into an island offers practical storage while keeping frequently used items within easy reach. It’s also a great way to display ceramics, cookbooks, or decorative pieces.
For homeowners wanting both beauty and protection, glass-fronted shelving with integrated LED lighting can highlight treasured items while preventing dust and accidental damage.
5. Integrated Power Outlets
Modern kitchen islands often double as workstations. Integrated power outlets allow you to use appliances like mixers or blenders directly on the island, or to charge laptops and devices without trailing cords across the room.
Because this feature requires careful electrical planning, it’s best discussed early in the design stage to ensure outlets are positioned discreetly and safely.
6. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling
Pull-out bins have become a kitchen essential. Tucked neatly inside the island, they keep waste and recycling out of sight, reduce odours, and help maintain a clean, streamlined look.
With many affordable and customisable options available, this is a small design choice that makes a big difference in day-to-day kitchen use.
7. Fluted Island Bases
Fluted detailing adds texture, rhythm, and architectural interest to an island’s base cabinetry. It introduces a tactile, organic element that contrasts beautifully with smooth benchtop surfaces.
This detail works particularly well in contemporary kitchens that want warmth without visual clutter.
8. Kitchen Island with Built-In Banquette
A kitchen island with a built-in banquette introduces a more relaxed and family-friendly way to dine. Instead of raised bar stools, a lowered seating area paired with a small table creates a cosy breakfast nook that’s ideal for everyday meals, kids’ homework, or casual coffee moments.
This approach works especially well in open-plan homes, softening the kitchen’s look and helping it feel more connected to living and dining spaces.
9. Double Island Kitchens
For larger homes, a double island layout takes kitchen design to the next level. One island can serve as a social or seating hub, while the second remains dedicated to food prep and storage.
This layout improves workflow, reduces congestion, and creates a highly functional space for entertaining and family life.
10. Islands with Pull-Out Tables
A pull-out table integrated into the island is a smart solution for flexible living. It provides extra dining or prep space when needed, then neatly tucks away to keep the kitchen open and uncluttered.
This option is ideal for homes that want adaptability without committing to a large, permanent island footprint.
The best kitchen island designs respond to how you live — not just how the space looks. Whether it’s subtle curves, smart storage, or multifunctional features, thoughtful island design can transform your kitchen into a space that works harder and feels better every day.
At BoxMakers, we design and build custom kitchens that balance craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless design — tailored for New Zealand homes.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, we’d love to help you explore the right island design for your space.
👉🏻 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
December 16, 2025
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…
A Multi-Use TV Cabinet
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…
A Hidden Gem
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).
Smart and Functional Wardrobe
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.
Modernity in a Natural Bathroom
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 – Prague series, 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.
Designer: Mona Simathamchai
👉🏻 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
December 11, 2025
The science behind kitchen drawer heights, shelf placement, and layout
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.
👉🏻 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.nakedkitchens.com/blog/kitchen-ergonomics-make-your-kitchen-more-efficient
https://valcucinesa.co.za/apply-the-science-of-ergonomics-in-high-end-kitchens/
https://postdigitalarchitecture.com/blogs/articles/standards-guide-kitchen-and-dining-area?srsltid=AfmBOop0Mf_SqeOodgxJHvH6Eb1OK_RFEGsHr0WETI5wwLmxJ8p51DS6
December 10, 2025
Handleless Cabinetry: Practical and Low-Maintenance?
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!
👉🏻 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
Sources:
Handleless Kitchens: Effortless Elegance or Design Dilemma?
How Practical Are Handleless Kitchens? What You Need to Know – BH BespOak
December 10, 2025
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.
Surrounded by Features
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.
The colours and themes revolved 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. We collaborated with Stone Space for a beautiful benchtop cut of Calacatta Bianco engineered stone, swimming with delicate flashes of gold and grey. When sunlight hits the room, the kitchen is positively glowing!
Advanced Appliances
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.
Brilliant New Hardware
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.
Designer: Mona Simathamchai
👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
December 5, 2025
Hidden Luxury Guest Suite Renovations
Tucked away in Tawharanui Peninsula, this reclusive yet beautiful home called upon BoxMakers for a wardrobe, mini pantry, and bathroom vanity. Crafted primarily for guest use, these renovations were made to add both function and cosmetic coherence. Being within a luxury home, BoxMakers took great care to not only uphold, but elevate its high-class standards.
A Bold and Natural Kitchenette
The unique onyx theme stemmed from both the owner’s preference, as well as the surrounding textures. Most notable is the vertical fluting on the face panels, which was inspired by the suite’s woodwork. For this, BoxMakers used Dezignatek’s Prague series of Thermoform, finished in Black Bark. The deep, tactile ridges bring forth a unique modern design, especially when combined with its trapezoidal handles fromMardeco’s 3210 range. The Brushed Nickel finish adds a distinctive steely touch.
Above, the benchtop marks the return of UniQuartz’s Brown Forest finish, an ideal pairing for dark coloured cabinetry. Stealthily streaked with earthy veins, it effortlessly adds both character and nuance to this quaint kitchenette. The overhead cabinets operate on a handleless design and offer plenty of storage space while below, a mini bar is perfectly situated for a refreshing summer drink. Combined, it encourages visitors to feel like more than just a guest.
Featureful Sliding Wardrobe
In the guest bedroom, BoxMakers installed a full-fledged wardrobe unit featuring a complete suite of drawers, shelves, and rods, as well as a full height mirror. Finished in Melteca’s Borders Oak Organic, this wardrobe fits perfectly with the bedroom’s fluted wall panel. We aimed to maximise smoothness and operability with Enko’s Anthracite-finished Slimbox drawer system. Even the wardrobe rails came in black, sourced from SD Aluminium.
A Tough, yet Elegant Vanity
Also part of our renovation work was the bathroom vanity, which featured the same Dezignatek fluted panels and Mardeco handles. Unique to the bathroom was the carcass material, which sported a mixed core plywood substrate for improved strength and weight support. This kept the design language consistent while also being highly performant.
This renovation appears sleek and modern at a distance, but only upon closer inspection will you find the natural elements intertwined within; a hidden gem, much like the residence as a whole. Combined with sprawling views of Kawau Bay, every guest is sure get the full luxury experience.
Designer: Mona Simathamchai
👉 Get in touch with us today to book your first free consultation.
November 20, 2025
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.
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.
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
November 18, 2025
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.
November 12, 2025
Benchtop Maintenance Guide: How to Care for Every Material
As the crown jewel of your kitchen, the benchtop doubles as both your aesthetic and functional centre. Subject to daily use, your kitchen’s operation revolves around your benchtop, whether it’s for food prep, storage, or dining. You’ll want to maintain of your benchtop, and it all starts with choosing the right care routine for your material. In doing so, here is a detailed guide for 4 different benchtop materials:
Natural Stone
An expensive, natural, and highly unique choice, genuine stone is chosen mainly for its one-of-a-kind patterns and premium aesthetics. While it may shine for looks and individuality, it is not an easy material to maintain. Natural stone’s porous nature means that without a seal, it can trap moisture and bacteria. Liquids that seep in can also alter its appearance by causing stains.
The most important aspect of maintaining natural stone’s sheen and integrity is to have it sealed regularly, typically once every 2 years for granite, and more often for lighter-toned materials (as they are typically more porous). This can be prolonged by maintaining the seal itself during cleaning. Using gentle, pH-neutral cleaners will stop it from breaking down. You’ll know the seal needs replacing if a drop of water seeps in or if it darkens the stone. Due to its unique aesthetics, physical repairs may not preserve the original look. Deep scratches will be more noticeable on natural stone as well, so avoid harsh objects. It is, however, remarkably heat-resistant.
Engineered Stone
Durable, non-porous, and moderately priced, engineered stone is a popular choice for kitchen benchtops. Its maintenance requirements are lower than natural stone, being easier to clean and perfectly uniform thanks to its composition of crushed quartz and resins – the latter being why it’s non-porous.
The resin binders fill the gaps and the slab is vacuum-compacted. It will be sufficient to clean the surface with mild soap and water. Spills can be wiped away without concern and scratches won’t compromise its integrity. While it’s highly durable, high levels of physical impact or heat can still damage the resin, so be sure to keep your hot pans away.
Laminate
Featuring even more aesthetic variety than engineered stone, laminate benchtops shine brightest for design diversity, affordability, and DIY-friendliness. Thicker offerings can mimic stone’s appearance at a much lower cost, though it certainly won’t mimic its physical properties. It’s key to know laminate’s composition: an engineered wood substrate with a surface layer of bonded resin, paper, and print. This makes it vulnerable to heat and sharp objects, so avoid placing those directly on the counter.
While laminate typically performs well against water, keeping it wiped down and dry can prevent rare cases of moisture-ingress, which can cause the material to swell or warp if there is an opening. Abrasive cleaning tools or agents can also damage the surface.
Timber
Timber benchtops are typically made of solid wood strips that have been bonded together and sealed. The core material is usually a hardwood and they’re known for their natural, warm appearances.
Similar to natural stone, its aesthetics depend on what is naturally available, and therefore is more limited. Another shared trait is their inherent porous nature, meaning regular sealing is required for continued use. To maintain it, apply an oil finish every 12 months and avoid harsh cleaners or chemicals. Instead, use soft cloths and warm water to clean it. Due to its similarities with laminate benchtops, they are not particularly heat or scratch resistant.
Each benchtop material has its strengths and weaknesses. As shown by natural stone (particularly marble), pricier doesn’t always mean more durable. Universally, all benchtops can benefit from gentle cleaning with warm water. Depending on the material, regular sealing can be a welcome protectional supplement or an essential layer for integrity preservation.
Sources:
https://archant.co.nz/blog/articles/engineered-stone-vs-natural-stone-benchtops-comparison-guide.html#:~:text=With%20engineered%20stone%2C%20you%20have,offers%20heat%20resistance%20as%20well.
https://www.bunnings.co.nz/diy-advice/home-improvement/splashbacks-benchtops/a-guide-to-kitchen-benchtop-materials?srsltid=AfmBOorx3RpAIomjT9WXQ4FExAtOYoj6i-M9KeCNMqKxOhouX3EQ4vZP
https://linkmix.co/46300284
November 5, 2025
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.
October 30, 2025