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Tag: Modern kitchen

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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.

    Under-Bench Units

    Make every inch count with an under-bench pantry unit. With different sizes to accommodate spices, bottles, and everyday groceries, these convenient units typically come in 1 or 2 tiers. Our Mount Roskill kitchen renovation featured a Sige Infinity Pullout Bottle Rack, supplied by Enko, which was perfect for complementing kitchen storage.

    Lazy Susan Corner Unit

    Another smart corner addition is the Lazy Susan style of storage units. Also known as carousels, these corner units feature rotational operation to ensure easy access, regardless of where your goods are. Supplied by Häfele, Kesseböhmer’s Revo 90° corner unit is a great example of this, and we recently used in our Mt Roskill project.

    Storage solutions aren’t limited to the above either – new innovations are always being developed and BoxMakers are here to make sure that your kitchen has the perfect space-saving solutions tailored just for you.

  • 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.

    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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

    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.

    BoxMakers have worked with trusted brands such as Häfele, Fit, 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 Kitchen

    A Covert and Minimalist Kitchen

    Nestled away in the sunny Helensville countryside, this tranquil rural home recently saw a brand new BoxMakers kitchen. What was special about this project, however, was the roof it was under. 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • 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.

    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.

    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/

  • 5 Forms of Kitchen Lighting and How They Enhance Your Space

    5 Forms of Kitchen Lighting and How They Enhance Your Space

    It comes as no surprise that the kitchen sports incredible potential for diverse lighting arrangements. Often the centrepiece of one’s home, it’s vital to get the right lighting setup if you want to make the most of your kitchen.

    Each piece contributes to layered lighting through a trinity of purposes: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting provides general light, task lighting provides more focused light for particular roles, while accent lighting highlights details and adds drama. Here are five popular kitchen lighting fixtures, and how they contribute to your kitchen.

    Pendant Lights

    Typically hung over islands or dining areas, pendant lights provide both accent and task lighting. Perhaps the most eye-catching form of kitchen lighting as the focus isn’t just the light itself but the fixture in which they reside. They can come in any form: from simple bulbs and globes to intricate crystal arrangements and stylised clusters that are more akin to chandeliers.

    Toe Kick Lights

    Installed at the base of cabinets, toe kick lights highlight the profile of your cabinets and provide nuanced illumination in dark environments. An elegant form of accent lighting, it provides a subtle complement of light that doubles as a navigational aid while also adding drama and complexity to your cabinets.

    Under Cabinet

    Mounted just under overhead cabinets, these provide lighting for your benchtops and workspaces – a convenient form of task lighting. Under-cabinet lights are ideal for food preparation work and often work well independent of general ambient lighting. Another effect of this lighting is that is highlights your benchtops and splashback, which is perfect for showing off gorgeous arrangements,

    Recessed Lighting

    One of the many forms ambient lighting can manifest in a kitchen, recessed lighting resides within the ceiling cavity itself, and offers a flush, uniform look to your ceiling. It pairs well with modern themes and low-ceiling kitchens to provide general illumination for your kitchen. A 3000K colour temperature is typical for a warm and inviting kitchen.

    Cabinet Interior

    Primarily serving as accent lights within glass cabinets, these inner-cabinet fixtures can come in a surprising number of forms. From LED strips, to puck lights, to mini spotlights and more, this diverse genre of decorative lighting serves perfectly to accentuate and highlight your displays.

    Whether you’re after bold new pendant lights or practical and reliable ceiling lights, find the perfect balance between ambient, task, and accent for a smart, layered kitchen.

  • A Lush Sandringham Kitchen Renovation

    A Lush Sandringham Kitchen Renovation

    For this exciting BoxMakers kitchen renovation in Sandringham, our team were called to transform a decades-old space into something modern and fresh. Notably unique about this project is the client’s special vision for their kitchen – with every material, colour, and fixture meticulously curated to bring their idea to life.

    BoxMakers are always excited to carry out passion projects, and this one is no different. We know the importance of personally-chosen components as they can mean more than just a colour; it is a unique expression of personality and serves as an extension of one’s character. When the owner’s original kitchen was faced with aging joinery and loss of function, BoxMakers were called upon to carry out their fresh and original vision.

    The highlight of this new kitchen is the colour scheme, with the cabinetry featuring Melteca’s Green Slate Pearl. It is an elegant hybrid of naturality and modernity – blending the best of both worlds in a revisionist-retro theme. This is exemplified by the plan for a stainless-steel benchtop – a staple of the late 20th century, now revived with modern features and design sensibilities. The stainless-steel theme extends to the Mercer Pressato sink and the Westinghouse fridge, the latter of which sits side by side a full-height pantry unit.

    Häfele’s Luxe extrusion handles were also hand-picked by the owner. Their hidden nature allows the green of the cabinetry to be presented with a flush and uniform view. Also present is the Kesseboehmer pull-out set, perfect for oils and bottles. Fit’s drawer kits and pull-out bin were chosen for their smoothness of operation and quality materials.

    So how is this project coming along? BoxMakers have recently finished the cabinetry fit-out and have prepared the benchtop template. Our next step is installing the sleek stainless-steel benchtop. We are excited to see this verdant kitchen to completion and can’t wait to see the finished job!