Open Plan Kitchen Ideas, Costs & Consent: The Auckland Guide

Quick answer: An open plan kitchen joins the kitchen, dining and living into one space. Opening up a closed Auckland kitchen usually means removing a wall, and if it’s load-bearing that triggers a building consent, an engineer’s design and LBP-supervised work, which is where most of the cost and timeline sits.

The most requested kitchen change we get in Auckland isn’t a fancy benchtop or a smart tap. It’s “can we get rid of this wall?” People want the light in, the cook back in the room, and the boxed-off kitchen gone.

Fair enough. But here’s the part most open plan kitchen articles skip entirely: whether that wall comes out cleanly or turns into a structural job with an engineer, a consent and a steel beam. That single question decides your cost, your timeline, and whether the project even gets off the ground. So this guide leans into it harder than a lifestyle piece would, alongside the design side, the open-versus-closed comparison, and what it all costs in 2026. It’s put together with our in-house kitchen designers, Cici Zou and Dorothy Li, working from our Design Studio at 16B Link Drive, Wairau Valley.

Design render by Sachi Amarasekara – Open Kitchen

What is an Open Plan Kitchen?

An open plan kitchen combines the kitchen, dining and lounge into one connected space, with no full-height walls dividing the cooking zone from the rest of the room. It’s the layout most new Auckland builds use by default, and the one most renovation clients ask us to create out of an older, closed-off kitchen.

The appeal is simple. Knock out the wall and a dim back-of-house kitchen borrows light and space from the rooms around it. A villa kitchen in Grey Lynn that felt like a corridor becomes part of the living area. A 1970s brick-and-tile in Manurewa with a separate dining room suddenly reads as one generous space. And because it’s what buyers now expect, the layout tends to support resale value rather than work against it.

Why the Island Does So Much Heavy Lifting

Open up a kitchen and you create a problem at the same time: where does the storage and bench that used to live on the missing wall now go? The answer is almost always an island.

An island claws back the counter and cabinetry you lose when the wall comes out, and it does it in the middle of the room where it’s most reachable. It can carry a sink or a cooktop, double as a breakfast bar, and act as the natural gathering point when people drift into the kitchen. The one rule our designers hold firm on: leave enough clearance around all sides so the island doesn’t choke the traffic between the stove, sink and fridge.

💡 Quick tip: Keep at least 1000–1100mm of walkway around a single-cook island, and 1200mm if two people cook at once. Tight clearances are the most common regret we hear after the fact. For the full set of numbers, see our kitchen planning measurements guide.

“When a wall comes out, people fixate on the open space and forget where the storage went. The island has to earn its keep, so I design it to carry the drawers and the prep zone the old wall used to hold, not just look good in the middle of the room.”
— Dorothy Li, Design Manager, Superior Renovations

How to Convert a Closed Kitchen into an Open Plan One

This is where open plan kitchen projects are won or lost. When someone asks us to open up their kitchen, the very first thing we work out is whether the change is cosmetic or structural, because the two are worlds apart on cost, consent and timeline.

• Kitchen is already open plan: No structural work. It’s a cabinetry-and-finishes renovation, same as any other kitchen.
• Kitchen is currently closed off: A wall has to go, which is where engineering, consent and trade coordination come in.

If a wall is coming out, we ask for the whole-house floor plan first. That tells us which of two very different walls we’re dealing with.

Partial Walls (Non-Load-Bearing)

A partial wall carries no structural load. It’s there as a divider, or to frame a doorway. These come out fairly cleanly: the builders remove the wall, then make good the GIB, plaster and paint where it met the floor, ceiling and adjoining walls.

A non-load-bearing wall can usually be removed without a building consent. The exception worth knowing: consent is still needed if removing it affects fire separation or weathertightness, which can happen in some attached or multi-level homes.

Structural Walls (Load-Bearing)

A load-bearing wall carries weight from the structure above, the roof, a second storey, or both. You can’t just take it out. The load has to be picked up by a beam, typically steel or engineered timber, sized by an engineer for the span and the weight above it.

Removing a load-bearing wall is Restricted Building Work under the Building Act 2004. Before anyone swings a hammer, the job needs a structural engineer’s design, a building consent from Auckland Council, and Licensed Building Practitioner supervision. The MBIE Building Performance rules are clear on this, and the Auckland Council consent process applies whether you like it or not.

Here’s the quick check we run to tell whether a wall is load-bearing:

1. Check the whole-house floor plan.
2. Look for extra support, doubled studs, posts or a thickened section.
3. See whether the wall runs through more than one level.
4. Check the joists and beams in the subfloor and roof space, and which way they run.

None of this is guesswork you should be doing yourself, especially in an older home with no original plans, where the framing is anyone’s guess until the GIB comes off. We talk through trial GIB removal and inspections with clients before committing to a structural approach.

Important note: If your home has no floor plan on record, budget time and a small cost for investigation before the design is locked. What’s behind the lining changes the engineering, and it’s better found in week one than mid-build.

Who Carries the Consent Risk

This is the real difference between hiring a cabinetmaker and hiring a full renovation company to open up your kitchen. We run the consent process for you: our LBP designer produces the consent drawings, we lodge the building consent with Auckland Council, the engineer’s producer statement goes in, and the Records of Work are filed at sign-off. A cabinetmaker isn’t taking on any of that structural or compliance risk, and they’re not meant to. That’s the work behind a clean open plan conversion, and it’s why a closed-to-open job sits in a different bracket to a like-for-like kitchen swap. You can see how we handle the whole sequence on our design-and-build kitchen renovation service.

“The honest version most people don’t hear: removing a load-bearing wall isn’t the expensive bit, the beam and the engineering are manageable. It’s the consent and the coordination that catch people out when they try to project-manage it themselves. That’s the part we take off your plate.”
— Cici Zou, Designer (NZ Dip. Interior Design, Certified Designer), Superior Renovations

What Does It Cost to Open Up a Kitchen in Auckland?

The cabinetry and finishes of an open plan kitchen sit in the same bands as any kitchen renovation. In Auckland in 2026, a mid-range kitchen renovation runs $28,000–$35,000, a full mid-range build with custom cabinetry and stone tops typically $30,000–$50,000, and luxury or custom kitchens with islands and premium materials $90,000–$138,000+. Auckland labour sits around $120–$150 per hour, which is why prices here run 10–20% above the national average.

The line that varies most is the wall. As a rough Auckland guide for 2026:

The load-bearing range is wide on purpose. It swings on the span of the opening, the weight sitting above it, and whether you’re under a single storey or a two-storey home, which needs a bigger beam and more temporary propping during the build. To see where your overall project lands, run the numbers through our kitchen renovation cost calculator.

💡 Quick tip: On timeline, a like-for-like kitchen runs 5–6 weeks, but an open-plan conversion with structural work typically pushes to 6–12 weeks, and if consent is needed, add 4–8 weeks of Auckland Council processing before the build even starts. Factor that into your move-out or living-around-it plan.

Before and After: A GreenlaneWall Removal

One simple move, removing a wall, can completely change a kitchen. A good example is a full kitchen transformation we did in Greenlane, Auckland.

Before

After

Before the work, the kitchen was congested, dim and short on storage. The core of the renovation was breaking the two partial walls dividing the kitchen from the living space, and removing the counter that had acted as a divider, which freed up room for a proper island. The atmosphere shift after opening it up was significant. Read the full Blockhouse Bay kitchen project.

Open Plan vs Closed Plan Kitchen: How They Compare

Design render by Sachi Amarasekara – Open Kitchen

Design render by Sachi Amarasekara – Open Kitchen

Not every Auckland home suits an open plan kitchen, and not every homeowner wants one. A closed plan kitchen is shut off from the rest of the house by a wall or a doorway or two. It’s the traditional layout, most common in older properties, though plenty of newer homes still use it.

Closed plan suits people who want cooking mess and clean-up out of sight, who like privacy while they cook, or who cook daily and elaborately and want a focused, contained space. It’s also the cheaper renovation, because it skips the structural work that opening up a kitchen demands.

If you’re leaning closed plan but want it lighter, our designers suggest glass-panelled doors to keep light moving between rooms, two-toned cabinetry so the space doesn’t read flat, and a banquette in a corner for a breakfast nook. You don’t have to knock out a wall to make a closed kitchen feel good. For ideas on making a compact closed kitchen work harder, our small kitchen design ideas are worth a read.

“Closed plan gets written off too quickly. For a busy family that cooks every night and hates a kitchen on permanent display, it’s the better call, and it costs less to renovate. The trick is light: glass doors and a lighter palette stop it feeling boxed in.”
— Eunice Qin, Designer, Superior Renovations

The Verdict: Which Layout Do Our Designers Recommend?

There’s no universally right answer, and this guide isn’t built to make the choice for you. But for most Auckland homeowners renovating today, the open plan kitchen is what they’re after, and for good reason: light, space, connection, and the layout buyers expect.

We asked Cici and Dorothy which they’d choose for themselves.

Cici: “Open plan, for me. I cook a lot and I want to be talking to family while I do it. When I design my own space I think about the future, friends over, kids around, conversations flowing. A big island in an open room does all of that.”

Dorothy: “Open plan, from a design point of view. It gives you far more to work with, the finishes carry through from the living area, and you get that one big connected space that feels like the heart of the home.”

If you’re weighing it up for your own home, the fastest way to get clarity is to have a designer look at your actual floor plan and walls. Our team does that in a free in-home consultation, and we’ll tell you straight whether your wall is load-bearing before you fall in love with a layout you can’t easily afford. You can also browse our in-house Design Studio to see how the design-to-build process works.

➡ Book your free in-home consultation with Superior Renovations
➡ Estimate your kitchen renovation cost
➡ Request a free feasibility report for your project

Further Resources for your kitchen renovation

1. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
2. Real client stories from Auckland

Need more information?

Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.

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Kitchen Ideas NZ: 28 Design Ideas for Auckland Renovations

Quick answer: The kitchen ideas that actually work in Auckland come down to four moves — a light tonal palette, full-extension drawers, ceiling-height cabinetry, and layered lighting. The 28 ideas below cover colour, storage, layout, appliances and modern design direction, and apply whether you’re reworking a compact villa kitchen or a larger open-plan space. Most kitchen renovations sit between $26,000 and $110,000 depending on whether the layout stays put or walls move.

In an Auckland villa kitchen at the back of the house, or a brand-new townhouse in Hobsonville with a kitchen tucked along one wall, the question is the same: how do you make a kitchen design work without a full architectural rebuild? The 28 ideas below come from completed Superior Renovations projects across Auckland — Parnell, Greenlane, Mangere Bridge, Mt Eden, Avondale, Bucklands Beach. They cover colour, storage, layout, appliances, modern design direction, and the small visual tricks that make a tight kitchen feel less tight. Read them as a working list, not a prescription. The point is to find the three or four that suit your home and your budget.

Many of these ideas earn their keep hardest in a small kitchen, where every decision is amplified — so you’ll see compact spaces used as the worked example throughout. They apply just as well to a larger kitchen; the principles don’t change with the square metreage.

One upfront note: we’re a full-renovation company based at 16B Link Drive, Wairau Valley. Kitchens are usually one room of a larger renovation we’re doing — full house renovation, addition, character home work — where the trades (builder, electrician, plumber, tiler, painter) need to be coordinated under one project manager. If you only need new cabinetry in the same footprint, see the honest answer in the renovate-vs-cabinetry section below.

How to make a small Auckland kitchen feel bigger

The fastest gains in a small kitchen are visual, not structural. These five ideas don’t move a single wall. They change the way the room reads.

1. Choose a light, neutral colour palette

Light surfaces bounce daylight; dark surfaces absorb it. In a 6–10 m² Auckland kitchen with one or two windows, that difference is the gap between a room that feels like a cave and a room that feels open. Warm off-whites and soft greys are the workhorse palette — think the Dulux or Resene neutral families, used on walls, cabinetry and ceiling together so the eye doesn’t hit a colour change every metre. Save the contrast for the splashback or a single accent. A kitchen painted entirely in one tonal family will read as 20–30% larger than the same kitchen with three competing colours.

💡 Quick tip: take a colour sample home and stick it to the wall for 48 hours. Auckland’s afternoon light shifts dramatically — a white that reads warm at 11am can read grey by 4pm.

2. Match cabinets to walls to remove the visual break

Most small kitchens lose the spatial fight at the colour join between cabinetry and wall. The eye registers the break, and the room divides into “kitchen zone” and “everything else.” Specify cabinetry in the same colour family as the walls — or the same colour, if you’re feeling brave — and the kitchen reads as part of the room rather than a stand-alone object inside it. This works best in open-plan layouts where the kitchen sits inside a living space. If the kitchen is enclosed, the trick is weaker but still useful for the upper cabinetry, which is what sits at eye level.

3. Maximise natural light with bigger windows or a skylight

A skylight above a galley kitchen does more for the perceived size of the room than any cabinetry decision. In an Auckland villa with original sash windows, the kitchen is often the darkest room in the house because it’s at the back, north-facing windows have been blocked by extensions, and the ceiling is low. A 600 × 600 skylight over the bench costs $2,500–$5,500 installed (including framing, flashing and the consent that comes with cutting a roof). It’s the single highest-impact item on this list if your current kitchen is dark. If a skylight isn’t possible, enlarging a window over the sink is the next move — even an extra 300 mm of glass height changes the room.

💡 Quick tip: if your kitchen sits in the south-facing back-of-villa configuration that’s common in Mt Eden and Grey Lynn, a skylight is almost always worth the consent cost. The room never gets direct sun from a wall window.

4. Layer your artificial lighting

Small kitchens get this wrong almost universally. One bright ceiling pendant, glaring straight down, casting shadows under the upper cabinets onto the bench where you’re chopping. The fix is three layers: recessed downlights for the room, under-cabinet LED strips for the bench (this is the layer most kitchens lack), and a pendant or two over the island or breakfast bar for warmth. Under-cabinet LED is cheap — $200–$500 in materials — and changes the usability of a small kitchen at night. Specify dimmable on at least the pendants and the downlights so you can drop the room down for dinner.

5. Use larger floor tiles to reduce grout lines

This one feels counter-intuitive: bigger tiles in a smaller room. The reason is grout. Every grout line is a visual break, and a small kitchen tiled in 300 × 300 squares has twice as many breaks as the same kitchen in 600 × 600. The eye stops counting tiles and starts reading the floor as a continuous surface, which makes the room read as larger. 900 × 600 rectangular porcelain in a stack-bond pattern is the current go-to for Auckland kitchens — looks contemporary, sits well under both modern and character home cabinetry, and large-format porcelain has come down in price enough that it’s no longer a luxury spec.

“Matching cabinetry to wall colour is the cheapest spatial trick we have. In a Mt Eden galley we did last year, the same cabinetry in a warm grey reads about 30% wider than it would have in white. The eye stops registering the join.”
— Dorothy Li, Design Manager, Superior Renovations

Storage solutions that turn cramped into clever

The single biggest reason a small kitchen feels small is that it stores its things badly. These six small kitchen design ideas are about getting the same gear to fit better.

6. Replace cupboards with full-extension drawers

Standard cupboards are a waste of space in a small kitchen. Whatever sits at the back of the cupboard becomes a lost cause — you’d rather buy a new one than dig past three roasting pans to find it. Full-extension drawers fix this completely. You pull the drawer out, you see everything, you grab what you need. Soft-close runners are standard from any decent cabinetmaker now and add maybe 10–15% to the cost of the cabinetry. For a small kitchen, that’s the best money you’ll spend.

💡 Quick tip: deep base drawers (300–400 mm) work better for pots than two shallow drawers stacked. The deep drawer lets you stand a 28cm pot upright without stacking pans on top of it.

7. Build cabinetry to the ceiling

The gap between the top of a standard wall cabinet and the ceiling is usually 200–400 mm. In a normal-sized kitchen that gap is wasted but tolerable. In a small kitchen it’s lost storage you can’t afford. Take the upper cabinetry all the way up. The top row stores things you use twice a year — Christmas platters, the slow cooker, the bread maker — and you climb on a step stool to get them. The visible surface in the kitchen drops by 15–20% because the cabinetry no longer collects dust on top and looks unfinished.

8. Add floating shelves at the right scale

Floating shelves are everywhere in design magazines, and most of them don’t work in real kitchens. The shelves are too shallow, too short, too high, or styled with objects that never come down. Done right, floating shelves replace one bank of wall cabinets and give the room visual relief — the walls stop looking like a solid line of cabinet doors. The rule is: every item on the shelf must be something you actually use weekly — mugs, plates, glasses, the salt and pepper. If it’s decorative, it’s wrong.

9. Use magic corners and pull-out trolleys for awkward cabinets

Every L-shape kitchen has a dead corner where two runs of cabinetry meet. Standard cabinetry treats this corner as a black hole. Magic corners (sometimes called magic corner pull-outs or LeMans units) are sprung trolley systems that pull the back of the corner out into the open when you swing the door. You go from 30% usable corner storage to 95% usable. They’re not cheap — $400–$900 per unit installed depending on the brand — but in a small kitchen the corner is too valuable to leave broken.

💡 Quick tip: magic corners pay for themselves in an L-shape under 8 m². In a larger kitchen, a standard corner carousel or lazy susan does most of the same job for half the cost.

10. Install sliding pantry doors

A hinged pantry door swings into the kitchen and steals 600 mm of clearance every time it opens. In a galley layout, that clearance is the only walking space you have, which means the pantry door is closed every time you’re cooking. Sliding pantry doors solve this in tight kitchens — they run on a top track, take up zero floor swing, and let you keep the pantry open while you’re working. Specify them in the same finish as the rest of the cabinetry so they disappear into the run.

11. Use magnetic strips and tool walls instead of drawers

Knives, scissors, peelers, kitchen shears, metal spice tins — these all live in drawers in most kitchens, where they collect together at the bottom and slide around when you open them. Mount a magnetic strip on the splashback above the bench and they live within reach, off the bench surface, out of drawers entirely. The bench gets clearer, the drawer gets smaller, the kitchen functions faster. The same idea works for a pegboard tool wall if you’d rather hang utensils than stick them to a magnet.

Layout choices that make a small kitchen work harder

Storage and colour are surface fixes. Layout is the structural one. These four ideas are about the geometry of the room — which is also where Superior Renovations earns its keep, because changing a layout usually means moving a wall, relocating plumbing, and coordinating four or five trades through a consent process. If you want to go deeper on the geometry before you read these, our kitchen layout guide walks through the work triangle and the main layout types in detail.

12. Galley layout — for long, narrow spaces

The classic Auckland villa kitchen is a long narrow rectangle at the back of the house. The galley layout — two parallel runs of cabinetry with a corridor between them — was made for this shape. Sink and prep on one side, cooktop and pantry on the other. The work triangle stays tight, the cook can pivot between sides without walking. The clearance between the two runs needs to be at least 1,000 mm — any less and two people can’t pass; any more and you’re walking too far between sides. Galley works because it doesn’t fight the room’s geometry.

💡 Quick tip: the 1,000 mm minimum is for single-cook kitchens. If two people cook together regularly, bump the galley clearance to 1,200 mm so the dishwasher and oven doors don’t collide when both are open.

13. Single-wall layout — for very small footprints

In an apartment kitchen or a tiny back-of-villa space under 5 m², a single-wall layout is often the only one that works. Everything on one wall, the rest of the room left as open floor or living space. The trade-off is bench space, which becomes precious. Pair a single-wall kitchen with a mobile island or a fold-out prep surface (Idea 25) to compensate. Single-wall kitchens also pair well with European laundries hidden inside a cabinet at the end of the run.

14. Add an island that doubles as storage and dining

An island isn’t always possible in a small kitchen, but where there’s a metre of clearance to spare, an island earns its space three ways: extra bench for prep, extra storage underneath, and seating for two or three so the dining table can shrink or disappear. The island doesn’t need to be big — 1,200 × 700 is plenty. Storage on both sides of the island is the trick: shallower cabinets facing the seating side for cookbooks and serving ware, deeper cabinets facing the cook side for pots and the dishwasher. Our Wairau Valley showroom kitchen at 16B Link Drive has exactly this setup — worth a visit if you’re trying to picture it.

15. Break the wall to open the kitchen to your living space

This is the single biggest move on the list, and the one that requires the most planning. Most small Auckland kitchens feel small because they’re cut off from the dining and living rooms by a wall that was there when the house was built in 1925, 1965 or 1985. Removing that wall — even partially — turns a closed kitchen into an open plan kitchen that borrows light, sightlines and air from the next room, and the cook joins the household instead of working in solitary confinement.

Important note: if the wall is load-bearing, you’ll need a structural engineer, a building consent, an LBP-supervised build, and a beam to carry the load above. That’s where a full-renovation company matters — the trades, the engineering, the consent and the build all need to run as one project, not five.

Smart appliances and fixtures for small kitchens

Appliances are the next round of decisions. The brand matters less than people think; the size and the integration matter more.

16. Compact two-burner induction cooktops

A standard 600 mm four-burner cooktop is overkill for a household of two or even three. A 300 mm or 400 mm two-burner induction cooktop frees up 200–300 mm of bench either side, which in a small kitchen is the difference between having room to chop and not. Induction also runs cooler than gas or ceramic, so you can stand closer to the cooktop without the bench heating up. If you cook for larger groups occasionally, pair the smaller cooktop with a portable single burner that goes back in the drawer.

17. Slim profile or integrated appliances

The dishwasher and the fridge are the two biggest space-eaters in a small kitchen. A standard 600 mm dishwasher and a 700 mm side-by-side fridge consume 1,300 mm of run on their own. A slimline 450 mm dishwasher does the same daily wash for a 2–3 person household, and a column fridge (taller and narrower) gives the same volume in less floor footprint. Integrated appliances — clad in the same finish as the cabinetry — also visually shrink the kitchen because the eye reads one continuous run instead of three appliances and a cabinet.

💡 Quick tip: integrated panels add roughly $300–$600 per appliance over a freestanding equivalent. Worth it on the dishwasher and fridge; rarely worth it on the oven, which is already a feature of the kitchen.

18. Install a large single bowl sink

The double bowl sink had its moment. In a small kitchen, it’s the wrong choice. Each bowl is too small to wash a baking tray or a roasting pan, and the divider in the middle is wasted space. A single bowl sink — at least 500 mm wide and 200 mm deep — handles everything from a single mug to a full oven tray, and stays out of sight under the bench profile. Specify it under-mounted so the bench wipes straight into the sink and the silicon line that catches grime in a top-mount sink doesn’t exist.

19. No-handle cabinetry for visual cleanness

Handles are a visual interruption. In a kitchen with eight or ten cabinets, that’s eight or ten interruptions. No-handle cabinetry — either push-to-open or with a routed J-pull on the top edge of the door — reads as a single clean surface, and in a small kitchen that calm makes the room feel less busy. The trade-off is that push-to-open mechanisms can be temperamental over time if the cabinetry isn’t perfectly hung. Routed J-pulls are the more reliable option for households with kids.

Visual tricks that make small kitchens feel open

These four ideas are pure visual cheating. They don’t add storage or change layout. They change the way the room reads.

20. Glass-fronted cabinets for depth

A wall of solid cabinet doors feels heavier than a wall with one or two glass-fronted cabinets in the run. The glass admits a fragment of background — a coloured plate, a stack of glasses — and the eye reads depth where it would otherwise read a flat plane. Specify glass on the upper cabinetry only, and only on cabinets storing things you’d be happy to have on display. The clutter cabinet (the one with the lunchboxes and the cereal) stays solid.

21. Mirror or glass splashback

The splashback is the only surface in the kitchen that sits at eye level on a wall. Make it work: a mirror splashback doubles the perceived width of a galley kitchen, and a back-painted glass splashback in a light colour bounces daylight back into the room. Mirror splashbacks need to be toughened glass with a heat rating if they’re behind a cooktop. Some homeowners find them too literal — they don’t like seeing themselves while cooking — but in a tight kitchen the spatial gain is significant.

💡 Quick tip: back-painted glass in a warm white is the safer choice than a mirror — same daylight bounce, no reflection of yourself mid-cook. Costs about the same per square metre installed.

22. Bi-fold windows above the sink

A bi-fold window opens the kitchen onto a deck, a courtyard or a garden, and on a summer evening turns the window itself into a serving hatch. The kitchen suddenly has twice the footprint because the outside has joined in. Bi-fold windows above a sink need careful detailing for waterproofing — the sill takes water during rain and the seal at the open edge has to drain outward — but the spatial result is dramatic for the cost.

23. Textured feature wall

A single feature wall in a small kitchen — textured tile, V-groove panelling, exposed brick, a strong wallpaper — gives the eye somewhere to land and stops the room reading as a uniform box. The other walls stay calm. Don’t try to make every surface a feature; the wall that gets the texture is usually the one without cabinetry, often behind a dining nook or breakfast bar. The texture adds depth without stealing floor space.

Modern kitchen ideas for 2026

“Modern” in an Auckland kitchen has shifted. The hard, high-gloss, all-white kitchen that defined the 2010s has given way to something warmer and more textural — matte finishes, natural materials, and a few deliberate breaks from the all-neutral palette. These four modern kitchen ideas are the design directions our team is specifying most often for 2026 renovations, and they work as well in a large open-plan kitchen as they do in a compact one.

Matte and textured finishes over high gloss

The single clearest modern kitchen direction for 2026 is the move away from gloss. Matte polyurethane and textured laminate doors are now the default specification — they hide fingerprints, sit more calmly in the room, and read as more expensive than the glossy equivalent. Warm whites, soft greys and muted earth tones lead, with deep forest green and charcoal coming through as cabinetry colours rather than just accents. The fingerprint resistance matters more than it sounds: a matte door in a working kitchen still looks clean at the end of the week.

Two-tone cabinetry

The all-one-colour kitchen is giving way to two-tone schemes — a different colour or material on the lower cabinetry to the uppers, or a contrasting island against the perimeter run. The modern move is a muted base colour on the lowers (forest green, navy, warm clay) with a lighter neutral on the uppers to keep the room feeling open. In a smaller kitchen, keep the darker tone on the island or the lowers only — a dark upper run will close the room in. Two-tone is also a way to bring warmth into a kitchen without committing the whole space to a strong colour.

Natural materials and timber accents

Modern kitchens in 2026 are leaning into natural texture — timber-veneer cabinetry, fluted timber detailing on an island front, stone benchtops with visible movement rather than uniform engineered surfaces. A single timber element in an otherwise painted kitchen does the heavy lifting: an oak open shelf, a timber-fronted bank of drawers, a butcher’s-block end on the island. It softens the hard surfaces that define a kitchen and gives the modern palette somewhere warm to land. The look reads contemporary without the coldness that the early-modern white kitchen could fall into.

Integrated and handle-free for a seamless modern look

The contemporary kitchen reads as a series of clean planes, not a collection of appliances and handles. Integrated appliances clad in cabinetry panels, handle-free push-to-open or J-pull doors, and a continuous benchtop-to-splashback surface are the details that pull a modern kitchen together. This is the same principle behind Ideas 17 and 19 above — in a modern kitchen it becomes the whole design language rather than a single space-saving move. The payoff is a room that feels resolved and calm rather than busy.

“The biggest shift we’re seeing is matte everything and a willingness to use real colour on the cabinetry. The white-gloss kitchen still sells, but the homeowners who’ve done their research are asking for forest green lowers and a timber island. It dates far less quickly than people expect.”
— Cici Zuo, Head of Sales, Superior Renovations

Real small kitchen renovations we’ve delivered in Auckland

Three completed Superior Renovations projects — different suburbs, different home types, different briefs. Each one shows what a few of the ideas above look like in practice.

Parnell townhouse — relocating the kitchen for a small-footprint win

This central Parnell townhouse came to us with a kitchen squeezed into the wrong end of an open-plan living space. The original layout cut the cook off from the dining table and left almost no bench. We moved the kitchen from the left wall to the right, extended the cabinetry down the dining wall as integrated storage, and added a deep single-bowl sink under a new window. The kitchen footprint stayed the same — the layout did the work. Budget range: $55,000–$70,000. See the full Parnell project →

Greenlane — opening up a closed 1960s kitchen

Joanna and Steve’s Greenlane home had a closed-off kitchen typical of its era — a small room with one door in and one door out, separated from the living space by a non-load-bearing wall. We took the wall out, built a breakfast bar across the new opening, and used the bar as both extra prep space and the dividing line between kitchen and dining. The room reads now as roughly twice the size it used to, because the eye stops at the back of the dining room instead of at the kitchen wall. Budget range: $48,000–$62,000. See the full Greenlane project →

Mangere Bridge — a full-renovation kitchen with floating shelf storage

This Mangere Bridge kitchen was a single-wall layout that needed more storage without a footprint change. We added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, floating shelves on the wall opposite the run, and an under-mounted single-bowl sink. The shelves became the focal point of the room — coloured mugs, pottery, cookbooks — and the upper cabinets stored everything that didn’t earn display space. Budget range: $32,000–$45,000.

“The Parnell townhouse came to us as a corridor kitchen — the bench was on the wrong wall. Moving it across, putting the sink under a new window, did more than swapping cabinetry ever could. Layout is where small kitchens win or lose.”
— Alison Yu, Designer, Superior Renovations

How much does a small kitchen renovation cost in Auckland?

Honest answer with ranges. Auckland small kitchen renovations sit in three bands depending on what you’re actually changing.

Band 1: $26,000–$45,000 — like-for-like with new cabinetry and finishes. The kitchen stays in the same footprint. New cabinetry, new benchtop, new appliances, new splashback and floor. No walls move, no plumbing relocates. This is where most small kitchen projects through a full-renovation company sit, with the lower end matching the Auckland average for a mid-range kitchen renovation.

Band 2: $45,000–$70,000 — modest layout changes. The sink moves, a window enlarges, the cooktop swaps walls, perhaps a small section of non-structural wall comes out. Plumbing and electrical relocations bring extra trades into the project, and a building consent is sometimes required depending on what’s moving (see the next section).

Band 3: $70,000–$110,000+ — structural change. A load-bearing wall comes out, a beam goes in, the kitchen extends into a former dining room or new addition. This is where the consent process, the engineer, the LBP supervision and the trade coordination all earn their fees. A small kitchen on paper, but a full-renovation project in reality.

💡 Quick tip: small kitchens save money on cabinetry and material volume — a 6 m² kitchen needs roughly half the cabinetry of a 12 m² one. They don’t save on labour. Trades still need to come, still need a project manager, still need the same coordination time. That’s why a small kitchen rarely costs less than the band 1 floor through a full-renovation company.

Where the wider construction market sits matters too. Cordell’s Construction Cost Index — June 2025 quarter 0.6% rise, annual rate 2.7%; QV CostBuilder Nov 2025 — 0.5% three-month, 1.1% annual; 2020–2024 cumulative rise of ~38%. Construction cost inflation in NZ has cooled significantly in 2025, which means budgeting a renovation in 2026 is more predictable than it has been since 2019.

To work out where your project lands, run the numbers through our kitchen renovation cost calculator — it sets out the cost bands by scope so you can see what a $35K kitchen looks like versus a $75K one before you commit to anything.

“Most homeowners underspend on the layout change and overspend on the appliance brand. Layout drives resale value. The sticker on the oven doesn’t.”
— Eunice Qin, Designer, Superior Renovations

When does a small kitchen renovation need building consent?

The short answer: it depends what you’re moving, not how big the kitchen is. A small kitchen renovation in the same footprint usually doesn’t need a building consent. A small kitchen renovation that moves the plumbing across the room, removes a wall, or adds new sanitary fixtures usually does.

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 exempts certain low-risk work from needing a building consent. The relevant exemptions for kitchens are minor non-structural alterations (replacing cabinetry, painting, retiling), like-for-like fixture replacement (swapping a tap or sink in the same place), and cosmetic work that doesn’t affect the structure, fire safety, or weathertightness of the home. The trades doing the plumbing and electrical still need to be licensed under the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Act and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations — that requirement doesn’t go away just because a building consent isn’t required.

Consent is required when:

• A load-bearing wall is being removed (always)
• Plumbing is being relocated to a new wall, or new fixtures are being added
• The kitchen ventilation is being routed through a new wall penetration or roof
• A new window or skylight is being installed
• The work crosses the threshold into Restricted Building Work, which requires LBP design and supervision

Important note: Auckland Council fees for residential building consents are set on a project-value basis. For a project valued between $20,000 and $99,999 — which covers most small kitchen renovations requiring a consent — the base fee plus processing deposit sits at around $2,870 in the current 2025/26 schedule, with additional inspection fees layered on depending on the number of inspections needed.

For a deeper walkthrough of what triggers consent, when it doesn’t, and how Auckland Council’s process works, see our companion guide: what renovations need building consent in Auckland. The Auckland Council fee schedule is published in full at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, and the MBIE Schedule 1 exemption list sits at building.govt.nz.

What we do as a full-renovation company is run the consent process for you. You don’t lodge the application; we do, with our LBP designer producing the consent drawings and the Records of Work submitted at sign-off. That’s the difference between hiring a cabinetmaker and hiring a renovation company — the cabinetmaker isn’t taking on the consent risk.

Should you renovate, or just replace the cabinetry?

An honest section that doesn’t fit the rest of this article. If your kitchen layout works, the plumbing is fine, the floor is sound, and what you actually want is new cabinetry and a new benchtop in the same footprint — you don’t need a full renovation. You need a cabinetmaker.

The full-renovation model pays for itself when there are multiple trades to coordinate, walls to move, consents to manage, or an entire room being reworked. If none of that applies, the renovation overhead — project management, the engineer, the consent fees, the trades you don’t need — adds cost you won’t recover at resale. For cabinetry-only work, our sister brand Little Giant Interiors’ small kitchen design guide is the better starting point — they design, manufacture and install custom cabinetry in their own Auckland factory, and you’d manage the other trades yourself (or none, if the cabinetry is genuinely all that’s changing).

Where Superior Renovations comes in is the second case: when the wall needs to come out, when the layout has to change, when the kitchen is part of a wider renovation, when you’d rather not coordinate a builder, a plumber, an electrician, a tiler and a painter yourself. Same group, different jobs. The choice between them is really a choice about scope.

Ready to talk about your kitchen renovation?

If your project is more than cabinetry — if the layout has to change, if the wall has to move, if you’d rather have one project manager coordinating every trade instead of chasing five contractors yourself — we’d love to talk. Book a free, no-obligation in-home consultation and we’ll come out, look at the space, talk through what’s possible, and give you an honest read on scope and budget before you commit to anything.

➡ Book your free in-home consultation with Superior Renovations
➡ Use our kitchen renovation cost calculator to see where your project lands
➡ Request a free feasibility report for your project

Kitchen ideas FAQ

Further Resources for your small kitchen renovation

1. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
2. Real client stories from Auckland

Need more information?

Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Download Free Renovation Guide (PDF)

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

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*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

Hey Aucklanders, if you’re planning a kitchen reno in your Grey Lynn villa or a modern Albany hub and want it to look stunning while actually working for busy mornings and evening gatherings, nailing the lighting is an absolute game-changer. This guide shows how layered lighting—mixing ambient, task, accent, and decorative—boosts functionality, highlights your flash features like backsplashes or islands, and creates that warm, inviting vibe we Kiwis love, all while dodging common pitfalls in our variable 2025 climate.

Why’s Lighting So Crucial for a Beautiful and Practical Kitchen in NZ Homes?

It’s not just about seeing what you’re chopping, eh? Good lighting sets the mood, makes tasks safer (no more shadows on the bench during veg prep), and turns your kitchen into a proper heart-of-the-home spot for barbies prep or family dinners. Designers like Dorothy and Sachi from Superior Renovations reckon planning it early complements your layout perfectly—think highlighting a herringbone tile splashback from Tile Depot in a Wairau Valley setup, or using skylights in Herne Bay renos for natural boost. Poor lighting leaves it flat and sterile; layered approaches make it versatile, energy-efficient with LEDs, and even smart-controlled for our busy lives.

What’s the Deal with the Four Main Types of Kitchen Lighting?

Break it down like this:

• Ambient — Gives that overall soft glow from recessed ceiling lights or sconces—dimmable ones are gold for welcoming vibes in Remuera kitchens.
• Task — Focused beams where you need ’em, like under-cabinet strips for bench work or pendants over sinks and stovetops—cuts eye strain in humid Auckland evenings.
• Accent — Spotlights or uplighters to showcase features, such as inside glass cabinets or on 3D tiles in Henderson Valley bars—adds depth and elegance.
• Decorative — Statement pieces like chandeliers or big pendants that double as art, perfect focal points over islands in modern Parnell designs.

Layer ’em up—combine with natural light from windows or skylights, chuck in dimmers, and you’re sorted for everything from bright cooking to cosy dinners.

How Can You Avoid Common Lighting Stuff-Ups in Your Auckland Reno?

Don’t rely on one harsh overhead fluoro—creates shadows and that cold feel. Skip insufficient task lights (accidents waiting to happen), overly bright or coloured bulbs that overwhelm, mismatched fixtures clashing with your style, or forgetting dimmers/smart controls. We’ve seen heaps of transformations, like matte acrylic cabinets in Remuera glowing with accent lights, or showroom displays with everything dimmable—gets it right and your kitchen feels epic year-round.

Fancy lighting that makes your kitchen pop and work brilliantly for your whānau? Reach out to Superior Renovations for a free consult—what’s your current lighting gripe?

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in kitchen design. It does more than just illuminate the space; it sets the tone, enhances functionality, and contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. As kitchen designers and interior designers know, the right lighting can transform a kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why lighting is so essential in kitchen design and how it can be effectively used to achieve a beautiful and functional kitchen space.

See more…

Our Newly Launched Design Department (Exclusive Design Studio)

Design Studio

Design Process

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3 Main Role of Lighting in Kitchen Design used by designers

Enhancing Aesthetics

Lighting plays a significant role in defining the aesthetics of a kitchen. Whether your kitchen has a contemporary, traditional, or transitional style, the type of lighting you choose will enhance these design elements. For instance, pendant lights over a kitchen island can serve as both a focal point and a design statement, reflecting your kitchen’s style and character.

Moreover, lighting can highlight specific features in your kitchen, such as a backsplash, countertops, or cabinetry. By directing light toward these elements, you can draw attention to them, making them stand out and adding depth to the overall design.

Showcase: If you look at the lighting beneath the cabinets, in the picture below, you will see how our designer Dorothy installed these lights to showcase the beautiful splash back as a design feature. This also acts as a task light to make coffee or drinks. This classic kitchen design can be seen in our showroom at Wairau valley, Auckland.

The beautiful tile sheets from Tile depot were used to add a touch of luxury to this feature wall. They are installed in a Herringbone style and are a combination of stone engineered to look like marble as well as gold metal. This can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland (Wairau Valley).

See more: Details on all our renovation displays in our Auckland showroom

Superior renovations showroom – Walk in today

Improving Functionality

While aesthetics are important, functionality is paramount in kitchen design. The kitchen is a space where various tasks are performed, from cooking to cleaning to socializing. Proper lighting ensures that each of these tasks can be carried out efficiently and safely.

For example, task lighting under cabinets can provide direct illumination on countertops, making food preparation easier and reducing the risk of accidents. Similarly, well-placed overhead lighting can ensure that the entire kitchen is adequately lit, eliminating shadows and making the space more comfortable to work in.

Creating Ambiance

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where families gather and guests are entertained. The right lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the kitchen a more pleasant space to spend time in. Dimmers and layered lighting schemes can allow you to adjust the lighting to suit different occasions, from a bright, well-lit environment for cooking to a softer, more relaxed ambiance for dining or entertaining.

4 Types of Lighting in Kitchen Design

To achieve a well-lit and beautifully designed kitchen, it’s essential to incorporate different types of lighting. Kitchen designers typically use a combination of ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting to create a balanced and functional lighting scheme.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting sets the overall tone of your kitchen, transforming it from a purely functional space into a warm, welcoming environment. This type of lighting fills the room with a soft, even glow, making it comfortable for activities beyond cooking, such as dining and socializing. Options like recessed ceiling lights, track lighting, and strategically placed wall sconces create a well-lit space that feels open and inviting.

Showcase: This kitchen rendering designed by our Kitchen designer Sachi includes soft ambient lights at the ceiling, task lighting above the stove top and accent lighting in the cabinets to create a simple yet soft and warm kitchen. Below is a Kitchen rendering which our clients get after going through a comprehensive design process in our designer.

A soft kitchen design uses simple yet clever use of lighting for a warm kitchen design.

See more: Our Design Department Design Packages (Design Studio)

To enhance the versatility of ambient lighting, kitchen designers often recommend installing dimmer switches, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to the time of day or the mood you wish to create. By layering different light sources, such as over-cabinet lighting or toe kick lights, you can define various zones within your kitchen, making it a multifunctional space that caters to all your needs.

Task Lighting

ask lighting is crucial for creating a functional kitchen, as it provides focused illumination for essential work areas. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, reading recipes, or cleaning up, task lighting ensures you can perform these tasks safely and efficiently. Popular options include under-cabinet lighting, which eliminates shadows on countertops, and pendant lights over kitchen islands for direct, bright light.

Recessed lights can also be strategically placed above work zones like the sink, stove, and dishwasher, ensuring every area is well-lit. Integrating natural light sources, such as large windows or skylights, can further enhance task lighting by providing bright, even illumination throughout the day. By carefully planning and placing task lighting, kitchen designers ensure that every corner of your kitchen is practical and user-friendly.

Showcase: This Kitchen renovation that we designed for Henderson Valley boasts accent lights above below the cabinets in the bar area to enhance its aesthetic and showcase the beautiful 3D tiles. It also creates a beautiful ambience when paired with the recessed lights and pendant lighting. This simple use of different lighting creates a stunning design.

Kitchen renovation designed by our designers in Henderson Valley.

See more: Full Case study + Before and After pictures for the above project.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting plays a significant role in highlighting the design elements that make your kitchen unique. It draws attention to specific features, such as a stunning backsplash, open shelving, or an art piece, turning them into focal points within the room. Options like spotlights, uplighters, and directional sconces are ideal for showcasing these elements, adding depth and character to your kitchen. For example, if you have a feature wall with a beautiful tile design, accent lighting can emphasize its texture and color, making it a standout aspect of your kitchen.

Showcase: This Kitchen renovation in Remuera was designed by Dorothy. She used matte acrylic boards for the cabinets, contrasted by glossy benchtop and splash back with upper cabinets with glass door. She takes the kitchen design further by adding accent lights inside the glass cabinets and task lighting below it.

Clever use of lighting to elevate the over all design of this kitchen design

Additionally, accent lighting can be used inside glass-front cabinets to illuminate decorative glassware or collectibles, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space. Kitchen designers often use accent lighting to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, ensuring that every design choice is highlighted to its fullest potential.

A closer look at the accent lighting and task lighting in the drinks/Coffee corner.

Showcase: This Kitchen Display in our renovation showroom in Auckland shows the various uses of lighting in this kitchen design. Accent lighting was used in the Veneer Open Cabinets, LED task lighting during the sink area, Accent lighting below the bottom cabinets to showcase the flooring, Pendant Lighting above the benchtop and recessed lighting on the ceilings. All these lights can be dimmed to create a cozy atmosphere and a warm atmosphere within the space. This design showcases that lights are not an after thought during the renovation. They can really add beautiful touches within the space, take the kitchen design to another level as well as add warms within the space and create a more functional space.

A look at one of our displays in our kitchen display in our showroom display in Auckland.

Below is a closer look a Kitchen renovation in Henderson Valley, Auckland with Accent lights.

A kitchen renovation in Henderson Valley

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting combines style with functionality, acting as both an illumination source and a design statement. In the kitchen, decorative lighting fixtures like chandeliers, large pendants, or unique light sculptures can serve as stunning focal points, elevating the overall aesthetic of the space. These fixtures not only provide essential lighting but also contribute to the kitchen’s design theme, whether it’s modern, rustic, or traditional.

Showcase: This Kitchen display in our Renovation showroom in Auckland show cases the use decorative chandelier lighting to add to the kitchen design. This shows how lighting is not necessarily for light but also as a design element.

This Kitchen design shows how different materials, textures, lighting and finishes can be harmoniously to create a cohesive Kitchen design.

Showcase: This Kitchen renovation we did uses pendant lighting as decorative lighting to elevate the kitchen design.

Simple modern Kitchen renovation uses decorative lighting within the kitchen design. See full video transformation below.

See below the full transformation of the above Kitchen renovation.

For example, a chandelier over the dining table can add a touch of luxury and sophistication, while pendant lights with natural materials can give your kitchen an organic, earthy feel. Kitchen designers carefully select decorative lighting to complement the overall design scheme, ensuring that each fixture enhances the space both visually and functionally. By incorporating decorative lighting, you can personalize your kitchen, making it a true reflection of your style and taste.

How Kitchen Designers Incorporate Lighting into Their Designs

Professional kitchen designers understand that lighting is an integral part of the kitchen design process. They consider lighting from the very beginning, ensuring that it complements the layout, enhances functionality, and aligns with the overall design vision. Here’s how they do it:

Planning the Layout

The first step in incorporating lighting into kitchen design is planning the layout. Kitchen designers assess the natural light available and decide where additional lighting is needed. They consider the kitchen’s workflow, identifying key areas that require task lighting, such as the stove, sink, and preparation areas.

Designers also think about the placement of electrical outlets and how lighting fixtures will be installed. For example, if pendant lights are planned for an island, they ensure that the wiring is in place to accommodate them.

See more: Top 16 Kitchen design ideas for Small Kitchens

Showcase: Below you can see a Kitchen render done by our designer Sachi (from our design studio) and showcases the use of natural lighting in the kitchen. She created two sky lights to bring in more light into the kitchen adding to the pendant lighting above the island, recessed lighting around the fridge and accent lighting near island.

Beautiful Kitchen renders done by Sachi from our Design Studio

Elevation 2 of Render done by Sachi from our Design Studio

Showcase: This Kitchen that we renovated in Herne Bay shows the skylights within the Kitchen design.

Kitchen renovation in Herne Bay with Sky lights for added natural light in the Kitchen

See full Design Transformation for Above Project

Layering the Lighting

A well-designed kitchen typically features layered lighting, which combines different types of lighting to create a balanced and versatile lighting scheme. Kitchen designers layer ambient, task, accent, and decorative lighting to ensure that the kitchen is well-lit and functional.

By layering the lighting, designers can create different zones within the kitchen, each with its own lighting needs. For example, the cooking area may have bright task lighting, while the dining area may feature softer ambient lighting for a more relaxed atmosphere.

This Kitchen renders by our designer Sachi from the design studio showcases the clever use of layered lighting, and a harmony of various textures and materials creating a cohesive design.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

The choice of lighting fixtures is crucial in kitchen design. Designers select fixtures that complement the kitchen’s style and meet the functional requirements of the space. For instance, sleek, modern kitchens may benefit from minimalist recessed lights, while traditional kitchens may feature ornate chandeliers or lantern-style pendant lights.

In addition to aesthetics, designers consider the quality of light each fixture provides. They opt for energy-efficient LED lights that offer bright, clear illumination and have a long lifespan. They also ensure that the color temperature of the lights matches the kitchen’s mood, whether it’s warm and inviting or cool and contemporary.

Elevation 2 of Kitchen renders by our Design studio

Integrating Smart Lighting Solutions

With the rise of smart home technology, many kitchen designers now incorporate smart lighting solutions into their designs. Smart lighting allows homeowners to control the brightness, color, and timing of their lights through a smartphone app or voice commands.

This technology offers convenience and flexibility, enabling homeowners to create different lighting scenes for various activities, such as cooking, dining, or entertaining. Smart lighting systems can also be integrated with other smart home devices, such as voice-activated assistants or motion sensors, for a fully automated and customizable kitchen experience.

What Kind of Lighting Not to Include in a Kitchen Design

While the right lighting can enhance the beauty and functionality of a kitchen, the wrong lighting choices can have the opposite effect. Here’s what to avoid when designing a kitchen:

1. Harsh, Overhead Lighting

Harsh, overhead lighting, especially when used as the sole source of illumination, can create an unwelcoming and clinical atmosphere in the kitchen. Fluorescent lights are a common culprit, as they often emit a cold, harsh light that can make the space feel sterile and uncomfortable.

Instead of relying solely on overhead lighting, it’s better to incorporate a mix of lighting types, including task and ambient lighting, to create a more balanced and inviting atmosphere. If overhead lighting is necessary, opt for fixtures with dimmable options and warm color temperatures.

2. Insufficient Task Lighting

A common mistake in kitchen design is neglecting task lighting. Without adequate task lighting, work areas can be poorly lit, making it difficult to perform tasks like chopping, cooking, and cleaning. Relying solely on ambient lighting can result in shadows and uneven light distribution, which can lead to accidents and eye strain.

To avoid this, ensure that all work areas in the kitchen are well-lit with appropriate task lighting. Under-cabinet lights, pendant lights, and recessed spotlights are all effective options for providing direct illumination where it’s needed most.

3. Overly Bright or Colorful Lighting

While bold, colorful lighting might seem like a fun way to add personality to the kitchen, it can quickly become overwhelming and distracting. Bright, neon-colored lights or overly bright LEDs can create an unsettling atmosphere, making the kitchen less enjoyable to spend time in.

It’s important to choose lighting that complements the kitchen’s overall design and color scheme. Subtle, neutral lighting with adjustable brightness is usually a better choice, as it can create a calm and cohesive environment.

See more: 10 Mistakes to avoid when designing your Kitchen

4. Mismatched Fixtures

Mismatched lighting fixtures can disrupt the visual harmony of the kitchen, making it look disjointed and chaotic. While it’s possible to mix different styles of lighting, such as combining modern and traditional elements, it’s essential to do so with care and intention.

When choosing lighting fixtures, consider how they will work together as a cohesive whole. Ensure that the fixtures complement each other in terms of style, finish, and scale. If you’re unsure, sticking to a consistent design theme or seeking the advice of a kitchen designer can help you achieve a harmonious look.

See more: A guide to Kitchen Layouts (understanding ergonomics)

5. Neglecting Dimmers and Controls

One of the most common mistakes in kitchen lighting is failing to incorporate dimmers and lighting controls. Without these, you’re left with a single level of brightness that may not be suitable for all tasks or occasions.

Dimmers allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights, creating different moods and atmospheres depending on the time of day or activity. For example, you can have bright lighting for cooking and softer, dimmer lighting for dining or entertaining. Incorporating smart controls can also provide convenience, allowing you to adjust the lighting with ease.

In conclusion, thoughtful lighting design can transform your kitchen into a space that is not only beautiful but also highly functional. By carefully selecting and positioning different types of lighting, you can create a kitchen that truly feels like the heart of your home. For more insights, consider exploring further information on kitchen lighting design.

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Meet our designers to transform your home with our exclusive design studio experience.

If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools

• Bathroom Renovation Cost Calculator
• Kitchen Renovation Cost Calculator
• Reroofing Cost Calculator
• Double Glazing Cost Calculator
• House Extension Cost Calculator
• Custom Kitchen Cabinetry Cost Calculator

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

Need more information?

Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Download Free Renovation Guide (PDF)

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Still have questions unanswered?

Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations,
we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!

We have recently opened a renovation showroom in Auckland with 3 displays of renovated kitchens, 5 displays of renovated bathrooms as well as a design studio. We are the first of its kind in New Zealand as this is not just a manufacturer’s showroom but a showroom where our clients can see the quality of our workmanship as well as explore the myriad of renovation materials that are available today.

Our showroom was created to highlight essential storage in kitchens, the different range of revolutionary materials available today as well as different kitchen designs.

With the creation of this showroom, we decided that it would be a good idea to create an article explaining the different materials used in our kitchen showroom display designs and their features as well as benefits for families. The idea is to educate our clients about the revolutionary and innovative renovation materials available today.

Table of contents:

1. Difference between our showroom and other kitchen showrooms in Auckland ⇓
2. Our lead renovation designers Cici and Dorothy – examples of their prior work ⇓
3. Highlighting our modern matte black kitchen in our kitchen showroom ⇓
   
   – Overall design highlight
   – Premium Acrylic boards for cabinets – features and benefits
   – Leather finish benchtops – Features and Benefits
   – Silgranit Sink – What exactly is Silgranit?
   – Soft close technology for cabinets
   – No handle set up + Push open cabinets
   – Maximising storage solutions in a sleek kitchen
   – Waterproof Laminate floors
   – who are these types of materials/kitchens good for?
4. Highlighting our Classic kitchen in our Kitchen showroom ⇓
   – Overall classic design explained
   – highlighting 60mm polished benchtop
   – Handcrafted cabinet fronts
   – Feature walls
   – Premium luxury materials
5. Contemporary Kitchen in our Kitchen showroom ⇓
   – How to achieve a great design which is budget friendly
   – Premium Acrylic cabinet fronts Vs Mid-range acrylic cabinets
   – Combination of different materials to create a contemporary style
   – Creating continuity with benchtop and splashback
   – Why is this kitchen more budget friendly than the other two?

Renovation showroom vs Kitchen manufacturer’s showroom – Why we are different? ⇑ (Back to the top)

Chances are that if you are renovating your kitchen, you are also changing its flooring, painting the walls, and moving electric sockets around. With kitchen manufacturing companies you will have to find the additional trades, handle supply deliveries, and manage the process.

Most showrooms that you see in Auckland are kitchen manufacturing companies that have a showroom where they display their quality of kitchens. You will mostly meet a designer that designs your kitchen which is then manufactured and installed at your home. They do not however provide other trades like electricians, builders, plumbers, painters, or a project manager. You will also have to go to flooring companies to select your flooring, choose a painting company, and organise other trades.

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

 

Our Renovation showroom in 16D Link drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland. Our renovation showroom has 3 kitchen displays, 5 Bathroom displays, a Design studio and 100s of renovation materials for you experience. We encourage our clients to visit our showroom to see the quality of our workmanship.

 

In our case, we are a renovation company that specialises in project management. When renovating a kitchen with us, our project manager will come to your home and measure your kitchen are and discuss your design ideas. Our lead kitchen designers Dorothy and Cici will then create your kitchen design using CAD and sketch up. Our project manager will then give you a fixed quote and with all the specifications for your project as well as timeline.

Before accepting our quote, we would encourage you to visit our showroom to see the quality of our workmanship. Once you have accepted our proposal, we will first finalise your kitchen design and once approved, it will be manufactured in Auckland which would take from 2-3 weeks.

While the kitchen cabinets and benchtops are being manufactured, we will take you to our flooring, lighting appliance supplier showrooms to select all your other fittings for the kitchen. We will then install your cabinets and benchtop, install your flooring, and provide all trades like electricians, flooring installers, painters, plasterers, plumbers, builders and you will have a dedicated project manager to oversee the entire renovation process.

Cici and Dorothy – Our in-house Renovation and Kitchen designers (Examples of their kitchen designs)– ⇑ (Back to the top)

Cici and Dorothy come with an extensive experience in designing renovation spaces which are functional yet beautifully designed. They both worked together to create our kitchen showroom displays as well as our bathroom showroom displays. They create initial designs on sketch up but also create 3D renderings and models using CAD for our renovation clients. They are an asset to our company not just because they are very good designers but they also have extensive knowledge about the evolving renovation materials of today.

A kitchen renovation in Massey – Take a look at the design phase behind this Kitchen renovation.

The kitchen renovation pictured below was designed by Dorothy and managed by our project manager Jin. It was primarily designed to renovate a closed off kitchen into an open plan kitchen with an area to entertain.

The pictures below show the transformation of a kitchen renovation that we carried out in Massey, Auckland. The kitchen was a closed off room which was demolished an open plan living which is often why many of our clients get their kitchens renovated. A bar area was also created which was extended from the kitchen. Dorothy and our client decided to use the same renovation materials as well as cabinetry for the kitchen as well as bar to maintain continuity in the overall kitchen design.

Before the kitchen renovation

Design draft 1

Design Draft 2

After the Kitchen was Renovated

 

Design drafts Vs Reality of the kitchen

Elevation 1 Kitchen design Vs Completed Kitchen

 

Elevation 2 Kitchen design Vs Completed Kitchen

Elevation 3 Kitchen design Vs Completed Kitchen

 

Other drafts initial designs

 

Read: Before, and After pictures + design specifications of a kitchen renovation in Massey designed by Dorothy

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1st Display – Modern Matte Black kitchen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland ⇑ (Back to the top)

 

Dorothy designed this kitchen for our kitchen showroom keeping a minimalistic and sleek design in mind. This kitchen also highlights different storage solutions as well as in cabinet organisation that you can incorporate in your kitchen design to make it more functional.

This kitchen showroom display also highlights the revolutionary renovation materials that are available today. These renovation materials ensure that cleaning up and prolongs the durability of the kitchen.

 

 

The key features of this kitchen showroom display includes:

• Premium Acrylic boards on MDF boards for all kitchen cabinets and drawers
• Stone engineered benchtop with a leather finish
• Timber Veneer boards for floating shelves
• Glass Splashback
• Downdraft rangehood on the island
• Large induction stove on the island
• Hidden fridge and dishwasher
• Pull our rubbish and recycling bins
• Full length pull out pantry with drawers
• Pull out condiment cabinet
• Magic corner for corner cabinet
• Hidden drawers
• Soft close cabinet and drawers with a push open technology
• Silgranit sink with a insinkerator
• Waterproof SPC laminate floors

 

Design stages for the kitchen display done by Dorothy

You can see some of Dorothy’s preliminary designs for this display for our kitchen showroom. This is one of our most interactive kitchens in our showroom because practically all storage and appliances are hidden behind the cabinets. Our clients spend most of their time on this kitchen because there is always a surprise behind each cabinet/drawer that they open.

 

As mentioned above, the materials and and functionality of this kitchen makes it a unique kitchen display. The materials are innovative and revolutionary for the families of today. Kitchens are no longer serve the same purpose that they did in the past. They are now a hub of entertainment and often a place that the whole whole family congregates around in the evenings or for a quick breakfast before school or work.

It is no longer a separate room but a room in the living space with an open plan setting. Children and adults often cook their meals together which makes it important that the materials used to create your kitchen are durable and easy to clean/maintain.

“I wanted to show our clients that you can achieve a sleek and minimalistic look for their kitchen design without compromising on storage or functionality. Storage solutions of older kitchens are often either bulky or inconvenient for accessibility. The materials especially are an highlight for this kitchen because they are very durable and easy to clean.” explains Dorothy when asked about her vision for this kitchen showroom display.

Most people renovate their kitchens or even homes only once or twice in their lifetime which means that there is a serious lack of knowledge about the renovation materials of today. Our aim through this article is to educate our clients about the materials that we use as a renovation company as well as the materials in our kitchen showroom displays.

Read more…

10 Mistakes to avoid when designing your kitchen by our in-house kitchen designers

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in NZ (2022)

Cabinets and panels for all cabinetry – What are they actually made of?

All the cabinets and drawers fronts in this matte black kitchen are made of premium acrylic that is pressed on FSC certified MDF. The carcass or framework of the cabinetry is made of particle board.

Premium Acrylic panels on MDF boards for all the cabinet and drawer fronts. Recessed Veneer below the stone engineered countertop gives the benchtop an appearance of floating.

What is MDF?

MDF or Medium density fibreboard is manufactured or engineered in a factory. It is made by breaking down any scrap/residual parts of hardwood which are bound with wax and resin. High pressure and temperature is applied to this to make them into panels.

Premium Acrylic panels by Laminex

We have used Laminex’s premium acrylic decorative boards which are pressed on the locally made FSC certified MDF. They have a great depth of colour with a matte finish that is made smooth to almost feel like velvet.

These panels are beautiful yet durable and very easy to clean. Some of the features of these premium acrylic panels are as follows:

• They are fingerprint resistance – this means that you will not have to keep wiping off finger prints from the cabinets.
• They are easy to clean as they do repel dust
• They are scratch resistant – this is great especially for kitchens where it is easy to scratch the fronts by sharp objects.
• Stain resistant – The fact that these cabinets cannot be stained means that you don’t have to worry about wiping any spillage immediately while cooking.
• They are soft to touch and come with a 10 year warranty.

 

The panels we have chose for our kitchen showroom display is Metallic coal but it does come in 8 other colours which gives you alot of options when designing your kitchen.

When you open one of our hidden drawers, you will see all the other colours that you can use to customise your kitchen in the style that you would like.

 

Benchtop used in this kitchen display

The benchtop is also engineered stone with a concrete look. Dorothy wanted this kitchen to have an overall matte finish for all its materials and hence the benchtop also has a matte finish. We work closely with the supplier UniQuartz that create beautiful stone engineered benchtops.

This benchtop is also soft to touch like the acrylic panels and has a leather finish (which means its not polished but has texture when you touch it).

The key features of this material is as follows:

• It is stain resistant – this is great for when you are cooking and you don’t have to worry about any spills staining your benchtop
• They wont crack easily if you put a heavy put or if something drops on it unexpectedly from any top cabinets.
• They can withstand up to 410 degree Celsius without any damage to it.
• You can wipe any spills easily with a cloth or paper towel
• It has a textured feel to it when you touch it with a concrete look

 

The top edge of the benchtops have a shark nose that gives the benchtop a floating quality. This can be seen in the picture below.

All the floating shelves are made of Veneer board with a crown cut. Veneer board is basically MDF with real timber on the surface. The floating shelves add warmth to the kitchen and cut the monotony of the matte black cabinets. It also allows clients to display ornaments, crockery or wine making the kitchen homely.

Read more…

Mary Stuart’s Before and After Spanish Kitchen renovation – with Spanish style stone engineered benchtop

Lynette and Henry’s modern kitchen renovation – Black Stone engineered benchtop with ingrained sparkles

No handle set up + technology used in cabinets

This kitchen does not have any knobs or handles to open the drawers or cabinets. All the lower cabinets have a shark nose at the edge, making it easier to grip and open them. There is a veneer board recessed strip between the benchtop and cabinet edge which has an LED light strip making it easier to see where you open the cabinets in the dark.

All the top cabinets use a ‘push open’ technology to open the cabinets which simply means that you push the cabinet and it opens. As the cabinets are finger print resistant, you will not find any fingerprint marks when you touch the top cabinets.

All the cabinet and drawers use a ‘soft close’ technology which reduces means that even if you slam the cupboards, they will slow down and close softly. This is great as it reduces noise in the kitchen and especially when young kids are in the kitchen.

Glass mirror splashbacks – Why a glass mirror splashback was used for this kitchen showroom display?

Tiles have always been the most popular choice for splashback for kitchens. Glass mirror splashbacks have seen a growth in popularity recently especially for modern and contemporary kitchen designs.

This glass mirror splashback in our kitchen showroom is coloured black to match the overall kitchen design. Contrary to popular belief, this splashback is resistant to heat as it is made of toughened glass and will will not break easily. Using glass mirrors is also a way of making your kitchen look more spacious. Glass splashbacks are also easy to clean compared to tiles as there are not grout lines.

Extensive Storage solutions for your kitchen design – Making organisation easy

Most of our kitchen renovations include making the kitchens into an open plan kitchen. Open plan kitchens often have the living and dining area in the same space as the kitchen. While open plan kitchens promote family interaction, they also pose a problem. The problem is that open plan kitchens need to look presentable and uncluttered at all times as they are visible from other living areas. This means that you should be able to store all your big appliances, condiments, pots and pans inside the cabinets comfortably.

Dorothy says that the ease of retrieving your appliances/condiments should also be considered when building internal storage or organisation for cabinets and drawers.

This kitchen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland is a great example of good storage with great internal organisation and everything is easy to find/retrieve.

Hideaway Dishwasher and Fridge in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Having your dishwasher and fridge hidden behind your cabinets gives your kitchen a seamless and sleek look. This is especially an advantage for open plan kitchens as there is an added emphasis on aesthetics in open plan kitchens.

So how do hideaway dishwashers and fridge work? The cabinet fronts are attached to the exterior of the dishwasher and fridge so from the exterior it looks like a cabinet.

We have created hidden dishwasher and fridge in our kitchen showroom to show our clients how they look and feel.

Hidden SMEG dishwasher with cabinet front attached to the exterior of the dishwasher in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Hidden Fridge and Freezer with cabinet fronts attached to the exterior of the fridge in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Pull out panty with drawers

The older pantries in our kitchens often just feature a large cabinet with shelves. We often store all our pantry items in the shelves and no matter how much we organise it, it always ends up looking cluttered. When retrieving items from behind, we have to move the items in front out of the way. This wastes time as and is also quite inconvenient.

This kitchen display shows a pull out pantry that you can build it within your kitchen with in built compartments as seen below. The in built drawers are see through from the sides which means that you can see all your pantry items which makes retrieving them easy.

Pull out pantry with in-built shelves makes it easy for you to clearly see all the stored items and retrieve them. – This pantry can be seen in our matte black kitchen display in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland.

 

Individual drawers in the pull out pantry

 

There are several types of pull out pantries that can be incorporated in a kitchen design. We did a full kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe which included creating pull out drawers in a pantry as opposed to the entire pantry being pulled out. In this type of pantry you can pull out individual drawers with see through plastic drawers making organisation of items and retrieving of them easy (see below).

 

Kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe with individual pull out drawers built within the pantry.

 

In this pantry, instead of building an entire pull out pantry, we instead created individual drawers that can be pulled out.

 

See full kitchen renovation specifications + Before and After pictures (for renovation above)

Magic Corner for corner cabinets in our Kitchen showroom

What exactly is a magic corner? Magic corner is a storage solution for corner cabinets or L shaped corner cabinets. It is often hard to get appliances or pots from the corner part of the cabinets which is where a magic corner comes in handy. The idea of a magic corner is to build a shelf which can be pulled out completely. See below for the magic corner that we installed for our matte black kitchen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland (at Wairau Valley).

Magic corner in our kitchen showroom for our matte black modern kitchen

 

As is the case with a pantry, magic corners come in various designs depending on the preference of our clients. You can see a few examples of different magic corner styles that we have used in our clients’ kitchen renovations around Auckland.

 

Kitchen renovation in Hillsborough

Kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe

Kitchen specifications + Before and After renovation for Hillsborough Kitchen renovation (Picture above left)

Kitchen specifications + Before and After renovation for Papatoetoe Kitchen renovation (Picture above right)

 

Pull out bins + Recycling bin in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Pull out bins and recycling bins have become popular with clients because they are more hygienic than bins that are on the floor beside the kitchen. They also make the kitchen area look less cluttered without a bin on the floor. This kitchen showroom display has two full sized pull out bins which are installed next to the sink for easy disposal of rubbish.

 

2 Full sized bins that can be pulled out from the cabinets in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Some examples of pull out bins that we have incorporated in client kitchen designs. As you can see the bins in our client homes as seen below are half length bins as there is also a drawer beneath it. The size of bins depends on your preference as some of our client s prefer to empty the bins more often than others.

 

Kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe

Kitchen renovation in West Harbour

 

Pull out condiment cabinet in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Pull out condiment cabinets may not be a necessity in a kitchen but it makes organisation easy. Condiment drawers are usually built around near the stove for easy access while cooking. Our kitchen showcases just that in the picture seen below.

Pull out condiment cabinet in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Most of the kitchens we have renovated include a condiment cabinet like this in its kitchen design. Some examples of pull out condiment cabinets can be seen below in our kitchen renovations that we have completed in Auckland.

 

 

Hidden drawers with a drawer in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Dorothy’s vision for this particular kitchen display in our kitchen showroom was to create a sleek look especially from the exterior. This meant that smaller drawers like cutlery drawers would create smaller lines in the exterior which would not make things look seamless. Hence, Dorothy decided to incorporate smaller drawers within the big drawers as seen below in our kitchen showroom display.

 

Smaller hidden drawers within the larger drawers to create an even and seamless look from the exterior.

 

Downdraft Range hood with a large safety induction cooktop in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

The induction stove top was designed to be installed in the kitchen island for this kitchen design. The induction stovetop is by SMEG and has a safety feature which means that even after you are done cooking, it is safe to touch and will not remain hot. This is especially good for households with young children.

Large induction stovetop from SMEG with a safety feature in our kitchen showroom in Auckland. The downdraft range hood goes back into the benchtop when not in use.

When you need to use the downdraft range hood, you simply press a button and it comes up.

 

Keeping to the seamless design in mind, Dorothy decided that having a rangehood at the top of the stovetop might make the area look cluttered and cumbersome. Hence she decided to include a downdraft range hood which goes back into the benchtop when not in use. In order to use it, you just have to push a small button and it comes back up.

 

When in use the downdraft range hood comes up from the benchtop. This can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland (Wairau Valley).

 

Electric downdraft rangehood.

 

In order build a downdraft rangehood you need to have an island that has space behind the rangehood as the electric mechanisms need to be built behind and under the cabinet of the benchtop.

In built Microwave, 2 Ovens and a Steamer Oven

 

In built 2 Ovens, Microwave, and Steamer Oven from SMEG – Can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

This kitchen really shows how sleek and functional a kitchen design can really be. In the picture above, you can see that there are 4 appliances that are built in within the cabinetry. As they are not switched on, you cannot see the light on the touch screen. There are 2 ovens, 1 microwave, and a steamer oven built within the cabinets. Originally Dorothy wanted to include an inbuilt coffee machine instead of 2 ovens but we did experience some supply issues during the creation of our showroom so we decided to forgo the in-built coffee machine.

 

Silgranit sink from Blanco in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

There are a diverse set of sinks that can be included in your kitchen depending on your preference and kitchen design. There are many types of sinks available like ceramic, stainless steel, stone sinks, and silgranit. We have used Silgranit sinks for 2 of our kitchen displays in our kitchen showroom due to its popularity with most of our client renovations as well as its many features and benefits.

What exactly is Silgranit? These granite sinks are made of a composite material made up to 80% of quartz sand. Quartz sand is the strongest part of granite. They feel like stone and are easy to clean, is stain resistant, very strong and can withstand high temperatures therefore making them suitable for todays modern kitchens.

Features and Benefits of Silgranit from Blanco – Why our designers prefer this above other materials?

• Promotes healthy living as it has a build in patented protective formula called Hygiene+Plus. It reduces growth of kitchen bacteria by about 98%.
• Stain resistant – Unlike white or ceramic sinks that stain easily from red wine or food, silgranit sinks do not stain. All you have to do is rinse it with a tap to clean. You will not require to use any cleaning solutions or scrubbing.
• It is very strong – 80% of silgranit sinks are made of quartz which is the strongest component of granite. This means that it will not damage with any type of heavy pot falling on it. It is very resilient and will not chip off, crack or break.
• Heat resistant – It is heat resistant up to 280 degree Celsius which is incredible for pots that get very hot while cooking over a flame. Even if you have a boiling water tap installed in your sink it won’t damage your sink.
• Scratch resistant – Silgranit sinks are scratch resistant which is an incredible feature of sinks.
• New concrete line – Concrete finish and look has become increasingly popular in contemporary kitchen designs of today. Blanco now has most of its style in a concrete look and finish that elevates the overall design of the kitchen.
• Blanco black (a statement line) – White or light coloured benchtops are always quite popular with our clients. Blanco has a range of silgranit sinks that provide a beautiful contrast to light coloured benchtops.

Waterproof Neptune SPC (stone based laminate) flooring from Tile Depot for this kitchen display

In the past any kind of Acrylic or laminate flooring would not have been a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms as they are prone to warping when in contact with water. Tiles were mostly used as they are easier to maintain and are resistant to water. Tiles however, are hard on your feet when one is standing on it for too long which can make you tired easily. Tiles also get cold in winter and you often have to put mats or rugs to comfortably stand them unless of course if you have underfloor heating.

We have been increasingly using Neptune SPC in our kitchen renovations because it combats all the negative aspects of other types of flooring. So what exactly is Neptune SPC flooring?

Neptune stone based waterproof flooring is a revolutionary type of flooring from Tile Depot. It is a floating flooring and can be laid on top of any type of flooring. This type of flooring is made of multilayered stone polymer composite but it looks and feels like wooden planks. It has a limestone core that makes it stable and 100% waterproof.

Key Benefits of of Neptune SPC for your kitchen renovation

• 100 percent waterproof
• Easy to apply on any floor
• 100% free of orth0-pthalates and other harmful substances like plasticizers
• It has a UL Green Guard Gold certification which means that it is great for people who have allergies or sensitive skin
• It has a built in SE+ anti-bacterial surface that protects the floor against harmful bacteria
• Neptune comes with a sound absorbing technology so you don’t have to install a separate underlay
• It is stain resistant which is great for kitchens floors
• It will not fade
• It cannot be easily scratched or dented
• Easy maintenance – as you only need to vacuum it and occasionally mop.
• Cost Effective
• Very durable and will last you a long time

 

We have used Neptune SPC flooring for all our Kitchen displays in the kitchen showroom. Most of our clients prefer using Neptune for their kitchens compared to other flooring materials as it is a high traffic area and needs materials that are durable and easy to maintain.

If you look at the picture of our kitchen showroom below, you can see that Neptune flooring simply looks like wood. It comes in several colours based on your preference for your kitchen design.

 

Neptune SPC flooring in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Is this type of Kitchen design for you? – Consider the materials and design

There are 100s of materials that you can mix and match to create countless variations of any kitchen design. This means that you can use different materials and get the exact same design of any kitchen. This also means that you should consider the materials of your kitchen carefully before renovating.

Dorothy and Cici often as several questions and they try to understand the lifestyle of the family. It is important to design the kitchen based on your lifestyle instead of fitting your lifestyle around your kitchen design.

This kitchen is great for families with an open plan kitchen. Aesthetically it would be beautiful in an open plan living due to its seamless yet simple kitchen design. It has a sleek uncluttered look with ample storage which makes it a very functional kitchen. We built this kitchen keeping in mind the hectic lifestyles of today and chose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Most of the materials are scratch resistant, stain resistant, water proof and easy to maintain with just a wipe or a vacuum. This would also be a great kitchen for families with young children as the materials are so durable.

This kitchen however, would not be so great for rental properties as the materials used in this design are premium and hence not cost effective for rental kitchen renovations.

 

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Display 2 – Classic Kitchen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland (Handcrafted) ⇑ (Back to the top)

 

Each kitchen display in our kitchen showroom is designed for a particular purpose. The matte black kitchen (first display) that we discussed above was designed to show the innovative materials available today as well as storage solutions that can be incorporated within a kitchen design. The previous kitchen was also a perfect kitchen for busy families with young children and hence the materials chosen to design the kitchen were easy to maintain and were durable.

This kitchen in our kitchen showroom is to showcase the craftsmanship of our kitchens and the luxury materials that can transform a kitchen design. The skillset required to craft this kitchen is a lot harder than the other kitchens in our kitchen showroom. This is because all the cabinets are handmade and not made in a factory. This kitchen was designed by Cici who is our lead kitchen designer.

 

Classic kitchen display in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Classic kitchen with luxury materials that are hand crafted – Can be experienced in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Read more…

Classic kitchen renovation in a historic home in Epsom – See before and after pictures

Cottage Style kitchen renovation in Mangere – before and after pictures + project specifications

 

Design Phase for our classic kitchen display

Cici wanted to design a kitchen in a classic and timeless style which would be suited for clients that lived in Villas or homes with a classic overall style. As mentioned above, this kitchen was renovated to show the premium and luxury materials available today. It is also a handcrafted kitchen which means that the cabinets were handmade instead of manufactured in a machine. This requires considerable skill from our cabinet maker but the result of that is a beautiful and timeless kitchen design.

 

 

We asked Cici what inspired her to create this particular kitchen design and she said “Classic kitchens are quite popular with some of my clients, especially the heritage homes and Villas found in Epsom. A very modern kitchen design does not really suit these homes. Classic Kitchens have a timeless feel and can be customised in many ways to still incorporate modern storage solutions. This particular kitchen is very similar to one of the kitchens I designed for my client in Epsom. It has many fine details and is completely hand crafted by our cabinetry maker so it makes it even more special. In order to see the details you should definitely visit the showroom in Wairau”.

 

Handcrafted cabinet fronts in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Why are these cabinet fronts so special compared to the others in our kitchen showroom? The actual cabinet fronts are made from MDF which are then cut by hand to make the paneling around the cabinet fronts. This requires quite a high skill set compared to manufacturing the cabinet fronts in a machine.

Handmade cabinet fronts in our classic kitchen display in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

White handcrafted drawer fronts with soft close drawers

 

All the cabinet fronts in the kitchen are spray painted using ‘half black white’ matte finish lacquer paint expect the cabinets on the island which are spray painting using ‘Madison blue’ with a matte finish lacquer paint.

 

Resene lacquer paint with a matte finish was used on the cabinets.

 

All cabinet fronts in the classic kitchen were painted with ‘Madison blue’ to create a beautiful contrast with the white cabinets.

Creating contrast with colour for this kitchen design

Most classic kitchens have a neutral palette when it comes to cabinets as neutrals never go out of style or trend. Such kitchens usually incorporate colour in their kitchen design by using colourful tiles or brass tapware. Cici however went with this blue for the island to give it a more cottage style classic kitchen. Blues have always been very popular in classic country kitchens and she wanted to create a contrast that would really make the kitchen a showstopper. The fact that most kitchens are open plan, it becomes even more important to to pay careful attention to the aesthetics of your kitchen design. Cici believes that kitchens need to add to the beauty of your living space instead of just being a functional space to cook.

Cabinet door handles – Why Cici did not choose a no-handle set up for this kitchen design?

As most of our clients choose a no-handle set up for their cabinets, we were curious why Cici chose to incorporate door handles and knobs for this kitchen design. When asked this question Cici explained as follows:

 

“While I would use a no handle set up for contemporary and modern kitchen designs, I generally do not recommend that for more classic or traditional kitchens. Of course if a client wants a classic kitchen with a no-handle set up then I would design it for them in the way they like, after all it is their kitchen and they should have it designed the way they like it. However, classic and tradition design styles have something that are vital to their design and I try to stick with the basics for such kitchen designs. I incorporated simple matte black handles and knobs for this kitchen keeping with the classic theme. If I was designing a more traditional kitchen then I would have chosen more ornate handles. Classic kitchens however, have a simple and timeless feel to it and is often made with more solid quality materials.

Handcrafted Rangehood cover with classic detailing in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

While we used SMEG’s stainless steel rangehood, Cici wanted to make it look like a vintage hooded chimney. She did not want to make it too ornate as that would be too traditional but decided to add some detailing like the cabinets. The hooded rangehood is also hand-made like the cabinet fronts with MDF that has matte lacquer painted on it.

Handcrafted detailing in our hooded rangehood in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Handcrafted hood on top of a range hood to give it an appearance of a chimney

 

Handcrafted detailing in the hooded chimney in our kitchen showroom for our classic kitchen display

 

The hooded chimney is made above the SMEG over head rangehood

 

Soft close cabinets with BLUM hinges

We mostly prefer using BLUM for all our cabinet technology as well as hinges as they are definitely the best hinges in the market. We also use Hafele for hinges as well as in storage (like magic corners etc) solutions for cabinets. BLUM is New Zealand however, has had some supply issues in the last few months so we have had to find other suppliers like Hafele instead of BLUM.

This classic kitchen in our kitchen showroom however, uses BLUM hinges and soft close technology. Soft close technology in cabinets makes such a difference when cooking in the kitchen with your family. When cooking we are often prone to closing the cabinets with force as its not always easy to carefully close the cabinets. This makes BLUM’s soft close technology very helpful when cooking in a chaotic kitchen.

 

Soft close drawers with BLUM technology in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

BLUM hinges used in all cabinets in this classic kitchen

 

” I wanted to add simple black handles and knobs to all the cabinets and doors to keep the overall design classic and I also wanted the focus to be on the detailing of the handmade cabinet fronts. Black was an easy choice as it complements the white cabinet fronts as well as the blue cabinet fronts” said Cici about her choice for choosing matte black handles for the cabinets.

 

60mm Polished Stone engineered Benchtop – Why is it unique?

 

You may wonder why a 60mm benchtop would be anything special for this kitchen design. This is because this benchtop is not just one slab of engineered stone. In fact, this benchtop comprises of two separate sheets of engineered benchtops that are joined at 45 degrees which is called the mitre joint to create a 60mm benchtop. 60 mm benchtops

You need a high set of skill level to join two separate benchtops and this technique can only be carried out by a very experienced professional. Keeping with the classic theme, the benchtop chosen by Cici was a marble looking matte benchtop with a polished look. A polished look mere means that the benchtop is smooth to touch instead of having a texture like our matte black kitchen that we discussed above.

 

60mm engineered stone benchtop which combines to separate pieces of the benchtop to form a single benchtop.

60mm benchtop are not very common as mostly common types of benchtops are 30mm. The engineered stone benchtop also have veined lines to mimic the natural lines found in marble.

Read more…

60mm polished engineered benchtop – Before and After pictures of a Luxury kitchen renovation in Parnell

Guide on designing Classic, Contemporary, Modern, Traditional, Cottage style, and Industrial kitchens – all elements explained

Feature walls in our Classic kitchen display in our Kitchen showroom

Feature walls are great to add a designer element in any kitchen. There are two feature walls in this kitchen with each serving a very different purpose.

The first feature wall that you can see below is to add depth to the kitchen and to give it a luxurious look. The tiles used on this feature wall are 3 dimensional and are sheets which are of a size 256 X 297X 8mm. They combine a stunning combination of marble and gold metal mosaic. We used these tile sheets from Tile Depot and these tiles are specifically called ‘Mosaix Lux Gold Herringbone White 275 x 303.

The beautiful tile sheets from Tile depot were used to add a touch of luxury to this feature wall. They are installed in a Herringbone style and are a combination of stone engineered to look like marble as well as gold metal. This can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland (Wairau Valley).

 

A close up look the feature wall. You may not be able to see the 3d effect in this picture but it can be seen in our kitchen showroom.

 

LED lights installed below the cabinets light up the feature wall which draws your eye to the wall.

We often put LED lights below the cabinets if we want to showcase a feature wall. This feature wall needs to be maintained well if you do not want to damage it. It should not be cleaned with abrasive liquids, harsh acid or abrasive scrubs as they will scratch the gold surface of the metal. Hence this type of feature walls with groves should be used as a splashback in areas where you do not cook and where much cleaning is not required.

This brings us to the splashback that we have used in the cooking area of this classic kitchen display in our kitchen showroom. We have used simple white gloss subway tiles for the cooktop area which we got from Tile Depot. White subway tiles are a key feature of classic kitchen designs and we wanted to find a way to integrate them in this kitchen design. The glossy finish of these tiles also make them easy to clean and are perfect as a cooking splashback. Using two different sets of tiles as splashbacks in the kitchen also create interest and provide depth to this kitchen design.

Vintage Appliances to match this classic kitchen design

Cici did not want to include very sleek or modern appliances as they would be an eyesore for a classic kitchen design. We work very closely with kitchen things and decided to choose a standalone cooktop with a vintage design from their SMEG appliance collection. SMEG is known for its range of appliances in all kinds of styles like traditional, contemporary, vintage, classic and modern.

SMEG standalone cooktop with 6 gas burners, 1 warming tray, bread oven and roast oven – this can be seen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

This cooking range has similar detailing in its front like the cabinet fronts and elevates this elegant classic kitchen design.

 

Small warmer oven

 

This beautiful vintage SMEG cooking range has gorgeous old style knobs and gas burners which combine elegance and modern functionality

 

This SMEG cooking range is a piece of art with beautiful vintage detailing in its oven fronts, old style dial knobs, big handle and 6 gas burners that are reminiscent of a timeless classic era.

Silgranit Sink with a marble texture and matte look from Blanco

We have discussed it the length the benefits of Singranit sinks above but we will still highlight what the key features make Silgranit sinks from Blanco the perfect choice for any kitchen design. Silgranit sinks are made of 80% quartz which is the strongest component of granite making them very sturdy and will not crack or break. They are also scratch resistant as well as stain resistant which means that you can wash your dishes without any worry about damaging your sink.

It can also withstand temperatures up to 280 degrees Celsius and has a patented protective formula called Hygiene+Plus which reduces kitchen bacteria by 98%.

 

Concrete finish Silgranit sink from Blanco – It can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Subline 700-U level sink. It is an undermounted sink with a large U shape tap. The end of the sink can be extended out to wash vegetables with ease.

 

Silgranit sinks from Blanco

 

This classic kitchen display in our Kitchen showroom has a Silgranit sink with a concrete look and finish.

Hideaway Dishwasher and Hidden Rubbish Bins can be seen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Hideaway dishwashers and fridge have become quite popular with our clients especially for open plan kitchens. This is so all the big appliances can be tucked away in cabinetry to give it a uniform look.

Cici decided to incorporate the dishwasher within the cabinetry for this classic kitchen. The cabinet front is attached on top of the door of the dishwasher as can be seen in the picture below.

 

Built in dishwasher in our classic kitchen display – In our Kitchen Showroom in Auckland

Pull out bin and recycling bin in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Pull out bins have become quite a common feature with all our kitchen renovations. They are practical, hygienic and give your client an uncluttered look in their kitchen area. This is a full sized bin and recycling bin with a hidden drawer inside for any rubbish bags.

Waterproof Neptune stone based floors for kitchen floors

We used waterproof Neptune flooring from Tile Depot just as we have for all our kitchen displays in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland. As discussed above Neptune stone based flooring is a revolutionary type of flooring which looks like wood but is stone based laminate. It has many features and benefits that promote durability and easy maintenance.

Some of the features include:

1. Scratch resistant
2. stain resistant
3. 100% waterproof
4. soft on the feet so you won’t experience foot fatique when cooking for long
5. Looks like food
6. Absorbs sound which means that you wont hear heavy footsteps

We used a darker and more rustic looking colour for the classic kitchen to imitate real oak flooring that is usually found in classic kitchen designs.

Neptune Stone based floors in our classic kitchen design in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

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Display 3 – Contemporary Kitchen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland (Small Kitchen design) – ⇑ (Back to the top)

This kitchen display is truly unique in the fact that it combines a wide variety of textures, colours and materials to form a contemporary kitchen design. This kitchen was designed by Dorothy to show our clients that it is possible to create a beautiful yet functional kitchen when you have a small space available. This kitchen boasts materials that are designed to show our clients that it is possible to renovate a beautiful kitchen and be budget friendly.

Our contemporary kitchen design can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

This kitchen is renovated using a diverse set of materials to create contrasts as well as adding some creative elements to form a contemporary design.

 

Some of the key highlights in the kitchen are:

• Waterfall stone engineered benchtop
• Stone engineered splash back that continues till the ceiling
• Mid-Range which acrylic panels on MDF cabinets
• Melteca black board used for black cabinets
• Soft close drawers with Hefele hinges and runners
• Wood Benchtop using Plywood extends out of the kitchen island
• Gold stainless steel frame with glass shelves doubles
• Black floating shelves
• Undermounted Stainless steel sink with gold brass tapware
• Induction cooktop and rangehood from SMEG
• Waterproof Neptune flooring

Read more…

Top 16 Design ideas for small kitchen designs in Auckland

Kitchen Layout guide – Which layout is best for your kitchen space?

Overall design concept for this kitchen design

Dorothy wanted to design a contemporary kitchen for a small space which could showcase a variety of contrasting materials and textures to suit most budgets. So what is a contemporary kitchen design? Contemporary should not be confused with modern. A modern kitchen design focuses on sleek and simplistic design like our matte black kitchen design we previously discussed.

Contemporary designs focus on using renovation materials that are popular at a current period of time. You can say that contemporary materials are a mix of various styles and its design elements change as the current trends or materials change in popularity.

“I used all the materials for this kitchen design that are cost effective but also quite popular in the current renovation market. Just like the matte black kitchen, I used Acrylic boards for half the cabinets, however to make it more budget friendly I used the Acrylic panels that are from the mid range as opposed to their premium range. To contrast these white acrylic cabinets I used MDF Melteca black boards for other cabinets as this is also quite a popular material in the renovation industry too. I also used engineered stone for all benchtops as well as the wall which acts like splashback. It is quite common to use the same material for benchtops and the walls because it creates continuity which makes a small space appear larger. Other popular trends of today include floating shelves and hence I tried to incorporate that within this kitchen design. Some of the key designer features of this kitchen include the stainless steel open shelf, floating breakfast bar and a wine fridge” explains Dorothy about the over design of this kitchen.

Elevation 1

First initial draft of the kitchen design done by Dorothy. Here you can see all the different elements that she talks about above.

 

Kitchen display in our kitchen showroom in Auckland – Reality of elevation 1

This kitchen display shows how colour is used to create contrast and interest in this kitchen design. – This can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland.

 

Initial drafts of this kitchen design show the floating cabinets, black cabinets, white acrylic cabinets, and the floating breakfast bar on the right.

 

Elevation 2

This kitchen elevation shows the stainless steel rack for drinks with stainless steel frames and glass shelves. This shelf adds to the overall aesthetic to the overall kitchen design. You can also see the floating breakfast nook on the bottom left of the picture. You can also see a feature wall partition on the left side of the kitchen. This is great if you want an open plan kitchen but do not want your kitchen to be wholly visible from the living areas.

 

Kitchen display in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland – Reality of Elevation 2

The kitchen display designed based on the elevation about – This kitchen can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland.

 

Other elevations of this kitchen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

A different elevation of the same kitchen design

 

 

This elevation shows that Dorothy used the same engineered stone for the benchtop as well as the entire wall to promote continuity.

 

 

This kitchen elevation shows the island with a floating benchtop attached on benchtop

 

A combination of Acrylic panel cabinets (White cabinets) and MDF Melteca board cabinets (Black cabinets) – Can be seen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

The materials chosen for this kitchen design were chosen not just because of their current popularity but also to make it affordable for an average Aucklander. In the end the cost of your kitchen renovation will greatly depend on whether you have chosen mid-range materials or ones that are more on the side of luxury.

White cabinets – what are they actually made of?

The white cabinets are made of MDF and then the acrylic panels are attached to the surface. The panels are from the brand ULTRAglaze with the actual product being high gloss white Alabaster. They are different from the modern matte black kitchen discussed above as they are not scratch resistant or fingerprint proof. This makes them more cost effective than premium acrylic boards used in the matte black kitchen. You will have to take care to maintain these cabinets as you may have to wipe them down for fingerprints and food splashes so they do not stain. These panels come in various different colours which gives you much room for customisation.

A range of colours available for our clients to choose from for their Acrylic panels.

 

The material for the black cabinets is not Acrylic panels but it is MDF with a layer of black paper sheet. This is from the brand Melteca and are fire resistant and do repel water. They came in over 200 colours which gives our clients many options to create any type of colour combination for their kitchen design.

 

High glass white acrylic panels are used for all white cabinets in this kitchen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland.

The finish of the white cabinets is glossy which means that it reflects light and is very smooth to touch. The black Melteca cabinets on the other hand have a ‘pearl’ finish which means that they are matte and have a textured feel to it when you run your hands over it. This shows that different textures and sheens can be combined together to form a great overall kitchen design.

 

 

 

Below, you can see the range of colours available from Melteca and the number of customisation options you have when renovating your kitchen. Another brand that we work with which is quite similar to Melteca is Bestwood and they too carry a wide range of options in colours.

 

A sample range of Melteca colours that can be seen in our design studio in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Samples of the Bestwood range in our design studio in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

All of the hinges used in our cabinetry is from Hafele and have a soft close set up.

 

Engineered stone benchtop and splashback in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Creating continuity

One of the aims to create this kitchen display in our showroom was to show how it is in fact possible to create an aesthetically beautiful kitchen within a small space. Some of the ways to create an illusion of space in a small kitchen design is to create continuity. This was done in this kitchen by using a lighter shade in engineered stone for the splashback as well as benchtop above the already white cabinets.

Benchtop with a waterfall edge on one side

The benchtop and splashback are made of engineered stone with a polished finish. A polished finish just means that it is smooth to touch and it has a matte finish. It has a look of marble and have natural vein lines that you see naturally occurring in marble. in It is also 20mm in width and this width has started becoming popular in the last few years. The edge of one of the sides of the island has a waterfall edge which basically means that the engineered stone extends to the floor of the kitchen, hence the waterfall. This benchtop is from the mid range of engineered stone and not from the premium range that is used in our classic kitchen display discussed above. Using the mid-range engineered stone makes this kitchen more budget friendly as compared to our classic kitchen display.

 

Waterfall edge for one side of the island can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Floating shelves, feature divider/wall and stainless steel open shelves – in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

 

Dorothy and Cici usually try and incorporate floating shelves in small kitchen spaces as it opens up the space and also adds to the aesthetics of the kitchen. If you had full top cabinetry in a small kitchen design then it will close the space up and make your kitchen look cumbersome. Hence, Dorothy decided to create one full length storage cabinetry in black and for part of the kitchen she decided to add black floating shelves to contrast with the white stone on the walls.

 

Black floating shelves with LED lights against a white stone wall adds interest to this small kitchen design

Drinks cabinet – Stainless steel frame with glass shelves

Dorothy also wanted to add another colour to the kitchen instead of just white and black to make it more appealing and to add a designer element to the kitchen. This drinks cabinet is made of brushed gold stainless steel frame and glass shelves and is a perfect way to display your glassware as well as drinks. This brushed gold colour also matches the tapware and chandelier found in this kitchen display in our kitchen showroom.

This drinks cabinet has a stainless steel frame in brushed gold/brass with glass shelves. This makes it a perfect display cabinet for drinks. This brushed gold also matches with the tapware as well as the chandelier in this kitchen – This can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Feature wall – can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland

Feature walls can be anything that is added on a wall for design purpose. It can be a wall that has designer tiles on it, wall paper or you can built an entirely separate walls that act as a divider.

The reason we built this feature wall is to show our clients that they can create dividers with their homes. It is also great for clients who have an open plan kitchen but do not want their kitchen to be fully visible from their living areas.

The feature wall of 4 vertical wooden beams can be seen next to the drinks cabinet in this design created by Dorothy

 

The kitchen display in our kitchen showroom shows the 4 vertical wooden beams next to the open drinks cabinet

Floating breakfast nook – extends out from the stone benchtop

Any kind of wooden element in any design brings some warmth in the kitchen to make it look cozy. This breakfast nook extends out of the benchtop and is attached on top of the benchtop. It creates a separate area for people to eat meals or even do for kids to do their homework.

The fact that it is a completely different material that is attached on to the benchtop also creates depth in kitchen and adds to its design.

The wooden looking breakfast nook that extends out from the benchtop. You can also see a wine fridge at the bottom left of the breakfast nook.

 

Elevation 2 of the breakfast nook – This can be seen in our Kitchen showroom in Auckland

Floating breakfast nook – what is this material made of?

The wooden benchtop is made of two different pieces of plywood that is joined together at 45 degree in a mitre joint to form a 50mm box. It is hollow inside so it is relatively light and can be easily attached to the benchtop without any strain on the stone.

We do not have bar stools for this kitchen display but we do plan to get them in the future. A sleek set of bar stools can be fit under the floating breakfast nook.

Brushed gold for the tap, stainless steel frame and feature chandelier

As Dorothy wanted to add some colour to this kitchen design, she decided to add 3 components with brushed gold. The feature chandelier, brass gold tapware and stainless steel frame are brass gold and even though they are not big components, they do add a great contrast.

Chandelier with brushed gold trimmings that match the U-shaped tap and frame of the open shelf

 

Brushed gold u-shaped tap matches the stainless steel frame of the drinks shelves and trimmings of chandelier. The nozzle at the end of the tap can be pulled out and stretches till the stainless sink.

 

Stainless steel frame with glass shelves of the drinks cabinet matches the tap as well as the chandelier

Neptune Waterproof Flooring from Tile Depot

All our kitchen displays as well as clients prefer installing Neptune flooring for wet areas because of its many benefits. This revolutionary flooring is a composite of polymer and limestone that happens to the strongest component of quartz. The limestone in Neptune flooring makes it 100% waterproof which is a great quality to have for your kitchen flooring.

It also resists the growth of bacteria, is stain resistant, scratch resistant, sound proof and soft on your feet. Dorothy chose a slightly lighter shade than the matte black kitchen for this kitchen design and it can be seen in the picture below.

As you can see the flooring in this kitchen looks like it is made of real wood and not engineered Neptune. It is also easier to maintain and will last you a longer time that other materials. This flooring can be seen in our kitchen showroom in Auckland.

Appliances in this kitchen

Dorothy used the standard induction cooktop and in built top rangehood for this kitchen from SMEG. This induction cooktop is from the mid-range of SMEG and not from the premium range like the one in the matte black kitchen she designed. The matte black kitchen was to showcase innovative materials and appliances but this was designed to fit into most budgets. The induction cooktop in the matte black kitchen does not remain hot once cooking is done so its safe to touch its surface. This induction cooktop however, does not have that safety feature and will remain hot for a few minutes after cooking is done. This means that you have to be careful if children are present in the kitchen.

Who is this type of kitchen design good for?

This kitchen is suitable for most families or even rental properties as it budget friendly and easy to maintain. Some of the materials are however, not stain resistant which means that it is advisable for you to wipe away and spills once you are finished cooking. Most spills will not stain the benchtop or cabinet fronts even if you do not wipe them straightaway.

However, spills like red wine, beetroot juice and turmeric should be wiped off sooner rather than later to avoid staining. This however may not be a great kitchen design for people who prefer more classic and traditional kitchen designs.

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Where from now?

If you are looking for a kitchen renovation quote then the best way would be to ring us at 0800 199 888 to secure an on-site visit with a project manager. At the end of 3-4 days you will receive your detailed proposal as one complementary design of your kitchen.

Alternatively, we encourage you to visit our showroom at 16B Link drive, Wairau Valley where you can first hand look at the quality of our workmanship. You can also secure an on-site visit with the showroom consultants when you visit our showroom.

While the bathroom might be the most used room in the house, a kitchen is easily the most hardworking room of a home. It is more prone to wear and tear because of high foot traffic with constantly having to withstand spills and cooking mess which means that your kitchen floor must be durable.

The evolution of our lifestyles also means that more homes in Auckland have an open planned kitchen which is connected to the living and dining room. The kitchen of today is easily visible from other living areas of the house which means that it must be uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing.

If you spend quite a bit of your time in the kitchen then you should choose a kitchen flooring that is comfortable to stand on. Today’s kitchens therefore wear several hats and need to be durable, strong, beautiful as well as comfortable on your feet.

In this article we will talk about how you to choose the right type of flooring for your kitchen with a special focus on Tiles as they have been the most popular with our clients.

Why tiles?

Tiles have been a natural choice for kitchen flooring because they are water-resistant, do not stain easily and come in various styles to create a functional yet beautiful kitchens. Using certain tiles can however be hard and cold which could be uncomfortable in winter or when you are cooking for an extended period.

So then how do you choose the right type of tiles for your flooring especially since there is such a variety in materials, patterns, and textures? We work very closely with Tile depot for your renovation projects so we thought it would be a good idea to have a chat with Ruth from Tile depot to understand more about Tiles for kitchens.

Tiles are also often used as splashbacks and as feature walls in a kitchen, so we decided to include them in the article. If you are looking at renovating your kitchen or simply planning on changing its flooring, then this article will be useful to understand how to choose the correct tiles for your family.

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

Table of contents

1.) Materials of tiles available today – Pros and cons for each

2.) Properties of Tiles that affect the choice of your kitchen tiles (Water resistance, Texture, Durability/PEI rating, Underlay and Natural lighting)

3.) In discussion with Ruth – 6 Questions to ask yourself before choosing the correct tiles for your kitchens- What is your budget?

– How much cooking happens in your kitchen? How much time do you spend in your kitchen?

– Is your kitchen a high traffic area?

– Is it an open planned kitchen or a separate room?

– Do you have young children?

– Do you need non-slip tiles?

4.) 5 top Tile trends for backsplash in Auckland – by Ruth

5.) 5 Top tile trends for kitchen flooring in Auckland – by Ruth

6.) 6 Top ideas for Feature walls by Ruth

Materials of Kitchen Tiles Available today – Pros and cons for each

There are many materials of tiles available today and it is always good to know as much as possible about each material. Knowing about the materials will give you a better idea of what works for your kitchen. Tiles can be broadly categorised into manufactured and natural stone tiles.

Examples of Manufactured tile materials:

• Ceramic tiles
• Porcelain ceramic tiles
• Terracotta
• Glass
• Cement

Examples of Natural stone tiles

• Marble
• Granite
• Limestone

Non porcelain Ceramic Kitchen Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most cost effective type of kitchen tile available and have an extensive range of styles to choose from. Ceramic tiles are a mix of minerals and clays which are baked and then the pattern or texture is printed on them.

Ceramic tiles are however quite hard and can be very cold in winter. They also can be chipped easily and have sound reflective properties which means that they should be avoided in open plan kitchens. We would also recommend clients to use larger tiles as this means that there will be lesser grout lines to clean as grout does get stained quite easily.

Tip: We would recommend our clients to use ceramic tiles as feature walls or splashbacks but not the floors unless you have underfloor heating. Installing underfloor heating can however be expensive.

Luxury Ceramic tiles from the Vein cut series from Tile Depot (Tile Depot 2021)

Porcelain Kitchen tiles

Porcelain Kitchen tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles but are non-porous which means that they are harder to damage. They are made of high quality clay and minerals that are compressed under high temperatures.

They are harder than ceramic tiles which means that they are harder to cut and heavy. They do however can be made to look like stone engineered marble, Cement or wood which makes them a great design option. They also make for good outdoor tiles which means that you can achieve a great indoor and outdoor floor if your kitchen is extended to the outside of your home.

Glazed Vs Non Glazed Porcelain Kitchen Tiles

All porcelain tiles are made by using natural clays and pigments which are then fired to harden them. This gives you an unglazed tile which looks more natural, has a textured look with a matte finish. Glazed tiles go through a second firing process, where a protective liquid glass coating is applied and a variety of colours or designs are printed upon this before firing them yet again. This give glazed tiles a slick look and they are often seen in more modern designs.

 

Unglazed porcelain tiles are textured and hence better for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchen floors and laundry areas. They also feature more anti-slip properties when compared to glazed porcelain tiles. They are however harder to clean and are not ideal for kitchen splashbacks or as cabinet fronts. Glazed porcelain tiles are however more popular as they have a lot more variety in designs and colours. They are also easier to clean due to their non-porous surface and are often used as splashbacks, cabinet fronts and flooring for modern and contemporary designs.

Non-glazed tiles from the Heritage Collection (Tile depot 2021)

Pieno Perla Vernata Glazed Porcelain Tiles (Tile depot 2021)

Glass tiles

Glass tiles have traditionally been popular as splashbacks, countertops, backsplash, and feature walls. Glass tiles have always been used as a decorative tile and are mostly used in mosaics for truly beautiful look. They are non-porous so they will not let any dirt or grime get into it. They are however easy to scratch, and the surface can look dusty easily and are extremely difficult to install which means that they are not the best option as kitchen flooring.

Mosaic tiles are small bits of glass that are put together to elevate a kitchen design. We recommend clients to use mosaics as accents on the wall with details like horizontal line etc to elevate the overall design of the kitchen.

Tip: Use it as a feature wall or detailing on walls but avoid using them as a flooring or a backsplash.

Read more…

10 Mistakes to Avoid in your kitchen design – expert opinion from our Kitchen designers

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in 2022?

Stone Kitchen flooring Tiles

Stone tiles are made of natural stone and are not manufactured in the factory. Stone tiles are made of either limestone, granite, slate, or the more popular marble. Stone tiles are porous which means that they must be sealed every two years or so. They are usually polished so their natural design shines through, but they can be slippery when wet which can be a hazard for older people. While stone is durable, they can be a bit expensive to maintain as they must be resealed every 2-3 years. They will however last you a long time and give your kitchen a look of luxury which is hard to match with ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Marble flooring Tiles

Marble is the most common type of stone tiles used in New Zealand. They add a touch of understated elegance that will transform your kitchen into a luxurious space. As marble is a natural stone, you can expect some of your tiles to have different patterns which are natural to that marble tile. Marble tiles are however expensive so they might not suit every budget. You can however incorporate marble in smaller areas to save cost like the kitchen floor or splashback.

Granite Tiles

Granite tiles also have the naturally occurring flecks as marble, but they look a lot less luxurious as compared to marble. While marble exudes a sense of luxury, granite often does not add a sense of luxury. It is a cheaper alternative to marble tiles and choosing the right type of design is essential, so your flooring does not look dated. Granite tiles are not very popular as kitchen floor tiles in New Zealand but are often used outdoors.

Limestone Tiles

Limestone is almost never used as a kitchen flooring in New Zealand. It is often found as an outdoor tile, around the fireplace or as a feature wall.

Metal Tile and Resin Tiles

Using metal tiles is another great way to add some depth into your kitchen space as it elevates the over all kitchen design. They come in various shapes, sizes and finishes which make them a perfect addition as wall accents as well as feature walls.

Resin tiles add depth and dimension to a feature wall but they are prone to chipping so they should not be used in homes with very young children.

5 things to think about before choosing your kitchen flooring tile material

Now that you know the types of materials available in tiles, you should consider the following factors before deciding on your kitchen tiles.

1. Water resistance:

   Kitchens need a good water resistance flooring, so you are not always worrying about your flooring getting damaged. When using tiles on your kitchen floors we recommend using tiles that are unglazed with an absorption rate of 0.5% and unglazed tiles wit a maximum rate of 3%.

2. Texture:

   If you have elderly people in your household then you should go for more textured tiles as they are less slippery when wet. Textured tiles can however be quite hard to clean so they should be avoided in households that have young children as they are harder to maintain. If you have young children, then we recommend using mats in front of your sinks or wet areas.

3. Durability and measure of PEI:

   Durability refers to how well your tiles can withstand wear and tear. So how do you check the durability of a particular tile? The best way to check the durability of a tile is to check its PEI rating. The PEI rating of a tile is the measure of its resistance to abrasion. The higher the PEI rating the more it can withstand wear and tear before showing signs of deterioration. In most households, kitchens are considered a high traffic area and hence should have flooring that has a high PEI rating. We recommend our clients to use kitchen tiles that are rated at PEI 3 or PEI 4 as they are the best for high traffic areas. You can however use PEI 1 or PEI 0 rated tiles for feature walls as they do not have any foot traffic.

4. Underlay:

   Tiles should always be installed on a surface that is smooth, even and level. If your floor is not even then you might have to install a subfloor that is even, smooth and hard before you lay your tiles. It is always good to get your subfloor checked before you decide on your kitchen flooring.

5. Natural Lighting:

   People often do not think about the amount of natural lighting in their kitchen and the importance of it before purchasing their tiles. A tile in a well lit showroom or online on a website can look very different when compared to the tile within your kitchen.Glossy tiles for example are work well in smaller spaces with less natural lighting as reflect light and make the room look more lit up. This is also true with lighter coloured tiles as they reflect light and make the space appear larger.

In Discussion with Ruth from Tile Depot

As our preferred tiles supplier, we work very closely with Tile depot for flooring and tiling needs of our clients. Our project managers often seek advice from Ruth when it comes to choosing the right type of tiles for our client home renovations.

With this article our aim is to educate our clients on the type of tiles suited for their floors, backsplash, and feature walls so we decided that it was time to have a chat with Ruth. Ruth has over 16 years of experience with Tile depot, and she has extensive knowledge on the myriad of options available for tiles.

It is often very overwhelming when you walk into a tile showroom because there are so many options, and it is hard to make a choice.

When choosing kitchen tiles for our clients we believe that there are a few things that need to be considered before selecting a tile.

6 Questions to ask yourself before you choose your Kitchen tiles

1) What is your budget?

When renovating your kitchen, it is important to have an idea on what you want to be spending for tiling your kitchen. Tiles can really transform the look of your kitchen and some clients often feel that they would prefer making a statement through the clever use of tiles. For such clients we often recommend using porcelain tiles as they can be manipulated to look like wood, cement, or natural stone. They are more expensive than ceramic tiles but are more durable and of a higher quality so will last you a longer time.

Foil Porcelain tiles are installed in the Splashback as well as the floors and give a sense of Urban Luxury. A contrasting cement finish tiles are also used as the front of cupboards to add to the industrial kitchen design (Tile Depot, 2021)

If your budget allows, then we would recommend using natural stone tiles which add a sense of luxury and elegance to your kitchen. If you do however have a rental property, then you are looking for a return of your investment. For rental property renovations we recommend using tiles that are durable but also cost effective which could make ceramic tiles the best option for you.

You should always have an honest chat with your project manager about your budget so they are able to suggest the right options for your kitchen tiles. The good news is that tiles have evolved dramatically over the years and there are a lot of texture and design options no matter what your budget is.

2) How much cooking happens in your kitchen? And how much time do you spend in your kitchen?

Pro tip: Choose tiles that are easy to clean + Soft on your feet

Kitchen tiling needs for households that cook a lot is very different from the ones that do not cook as much. If you do cook a lot in your kitchen then will want to choose a backsplash which is easy to clean with a simple wipe. You might also want your flooring to be soft on your feet, so you do not tire easily when cooking for extended periods of time.

Kitchen flooring to consider

Most tiles are hard on the feet and can cause foot fatigue so no matter what tiles you chose your floors will be hard on your feet. You can remedy this situation by adding rugs on your kitchen floor or wearing comfortable shoes.

Ruth explains that there are alternatives to using tiles on kitchen floors if you do not want to add rugs and if you want a flooring that is softer on your feet. Laminate and wooden flooring care softer on your feet and will not make you as fatigues compared to tiles.

She also recommends a new hybrid flooring called SPC by Neptune which is becoming increasingly popular with Aucklanders for their kitchen floors. SPC stands for stone (limestone) polymer composite and has many benefits over tiles for your kitchen flooring. It is a mix of limestone and Vinyl and is manufactured in a way that it carries the benefits of both these materials.

Benefits of Neptune SPC

• It is 100% waterproof which means that they are perfect for kitchen floors
• It is softer on your feet as it embodies the qualities of limestone
• It does not echo the sound of footsteps and reduces the noise of any foot traffic. This is great for kitchens which are on the second storey of the house as you will not be able to hear any footsteps even if you are directly below the room.
• It is easy to clean and maintain
• It is much warmer than tiles so you will not require underfloor heating, warm rugs, or shoes while cooking.

If you do however prefer tiles for your kitchen floor, then opt for porcelain or natural stone tiles instead of ceramic. Also consider installing underfloor heating for the colder winter months.

Neptune Stone Polymer composite tiles (SPC) used in the kitchen. (Tile Depot 2021)

Read more…

See pictures of SPC Neptune flooring used in all our kitchen displays in our kitchen showroom in Wairau Valley

Kitchen Splashback tiles to consider

If you do cook a lot, then install a kitchen backsplash tile with fewer grout lines or grout lines that are sealed. If your grout lines are not sealed, then you will have to keep cleaning your grouting as they are easily stained.

It is also a good idea not to choose textured, 3D or handmade tiles as you will not be able to wipe off the stains easily. If you do however like handmade tiles, then we suggest using tiles that look man made and textured but are in fact have a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

This tiled splashback is textured and has grout lines, however the surface is smooth to touch and the grouting is sealed which makes cleaning easy. This is from the Hexa tile collection at Tile Depot (Tile depot 2021)

An example of this is the handmade looking tiles from Tribeca. These tiles look like they are handmade and have textured patterns but are in fact smooth on the surface and very easy to clean. They will also add an interesting design element to your kitchen.

Tribeca tiles are however on the more expensive side so if you are looking for a more budget friendly kitchen splashback tile then opt for either a glass splashback or white subway tiles as they are very cost effective. You can also install one large piece of ceramic or stone tile as a splashback if you do not want grout lines at all. Do not use porcelain as a splashback because they are very heavy and installation might be a problem.

See pictures of different splashbacks used in our kitchen renovations

Black glass splash back used in an Entertainer’s kitchen renovation in Massey

White subway tiles used in a Classic kitchen renovation in Epsom

Hexagonal 3D white frozen tiles used for texture and depth in this Kitchen renovation in Parnell

A combination of dark grey, white, black hexagonal tiles used to give a retro feel to this kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach

3) Is it a high traffic area for your family?

You might not cook a lot but your kitchen could still be considered a high traffic area if several members of your family are always coming in and out of the kitchen. This could be to simply have a tea or use the island as a breakfast nook. If you have an open plan kitchen then there are higher chances that the kitchen will be a high traffic area.

If you kitchen is a high traffic area then your kitchen flooring should be easy to clean and also not echo your footsteps. For high traffic kitchens Neptune SPC flooring would be best for your kitchen as they are waterproof and do not echo sounds when people are going in and out of the kitchen.

Porcelain kitchen tiles and stone kitchen tiles will also be better compared to ceramic tiles as they are more waterproof than ceramic. You could also add rugs to the kitchen to control the noise made by footsteps. The sound of the footsteps should not be much of an issue if your kitchen is on the ground floor of your house. The noise mostly becomes an issue when the kitchen is on the 1^st floor and if there are bedrooms or living areas underneath it.

Neptune SPC used as Kitchen flooring for this open plan kitchen. This flooring is 100% water resistance, soft on your feet, durable, and warmer compared to tiles

Aspen wood Neptune SPC used as a kitchen flooring

For more budget friendly options, you could opt for luxury laminate for your kitchen flooring as they are softer on the feet, easy to clean and do not echo the sounds of footsteps. If you are installing laminate floors, then do remember to clean the floors immediately in case of any water spillage as they are not waterproof.

4) Is it an open planned kitchen or is your kitchen a separate room?

Open planned kitchens pose a unique challenge when choosing the materials for the kitchen. As your kitchen will be visible from the living and dining area, you want to make sure that your kitchen is renovated in a similar style as the rest of the living space.

Our kitchen designer Cici says that the two most important things about an open planned kitchen is to have a continuity in design with the rest of the living room area. When choosing splashbacks, flooring, feature walls, countertops, and tapware, always make sure that they complement the rest of your living space.

Before starting your renovating, ask your kitchen designer to come over to your home for a visit so they can see the overall design of your living space. Try and have a similar colour scheme for your walls or go for a contrasting style which still complements the style of the rest of the space.

The same glazed porcelain tiles are used in the kitchen as well as the dining area which makes the design more cohesive. These porcelain tiles have a matte stone look which makes gives the space an Urban contemporary look. (Tile Depot, 2021)

Choose kitchen tiles that are like the ones in your living and dining area for a seamless feel. If you are changing the flooring of the entire living area, then opt for natural stone or porcelain tiles. These tiles elevate the design of a room a lot more than ceramic tiles as ceramic tiles can look dated.

When asked Ruth what the current trend was for open planned kitchens, she said “the current trend is to get a stone matte finish tiles for your living and kitchen area”. These porcelain tiles are glazed and hence easy to clean which makes them a popular choice for open planned kitchens. They are more cost effective than natural stone tiles like marble so are more suited for most budgets.

Glazed porcelain tiles used as splashback to create a modern kitchen. These York tiles come in a matte and glossy finish depending on your preference and are easy to clean as they are glazed. These splashback tiles can also be used as a feature wall and are a great choice for open plan kitchens because of their modern look which will elevate your kitchen design. Tile Depot 2021)

5) Do you have children and hence need tiles that can be cleaned easily and are warmer?

If you have young children, then you might want a flooring that is warmer and not easily scratched. Use glazed porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles for the floors and install underfloor heating if your house does not already have it. Luxury laminate is also an option but it can sometime be scratched easily so might not be the best option if your children are too young.

6) Does your kitchen floors need non-slip tiles?

If you have elderly people living in your house then you should install tiles that have a good anti-slip rating. Tile depot carries an extensive Lifemark range of kitchen tiles that are suited for households that need anti slip tiles.

“In addition to anti-slip tiles, we also have this new range of Microgrip kicthen tiles that are great for bathrooms as well as kitchens. They basically become anti-slip when water falls on them. They also have anti-bacterial properties so these are truly a revolutionary product” says Ruth about their newest range of Microgrip kitchen tiles.

Enzo Microgrip tiles that become anti-slip when wet (Tile Depot 2021)

Ruth Shares Current trends for Kitchen Flooring, Kitchen Splashback and Kitchen Feature walls for Auckland homes

Ruth deals with clients who are renovating, building their homes from scratch, new builds, architects, and renovation companies. We wanted to know more about what Aucklanders were using for their kitchen flooring, Kitchen splashback, and tiles. She gave us some great insights to Aucklanders’ buying habits and the trends that she has seen for tiles as well as the trends that have begun to decline.

5 Kitchen Splashback/ Backsplash tile trends for Auckland kitchens

1.White subway tiles are on their way out

“The white subway look has really been overdone and does not add much to a kitchen” says Ruth about white subway tiles. White subway tiles became very popular as kitchen splashbacks as well as wall tiles for bathrooms in the last few years because they added a contemporary flair to the kitchen. More people are now looking at ways of adding colour and interest in the kitchen through splashbacks.

2. Earthy and warm kitchen backsplashes are becoming a popular choice

Ruth says that more people are now are choosing warm and earthy colours for their backsplash. Earthy colours often bring in a sense of warmth into the kitchen and make it look more homely. They are also a way of bringing some nature into the décor of your kitchen which has become a popular trend in the last few years, especially for urban homes like Auckland.

Warm yellow tiles are used in this kitchen as a splashback. These tiles are from the Tribeca collection at Tile Depot and this range comes with various warm coloured tiles. (Tile Depot 2021)

3. Handmade looking kitchen backsplash tiles

There has been a growing trend of adding artistic elements to the overall kitchen design. People often add these touches through artistic backsplashes, feature walls or accessories while choosing simpler contemporary materials for cabinets and floors.

Hexagonal tiles add a retro element to your kitchen design. The surface is still very smooth and the grouting has been sealed to make cleaning easy. (Tile Depot 2021)

Tiles which are handmade have patterns, carvings and often textured which is not suitable for backsplash as all these nooks and crannies can be hand to clean. Thanks to technology however, tiles can be made to look handmade without being handmade. The new Tribeca collection from Tile depot features handmade looking tiles which are smooth when you touch the surface which makes the, a great choice for backsplash.

4. Kitchen backsplash tiles with Patterns

Patterns are another way to incorporate an artistic touch to your kitchen design. Ruth says that the artisan tiles can also be used as accents to the walls instead of just a splashback or an entire feature wall. Adding accents or a horizontal like of artisan tiles on your kitchen wall will instantly elevate its overall style without costing you a lot.5. How you install the tiles Ruth says that there are two ways that you can dramatically change look of your kitchen. The first would be the tile and the second is the way you install the tiles. “you do not have to always install the tiles horizontally, the new trend has been to be creative in the way the tiles are installed” says Ruth.

Artisan patterned tiles from Tile depot were used as a splashback. The neutral and light colours used are versatile and can be used for most kitchen designs. The patterns on the tile give the kitchen an artistic look and elevates the overall design of the kitchen. (Tile Depot 2021)

5. How you install the tiles for your backsplash

Ruth says that there are two ways that you can dramatically change look of your kitchen. The first would be the tile and the second is the way you install the tiles. “you do not have to always install the tiles horizontally, the new trend has been to be creative in the way the tiles are installed” says Ruth.

This kitchen features simple white subway tiles but the way they are installed is what actually adds a design element to an otherwise simple kitchen design. (Tile Depot 2021)

5 kitchen flooring trends in Auckland by Ruth

1. High-end look with stone matte finishes

As most kitchens in Auckland have evolved into an open planned layout, there has been a greater emphasis on aesthetics within a kitchen design. Ruth explains that she has seen a rising trend in Aucklanders opting for a high end look by selecting tiles that look like stone and have a matte finish. Glazed porcelain tiles are great for most budgets to create this look as they are a cheaper option compared to natural stone tiles. To create continuity, install the same tiles in your dining and living areas if you have an open plan kitchen.

These glazed porcelain tiles give a high end natural stone look because of their grey matte finish. The appearance of grout lines is also minimal because the grout lines are very thin and almost match the colour of the tiles. (Porfido collection, Tile Depot 2021)

Another example of Glazed Porcelain tiles with a natural stone look. These matte tiles have been installed throughout the living area as well as the kitchen floors to give a unified look. (Tile Depot, 2021)

2. Shiny tiles are declining in popularity

Shiny tiles have been very popular in the last couple of decades and remain popular to a certain extent. However, more people are gravitating towards the matte finish because it exudes a certain kind of understated elegance. We still recommend people with small kitchens or bathrooms to install shiny tiles as they reflect natural light as well as any other light and make your spaces appear larger.

3. Large tiles 1200 by 900

Larger tiles have become increasingly popular as they have lesser grout lines and provide a cleaner look. Having lesser grout lines also means that you if you have a small room then it will make it look larger as there are ‘lesser breaks’ on the kitchen floor. The most popular size for large tiles is 600 by 900 and 1200 by 900.

4. No grout lines

As seen in the picture, this kitchen flooring features large slabs of square tiles where the grouting is matched with the colour of the tile. This give the floor a a sort of continuity as the grout lines are hardly visible. (Tile Depot 2021)

As mentioned above there is an emphasis on having lesser grout lines for kitchen flooring. You can also match the colour of your tiles with the grouting to give you an appearance of having no grout lines.

5. Woodgrain tiles have seen a decline in popularity

Woodgrain tiles have been quite popular in the last decade but have seen a decline in popularity. Woodgrain tiles look and feel like natural wood which is great for people who want wooden flooring but not the hassle of maintaining them. However, as more people are opting for contemporary styles for their homes, they prefer a natural stone look as compared to wood grain tiles.

6 ideas for feature walls for your open plan kitchen

1. Woodgrain tiles as feature walls have seen an increase in popularity

While woodgrain tiles might be declining in popularity as floors, they are seeing an increase in popularity as feature walls. There has been a growing trend of incorporating elements of nature in urban Auckland homes which makes woodgrain tiles a great option as a feature wall.

2. Designer tiles with designs of nature

A lot of people want a feature wall because they want to create a ‘wow’ factor. They often keep the rest of their colour scheme neutral and create a feature wall with floral prints. Ruth tells us a bit more about their range of glam tiles which come in 1200 by 900 size and has three different patterns which are put together to create a scene of nature.

These Glam tiles from Tile depot feature 3 large 1200 by 900 tiles that are installed together to create a pattern. These three tiles are repeated to make this feature wall. This Glam collection has various styles of flowers and leaves. (Tile Depot, 2021)

3. Textured tiles, mosaics, geometric patterns, and natural stone tiles

Textured tiles are great as feature walls because they do not need to be cleaned very often like the splashback or kitchen flooring. They also do not have to be very durable as they do not experience any wear in tear like foot traffic or spillages which makes any tile a great option for feature walls. Textured tiles create interest, depth and elevate the overall design of your kitchen.

Two different types of tiles are used to create this feature wall. The tiles are glazed ceramic with a satin finish which makes them look almost like a wall paper. This bold feature wall adds a sense of modern sophistication to the space and come from the Sospiri collection at Tile Depot (Tile Depot, 2021)

There are many options to choose from for textured tiles. You can use natural rugged stone or brick tiles around your fireplace or for a more rustic styled living area. You could also add a feature wall with geometric and 3d patterns for a more modern or contemporary look. Mosaics have always been a popular choice as they make your space look artistic and Moorish. Regardless of your budget, you will find plenty of options for feature walls.

4. Accents in feature walls

If you do not want an entire wall of tiles for your feature wall, then you can install wall accent tiles. You could install small beads or mosaics in a horizontal or vertical line on the wall of your kitchen. You could create patterns or designs on the wall without tiling your entire wall. If artistically done, this could add a certain elegance to your wall but we do recommend consulting a designer before go ahead full steam.

These tiles are a great example of mixing neutral coloured tiles with a more bold tile to create interest within a feature wall without covering the entire wall with a bold colour (Tile Depot, 2021)

5. Creating interest through installation

As mentioned earlier, the way you install your tiles can also make a huge difference on the final look of your feature wall.

As seen above, the method of installation and the combination of two different coloured tiles can create a beautiful look for your open planned kitchen. These tiles are glazed ceramic tiles from the Casablanca collection at Tile Depot (Tile Depot 2021)

The same tiles were used for the backsplash and the feature wall to create a continuous and dramatic look. The way the tiles were installed also makes a huge difference to the overall look of the kitchen. Tiles used were from the May tile collection (Tile Depot 2021).

6. Bright and Bold colours

If you have a neutral colour scheme then opt for bright or warm colours to create contrast. You could also add matte dark grey tiles as a feature wall to create a dark and stormy mood for your living space.

This splashback also acts as a feature wall with its cool aqua colour and brings a sort of serenity to the space when coupled with off white cabinet fronts. These glazed tiles have a smooth surface which are easy to clean. (Calx Aquamarina 100×300 tiles from Tile Depot, 2021)

“The biggest mistake people make when they choose tiles is that sometimes they choose tiles that clash with eachother or there are too many patterns that do not work well together. It is important that you create a story with the tiles that you choose for your kitchen flooring, Splashbacks and Feature walls” Says Ruth when asked what is the most important aspect of choosing tiles.

Already have all your own trades and you’re comfortable managing them for your kitchen renovation?

Although we don’t recommend if you haven’t renovated a kitchen before and/or you don’t have trades people you can trust, most renovations if not all comes with it’s own surprises because not all homes are the same – this is where experience/project management plays an important role in minimises risks to maintain costs/delays giving you higher certainty of outcome/quality backed by associated guarantees and warranties.

However, if you do intend to manage the kitchen renovation yourself, it does work out more cost effective to contact a kitchen cabinetry manufacturer directly to get the kitchen cabinets designed, manufactured and installed – leaving you to manage the other trades such as flooring, demolition, painting, plastering, splashback/tiling, electrician, plumber, and sometimes a carpenter/builder.

Try Little Giant Interiors cost calculator below to see what you can expect to pay for cabinetry.

• New Kitchen Cabinetry Cost Calculator
• New Laundry Cost Calculator

Further Resources

1. Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
2. Real client stories from Auckland

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

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