Planning a kitchen renovation is an exciting project, and understanding key measurements is crucial for a functional and stylish outcome. A successful design combines practical use of space with ease of movement and accessible storage. If you’re using a kitchen planner NZ, a kitchen planner, kitchen design planner, or a kitchen designer, focusing on these measurements can prevent common design issues and help create a kitchen that’s comfortable and efficient.
Using tools like a 3D kitchen planner can also help you visualize the space accurately before construction begins, ensuring everything from countertops to appliance placement is in perfect harmony. If you are renovating with a renovation company, your kitchen designer will be using their 3D planning software to create 3D Designs as well as realistic rendering, so you are able to visualise your kitchen. Also these 3D drawings are important to see the correct measurements for a truly functional kitchen.
Why Standard Measurements Matter in Kitchen Renovation? – Importance of Functionality.
Standard measurements are the backbone of an effective kitchen layout. They ensure that countertops are at a comfortable height, that cabinets offer sufficient storage without obstructing pathways, and that every element feels balanced and accessible. Properly spaced cabinets, countertops, and appliances not only improve functionality but also add to the aesthetics and flow of the room. A 3D kitchen planner can be especially helpful, as it allows you to play with these measurements digitally before finalizing the design.
Interior designer Mary Johnson emphasizes, “Design isn’t just about how a space looks but also about how it functions day-to-day.” This principle is especially true in a kitchen, where the smallest measurement misstep can impact how well the space serves you.
This shows a 3D visual which shows the basic aesthetics of the kitchen.
9 Measurement Factors that lead to a Functional Kitchen
Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or just updating specific elements, here are some crucial measurements to keep in mind.
Counter Height and Depth
Countertops are central to kitchen functionality, and getting their height and depth right is essential for comfort and utility.
Standard Countertop Height:
Typically, countertops are set at 36 inches (91 cm) from the floor. This height works well for most people, offering a balance between comfort and accessibility.
Standard Countertop Depth:
The depth of kitchen countertops generally measures around 24 inches (61 cm). However, if you’re using a Kitchen planner or 3D kitchen planner,” adjust this slightly if you need more space for appliances or storage.
This on the other hand shows the actual measurements to create a functional kitchen
2. Base Cabinets
Base cabinets form the foundation of most kitchen designs, housing everything from utensils to bulky items like pots and pans. Their height, depth, and width should align with industry standards.
Height: Base cabinets typically stand 34.5 inches (88 cm) tall without the countertop and around 36 inches (91 cm) with the countertop installed.
Depth: These cabinets are usually 24 inches (61 cm) deep, providing ample storage while fitting seamlessly with the countertop.
Width: Cabinet widths vary, but common options include 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches. By using a Kitchen design planner, you and yoru designer can visualize which cabinet widths best suit your kitchen’s specific layout.
These dimensions ensure optimal functionality and allow for effective cabinet access. As Houzz states, “Careful consideration of standard measurements keeps cabinets from interfering with workspace and traffic flow,” which reinforces the importance of these guidelines in design planning.
Upper Cabinets and Shelving
Upper cabinets and shelves provide extra storage without taking up floor space, making them ideal for maximizing kitchen space
Height Above Countertop:
The bottom of upper cabinets should be 18 inches (46 cm) above the countertop. This standard distance allows users to reach items without hindering countertop space.
Depth:
Upper cabinets are usually 12 to 15 inches (30–38 cm) deep, creating a compact yet spacious area for dishware and food items.
Your kitchen designer can easily make these adjustments on her/his software. The key is to choose a qualified kitchen designer who is aware of the fundaments of measurements for a functional kitchen design.
4. Walkway and Clearance Space
Ensuring ample space for movement and clearance is vital for a functional kitchen layout.
• Aisle Width: The primary aisle between countertops, cabinets, and appliances should be at least 42 inches (107 cm) for a single-cook kitchen and 48 inches (122 cm) for a two-cook kitchen. This spacing provides enough room for efficient workflow.
• Distance Between Countertops and Islands: In an open kitchen, leaving 42–48 inches (107–122 cm) between countertops and islands ensures enough space for appliance doors to open without obstruction.
These measurements offer a blend of comfort and efficiency, reducing the risk of crowding and keeping your kitchen functional for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.
Kitchen islands have become an integral part of modern kitchen design, providing extra workspace, storage, and a social gathering spot.
• Standard Height: The standard height for kitchen islands is 36 inches (91 cm), similar to countertops. However, if the island includes a breakfast bar, the bar side might be raised to 42 inches (107 cm) for comfortable seating.
• Depth and Width: Kitchen islands typically measure 24–48 inches (61–122 cm) in depth and should be at least 2 feet (61 cm) wide. For additional storage and seating, the depth can go up to 36–48 inches (91–122 cm), depending on available space.
• Overhang for Seating: For comfortable seating, leave a 12–18 inch (30–46 cm) overhang on the island. A well-planned Kitchen design can help visualize these measurements, ensuring a balanced island design.
3D design showcasing another kitchen aesthetic
6. Appliance Placement and Space Requirements
Appliances are essential elements in every kitchen, and they each come with specific measurement requirements.
• Refrigerator: Leave a 1-inch (2.5 cm) gap around the refrigerator for ventilation and proper air circulation. Allow at least 36 inches (91 cm) of space in front for easy access.
• Stovetop and Oven: Standard ovens need 30 inches (76 cm) of width. Plan for at least 12 inches (30 cm) of countertop space on each side of the stove for safety and prep work.
• Dishwasher: Position the dishwasher within 36 inches (91 cm) of the sink for convenient loading and unloading, with at least 21 inches (53 cm) of clearance in front to open the door fully.
Example of the above kitchens measurements.
A Kitchen design planner can offer appliance templates, helping you verify these measurements and place appliances for maximum accessibility and convenience.
7. Sink and Faucet
The sink is a high-use area that demands careful placement and sizing.
• Sink Width: Standard sink widths range from 22 to 33 inches (56–84 cm). Choose the width based on how much countertop space you need.
• Depth from Counter Edge: Leave 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) from the counter edge to the sink to prevent spills and ensure comfortable access.
• Clearance Space: Ensure at least 24 inches (61 cm) of open counter space on one side for food prep, with an additional 18 inches (46 cm) on the other side if possible.
Using a “3D kitchen planner” for these measurements can clarify the sink’s best position in the kitchen workflow, reducing congestion during cooking and washing tasks.
8. Lighting Height and Placement
Kitchen lighting must be functional and well-placed to illuminate work areas effectively. Using a “Kitchen planner NZ” can help visualize the layout with various lighting options.
• Pendant Lights Above Island: Pendant lights should hang 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) above the island countertop for balanced lighting without obstructing sightlines.
• Under-Cabinet Lighting: Position under-cabinet lights 18 inches (46 cm) above the countertop, focusing directly on the working surface for optimal illumination.
Proper lighting enhances the overall kitchen design, ensuring your renovated space is as practical as it is attractive.
This rendering shows the placement of different lights at different levels. This shows the recessed lighting on the ceiling complemented by under cabinet lighting
This kitchen however showcases pendent lighting low above the island to create a design element.
Backsplashes are as functional as they are decorative, protecting walls from splashes while adding style.
• Standard Backsplash Height: Typically, backsplashes extend up to 18 inches (46 cm) from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets, although full-wall backsplashes are increasingly popular.
Final Thoughts on Using a Kitchen Planner for NZ Kitchens Whether you’re using a “Kitchen planner NZ” or a “3D kitchen planner,” adhering to these standard measurements will streamline the renovation process, enhance kitchen functionality, and improve overall comfort. Remember that these dimensions are guidelines, and adjustments may be necessary based on individual needs and space constraints.
In the words of Sarah Richardson, renowned interior designer, “The kitchen is the heart of the home; its functionality depends on measurements, and every inch counts.”
What is the standard height for kitchen countertops?
The standard height for kitchen countertops is approximately 36 inches (91 cm) from the floor. This height is comfortable for most adults and aligns with base cabinets, creating a seamless and ergonomic workspace.
How much space should I leave between my kitchen island and surrounding counters?
It’s best to leave 42–48 inches (107–122 cm) between the kitchen island and surrounding countertops. This spacing ensures enough room for appliance doors to open and for people to move around comfortably, especially in a busy kitchen.
3. What is the ideal clearance space for walkways in a kitchen?
For a single-cook kitchen, the ideal walkway width is 42 inches (107 cm), while a two-cook kitchen should have a width of 48 inches (122 cm). This clearance space ensures smooth movement and reduces crowding in high-traffic areas.
4. How high should upper cabinets be installed above the countertop?
Upper cabinets should generally be installed about 18 inches (46 cm) above the countertop. This height allows easy access to cabinet contents while leaving plenty of workspace below.
How much overhang should a kitchen island have for seating?
For comfortable seating at a kitchen island, the overhang should be 12–18 inches (30–46 cm). This extra space allows guests to sit comfortably without their knees hitting the cabinet below, making it ideal for casual dining or social gatherings.
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.
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
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An average cost for renovating a kitchen in New Zealand is between $26,000 and $35,000 if you are renovating with a renovation company. Kitchen renovation cost NZ wide can differ based on the company you choose or if you are doing a DIY job. You will save money if you are doing a DIY job but they can be risky if you are not a trained professional. Costs to renovate a kitchen depend on various factors. The intention to renovate or your reason to renovate the kitchen is one of the major factors that will determine your budget.
If you are renovating to sell then we recommend you to renovate using standard mid range materials and not customise your renovation too much. If you are renovating to add comfort or increase the functionality of your kitchen then we recommend our clients to go for more quality products so that you can enjoy your kitchen for a much longer time.
We have created a comprehensive guide for cost of kitchen renovation in New Zealand which list all the factors that contribute to the overall cost for your kitchen. Whether you are doing a DIY job or doing a luxury kitchen renovation, this guide will help you on your research before you renovate your kitchen.
1. What is the average cost of a renovated kitchen in New Zealand?
The average cost to renovate your kitchen is approximately $28,908. However, if you’re creating your dream kitchen, you can expect to spend between $25,664 to $31,256. The total cost will depend on factors such as the cost of cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, quality of materials, labor, and whether there’s a change in layout.
For those who choose to have only cabinets and benchtops installed while managing the other trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical, building, flooring, painting, gas fitting) themselves, the cost can vary. Opting to handle the coordination of these trades can offer more flexibility but may require additional planning and time investment.
Average Range
Minimum Cost
Average Cost
Maximum Cost
$25,664 to $31,256.
$16,832 +gst
$28,908 +gst
$173,880 +gst
Kitchen renovation costs in New Zealand can vary greatly depending on the region. In cities like Auckland and Wellington, where construction costs and demand are higher, the average kitchen renovation cost in NZ tends to be more expensive due to higher labor rates and the cost of premium materials. Homeowners in these areas should budget more for a kitchen remodel, especially if high-end finishes or complex designs are involved. On the other hand, the kitchen renovation cost in NZ’s regional areas, such as Canterbury or Otago, may be lower due to more affordable labor and material availability. However, remote areas could face additional costs for transporting materials and accessing tradespeople. Understanding these regional differences in kitchen renovation cost NZ can help you plan your budget effectively.
As you can see the table above is a good representation of costs for small to big projects. Small projects include changing your cabinet doors,applying a new coat of paint or simple changing your splashback.Bigger projects will includedemolishing your existingkitchen and redoing the kitchen. Full kitchen renovation projects mean that you have to custom built your cabinets, install new benchtops, change your flooring, installing a new splashback, changing your lights, and installing new kitchen appliances. the cost will depend on the type of materials you choose, if there is any change in layout and the size of your kitchen.Projects such as these will start from $41,000+ at a minimum.
So, how much does each item in a Kitchen renovation cost in NZ?
The cost for a kitchen renovation will depends on what you want in your kitchen. If you see the table below, the table will show you how much you can expect to spend on each item of your kitchen. This breakdown will help you see your estimated spending cost and is a good guide for budgeting your renovation.
Item
Budget %
Average Cost
Cabinetry
28%
$9,039
Installation & Labour
18%
$5,695
Appliances
15%
$4,678
Countertops & Backsplash
11%
$3,381
Flooring
7%
$2,2771
Lighting
5%
$1,449
Painting
5%
$1,587
Windows & Doors
4%
$1408
Designer
3%
$994
Plumbing
3%
$1007
Other
1%
$428
The most expensive part of renovating a kitchen is typically the cabinetry, which can account for 30% to 50% of the total renovation cost. Custom-made cabinets, in particular, drive up costs due to the labor-intensive work required to design, manufacture, and install them. High-quality materials like solid wood or premium finishes further increase the price. Additionally, if you opt for custom storage solutions or unique layouts, the complexity adds to both material and labor costs.
Another significant expense is the countertop, especially when using high-end materials such as granite, marble, or engineered stone, which can dramatically increase the overall budget.
Common mistakes homeowners make during kitchen renovations include underestimating these costs or trying to cut corners by choosing lower-quality materials that may not hold up over time. Another frequent error is poor planning, such as failing to allocate enough budget for essential items like plumbing or electrical work. Misjudging the space or storage needs can also lead to costly adjustments later. Proper planning and realistic budgeting are key to avoiding these pitfalls and ensuring your kitchen renovation is both beautiful and functional.
On an average homeowner spend about $2,300 square meter for their kitchen. You might think that $207 is a very high number but this is only an average. The starting price per square meter is $1,533 and people doing high-end kitchen renovationsmight spend as much as $4167 per meter. Before you start your renovation, it is wise to ask a few questions toyourself.
What exactly do you want to do with the available space?
What do you want to get out of this renovation?
What part of the kitchen do you want to renovate? Also, think about what parts would you like to leave and do not want us to touch.
What special features are you considering adding to your new kitchen space?
Are you going to keep your kitchen layout the same, or do you to make some changes?
What style do you want your kitchen to be?
Lastly, now think about your budget. How much are you willing to spend on that dream kitchen of yours?
If you want to add value to your home, you might want to think about your budget.The industry recommends spending between 5% – 15% of the value of your home on a kitchen renovation if your intention is to sell.
Basic, Mid-range, Luxury kitchen remodel guide
The table below shows an estimated guide of what your kitchen will include and how much you will be spending on your kitchen. Depending on your budget, there are three distinct ranges that your kitchen remodel will come under. The ranges are basic kitchen renovation (upgrade few things), mid-range (new adjustments- layout, new cabinetry, etc.) and luxury (something glamorous).
Basic Level Kitchen Renovation
Mid-range Level Kitchen Renovation
Luxury Level Kitchen Renovation
$16,560 – $28,980
$32,000 – $88,320
Up to $173,880
No change in layout
Restoring and painting existing cabinet doors
New cabinets possible if the kitchen is small or mid-range materials used.
Modern countertops
Laminated floorings
Laminated benchtop
Repairing lights
DIY kitchen renovation
Change in Layout possible
Custom-made cabinetry & doors.
Paint including
Organized storage
Cabinets with built-in bins
Custom-built pantry with pull out drawers.
Smart Kitchen features
Engineered Stone countertops, marble, quartz, and glass.
Tiled flooring
DesignerSplashback
Appliances included
All trades included
Project management
Extensive change in layout
New Plumbing
Re-wiring
Marble floorings,Timber,or designer tiles
Brand-new appliances
High-quality Countertops
Modern Lighting
Smart kitchen features
Organized storage
Drawers and cabinets with built-in bins and magic corners
Custom-built pantry with pull out drawers.
Project management
All trades included
Basic Kitchen Renovation in Hillsborough
Mid Range Kitchen in West Harbour
High End Kitchen Renovation
Luxury Kitchen Renovation
This is just an average estimated cost guide to help you plan before choosing to renovate. Most clients, however, do not fit into these three distinct categories. They often pick various aspects from each category to make a kitchen that is unique to them.
If you wish to keep your kitchen layout the same but want to make a few changes then that will incur an additional cost. The reason that a change in layout means additional costs is because the area needs new plumbing as well as re-wiring which need counsel approval. Any council approval will require architectural drawings, documentation, and inspection. The additional cost for this could lie between $2,070 – $6,210.
Budget-Friendly Tip- Repair your kitchen cabinets and doors.Try polishing and restoring countertops insteadof paying for newmaterials.
4. How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen renovation in NZ?
Small Kitchen
A small kitchen renovation is typically around $10,520 to $27,600 which could mean simply upgrading certain features. In terms of square foot, it would mean a kitchen which is 75 or smaller. It all depends on what’s features that you want to apply. There are a few tips that you may want to consider,
Most homeowners have said that they wish to have more storage than space. You can add additional storage space by installing pull-out baskets, spice drawers, section drawers for cutlery and plates and bowls, or even corner cabinets. Adding such conveniences gives you the storage space you require without having to build new cabinets for storage.
Installing storage drawers within your existing cabinets will allow you to have extra counterspace for meal preparation.
Extra Countertop- pick a modern single sink rather than a double sink. Maybe have 4 kitchen stoves instead of 8. This will help you have more counter space,and you will also save money which you can then use for other things that you want in your kitchen.
It is always good to consult professional renovation companies and designers to get advice before you commit to your kitchen renovation. These companies will help in achieving the functionality you require and the aesthetics that you want. They will recommend the best options available for you to create a kitchen that is right for your family They will also show you 3D models and rendered drawings of your kitchenwill include materials, textures, and any fixtures so you can see what your kitchen would look upon completion.
This small kitchen (pictured above) was renovated in Greenlane, Auckland. Joanna and Steve had a closed in and old kitchen which needed an upgrade. We demolished a wall to make it more open plan and chose a neutral theme to make the kitchen look more airy and light. See Joanna and Steve’s full project details + before and after photos here.
10’x10’ vs 12’x12’
Let us talk about what it would cost you in terms of square meters. For a 10’x10’, which is between 75 to 100+ square feet, you will be spending between $20,700 to $47,400. In comparison, if your kitchen size is 12’x12’, which is an average size for a small kitchen then remodellingit will cost you between $27,600 to $62,100.
5. How much does it cost to remodel a large kitchen in NZ?
For a large kitchen renovation (18 or more square meter) it will cost between $62,000 and $138,000. This could also include extensive work like double appliances, a double island, butler’s pantry and change in layout.
Before Renovation
After renovation in Stanmore Bay
Project specifications (Pictured above) – Mary Stuart’s previous kitchen was old and closed off. We demolished the wall that was separating the kitchen from the living room to create a large open planned kitchen in a rustic style. See full project specs + Before and After
Expert tip
Renovation Companies
Managing a kitchen renovation means that you will have to coordinate all different trades like carpenters to build cabinets, product suppliers, flooring installers, electricians, plumbers, painters, plasterers, designers, and kitchen installers. You will have to manage the trades, their timelines and resolve any conflict that may arise. However, most people do not have the time to manage a project effectively and they prefer employing a company that can manage the entire project for them. Such renovation companies usually provide all the labour involved, have designers, supply materials, and provide appliances at trade prices. They have a project manager that coordinates supplier deliveries, manages all trades and ensures that the renovation is running in regards to the timeline.
kitchen ideas auckland
This kitchen was renovated in Avondale from an old kitchen that was falling apart to a modern spacious kitchen.
When you think about your kitchen, the first thing that pops into your head is the space available to store your dry groceries such as canned items, snacks, pasta bags and rice. The kitchen cabinets make a great impression when family and friends come over due to the various textures, materials and colours used within your kitchen renovation. You can expect to spend between $4,140 – $11,040 on an average. The more cabinets you built the more the cost of your kitchen goes up. If you are building top and bottom cabinets then the cost of your kitchen renovation will be higher than a kitchen with bottom cabinets only.
Basic Kitchen Cabinet cost– keeping your original cabinets. Instead, you can simply replace your cabinet doors or hinges. You can also re-paint them with a fresh coat of paint. This would cost you between $103.50 – $207.00 per linear foot.
Mid-range Kitchen Cabinets will cost between$138 – $1,242 per linear foot. You can custom built your cabinets through a renovation company with mid-range products. Most of our mid-range kitchens feature custom cabinet carcass and doors with MDF Melteca.
Luxury Cabinets– You can use more high-end materials for luxury kitchens as budget is mostly not a problem. This will cost you around $2,070 per linear foot.
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.
We all want to Customise our own kitchen, but sometimes it is not always affordable. In such situations you might want to simply change your cabinet doors and handles. There are two inexpensive ways to achieve the results you are looking for.
Refinishing– removing old paint from existing cabinets and applying fresh coat of paint. However, make sure professionals do the refinish as they are trained to do so and will guarantee a good result. This way is very affordable for homeowners who wish to save and not spend so much. The cost will sit between $2,070 and $4,140.
Refacing – Using existing cabinets but just changing the existing cabinet doors and adding on newer ones. In this option, homeowners get to choose the materials, colours, and design how they want to. Make sure ask the contractor for some recommendations for custom built option. With this option, it can cost between $4830 and $12,420.
Additional Hardware’s– This is not an option, but some homeowners love to experiment with their cabinets and drawers by adding handles or knobs to their custom-built kitchen. Newer Handles and Knobs starts from $2.76 to $27.6.
Renovation companies recommend installing new quality appliances as it increases the overall value of your kitchen and home. You can expect to spend between $138 to $414 per appliance. Appliances can be costly and can increase your budget. Hence some homeowners tend to use their old and existing appliances to save costs especially if their current appliances are still working well.
Basic Appliances – like microwave, garbage disposal and oven usually last a long time. If these appliances are in good working condition, then you do not need to buy new ones. You could save between $276 to $1380 if you are keeping some of your old appliances.
Energy Star-rated – Why buy energy Star-rated appliances? This is because it will reduce your energy bills, increases lifespan, and home value as it makes your home more energy efficient. There are a lot of energy star rated appliances available today which means there is a choice for everyone regardless of their budget. Energy star rated appliance are however more expensive than basic appliances, but you will be saving more in the long run. Energy star rated appliances will star from $414 for microwaves, $1200 for dishwashers, $1150 for ovens and $1500 for fridges.
High-end Appliances– are appliances which have a greater lifespan and includes energy star. However, this option has some modern features like Bluetooth, sensors, and more. For these additional features, the cost will be around $1380 to $6900+ per appliance.
Do you want to Customise your appliances?This option is the most expensive, as they are usually built into your kitchen and can range between $2,070 to $13,800. Nothing needs to change within your kitchen, but the overall integrated look becomes more appealing.
A common question that our clients ask us is regarding the right countertop for their kitchen. This is because there are various materials available today with a huge difference in costs. Homeowners are usually looking for a countertop which is functional, hard-wearing, and water resistant.
Custom built stone engineered countertop used for Mary’s kitchen. We made this engineered stone look like pattered granite with a shiny sheen. The pattern chosen above is called Autumn leaf and like its name has yellow and mustard undertones which complements the dark cabinets well.
For an affordable countertop, try using laminate, or stone engineered countertop. Stone Engineered countertop means man made stone which can be made into marble or granite. When it comes to cost, they are more likely to work for Basic and Mid-range kitchens. The total cost you will be spending on your countertop will be around $2760 to $6210. If budget is not a problem, then you can opt for natural stone like marble or granite. This cost for this will start from about $4000 and can go up till $7,000. If you are getting a luxury renovation, then you can also think about getting a concrete countertop. Concrete countertops are great for contemporary homes but are an expensive choice as they can range anywhere between $9,000 and $20,000.
The table below will show you the range of countertops that are provided and the cost.
Countertop Material
Cost per Square meter
Ceramic Tile
$76.70- $153.30
Acrylic
$30.10- $416.10
Formica
$230- $460
Laminate
$383- $613
Bamboo
$383.3 – $920
Solid Surface
$497.8- $924
Butcher Block
$613.3- $920
Corian
$613.3- $920
Concrete
$613.3- $1226.7
Soapstone
$613.3- $1303.3
Marble Cost
$613.3 – $1533.3
Caesarstone
$613.3- $1533.3
Paper stone
$613.3- $1533.3
Granite Cost
$766.7 – $1533.3
Terrazzo
$766.7 – $1533.3
Quartz Cost
$766.7 – $1533.3
Onyx
$766.7 – $3066.7
Limestone
$996.7- $2300.00
Glass
$1226.7- $1533.3
Copper
$1533.3- $1993.3
Budget-friendly Tip-
If you are looking for a cheaper option for your countertop then try and using your existing countertop and simply repair any damage that exists.
Countertop professionals can provide restoring service, and this cost you around $110.40 – $2,208.
Splashbacks is a key element in a kitchen as it makes cleaning easier. It is often found on the wall behind your stove so it can catch any splatters while cooking. Splashbacks should usually be made with materials that are easy to clean like glass, large tiles with lesser grout lines or engineered stones.
Ceramic tiles are a cost-effective option for a splashback if you are on a budget. Ceramic tiles are most popular in the market as they cost around $153.3/sq. meter. Another option you can think about is stainless steel splash back and that will cost about $383.3/sq. meter
Flooring is an important part of the kitchen as we spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Choosing the right type of flooring is important because your kitchen floor experiences a lot of wear and tear. It must be a material that is easy to clean, does not stain and is resistant to liquids. Before purchasing a flooring material, see if the flooring is durable, hard-wearing, waterproof, and comfortable.
Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach: Ceramic tiles which mimic hardwood were installed for easy maintenance and as a cost effective option
For an affordable flooring option, laminated wood flooring is the most popular and cheap flooring you can purchase in Auckland. Aside from the fact that laminate flooring is the most popular now, it is wise to check with a professional for the right type of flooring option for you.
For instance,
Laminated Wood Flooring-The laminated floor looks and feels like real wooden floors, but it is artificial. The cost of laminated flooring is around, $2,070 to $5,520. It is also easy to clean, durable and cost effective when on a tight budget.
Tiles are another great option for kitchen flooring as they can be easily maintained. Today’s advanced flooring technology allows us to create tiles that look and feel like wood. This means that you can get a beautiful timber or oak look without having the hassle to use natural wood which is hard to maintain.
If you are looking for a more luxurious option, we recommend homeowners to invest in floorings like Stone-based flooring from Tile depo. Stone-based flooring has lifetime warranty, 100% waterproof, easy maintenance, underflooring heating and stable to sunlight. The average cost for Stone-based flooring is approximately starts from $1,380 – $4,830.
7. Cost of hiring a interior designer for your kitchen makeover in NZ
Some people might think that getting a designer is not necessary when renovating their kitchen. In some cases, renovation companies recommend getting a designer involved especially if they are going for a mid to luxury kitchen renovation. Designers can advise you on textures, colours, materials, and styles that are popular today. A designer will also create 3D models as well as rendering model of your kitchen with all the paint, materials, door handles, countertops, and appliances so you are able to visualise what your kitchen will look like after the renovation. A renovation company often has their own in-house designers that will work with the project managers throughout the renovation, so your drawings are turned into a living reality.
What You Can Expect From Your Kitchen Designer
When working with a kitchen designer, although all companies are slightly different, you can look forward to a collaborative and tailored experience with the goal of bringing your kitchen vision to life. Here’s what you can expect during a design process:
1. Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation. Kitchen designers will take the time to understand your ideas, style preferences, and renovation goals, ensuring we align with your vision.
2. Showroom Experience
Explore a showroom, where you can see and touch a variety of materials, colors, and textures. This hands-on experience helps you visualize how different elements will work together in your space.
3. Design Brainstorm
Meeting at a design studio for a brainstorming session. You’ll have access to an extensive collection of samples, color charts, and full displays, allowing you to explore various options and find what resonates with you.
4. Comprehensive Design Plan
After gathering your input, They will develop a detailed design plan tailored to your kitchen. This plan will include fitting lists, color codes, design renders, and precise measurements to ensure clarity and precision throughout the renovation process.
With a designer by your side, you can expect a seamless design experience that prioritizes your needs and transforms your kitchen into a space you love without making early mistakes before the renovation even starts.
8. How much does Labour cost for renovating your kitchen?
Answer: To hire multiple labourers it will approximately cost between $2760 to $10,280. This would include plumbers, electricians, tilers, grouters, painters, plasterers, installers, builders, project managers, designers, and architects in case you need council permit.
This only applies to homeowners who might need to replace or change the pipes in their homes. For instance, new pipping for sink, waste etc. However, each kitchen faucet has its own expense.
For a basic kitchen faucet, it costs around $207 to $414. The cost for kitchen faucets can however vary depending on the brand or style you choose. Certain designer faucets can cost up to $2000.
The cost to install a kitchen sink and that is $345 to $828.
Changing appliances also requires a plumber and that will cost you around $621 to $2480.
How much does it cost for Lighting and electricity work in your kitchen?
Answer:
Electrical works cost about $69 to $138 per hour. This includes.
Installing recessed lighting
Cables for new appliances – stove, microwave, washing machine and oven.
Light switches – plugs, USB ports, inside cabinet lights etc.
Under cabinet lights.
Changing gas lines can be a big expense as you need this to be done by professionals who are certified. The cost for this could range between $345 to $2,500.
Painting Cost
We recommend clients to get their kitchens professionally painted. This is because a good paint job by a professional will always give you better and long-lasting results as compared to if you do a DIY job at home.
Professional painting is more expensive than regular painting as it includes plastering, gib stopping, applying 2 under coats, and 2 topcoats. Professionals will also cover your cabinets, help moving appliances away, and masking the electric ports.
It starts from $1,104 for small kitchens and can go up to $3,500 for larger kitchens.
Tilers and Flooring
If you are renovating your entire kitchen then chances are that you will also be changing your flooring. If you are installing laminate flooring, then you will have to hire a professional to help you install it. The average cost to supply and install laminate flooring is between $80 – $140 per square metre. To install laminate flooring, labour will cost between $50 – $80 per square meter.
If you are installing tiles on your floors, then you will have to hire a tiler as well as grouter. The labour cost to tile an average kitchen will range from $1000 to $3500 depending on the complexity of the installation. If you are installing larger tiles, then the labour cost will be lower as there will be lesser grout lines. If you are installing smaller tiles, then the labour cost will be higher as there will be more grouting that will have to be done.
Building Consent
In New Zealand, if you’re planning a significant kitchen renovation, such as altering the layout or structure, you’ll likely need to apply for building consent. Auckland Council, like other local authorities across the country, manages the building consent process to ensure that any changes comply with the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code.
Building consent is required if you are making structural changes, such as altering or removing a load-bearing wall, or if the renovation affects plumbing or electrical systems. For example, relocating plumbing for a new kitchen layout will involve additional pipes, which must be approved by the council through the building consent process. Similarly, if you’re demolishing or altering key structural components, consent is needed to ensure safety and compliance with building regulations.
When you apply for building consent, Auckland Council will review the plans submitted by your architect or designer. They assess whether the proposed work, such as the installation of new plumbing, rewiring, or structural alterations, meets building standards. Once approved, your contractor can begin the renovation work.
The cost of building consent for kitchen renovations in Auckland typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,500, depending on the complexity of the project. However, keep in mind that obtaining consent can take time—generally between 1 to 5 months. To avoid delays, it’s best to submit your building consent application well in advance, especially if you aim to complete your renovation before busy periods like Christmas.
For more detailed information on building consents, visit building.govt.nz, which offers comprehensive guidance on the consent process and requirements for kitchen renovations.
Whatever the reason, budgeting is important when renovating. This is especially true when you are about to invest in something that requires you to spend your hard-earned money. It is good to have a clear idea on what you want to spend so you can set a fixed budget for the renovation. It is good to get a fixed quote from your renovation company before committing to them.
We also ask our clients to have some extra money saved as there could be some unforeseen circumstances along the way. This could include finding water damage or rotten timber once the renovation is already underway. This could cost you an additional $1000 – $2000.
Affordable Kitchen Renovations
For an affordable kitchen renovation, the estimate to renovate your kitchen is around $20,700. You must know that when budgeting for a basic kitchen, you must pick your materials and install for yourself or finding professionals that are suitable to your budget. Please see table below for what budgeting plan that suits you.
Affordable, Mid-Range, High-end Kitchen on a Budget.
Affordable Kitchen Renovation
Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation
High-end Kitchen Renovation
$20,700 max
$32,700- $41,400
> $41,400
This includes,
Modernised Sink
Granite Countertop
Splashback
Refacing Cabinates
Refinish painting.
Upgraded appliances.
No change in layout
DIY
This includes,
Stone Engineered countertop (marble or granite)
Kitchen designer
Customize your cabinets.
Stone-based flooring
Tiled flooring
Change in layout possible.
Adding an island
Project management
All trades included
You will have more freedom to Customise.
from start to end.
For instance,
Hiring Kitchen Designer
Modern appliances
New kitchen layouts
High end luxury products
Designer products
Natural stone countertops or concrete countertops
All trades included
Project management
Sourcing Your Own Trades If you’re looking to save on project management costs, consider sourcing your own trades such as plumbers, electricians, flooring specialists, and builders. You can still work directly with kitchen manufacturers for design and installation of cabinets and benchtops, bypassing the need for a full project management company. This gives you more flexibility while potentially reducing costs.
Top 4 Tips When Renovating on a Budget
D.I.Y. Projects
Doing some tasks yourself can significantly cut costs. You can customize and choose your own materials, whether it’s cabinetry or painting. DIY helps you save on labor and management costs. However, for specialized tasks like plumbing and electrical work, it’s advisable to hire professionals.
Cabinetry Choices
Deciding whether to reface or refresh your cabinetry is a great budget-friendly option. You can either replace cabinet doors or simply repaint them for a fresh look. Both options are affordable and can give your kitchen a new vibe without major expense.
Upgrade Essentials First
Instead of indulging in every wish, prioritize upgrading essential items. For example, start with cabinet handles, shelves, or even a new faucet. You can always add more luxurious features later when your budget allows.
Budget Planning & Project Management
If you’re working with a tight budget, managing your renovation yourself might be the best route. In this case, make sure to stay involved in every phase of the project. A good strategy is to renovate in stages, allowing you to spread out costs and stay within your financial limits.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
10. Return on Investment (ROI) on a Kitchen Makeover in NZ
Design plays a crucial role in enhancing the perception of value in any kitchen renovation. A well-thought-out design not only ensures functional flow but also creates an aesthetically pleasing space that can appeal to future buyers. Thoughtful layouts, quality finishes, and a cohesive style make a kitchen feel more luxurious and inviting, which in turn increases its perceived value.
Equally important is the choice of hardware, materials, and fittings. These smaller elements can elevate even a budget kitchen makeover. High-quality cabinet handles, durable benchtops, and sleek faucets instantly convey a sense of refinement and durability. Selecting the right materials can significantly affect the kitchen’s longevity, functionality, and visual appeal. For example, stone or engineered countertops, soft-close drawers, and premium appliances can give the space a high-end feel even in mid-range renovations.
Return on Investment (ROI) on a Kitchen Makeover in New Zealand
When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s essential to consider the potential return on investment (ROI). Depending on the type of kitchen renovation, homeowners in New Zealand can expect varying degrees of ROI:
Basic Kitchen Renovation: For a minor renovation involving new paint, cabinet resurfacing, and upgraded hardware, the ROI could be closer to 70%–80%, with an increase in home value by around $15,000 to $25,000.
Mid-range Kitchen Renovation: For a renovation that includes new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances (but not luxury items), the ROI typically falls between 60%–70%, increasing home value by $40,000 to $55,000.
Luxury Kitchen Renovation: A high-end renovation with premium materials, custom cabinetry, and top-tier appliances tends to yield an ROI of 50%–60%, with an increase in home value by $80,000 to $100,000, depending on the size and location of the home.
Keep in mind that your ROI can vary based on the location and desirability of your neighborhood, as well as the overall condition of your home. Real estate trends since 2018 have shown strong growth, making now a good time to consider investing in your kitchen. Ultimately, thoughtful design and the right material choices can help you maximize both enjoyment and return on your renovation investment.
Set a budget! Tell yourself, can you do it on your own, D.I.Y, or willing to hire a renovation company to do it for you.
See what is best for your kitchen layout! If need help, then you might want to consider a designer to help you with the layout of your kitchen.
Think of your kitchen needs than your personal desires as you can invest on other things at a later day.
Pick the aspects of your kitchen that need more attention and get help restoring them. This will help you reduce your budget; however, additional cost will apply when making changes in the future.
Renovating a kitchen takes between 6-8 weeks so make sure you are renovating at a time when you do not need your kitchen a lot. You could also consider creating a makeshift kitchen during the renovation process.
Make sure that you choose a renovation company that has good health and safety practices in place. Speak to your contractor about this and they will sort some things out for you as dust from renovating may cause long-damage to your health when breathing in the dust. Try a vacation!
Cleaning! Ask you contractor if you wish for a cleaning service and they will do that for you.
12. How to choose the right renovation company in Auckland?
9 things to look at before choosing your renovation company
Research– Find at least three renovation companies that you can hire to renovate your kitchen. This can be done by asking friends and families. It would also be good to check the company’s profile by looking at their website. When checking their website, you want to check out the company’s reputation like their testimonials, current projects or google reviews from customers.
Meet the people – It is also good to meet the project manager from the company and have a chat with him/her about similar projects that they have done in the past. Ask them as many questions as you want. This will help you understand how your interaction is going to be with them for the duration of the project.
Quotation– Do not accept the first quote you get from a company. Get several quotes and compare them. Make sure that you get a fixed quote with possible variations clearly outlined. The cheapest company is not always the best company so choose carefully.
Trust– It is important to check the companies’ suppliers. Normally the renovation company will advertise them on the internet but, make sure you ask them about their suppliers. Choose a company that works with reputed suppliers who provide warranties and guarantees for their products.
Legitimate company- This is crucial aspect when deciding on the company that you wish to hire for your kitchen. All companies should have a practicing license to operate. Make sure you do some research about the company’s license on: https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/
Testimonials – Make sure you ask about their past kitchen remodels before choosing the company. This will help you see what the experience of their clients have been while renovations.
Talk to past clients – You can ask the renovation company to give you a list of their past clients. Have a chat with these clients about their experience with the company. You can ask about the materials they used for their cabinets, countertop, flooring or even the splashback. Another question to ask past clients would be to see if there were any faults? Were the past clients satisfied with their kitchen or were looking for something else?
Insurance– Make sure that the renovation company has insurance in case of any mishap during the renovation. Another way to see if renovation companies have chosen is the right business is by checking if the company can handle the project as it is willing to finish on time by a date. This shows that the business is a healthy and thriving business with good systems in place.
The Contract– Get in touch with your bank, accountant, or lawyer with your decision to go to the next step. The kitchen remodels will draw you and contract with the steps, quotes, insurance, or a timeline of the project before signing it. It is recommended to see if both parties agree with the contract and wish to move to the next step.
The cost of renovating a kitchen depends on various factors. Budget planning also depends on what your needs are and how you interact as a family in the kitchen. If you are renovating to sell or to add value for a better rental yield then you should just do an upgrade like changing cabinets and painting the room for a better return on investment.
If you are renovating to improve functionality and increase your quality of life then make sure that you choose materials that last you a long time and are easy to maintain. A designer will also help you improve the functionality of your kitchen by either changing the layout or maximising storage by incorporating innovate storage etc features.
A renovation company like ours provides a full service which includes cost for design, custom built countertops, cabinets, all trades like electricians, plumbing, tilers, grouters, painters, builders, council permits, appliances, fixtures and project management.
This kitchen was renovated for a young family with little kids which meant that we had to have a simple design and easy to clean materials. We used Tiled flooring, stone engineered countertop, and cabinets made of Melteca. We also built a custom pantry with pull out drawers for easy access.
The reason we renovated this kitchen was because the external wall was leaking and it needed to be repaired. Due to this our client experienced a lot of damage and hence decided to renovate. We renovated this kitchen in a simple style with low maintenance materials
Lynette and Henry’s Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach
Lynette and Henry was renovated with a dark stone engineered countertop, against white soft close cabinets to create a dramatic effect. Shades of grey and black were used in shape of hexagonal tiles for a backsplash to create interest and a focal point for the kitchen. Grey large tiles were used on the floor which were also continued to the dining room.
This cottage style kitchen was one of the first kitchens we renovated of this style. It features real wooden benchtop that was restored and coated to avoid wear and tear. The cabinets were custom built in the shaker style that is popular for cottage style homes.
This kitchen was extensively renovated with a change in layout that involved structural changes. Previously the space contained 3 separate rooms which were the dining, kitchen and living room. We demolished all the walls and renovated the entire area to make a large easy flowing space which was great for entertainment and family living.
An average kitchen in Auckland will be between $28,000 - $35,000 if you are renovating with a renovation company. To see all the factors that determine the cost for a kitchen renovation you can read our kitchen cost guide : https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/kitchenrenovationcostnz
Do I have to get my own kitchen designer?
If you are renovating with us, we have in-house designers that will help you with advice as well as create 3D models and renderings of your finished kitchen before we start renovating.
Do I have to get my own electrician, plumbers or any other labourers?
We are a full kitchen renovation company. This means that our quotes include design, supplying of all fixtures, custom built benchtops, custom build cabinets, electricians, flooring, lighting, plumbing, painters, plasterers and a project manager to oversee the entire renovation. You will not have to get any additional trademen.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
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.
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
This guide has been republished to include 7 additional small kitchen design ideas for New Zealand homeowners and to reflect the trends of 2022.
Let’s face it – no one wants to feel claustrophobic when cooking. This can become a problem especially in small apartment and homes where space can become a real problem. Due to lack of space, being in your kitchen can become a stressful experience. But this can be easily combated if the space is used efficiently.
Planning is key when it comes to small kitchen design NZ. The cost for basic things like labour and project management will still remain the same as you still have to bring trades in like installers, electricians, plumbers, tilers, painters etc. However, you will save on materials as there will be lesser cabinets, lesser tiles and other raw materials to work with.
Innovation is also important when thinking about planning a small space design ideas NZ. Look for innovative ideas within the space for storage and work areas. An example would to make hidden storage cabinets that can be integrated into your living space. These closed cabinets will allow you to store appliances and at the same time will not make your space look bulky.
You can also custom build cabinets which can finish at the ceilings. Keep less used appliances on the top shelves and incorporate an aesthetically pleasing ladder in your decor which can be used to access appliances on the top shelves.
Kitchen things (our preferred supplier for appliances) has products from various top brands which primarily makes appliances especially catered for small spaces. These appliances can be dismantled and stored in a cabinet without taking any counter space.
The first thing before you start planning a kitchen design for your small kitchen is to look at Ergonomics and functionality from the perspective of a kitchen designer. Before we get into small kitchen design ideas, lets look at some tips from our kitchen designer Dorothy about functionality and really understanding the challenge of designing a small kitchen space.
Our Kitchen Designer’s Advice: Modern Small Kitchen Designs: Optimizing Space and Functionality in New Zealand Homes
In the dynamic landscape of contemporary New Zealand homes, the kitchen stands as the heart of functional design. With urban dwellings and compact living spaces becoming increasingly prevalent, the demand for innovative small kitchen designs has surged. As a seasoned kitchen designer, Dorothy our head of kitchen design is passionate about integrating aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that every square meter is maximized for efficiency and elegance.
Understanding the Challenge: Small Kitchen Spaces in New Zealand
New Zealand’s architectural trends have evolved significantly, emphasizing sustainable living and efficient space utilization. In cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, where space comes at a premium, small kitchen designs play a crucial role in enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of residential properties. Whether you reside in a cozy apartment or a contemporary suburban home, the principles of ergonomic design and modern aesthetics can transform even the most compact kitchen into a culinary sanctuary.
Ergonomics in Kitchen Design: Enhancing Comfort and Efficiency
Ergonomics lies at the core of effective kitchen design, especially in smaller spaces where every movement counts. By strategically placing appliances, cabinets, and workstations, a well-designed kitchen can minimize unnecessary steps and optimize workflow. In New Zealand, where a blend of Maori heritage and multicultural influences shapes modern lifestyles, kitchen designers must cater to diverse culinary practices while prioritizing comfort and accessibility.
Key Elements of Ergonomic Kitchen Design:
Layout Efficiency: Emphasizing a streamlined workflow with the classic triangle layout (sink, stove, refrigerator) reduces movement and enhances efficiency.
Storage Solutions: Utilizing innovative storage options such as pull-out drawers, carousel cabinets, and overhead racks maximizes vertical space and keeps essentials within easy reach.
Lighting Considerations: Ample natural light and strategically placed task lighting reduce eyestrain and create a welcoming ambiance.
Height Adjustments: Customizing countertop heights and cabinet placements ensures that the kitchen accommodates users of different statures comfortably.
Functionality Meets Style: Crafting Modern Small Kitchen Designs
In the realm of kitchen design, functionality should never compromise style. Modern small kitchen designs in New Zealand embrace sleek, minimalist aesthetics that amplify visual space and create a sense of openness. From cutting-edge materials to innovative appliance integration, each element serves a dual purpose of enhancing functionality and elevating the overall design ethos.
Design Strategies for Small Kitchens:
Open Shelving and Minimalistic Finishes: Opting for open shelving instead of bulky cabinets can make the kitchen feel larger while showcasing curated collections or decorative accents.
Compact Appliances: Investing in space-saving appliances such as slimline dishwashers, built-in microwaves, and under-counter refrigerators optimizes floor space without compromising on utility.
Multifunctional Islands: Introducing a multifunctional kitchen island serves as a central hub for cooking, dining, and storage, effectively maximizing both workspace and social interaction.
Statement Lighting: Incorporating pendant lights or recessed fixtures not only illuminates key areas but also adds a touch of elegance and personality to the kitchen space.
Top 16 Kitchen design Ideas for a Small Kitchen Design in NZ
1. Play around with your Colours
Did you know that some colours have a tendency to make a space feel tiny and narrow while some are perfect for creating an illusion of added space? We recommend clients to use more neutral colours to make their space look larger. Use Dulux’s Mason Bay Quater WN27 or Epsom VW C100 as the main palette for your kitchen in order to open up your space.
However, using neutral or shades of white does not mean that your kitchen has to look dull or boring. Choose a colourful or textured splashback to draw attention and create interest. The colour of your cabinets can also be a few shades darker to create some contrast. Use colourful knobs and tapware to add some colour in the space.
2. Lighting is important
Natural lighting is the best lighting you can have in your kitchen design NZ. You can maximise natural lighting by having large vertical windows to create a sense of height or add skylights to heighten the ceiling (and get extra space for more kitchen cabinets). If this however is not possible then there are still ways of incorporating lighting into your kitchen design.
5 Small kitchens ideas
Lights that are close to your ceiling: Consider installing chandeliers or lights that are close to the ceiling. Avoid low hanging chandeliers as they will make your small kitchen layout look cumbersome. Having close to ceiling lighting will also let you skip any wall lighting fixtures. These walls can be better used for shelving.
Recessed Lighting: Recessed lighting is a great option to light up an area without infringing into your kitchen space.
Pendant Lighting: Pendant lighting is a lone lighting fixture suspended by a chord or metal chain. This is a variation to a chandelier and is less space consuming. You can either use a series of pendant lights or just one depending on your space. Pendant lighting also creates a lot of drama and adds character to any kitchen space.
LED strip lights underneath cabinets: Install LED strip lights underneath your cabinets and cabinet handles save on space as well as enhance the mood of your kitchen. Most of these LED lights can be dimmed which can also act as a mood enhancer.
Flush mount Lighting: Most houses in Auckland feature flush mount lighting. They are great as there come in many styles and save a lot of space.
LED lighting below cabinets
Pendant Lighting
Pendant Lighting
Above are examples of lighting that can be incorporated into your kitchen design
3. Choose your appliances wisely
Purchasing appliances for your kitchen is not an easy task – and its get more difficult if your kitchen space is tiny. However, one of the best kitchen design ideas NZ is to use smarter products that are emerging and are in the perfect form and function.
Choose kitchen appliances and furniture that are specifically designed for tiny spaces. There are many options for kitchen appliances which are flexible, versatile and efficient regardless of your small space. Bosch and Kitchen Things specifically make appliances that are designed for small kitchen design NZ. For example think about appliances that can be dismantled and put into a drawer rather than ones that take up counter space.
An example would be a hand held mixer or grinder that can be put back into a drawer rather than a bulky mixer and grinder. Also think of multi functional appliances which can do several tasks rather than just one specific task. These smart and innovative appliances often have several functions like being able to mix, grid, whisk etc.
4. Become a Shelving master
Renovating or designing a compact kitchen space nowadays requires planning and researching for appropriate solutions. A lot of interior designers will agree that the best kitchen design ideas need proper organisation – which is why shelves are important.
Floating Shelves
You can use floating shelves as an easy and inexpensive way to add much-needed extra storage for your kitchen. They can be great for spices, cups, tea and coffee pots while adding a personal touch to your kitchen design. If you are completely redoing your kitchen then incorporate floating shelves within your kitchen ideas to match other cabinets. These floating shelves can also be added in your dining area. You can buy colourful mugs, plates, and kitchen accessories to give your space some character as well as using it for storage.
Full Kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge – Floating shelves add a focal point as well as storage for the kitchen
Drawers and Pantry Shelves
Shelves within your drawers can make organisation and storage much easier. Think of incorporating shelving within the drawers to store cutlery. Another emerging trend has been to create storage pull out shelves within a pantry. This allows you to keep the pantry looking sleek and uncluttered. This kind of a storage pantry can also be built within your other living areas and does not have to be in the immediate vicinity of the kitchen.
5. Kitchen storage
Storage is of paramount importance in any kitchen design ideas, but particularly a small one. One obvious way to maximise storage space is to have wall units running above your base units, effectively doubling your small kitchen storage potential.
Storage solution for our clients in Auckland
5 ways to maximise storage in small kitchens
Open shelves till the ceiling: You could also look to have some open shelving, which, as well as being practical, will help give your small kitchen a more open feel.
Magic corners: Magic corners are great for corner cabinets which are awkward and the space in the corners is often wasted. Magic corners feature pull out trolley like drawers which let you utilise that corner space. We often work with products from Blum which are very innovative in storage solutions for small kitchen design NZ
Islands that double as a storage solution: More storage the better for most people. Your breakfast island is another great place which can double as a storage space within your kitchen design. Breakfast islands can be custom built to have storage cabinets and drawers to further increase storage space.
Cabinets with storage shelves: As discussed above, building organisational shelves within the cabinets can make your darwers uncluttered as well as have a dedicated space for items. Pantry storage drawers are also becoming popular for organisation and saving space.
Hooks for Pots and Pans: A hanger for pots and pans or utensils can be another great way to store items that would otherwise take up space in your cupboard. A style tip would be to buy cubs and utensils which are colourful and vibrant.
6. Islands that double as storage and dining
Whether you have a small or large kitchen, islands have becoming a great addition to any kitchen design. This is because islands are very versatile and can be used as a counter top for preparation, as a dining solution and for storage.
Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay – This island provides plenty of storage cabinets as well as counter space
Our renovation showroom with a kitchen display – A case study in maximising storage including the island
We have recently opened a renovation showroom in Auckland due to popular demand by our clients. This is really to show the quality of our renovated kitchens as well as bathrooms. If you see below, you will see a great example of our modern kitchen design that showcases an island which has storage on both sides of the kitchen island.
Our renovation showroom in Wairau Valley, Auckland. This is a great example of a modern and sleek kitchen which has storage on both sides of the kitchen island.
When you look at the kitchen island above, you will see a seamless design where it seems like there are no cabinets or drawers. In reality however, the part of the island that is facing the corridor has 2 double storage cabinets and a single storage cabinet. The part of the island that faces the kitchen has 2 pull out condiment cabinets, 2 double drawers with a hidden drawer inside. The hidden drawer is created so that from the outside it has a seamless look.
People often think that islands cannot be incorporated within a small kitchen design NZ. This however is far from the truth. Small kitchens are often found in an open plan living setting. They could either consist of one wall with a couple of counter tops, cooking range and a dishwasher. If you are doing kitchen makeover then think about ‘breaking’ the kitchen from the living room by installing a small breakfast bar in the middle. You can eliminate the dining area all together and use the breakfast bar as a space where you can eat your meals and also use as a counter top.
Kitchen renovation in Greenlane – The island doubles as a dining area, has a sink and counter space for prep and storage on the other side in form of cabinets
If you do have a small kitchen which is not in an open plan settling then consider breaking the wall between your living and kitchen to open up the area. You will be amazed how spacious your kitchen will feel when you make it into an open plan kitchen.
For further ideas for great storage solutions check out the following projects
Another emerging trend for best kitchen design ideas is a concept that has been quite popular over the past few years – the concept of hideaway kitchens.
Essentially, these are small kitchen spaces which are separated by a drawer – and ones which become “invisible” on demand. With a kitchen like this, you can easily hide your kitchen mess and transform a living room with kitchen to a full living room in a matter of seconds.
8. Small kitchen layouts
Small kitchen ideas are plenty but before anything begins you will have to think about the layout. Layout has a huge impact on how easy your kitchen is to cook in, and how pleasant it is be in. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adapting a current space, think about how you use your kitchen and what tasks you do most. Don’t just think about putting breakfast together and cooking dinner every night, but be more specific.
If you personal preference is an L shaped kitchen but if it makes your space look congested then opt for putting your kitchen counters on one side only. Instead, think about putting in a small breakfast inland that can provide counter space and double as a dining space. If your kitchen is closed off then consider breaking the wall that divides the kitchen from the rest of the living space. Open plan kitchens often make the space look larger and provides more of a cohesive living space.
Single Wall Kitchen Layout
How to design a small kitchen? For your small kitchen layout, this layout may be helpful as it’s perfect for small kitchens and won’t take up too much space. Kitchens with a single wall are effective because you can use the vertical space for additional storage. This wall has depth and balance thanks to the attractive texture the wood paneling produces. Simple kitchen designs don’t cost a lot to make. To make the most of the space’s usability and create a little design, you may include a seating area in you small kitchen layout.
Single Wall Kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
Galley Kitchen Layout
If there is enough space, you may want to consider a galley kitchen layout for your small kitchen layout. A galley kitchen has services on one or both sides and is long and narrow. A galley kitchen has an aisle down its middle. The galley kitchen may occasionally come to a dead end or function as a pass-through kitchen. Galley kitchens are typically less expensive to install or remodel than other kitchen layouts due to their modest size. Which is perfect if you’re on a budget and have limited space.
How to design a small kitchen? Having a galley kitchen as your small kitchen layout will help keep movement to a minimum as everything you need are close together. This small kitchen layout also allows for the work triangle to work.
Galley Kitchen Layout | Photo Credit – Unsplash
7 Open Plan Small Kitchen Design
How to design a small kitchen? You to make your kitchen look more spacious you can break down a wall and create an open space kitchen. Open plan kitchens don’t necessarily need a big space to create. You can create an open plan kitchen design with a small kitchen with these help modern small kitchen design ideas. Be sure to incorporate some of these ideas in your small kitchen layout design.
1. Lighting
Lighting is very important in an open plan kitchen design as you’d want different lighting to break up the space as there is no longer a wall that separates the kitchen from the living room. There are 3 different types of lighting you’d want to use. Task lighting, ambient lighting, and spotlight lighting. In
your open plan kitchen design, opt for hanging pendant lights above your kitchen island to create an attractive focal point.
2. Make space for entertaining
In your open plan kitchen design, consider an entertainment kitchen for modern small kitchen ideas. By removing a wall, it will help open your kitchen space and enable you to make space for entertaining. When having guests over, everyone can gather around the same space and if you include an island with seats, it will provide a space for socialisation while cooking. Sometime to consider in your small kitchen layout.
How to design a small kitchen? Your small kitchen layout doesn’t affect how you want to design your kitchen. You can still create an open plan kitchen design even with a small kitchen. This is when you’d want to consider having a single wall small kitchen layout in your open plan kitchen design as you’re able to have all your kitchen units on one wall. Finish the look by adding a round dining table as a square or rectangular table might make the space more squished.
In your modern small kitchen ideas, ensure that there is enough space to let as much natural sunlight in as possible. If possible, opt for a skylight as that will help let the sunlight into the room more. How to design a modern kitchen? Having as much natural light as possible helps makes your small kitchens look bigger and create an appealing look. Which is needed for modern small kitchen ideas.
Natural Sunlight in Open Plan Kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
5. Built in appliances
How to design a small kitchen? In this small kitchen layout, you’d want to choose built in appliances. Built in appliances can help save space for more counter space and they’re perfect for an open plan kitchen design and provide a sleek, minimalist design. This would be a great addition to add in your small kitchens.
6. Kitchen island
A kitchen island is vital in an open plan kitchen design. Not only does the kitchen island provide additional storage space in your small kitchens, but it also helps break up the space from the kitchen and the living room. There are many benefits to adding a kitchen island into your modern small kitchen ideas as it’d be a social hub of your kitchen and bring the room together.
It’s hard to make space for everything you need in small kitchens. Including a kitchen island into your small kitchen layout can help with storage space. Having a built in microwave or build in dishwasher in your kitchen island can save on counter space. Ensure that any opening doors won’t get in the way of anything and ensure that they’re outfitted with proper electrical components.
Dishwasher incorporated in kitchen island | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Shallow open shelves
How to design a modern kitchen? In your modern small kitchen design ideas, consider installing open shelves into your kitchen island. When doing this, ensure that you made the shelves deep enough to serve a purpose. Open shelves should be around 12-15 inches deep as it’d be easier for you to access items you’ve put there and make it easier for you to see everything.
3. Kitchen island spice rack
To improve visibility in kitchen island cabinets, use pull-out shelves and cabinets. Smaller things, like spice jars or bottles of vinegar and oil, can be stored in pull-outs and are less likely to get lost in the depths of a large cabinet.
4. Kitchen Island mini fridge
This is a great addition to add to your modern small kitchen design as it’d be easier to access drinks. Especially if you often throw events at your house, it’s a great addition and make it easier for guests to grab their own drink as they’re able to see where it is.
Mini fridge in Kitchen Island | Photo Credit – iStock
5. Create a handy bookshelf
If you love cooking and have plenty of cookbooks, this modern small kitchen design ideas will be perfect for you. Create a little bookshelf in your kitchen island, as this will be a place where you’ll store cookbooks or regular books. This will add a colour, texture and character to your kitchen island and create a focal point in your small kitchens.
7. Broken plan layout
Whilst an open plan kitchen design has been very popular and always included in modern small kitchen design ideas. There is another option you can consider. How to designer a modern kitchen? You can opt for a broken plan layout which breaks up the space with half walls, glazed doors, or even split level flooring.
Contrary to popular belief, larger tiles actually make a space look larger. If you are using tiles for your kitchen floors then consider using 900 by 600 or 600 by 600 dimension tiles are they will make your floor look space look larger. This is owing to the fact that there will be lesser ‘breaks’ due to lesser number of grout lines. If you want to know more about large kitchen tiles and how they can give an illusion of space them read our Q&A article with Tile depot.
Further Kitchen Design ideas for Small kitchens by our designers
10. Replace kitchen cabinets with drawers
Normal cupboards do not effectively store your appliances and utensils. They are also inconvenient as things stored at the back of the cupboard are often hard to reach. Instead, try and install drawers that can be pulled out. When you install a drawer that pulls out, you can easily see all the contents and be able to organise your kitchen a lot better.
11. Be Mindful of the texture of your cabinets, and Add Mirrors
Having a small kitchen often means that you must choose materials that will not make your kitchen look smaller than it is. Shiny and smooth surfaces will reflect the light within your kitchen which will make your kitchen look larger. Most small kitchens do work well in a modern style due to its minimalistic look but if that is not the look you want then just remember not to make your materials too ornate and dark as they will make your kitchen appear smaller.
If you like modern and contemporary styles, then you can also use glass as a splashback which will create an illusion of space. If you are not going for a modern and contemporary style, then think about adding a mirror on the wall which is suited to the style that you are designing your kitchen after. An example is a framed large horizontal mirror with a simple white frame for a classic kitchen
Choose a no-handle set up for your drawers and cabinets if you are designing your kitchen in a modern or contemporary style. If you are going for a traditional, country, classic or cottage style kitchen then choose small matte knobs instead of bulky handles.
12. Rolling Kitchen Carts and Tall dining table
There is often a lack of counterspace in small kitchens. Think of creative ways to add counterspace for your small kitchen which work well for your layout. One way is to get a rolling kitchen cart that you can use as an additional counter for prep and store things. When not in use you can either remove it from your kitchen space or fold it up and store it away. Another way is to have tall dining table which you can also use as a prep counter while standing. Add some bar stools to the dining table to elevate the design of your space.
13. Think about your Wall Patters and Feature walls as a design element
It is not very easy to add design elements in a small kitchen as the cabinets are streamlines and there is not a lot of room to add decorations. You can however add character to your tiny kitchen by adding a feature wall. Avoid putting paintings or decorative items on the walls as this can make your small kitchen feel closed in. You can however draw attention to the wall by installing bright coloured tiles or painting your wall in a contrasting colour to the rest of your kitchen. You can also add tiles which are textured to add an additional dimension to your kitchen.
14. Bring in Nature into your small kitchen
Incorporating natural elements within your kitchen design can add the much-needed warmth to your kitchen. Larger kitchens have the freedom a mix of materials like wood, and stone but with small kitchens it is often hard to have too many wooden elements without making it look closed in. Hence think about living plants that can be added to the corners of your cabinets.
You can also add plant creepers that start from the top and fall on parts of your cabinets. If you do want to add wood, then you can add tiles to your feature wall that look and feel like wood. Woodgrain tiles are often found in kitchens these days as they have the texture and look of wood but are easy to clean with a mop. If you are using woodgrain tiles on the walls then opt for a lighter colour instead of a dark colour.
15. Paint your Kitchen cupboards the same colour as your walls
Matching the colour of your cabinets with the walls allows you to create a kitchen which feels airy and spacious. To spruce up the design of a neutral kitchen you can add a coloured feature wall, contrasting lighting fixtures and cupboard handles.
16. Install a Large Sink
Installing a large sink in a small kitchen can be very handy especially if you do not have a dishwasher. A large sink allows you to conveniently wash dishes as well as put the unwashed dishes out of sight while cooking and not clutter your counter space.
5 Modern Small Kitchen Ideas
Modern small kitchen design ideas have always been incorporated into small kitchens. Modern kitchen style has been a popular kitchen style that everyone is after. Having a small kitchen can seem like it’s compacted and there’s not enough space for everything. Consider adding these modern small kitchen ideas in your small kitchen layout.
1. Contrast the countertop with the flooring
How to design a modern kitchen? While you may have a small kitchens, that shouldn’t limit your creativity. To create a modern small kitchen, choose a contrasting colour for the backsplash or cabinetry. Another option for your modern small kitchen ideas is that you can alternatively, choose light wood floors that contract with black countertops for an unparalleled appearance which will make your countertop the focal point in your small kitchens.
Contrasting colour in kitchen layout | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Create a shelf between the hob and wall cabinets
In your small kitchen layout, you’d want to create as much storage space as possible. Creating a shelf between the hob and wall cabinets is a perfect storage idea to add into your modern small kitchen ideas. Ensure that the shelf here is deep enough as you’d want them to serve a purpose and not be there purely for decoration purposes. Ideally, you’d want to keep kitchen essentials that you’d use every day there to minimise constant movement.
3. Use glass fronts instead of solid doors
The illusion to make your small kitchens look bigger than it is, is allowing as much natural light as possible into your kitchen. How to design a modern kitchen? Think about changing your cabinets solid doors to glass fronts. This way the glass fronts gives your kitchen depth, which can help it appear bigger and roomier. Natural light is reflected via glass doors, which gives the room a lighter, brighter appearance.
4. Keep wall cabinets to a minimum for an airy look
How to design a modern kitchen? Whilst storage space is important and a vital part you need to consider in your kitchen design. You’d also want to ensure you don’t have too much storage space. Avoid having long banks of wall cabinets since they might make the room appear cramped and unwelcoming. Less is more, so take advantage of creative storage options to accommodate your kitchen needs. A warm entrance can be made by reducing the number of cabinets and placing tall cabinets together in the back and away from windows. Something to consider in your modern small kitchen ideas.
5. Install a multi-functioning island
In your modern small kitchen design ideas, think about including a kitchen island into your design. Kitchen islands do take up space and you also need to have the space for it. If your small kitchen layout has enough room add an island. Whilst the island does not need to be big to be multifunctional. You can pick a small kitchen island that is more suited towards your small kitchens. The rule is to leave one meter of space all around the island. An island has many uses and you’re able to use it as an additional work surface.
Tiny Kitchens
Having a tiny kitchen isn’t always ideal but we have to work with what we got. Don’t get discouraged by having a tiny kitchen NZ as there are many ways to utilise the space and ensure that it works well for you. Tiny kitchens require a lot of thought and planning to maximise functionality and flow. There are many tips and tricks that can help your kitchen work well.
9 Tips To Make The Most Out of Your Tiny Kitchen NZ
1. Wall Cabinets
This kitchen ideas for small areas are necessary as in tiny kitchens NZ there may be spaces that are to awkward to fit any storage spaces and you’re just unsure what to do with that space. Which can be difficult to utilise as much space as we can in a small kitchen design. A long, narrow wall cabinet can fit into spaces that are too small for higher cabinets while yet providing enough storage space.
Wall Cabinets in Tiny Kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Vegetable Drawer
This small kitchen designs might not be suited for everyone but that’s based on personal preference. This kitchen ideas for small areas are to have a vegetable drawer if you don’t have any space to add baskets. Consider creating your own vegetable drawer in your tiny kitchens NZ and it help keeps unnecessary stuff off the counter and makes it easier for you to access.
Example of a Vegetable Drawer | Photo Credit – Hafele
3. Toe Kick Pull-Out
This kitchen designs NZ is perfect for those cooks who love to bake. If you ever find yourself with too much baking trays, having a toe kick pull out is perfect for you. Of course, this toe kick pull out drawer can be used for anything and doesn’t have to only be for baking needs. This space might be place for you to either put pet food bowls or pet stuff. Perfect addition to add in your tiny kitchen NZ to maximise your space.
4. Storage Unit
Another solution to create additional space in your small kitchen design NZ is to add a storage unit. As this storage unit can expand when you need it and then put away when you no longer need it. The good thing about having a storage unit in your tiny kitchens NZ is that it doesn’t take up much space in your small kitchen designs and depending on which storage unit you pick out, it can also be created into a long narrow table.
5. Microwave and Oven Hood Combo
Nowadays most modern kitchens opt for a combination microwave and oven hood instead of having two different appliances. This is a great appliance combo to add in your small kitchen design NZ as it will help save on space to use for extra storage. Having a microwave and oven hood combo gives you the opportunity to cook and vent food using the same appliance which increases your tiny kitchens NZ versatility.
6. Hanging Storage
Having too much hanging storage may make your tiny kitchens NZ look cluttered and messy. Hanging storage may be perfect for you if you have narrow or awkward spaces in your small kitchen designs. Never undervalue the tight spaces in a kitchen, even with a shallow self you can still increase storage capacity in your small kitchen design NZ.
Hanging Storage | Photo Credit – Unsplash
7. Drawer Dividers
Making sure your drawers are orgnaised is essential in your small kitchen design NZ as you’d want to make sure you have space for everything in your drawers and not let them clutter out onto the counter. Maximise the use of your drawers by putting drawer dividers to make it easier to find that you’re looking for and make your drawers more organised.
8. Hidden Counter Space
In a small kitchen designs, you’d want to ensure that you have enough counter space. Which can be hard to get as much counter space as possible in tiny kitchens NZ. In your kitchen design NZ, consider having hidden counter space. Having a hidden counter space can be pulled out for anyone if they wish to assist in the kitchen while also serving as storage. Once you’re finished with the counter space you can neatly push it back in.
9. Cup Hooks
Cups don’t necessarily need to be stored in cabinets, which is why you should consider having cup hooks as they’re extremely useful in tiny kitchens NZ. Having your cups out can led to them collecting dust, so ensure you use your cups frequently to avoid this. This kitchen ideas for small areas will help improve storage as you’re able to to use the cabinet space for something else. Simply put some hooks to the bottom of your cabinets or shelf and put your cups there.
Cup hooks underneath a shelf | Photo Credit – iStock
5 Storage Tricks For Your Tiny Kitchens NZ
1. Don’t Overpack Cabinets
Making categories for yourself or your family will help you keep track of the food you already have in your kitchen designs NZ. Pull out open drawers can make your cabinets look cleaner and make it simpler to access items in your small kitchen designs.
2. Display What You Can
Displaying a few appliances on your countertop is a great kitchen idea for small as not everything needs to be put away. Whilst having everything tucked away does provide a nice clean look to your kitchen. Adding appliances will provide a touch of personality to your kitchen and can also provide extra storge space for other things.
Appliances out on the counter | Photo Credit – Unsplash
3. Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers as storage options are great as they let you see what is in which container which can stop you from rummaging through your cabinets trying to find something. You can also add labels to each containers, so you know what it is and you’ll also be able to know when you start to run low on something.
4. Combine Different Types of Storage
Don’t just stick with the same old storage piece, switch it up by having big storage and small storage. There are many different types of storages that would be best suited in your kitchen layout ideas NZ. Having smaller storage items can sometimes be more practical than one large storage piece.
5. Put Crockery On Display On A Long Shelf
When trying to fit delicate plates and bowls into small cupboards, storing tableware in a small kitchen can be a bit of a problem. Long narrow shelves are your best friend as they are much needed in your small kitchen designs. Use long narrow shelves so that everything is visible and accessible, just be careful to position them low enough to easily reach things.
Crockery on display | Photo Credit – Unsplash
8 Tips to Create Extra Kitchen Counter Space
1. Add Some Shelf Risers
Small kitchen countertops benefit greatly from shelf risers as space is limited in a small kitchen designs. For easy storage for all your excess bottles and jars, shelf risers can stack two or three layers on top of one another to maximise storage space. Depending on space, your countertop can accommodate two or three shelf risers, which is the best part as they save on space.
2. Add a Cake Stand
Having a cake stand on your countertop may seem weird, but it can serve a purpose in your small kitchen design NZ. Items will appear much more functional this way, and you’ll also have space to set some larger plates on trayed on the counter while you work.
3. Use Your Windowsill for Storage
If you happen to have a beautiful windowsill in your kitchen design NZ, consider making use of that windowsill for storage space. Whilst you don’t want to chuck everything there as it can get messy; you’d only put little things on it to make it look organised in your kitchen design NZ. You could use your windowsill to hold kitchen canisters and cookbooks.
Use of a windowsill | Photo Credit – Pexels
4. Turn Your Stovetop Into A Workspace
A kitchen idea for small areas would be to turn your stovetop into a workplace. In a small kitchen design NZ, you’d want to use everything in your kitchen. Purchase some burner covers to cover your stovetop and create a work surface. This could be used as an impromptu counter as you’re able to convert space to be useful to you and your needs in your kitchen designs NZ.
5. Add a Cart
Another great kitchen idea for small areas is to add a small cart into your small kitchen design as this would provide you with additional counter and storage space. Having a small cart in your small kitchen design NZ also doesn’t take up too much space and can be stored in an adjoining room.
6. Put Your Splashback to Work
Utilised your splashback if you have one. Add magnetic rails along your splashback to make the most out of the space. Hang most used utensils, knives, and cookware on your splashback can help increase your drawer space instead of hiding them. This will also help save time when food prepping.
7. Explore Standalone Shelving
Kitchen layout ideas NZ could provide you an opportunity to explore standalone shelving in your kitchen designs NZ. If your small kitchen designs have a vertical space, you can put in standalone shelving. Which can provide you with additional storage space or clear up space in your cabinets.
8. Hide a Wall Of Shelves Behind Sliding Panels
This may be a great storage solution in your small kitchen design NZ if you aren’t a big fan of open shelving or having your cookware on display. In a tiny kitchens NZ it can be difficult to move around if there are multiple people in the space. Having an open shelf can lead to an accident waiting to happen which is no good for anyone. Keep all your plates and jars protected, opt for wall storage with sliding panels.
9. Over The Door Organiser
Have this over the door organiser to make use of your door. Your small kitchen designs will have more space and will be more organised thanks to this over the door organiser. To make it simpler for you to identify what is running low, simply slap this over the door and place spices, tea, or coffee capsules inside.
5 Kitchen Renovation Ideas
1. Replace The Dining Table With a Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is typically a feature for a larger kitchen. For small kitchen renovations, consider taking creative use of any available space in a compact kitchen by adding a kitchen island. If your kitchen designs NZ is too small, you could keep the middle island and remove the cabinets on one side on the wall.
In your kitchen renovation ideas, consider space efficient kitchen island seating options that could be used when needed. When the kitchen island seating is not in use, you can put seats beneath the island to improve your kitchen designs NZ visual appeal.
Finding pre-made cabinetry that is ideal for you and your small kitchen designs space may be challenging but something to consider in your kitchen renovation ideas to spruce up your kitchen. Consider reaching out to a designer about creating cabinetry that fits your kitchen’s requirements. Think about the house’s theme, surroundings, and space for your small kitchen renovations.
3. Declutter
Our homes begin to fill up over time with extra items that we don’t need. For this kitchen renovation ideas remove all the accessories that are rarely used and keep the area frequently cleaned. To help declutter your kitchen, you can put all your appliances in one place. If you have a specific corner in your kitchen designs NZ, you can put all the kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers without it looking cramped.
4. The Simple Shelf
In your kitchen renovation ideas, consider adding a straightforward shelf to your kitchen if you want to make a small alteration to liven up your kitchen designs NZ. If this shelf is useful, you can place it anyplace on your kitchen wall. You can use this shelf for decoration, or you could add some hooks and set cups beneath the shelves in your small kitchen renovations. This is a great kitchen renovation ideas as it will help make your tiny kitchens NZ appear larger.
5. Open Shelves
For your small kitchen renovations, choose open shelves that will help make your small kitchen appear larger and will further open a closed off kitchen. Having open shelves will make your small kitchen more light-filled. A well thought out open shelf will make the room feel airy and welcoming and this will enable better access and more storage flexibility. Something to consider in your kitchen layout ideas NZ.
Open Shelves | Photo Credit – iStock
Featured Kitchen Renovations for small spaces (Small kitchen ideas)
Urban Luxury Kitchen renovation in Parnell
This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more
Compact Kitchen in Greenlane
Joanna and Steve wanted to renovate this house to make it more modern as this was an older house. Their kitchen was closed off and so we broke down a wall to make it an open plan living space. There was a constraint in space and hence we created a breakfast bar that could add further storage, provide more counter space, and double as a breakfast bar see more
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.
Do I need my own Kitchen designer for my kitchen renovation?
We are a complete design to build company for kitchen renovations which means that we have an in-house kitchen designer that will help you design your kitchen. Our kitchen designers will help you choose the renovation materials suited for your kitchen, help you with the creative aspect of design, create a functional space and create 3D drawings and renderings so you can visualise your future kitchen.
Do I need my own plumbers or electricians?
We are not just a kitchen manufacturing company where you just meet a designer, manufacture and then install. We start with design, demolish everything within your space, manufacture your cabinetry & benchtop, install it, we will take you to our supplier showrooms to pick your appliances, flooring, lighting etc to pick supplies at trade prices, we will also provide all trades like painters, electricians, plumbers, builders, etc whatever that is required to renovate your kitchen. You will also have a project manager throughout your renovation who will manage all trades, supply deliveries and be your only point of contact throughout the renovation process.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
We provide a full design to build service which includes design, demolition, all cabinetry, fixtures, trades like plumbers, electricians, builders etc, and a project manager to manage your project and be your only point of contact throughout the renovation. Our quotes are fixed and they include all the things mentioned above. Kitchen renovations with us start from about 32K and the quote will differ based on the materials you choose as well as the size of your kitchen.
Further Resources for your house interior design
For kitchens with great storage solutions read the following project specs
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.
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Most people in Auckland want to renovate their kitchen because their old kitchen does not suit their family’s lifestyle. Some kitchens are too old and shabby while others are just not functional. New Kitchen cost in NZ can range from $18,000 to $120,000 depending on many factors.
However, not everyone has a $100,000 budget to renovate a new kitchen. Most people want a simple upgrade and are only willing to spend between $18,000 to $30,000 for a new kitchen.
For the purpose of this article, we will explore kitchen cost options if you are renovating with a renovation company in Auckland and not DIY kitchens. When renovating with a renovation company your quotes will most include the cost for all fixtures, renovation materials, project management, council permits if any, all trades like plumbers, electricians, tilers, builders, installers, carpenters etc and project management. This section of our article will explore how to renovate a new kitchen on a budget. This is possible if the kitchen renovation is planned well and if your kitchen designer has a good knowledge of the renovation materials available today.
If you would like to see an average cost guide for a kitchen remodel in NZ, then check out the article below:
– Layout for basic kitchens
– Cabinets and storage for basic kitchens
– Countertop for basic kitchens
– Appliances for basic kitchens
– Flooring for basic kitchens
– Lighting for basic Kitchens
– Kitchen layout for mid-range kitchens
– Cabinets and storage for mid-range kitchens
– 6 Ways to maximise storage for mid-range kitchens
– Countertop for mid-range kitchens
– Appliances for mid-range kitchens
– Flooring for mid-range kitchens
– Lighting for mid-range kitchens
– SMART kitchens
– Hiring a kitchen designer for your kitchen design
– Custom cabinets and materials for cabinet fronts
– Joinery for your cabinets
– Butler’s pantry or walk in Pantry
– Natural stone Countertops
– Luxury designer splashbacks
– Feature walls for open plan kitchen
– Designer appliances to suit your kitchen design
– Luxury natural stone tiles and kitchen flooring
– Planning the lighting of your kitchen
– Electric work and SMART kitchens
Cost comparison for New Kitchen remodelling in New Zealand
Basic Level
Mid-range Level
Luxury Level
$16,560 –$28,990
$32,000–
$45,000
Up to
$173,880
Same Layout-
Refacing cabinets
Refinish paints, stain etc.
Kitchen Storage-
Pull out bins, spick racks, condimental drawers.
Cabinet handles included.
Basic Materials-
Stone Engineered marble/granite/wood or Laminate countertops.
Tribeca collection from Tile depot for splashbacks
Stone based composite polymer, porcelain tiles – include the tile depot range of Urban cement collection and natural stone tiles
Natural wood, Porcelain tiles on MDF (neolith), Lacquer on MDF, Timber Veneer, MDF Vs Plywood Vs Particle board for your carcass for cabinets
Custom build Cabinetry-
TIP-ON- open and closing cabinet doors when you press.
Soft close cabinets and drawers, pull out systems ,blum Legra box.
pull out pantry drawer system
details on cabinets
Designer handles
Joinery
Hinges
Smart Kitchen/Light features-
Style options for kitchen appliances
Task, Ambient lighting and Accent lighting
Invisible appliance with cabinet door covering on top.
Sensor lights in pantry or cabinets
Voice or remote controller for lights
Luxury crystal chandler as a pendent light
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.
How much does a New Kitchen remodel cost in NZ? – Basic Kitchen
Firstly, you might want to think about the kitchen layout. For instance, how big do you want your kitchen to be? Are you going to keep your kitchen layout the same, or are you going to make some changes? What style do you want your kitchen to be? Do you want modern, traditional, or contemporary features? These are some good questions to ask yourself before you contact a renovation company.
1. Kitchen Layout for a New Kitchen remodel on a budget
Most of the time a change in layout is not possible in a basic kitchen renovation. Changing the layout or moving your island, sink or plumbing will increase the cost of your kitchen renovation especially if you are on a budget.
If you are more likely to stay with your original kitchen layout, then in that case your cost will decrease, so you might want to consider staying with your existing layout of your kitchen. It is however possible to create a budget friendly kitchen if you choose your renovation materials carefully. We will now discuss the different elements of your new kitchen when on a budget.
2. Cabinetry and Storage for basic kitchen remodel
The biggest expense in a new kitchen is cabinets. Do some research and get an idea of the kind of look you want for your kitchen cabinets. If you have an overly large kitchen then you might want to think about just changing its doors or changing cabinets that are damaged. This is where we use your standard cabinets and we remove old paint, stain, sanding and repairing the same boxes, and re-apply paint to the same wood of choice.
Building entirely new cabinets is also possible but you will have to use mid-range materials like MDF. Melteca and Goodwood are two of the most popular MDF brands in Auckland. MDF in simple terms is manufactured wood from a factory. It is easier to clean than natural wood and has a better finish compared to acrylic. Melteca and Goodwood carry a budget friendly range for their products which come in various textures and designs.
Storage is the second most important aspect of a well planned kitchen. Most kitchens in Auckland feature an open plan setting which means that they must have good storage, so the kitchen does not look cluttered.
To create an uncluttered look, think about installing a cutlery drawer, spice racks, pull out bins, magic corners etc. We recommend allocating a substantial part of your budget on your cabinets and storage because you want them to last a long time.
3.What kind of countertop is right for my basic kitchen?
Countertops are another important feature for your kitchen. It is vital to choose a countertop that will be resistant to water, is durable and hard-wearing. There are many options available for budget friendly kitchens and our recommendations are as follows:
Laminate countertops–Laminated Countertops is a material that has a lot of different colours and styles. This material is long lasting, stain resistance and has natural heat. Laminate countertops remains one of the top materials in New Zealand when renovating a kitchen. So, why is it one of the top materials? Laminate is a great material for people who wish to renovate their kitchen on a budget as it is $150 per square meter. Laminate does however have its drawbacks as it can be easily stained.
Stone Engineered– Engineered Stone is the most popular and common countertop used in Auckland for new kitchens. So what is a stone engineered countertop? A stone engineered countertop simply means that the stone is manufactured in a factory instead of natural stone. The benefits of stone engineered stone is that through technology, manufacturers can manipulate the stone for added benefits like higher durability, better designs and is cost effective. Stone engineered countertops are often made of 90 percent Quartz. This material is a great option for first kitchen renovators as Quarts is affordable and available with a range of variety of textures in New Zealand. Stone engineered is not just durable but comes with 10 years of warranty and is scratch resistant.
Stone Engineered Countertop in Papatoetoe
Houzz states that stone engineered countertops can range between $520 to $1200 per square meter.
The first step is to see what appliances you want to upgrade. This can be from stovetop to dishwasher. Here is a tip! However, if your budget does not include high maintenance appliances then do not worry. We have got your back and just think about the existing appliances are working and the other appliances that need more attention. This could help you save a huge amount, and you can use that with other upgrades in your kitchen remodeling.
Appliances are another major factor when thinking about kitchen renovation as they are needed for cooking, baking, warming up, and refrigeration. To stay within your budget, only buy appliances that your really need. If some of your appliances are working well then there is no need to buy new ones.
When picking appliances, see what models have great reviews and only buy good-quality appliances that will last a long time. Having good quality appliances will also increase your house valuation if you do plan to sell your home in the future.
5. Flooring
Choosing the right type of kitchen flooring is important as kitchens are usually a high traffic area and are prone to food and water spillage. You might want to think about the texture of the material you choose as a good kitchen flooring should be easy to clean, hard-wearing, and water-resistant, (hard for water to get through). There are four great options for a basic new kitchen in NZ:
Linoleum Floors– Linoleum flooring is a natural eco-friendly material. It does however need regular maintenance and might not be suitable for families with young children. For instance, Linoleum flooring is likely to get damage because of the moisture in the water and, will wear off with time. Linoleum can also make a home look dated so it might not be a great option for everyone.
Luxury Vinyl – As technology has developed, the properties of vinyl have also improved. Luxury Vinyl is a type of vinyl that is more durable than regular vinyl. There are also a lot more options available in terms of textures and designs. It is a budget friendly option for kitchens as it is quite inexpensive compared but need more maintenance compared to tiles.
Laminate Floors– Laminate flooring is more durable and water resistant compared to Linoleum and vinyl flooring. The Flooring is a laminated wood face floor that looks and feels like wooden floors. Laminate flooring comes in various textures and designs which means that it looks great in open plan kitchens due to their aesthetic element. They can be made to look and feel like wood which is great for people who want a wooden floor look. Laminated floors are a cheaper alternative compared to wood floors. They are also easier to maintain compared to wooden floors as they can be made to be 100% waterproof.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles–Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also a good cost effective tiles for basic kitchens. They are easy to clean, are durable and water resistant. You will also have a great variety of textures to choose from which means that you will be a able to create a beautiful kitchen for the fraction of the cost. They can however be cold on your feet in winter and can cause foot fatigue if stood on for too long. To combat this you can put soft rugs which are warmer and more comfortable for your feet.
Tiled Flooring kitchen Renovation in Bucklands Beach
6. Lighting
Natural lighting is important for a kitchen to showcase its beauty as well as for cooking, preparing, cleaning, and hosting parties. Upgrading your current light fixtures with new ones will not cost you a lot.
You can also completely do away with wall lights and opt for LED lights on the ceiling. You can install energy saving LED lights which will also help you keep your energy bill low. To add to the aesthetics of your kitchen, you can also use pendent lighting above the island if you have one.
How much does a new kitchen remodel cost in NZ – Mid Range Kitchens
As discussed above a basic new kitchen would cost between $16,560 to $28,990. A mid-range kitchen renovation cost in NZ costs between 32,000 to $45,000. In a mid-range kitchen, you have more flexibility and options in terms of change in layout and materials.
A mid-range kitchen would include a change in layout, custom-made cabinetry, stone engineered countertops/marble countertops, kitchen appliances, tiled flooring etc. This new kitchen makeover guideline shows an estimate to renovate for a mid-range level kitchen.
If you are looking for glamorous, budget-friendly, small, and large kitchen renovation cost, do check out the link below as it shows a range of cost for different renovations.
1. How much does it cost to change the layout for a mid-range level kitchen in NZ?
Changing the layout of your kitchen means that you might want to change the plumbing as well as electric wiring in the kitchen. Changing the layout of the kitchen adds up to your overall kitchen renovation cost. If you wish to keep the kitchen layout the same, then it will cost you somewhere around $29,000. However, you want to add an island or change your current layout then you expect to pay more than $32,000. For instance, if your existing layout is not functional then you might want to consider changing your stove, sink or cabinetry around.
The most popular layouts that are possible for a mid-range kitchen are as follows:
When renovating a mid-range new kitchen remodel cost in NZ , you will have a lot more choice in materials, textures and designs for your cabinets and door handles.
The material that you would be using at this level would be MDF Melteca. MDF Melteca is surface that most kitchen remodels use in New Zealand. Melteca has various ranges of materials and it is highly popular in NZ as it is affordable, easy to clean and highly durable.
You could choose a more premium range of MDF for your cabinets. We work with Melteca and Goodwood brands to custom built all cabinets. You can use Melteca’s high gloss premium range for your mid-range kitchen.
You can also customise your MDF cabinets by wrapping it with Dezignatek Thermoform with any pattern you like to create a traditional, vintage, classic or modern look. For example the cabinets below were wrapped with a Rhonda pattern to give them a vintage look.
The front of the drawers and cabinets were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give the cabinets a vintage look.
If your budget allows then you can also custom-build cabinets made of real wood but they are often very hard to maintain and hence MDF remains a popular choice for kitchen cabinets.
3. Door handles and Blumotion
Our mid-range kitchens often feature soft close cabinets and hinges from Blum and Hafelle. Soft close cabinets are drawers from BLUM allow your cabinets to close softly and without any effort even if they are slammed shut. This feature is great for homes with young children or when you have a busy day in the kitchen.
Hinges from Hefelle and Blum will also last you longer as they are very durable due to their superior technology and will not rust.
If you are going for a modern or contemporary look then you can also opt for a no-handle set up with LED lights above them. This will give you a seamless and uncluttered look especially if you have a small open plan kitchen.
If you want a cottage style or traditional style kitchen then you can also install brass handles to give it a more vintage feel. To give it a cleaner and more classic look you can also install matte knobs against white cabinets for contrast.
When taking about cabinetry, we talked about the way your cabinet looks and how it feels but now let us talk about the storage inside your kitchen. Having good kitchen storage is an important feature of a functional kitchen.
Kitchen storage can be useful to store dry foods, small appliances, cutlery, pots, pans, plates etc. Most homeowners like to store their things in places like in the panty, drawers, shelves, or their kitchen island. Check out this link for more comprehensive ways to organise your cabinets
6 ways to maximise storage for your mid-range kitchen
1.Magic corners
magic corners can be created for cabinets that are in the corner of your kitchen. They allow you to reach the corner space inside your cabinets which are often hard to reach. Most of our clients prefer using magic corners from BLUM.
2.Cutlery drawers and spice racks
due to our busy lifestyles, it is important that our kitchen is always well organised. You can get custom built drawers with compartments for your cutlery and spice racks. Also remember to put your cutlery drawer next to your crockery drawer and as a top drawer. Also ensure that your spice rack is next to the stove, so it is easy to access them when you are cooking.
3.Custom build condiment drawer
You can also make a custom built condiment drawer which pulls out. For example, if you see the condiments drawer below, it does not have any cabinet planks on either side which makes it easy to view your condiments when cooking. This saves time and energy when looking for what you have in your shelves.
Spice Rack storage in Hillsborough
Magic Corners storage in Hillsborough
4.Pantry with pull out drawers
it might not be possible to make a walk in pantry for a mid-range kitchen but that does not mean that you cannot have a well organised pantry. This a great feature for homeowners who seek extra storage for their dry foods, carbs, sauces etc. The pull out drawers is located inside the pantry and this feature is very useful when customising your drawers as it helps you to be organised and it helps you find what you are looking easily.
Kitchen renovation cost for custom-built pantry with pull out drawers in Papatoetoe
Pull out rubbish and recycling bins cab be installed within a cabinet which makes your space more hygienic as there are no extra bins on the floor. It also helps the area look uncluttered and cumbersome. Remember to install your pull out bins near your sink area because, it will be easier for you to throw extra waste or recycle their empty products.
6.Island which doubles as storage
Another option for a mid-range kitchen is to add a kitchen island. A kitchen island can be incorporated within layouts like U-shape, L-shape or even a galley, depending, on the space you have left for family entertainment or preparing food. An island can also be used in multiple ways in your kitchen, for instance, you can have extra storage underneath your island with drawers, you can have a stovetop or even a sink in the middle of your island. Another way to customise your kitchen island is to have a waterfall edge for your countertop or have your exposed countertop hanging off the edge, so that can leave space for your bar chairs. In fact, to renovate a kitchen island is going to cost you between $4,000 to $6,000.
5.Kitchen Countertops
In New Zealand, renovation companies recommend homeowners to invest in Engineered stone countertop as they are affordable, durable, resistant to water, anti-bacterial and hard-wearing.
For a mid-range kitchen, you will be able to afford a stone engineered countertop of a more superior quality and design.
Luxury Engineered stone countertops are made from crushed marble and granite as it is a popular choice. You can choose a countertop with either sparkles ingrained within it or with ingrained designs or an overhang island for a luxurious look. You also choose to have a thicker countertop with waterfall edges for a contemporary look. If you have a thicker countertop then it will cost, you more than if you choose a less thick countertop.
Stone Engineered countertops options for kitchen renovation in NZ
If your budget allows then you can choose a natural granite countertop which is more expensive than engineered stone. You can also install a real timber countertop, but this will have to be treated before installation. We would not recommend this countertop for people who have busy lives as a timber countertop needs to be maintained regularly.
Insert cottage kitchen photos
Splashbacks
Splashbacks are important as they catch any splatters made while cooking and also prevents from damaging the paint of your walls. Splashbacks are often installed above the stove top and sink area.
Tiles, mosaic tiles and glass tiles are three great material options when choosing a backsplash for your kitchen. Ruth from Tile Depot recommends using the Tribecca collection of tiles for splashbacks as it instantly elevates the look of your kitchen. Tribecca tiles look like handmade tiles which look textured but are actually very easy to clean.
6. Essential Kitchen appliances cost for a mid-range level kitchen renovation in NZ.
When choosing your kitchen appliances, make sure your appliances are position in a way that is most convenient to you when preparing food or cleaning up. For instance, install your dishwasher next to your sink so your cleaning process will be easy. Another example is having your fridge between your stove and sink as you will be able to grab things much faster. Positioning your oven underneath your stove or place it at a closer distance to your cooktop. This is because when cooking or cleaning, the oven bar can come in your way and it will make it harder for you to move around, cleaning can also be a challenge if the oven is above or below eye level. Instead place your oven at eye-level to make cleaning easier and it can also be convenient when taking things in and out of the oven.
Choose your appliances well and check their energy star rating before making the purchase. Choose energy star rated products because it helps reduce your energy bill, they have a longer lifespan and come with an extended warranty. Unlike in a basic kitchen renovation, you will be able to change all your appliances to new ones.
Our mid-range kitchen renovation clients often use SMEG, Samsung, and Bosch for their appliances as this fit in easily with their budget. A freestanding mid-range oven from SMEG will cost you between $25000 – $4,000 if you are buying through a renovation company. This free standing oven often has a gas top, a warmer and single oven.
SMEG dishwasher used in a West harbour for a Mid-range kitchen renovation
Bosch is another great brand for stovetops, ovens dishwashers, waste disposal, and rangehoods. Bosch is a more cost effective brand compared to SMEG and is very durable. You can expect to spend around $414 for microwaves, $1150 for modern ovens, and $1500 stain steel fridges.
SMEG has an extensive range when it comes to price and makes appliances for mid to high range kitchen renovations. SMEG appliances are more suited for people who want a designer element in their kitchen. They come in various designs and styles to suit most tastes.
If you want a seamless and clean look then you can hide your appliances by building cabinet doors on top of them. This can be done by building cabinet doors on top of the appliances. However, only certain brands and appliances will be compatible enough to build cabinet doors on. We will not recommend you build hideaway ovens and microwaves as they can be a health and safety hazard.
7. Kitchen Flooring
Your kitchen should ideally be staining free, waterproof, and easy to clean, comfortable and, most importantly, hard-wearing. You will have a lot more options to choose from for a mid range kitchen as compared to basic kitchens.
Tilesare often a popular choice for Kitchen flooring as they are easy to maintain and durable. Ceramic and Porcelain tiles remain popular for kitchen floors as they are versatile and come in various designs and textures.
Porcelain tiles are better recommended for kitchens as they are more durable and harder to damage. They are more expensive than ceramic tiles, but you will get a lot more design options for porcelain tiles. Porcelain can be made to mimic stone and wood which can elevate your kitchen design.
Tiles can however be cold in winter or hard on your feet when you are cooking for long periods of time. To combat this, you can either install underfloor heating or put some soft rugs on your kitchen.
Luxury Laminate Flooring is also another option for kitchen flooring. They are warmer than tiles but are not water resistant which could be an issue with maintenance. If you are installing laminate flooring, then make sure that you wipe away any water spills immediately.
Hybrid Neptunehas a new range of kitchen flooring called the stone polymer composite. This hybrid flooring is great for mid-range kitchens as it has all the best properties of stone and laminate. The stone used in Limestone and the Neptune SPC is water resistant, warm, soft on the feet, and muffles the sound of your footstep.
Hybrid Neptune Rustic Oak flooring(Tile Depot, 2021)
Hybrid Neptune kitchen flooring best features (Tile Depot, 2021)
Ruth from Tile depot says that this is a much better alternative compared to tiles or laminate and does not require any underfloor heating. It is also very durable and comes in many finishes. It will also not get damages due to sun or extreme cold weather.
8. Smart Kitchen features and Lighting
Good lighting is necessary in a kitchen as it needs to be a bright space as most of the cooking and entertaining happens here. You can use recessed lighting on the ceilings as well as LED lights above splashback, underneath cabinets and door handles which can be dimmed or made brighter in accordance with the mood you want to create.
You want lights that are low heat emission and longer lifespan. LED lights gives your new kitchen a nice medium tone of light. It is recommended that we should not get lights that are not so bright or dim, just in the middle as the lights have a large impact on us and our guest.
You can also add sensor lighting and blue tooth lighting which can be switched on and off through the command of your voice. You can also change the colour of these lights with the help of your phone, remote or voice. You can also add pendent lighting above your islands or dining area to create further depth in your kitchen design.
You can also install USB ports on the wall so you can charge your phone while cooking. also install push down electric ports on your countertop which can be pushed down inside the countertop when you do not need them, and you can bring it up when plugging in any appliance.
Guru and Netta’s modern style invisible plugs that hid away in the countertop
How much does a New Kitchen remodel cost in NZ – Luxury kitchens
The kitchen is a best way to give an overall impression for your guests especially in open planned kitchens. To renovate a brand-new luxury kitchen in New Zealand is between $50,000 and up to $173,880. A luxury kitchen has no limitation to cost, and we recommend you still spend your money wisely as you will be spending a lot for a custom-build kitchen.
In a luxury kitchen you will be spending on a new kitchen layout, custom built kitchen storage, cabinets, high-quality countertops, marble flooring, designer flooring and brand-new appliance.
The biggest difference in mid-range and luxury kitchens is that in luxury kitchens your budget allows you to incorporate high end and premium materials.
When you are building a high-end kitchen, you have the freedom to customise your kitchen from start to end. This is where you will hire a kitchen designer and they will advise you on what materials, colours and what your style will look like by creating 3D models and renderings.
Above are a few elevations of 3D rendered drawings that our designer Dorothy created for a client who needed a kitchen renovation.
The kitchen above is an example of 3D renderings and designs that our designer Cici created for a client that needed a kitchen renovation in Parnell
Layout is very important when it comes to interior designer because they need design accordingly to the plumbing points and electric wiring for cooktops. However, when renovating a luxury kitchen, you have the flexibility or changing your plumbing and rewiring to suit the layout you want.
Storage and countertop benches are the most essential things when renovating a new kitchen.
Check out some top 5 crucial tips that Dorothy (our in-house kitchen designer) has recommended:
Plumbing and Electrical Ports– If you are trying to keep your kitchen renovation cost at a lower end of your budget then do not move your wiring and plumbing as this will significantly increase costs. Keep your stove and sink in the same position that it is currently in.
Advice on materials– A kitchen designer will also help you understand more about the renovation materials that you can incorporate in your kitchen design. They will help your combine different materials, textures and colours to create a beautiful kitchen. Due to their industry experience they will have knowledge about the innovation in materials and what is more suited for your family’s needs.
Space planning and work triangle – When designing your kitchen layout from scratch, you might want to think about the foot space in your kitchen. Your kitchen designer will design your kitchen layout in accordance to the work triangle.
A work triangle measures how effectively your kitchen is planned. It makes sure that there is a clear pathway from your stove to the cleaning area and your refrigerator. This triangle should have no other foot traffic in its pathway. You want to be able to comfortably work in your kitchen.
Appliances should be close by when moving around the kitchen like your sink should be opposite your stove or oven, microwave, or dishwasher.
Storage planning–Your kitchen design should include designated areas for storing all your cookware, spices, large appliances, and crockery. This will determine how you built your cabinets throughout your kitchen. For example, if you are storing your large appliance like a bread maker or a mixer in the left side of your kitchen then you have to make sure that the cabinet has the space and height to fit them. If you do not plan your designated storage areas then you might have a kitchen that can either not fit your appliances or have space that is wasted.
Kitchen islands– Luxury kitchens often feature kitchen islands in their kitchen designs. If you do not have space for a kitchen island, then you can explore the option of knocking some walls down to expand the space of your kitchen.
kitchen islands are a great addition for your kitchen as they give you extra counter space for food preparation and are a great entertainment area. You can also add two islands if you have a large kitchen area. Just like mid-range kitchens you can add extra cabinets, put a stove top, and add bar stools.
To hire a kitchen designer, you will be spending around $6,900 or between $138 to $276 per hour in New Zealand.
Customised Cabinets, Cabinet features and Joinery
2. Customised Cabinets, Cabinet features and Joinery
Cabinets
Luxury kitchen cabinet doors are made from high-end quality materials which start from $2,070 per linear foot. When you are planning to renovate a high-end kitchen renovation, then think about getting materials that will last longer and have design features.
Depending on what type of style you want for your kitchen, you have the freedom to customise your cabinetry options to either modern, traditional, contemporary, classic, cottage style or industrial.
Natural wood like Timber is a great option for your cabinet doors and drawers. You will have to make sure that it is treated so that it is not easily damaged. They have a natural beauty that gives it a will make your kitchen timeless. Depending on the wood you choose, you will be able to incorporate various hues like oak, maple, pine etc.
Pro tip: If you are using natural wood for your cabinets then make sure that they are treated and polished every 1-2 years to ensure longevity.
Porcelain tiles on MDF (neolith) can be installed on your MDF cabinet boards to create a feel of luxury on your cabinet and drawer doors. Neolith is one of our preferred suppliers for porcelain tiles as they have an extensive range in textures and colours. Attaching porcelain tiles on MDF boards allows us to create designer kitchens in various styles. For example, you can use porcelain tiles that look and feel of cement to create an industrial style kitchen. Cabinets with Porcelain tiles require very good quality joinery and hinges to support the heavy weight of the porcelain tiles. We will discuss more about joinery a bit later in the article.
Pro tip: Cabinets with porcelain tiles attached on them will last you a long time. They will not be worn out easily and are great for families with kids. They can be heavy so you will have to choose your joinery and hinges carefully.
Lacquer on MDF
has been a popular choice for luxury kitchen cabinets because of its extensive range in colours and styles. Lacquer cabinets have 2 coats of paint applied to your cabinets with a high gloss finish. They are an expensive choice because you need a specialised skill set to create these cabinets. While they are waterproof to an extent, they should be regularly maintained as prolonged contact with water can warp them. They are also prone to fading if they are in contact with direct sunlight too often. They might have to be repainted every 5-10 years depending on its wear and tear.
Pro tip: If you have children in your household then we would recommend not using lacquered cabinets as they are prone to superficial scratches which will compound over time.
Timber Veneer
is basically manufactured wooden veneers which are attached on your MDF carcass. We often work with Bestwood and Melteca for wooden veneers as our clients can choose from an extensive range in colours, textures, and patterns for their kitchen cabinets. Luxury timber veneers like the woodgrain range from Melteca are a great alternative compared to natural wood as they are made to be more durable and require less maintenance. They emulate wood in how they feel and look but can also be manipulated to the exact look that you require which is often hard with natural wood.
MDF Vs Plywood Vs Particle board for your carcass
Plywood and MDF are a better choice compared to particle board for the carcass of your cabinets as they are more water resistant and are much sturdier. We recommend using Plywood for your carcass when creating cabinets under your cleaning or sink area. This is because plywood is more water resistant compared to MDF. You can however use MDF for the rest of the cabinets in your kitchen. MDF and plywood have similar qualities when it comes to aesthetics and durability.
Details on your cabinets
You can also add crown moulding on your cabinets if you are going for classic or traditional kitchen design. You can also adorn your panels with wainscoting if you want a classic or cottage style kitchen. We often wrap Dezignatek Thermoform on cabinets to create patterns and designs on kitchen and drawer drawers.
For more traditional kitchen designs you can also create corbels and crown moulding on your cabinets to give a more furniture like look.
We use BLUM for all our joinery and hinges because they are one of the best in terms of quality and innovation. Blum also has hinges and joinery in darker and lighter shades so a seamless design can be achieved whether you have dark or lighter shade cabinets.
Types of joinery we recommend:
Soft close cabinets and drawers: Soft close cabinets are great as no matter how hard you bang your cabinet doors; they will close softly without any sound. This also prevents wear and tear to your cabinets, and this will prolong their lifespan.
Tip on Blumotion: These drawers will open automatically when you press them. In order to close them you just have to push them hard, and they will close softly. No matter the style of kitchen your kitchen, this technology will improve the way you use your kitchen.
Pull out systems: Pull out systems allow you to open your cabinet upwards as opposed to traditionally opening on the sides.
BLUM Legrabox: This type of drawer system is designed so your runners are not visible and gives a sleek look to your drawers which works very well for contemporary, industrial, and modern kitchen designs.
Pull out pantry drawer system: This custom built pantry system boasts a pantry with pull out drawers with clear sides so it is easy to organise your pantry and your pantry items are easily visible.
If your kitchen cabinets have porcelain tiles attached on their MDF board then your cabinet doors and drawers will be heavy. To support these heavy doors and drawers, you will have to make sure that the hinges can support them. BLUM makes hinges that can support up to 70kgs which is suitable for heavy cabinetry.
As discussed above, planning your storage is important before even building your kitchen cabinets. This is because certain cabinets might need runners that can support more weight compared to others. For example, drawers and cabinets with heavy appliances and crockery will need runners that can support more weight compared to ones that will have your cutlery.
3. What are my options to organise my kitchen storage?
You can get your standard storage like magic corners, cutlery drawers and pull out condiment drawers. However, with a luxury kitchen you have the flexibility to change the layout of your kitchen in a way that you can create a butler’s pantry.
Butler’s pantry/ kitchen
A butler’s pantry is especially good for homes that have an open plan kitchen and for people who love entertaining guests. The butler’s pantry usually is a small room that is connected to the kitchen where you can either prepare your food or make mess in private without making your main kitchen dirty. You can also store your big appliances and dry food or install a sink to wash your dishes at a later stage.
Walk in pantry or pull out drawer pantry
If you do not have a very large kitchen then opt for a small walk in pantry instead. A walk in pantry is just another form of a walk in wardrobe. You can create a large cupboard with shelving where you can install a sensor light to easily view your dry food items. If this is not an option, then you can custom built a pantry with pull out drawers.
4. Natural stone Countertops and Designer Splashbacks
Countertops:
1. Granite and Marble
Natural stones like marble or granite are two popular high-quality materials that designers recommend using on your countertop or kitchen island. Granite will cost you around $4000 to $7000. Marble on the other hand with cost rom $10,000 to $15,000 if you are using it for an island as well as all your countertops.
Natural stones are popular because they exude a natural beauty which surpass the beauty of any stone engineered countertops. They have natural patterns that are unique to each slab and hard to engineer.
2. Concrete
Concrete is also an option for islands, but it is a lot harder to work with. As concrete countertops can be very heavy, they pose a set of technical challenges which means that they should be manufactured and installed by renovation companies that have experience working with concrete.
If you do want a concrete countertop for your island or countertops your countertops must be supported by steal beams as other materials will not be able to support the weight of concrete. Concrete is usually used in contemporary or industrial style kitchens.
3. Mix different textures, materials, and finishes
Dorothy from our design department suggests using a combination of different stones, glass, and other materials with various textures and colours to create some depth in your kitchen design. You can also combine different finishes for different materials to give a truly luxurious feel.
Splashbacks and Feature Walls
Splashbacks are essential for your cooking and cleaning area. Our designers recommend our clients to not get textured splashbacks as they can be very hard to clean. The good news however is that there is an extensive range for easy to clean splashbacks to choose for a luxury kitchen.
Use a single slab of tile or marble- Cici, our in house designer recommends using one single slab of marble as a splashback for a clean look. Using a custom cut one piece of tile also means that you will have no grout lines which means that clean up will be easy.
2. Tribeca collection from Tile depot- Ruth from Tile depot said that bright tiles or handmade looking tiles are very popular as splashbacks and feature walls. The 2021 Tribeca collection features premium tiles that look textured and handmade but are in fact manufactured in a way that they have a smooth surface which is easy to clean, making it a perfect choice for splashbacks.
TIP: You can also opt at choosing a glass splashback or any other form of tiles. It is better to choose
Feature walls
Feature walls are great to add a different dimension and create more interest to your kitchen. There are several ways that you can create a feature wall in your kitchen. You can add a feature wall by painting a wall in a bold contrasting colour, adding tiles or a wall with plant creepers.
If you are using tiles then you can install either woodgrain tiles, mosaics, or textured tiles on the wall to create more depth to your kitchen. If you do not want a whole wall of tiles then you can also create accents with mosaics like a horizontal strip of mosaics on a plain wall.
5. Designer appliances to complement your designer kitchen
As we talked above, getting energy star appliances are better for the environment, they will use less electricity, have a longer warranty and are more durable.
When purchasing your appliances, think about the overall style of your kitchen and get appliances that complement your overall kitchen design. You can also opt for hiding your appliances inside your cabinetry which is done by attaching the material of your cabinet on the surface of your appliances. This is great if you are going for a clean and sleek look for your kitchen.
For a modern and contemporary feel, opt for stainless steel rangehood with 6 or 8 gas hobs and stylish hood. You can also buy a smart steel fridge with double doors, a separate freezer, water dispenser and an ice maker. You can also either purchase a wine fridge or custom built a wine storage area.
Style options for kitchen appliances
SMEG and Bosch are two brands that are often used in designer kitchens because not only are they of superior quality, but you also have a lot of design options to choose from.
2. Traditional kitchen appliance ideas
If the overall design of your kitchen is traditional or cottage style, then try and purchase appliances that complement this style. Buy a large standalone gas cooktop with an oven and complement this with a matching hood. If you are going for a retro theme, then you can also use the retro appliances range designed by SMEG
6. Luxury Flooring options for designer kitchens in New Zealand
You want a flooring that is soft on your feet, durable, low in maintenance, beautiful and does not echo when you walk on it. The two best type of flooring for your kitchen are tiles and Stone based composite polymer.
Stone based composite polymer is a new hybrid flooring option in New Zealand which is 100% waterproof which makes it a great option for kitchen floors. It is also softer and warmer on the feet as compared to porcelain tiles. They are also a great option for second floor kitchens as they do not echo as much as tiles. They are not as expensive as natural stone tiles and can also be used for mid-range kitchens as well as for designer kitchens.
Porcelain Tiles are more durable and waterproof than ceramic tiles but can feel cold in winter. If you are installing porcelain tiles in your kitchen then we do recommend clients to either install underfloor heating or put kitchen rugs during winter. The advantage of porcelain tiles is that they are easy to clean, are durable and have an extensive design range. We recommend using large format tiles 1200 by 900 or 600 by 900 for your kitchen floors for a more continuous and seamless design.
Porcelain tiles can also be made to look like cement, wood or any other natural stone which makes them a versatile choice for most people.
Natural stone Tiles are one of the best and expensive options for kitchen flooring. Natural stone tiles have a natural beauty that really elevates a kitchen design. You can install the same tiles in your living and dining area if you have an open plan kitchen.
7. What is the best lighting for my Luxury Kitchen?
A brightly lit kitchen is a must as it is the centre of most of our activities in a home. We prepare our food, have our coffee, and often entertain guests/family in the area. Adding good lighting to your kitchen is not as simple as adding a few light bulbs on the walls or ceilings. Lighting goes beyond just having visibility in the kitchen. A well lit kitchen should make it easier for you to do your prep work with precision, it should be easy for you to stow and retrieve items in shelf and should make your kitchen look welcoming and spacious.
Incorrect installation of lights can in fact make your affect the appearance of your kitchen negatively.
Plan your kitchen lighting based on 3 distinct layers which serve a separate function.
Lighting to carry out tasks
This is the general lighting which is needed to make your overall kitchen visible. This light should make cooking, cleaning, preparing food and navigating easy. One of the aims for this lighting is to make it easier to carry out your tasks.
So, think about the areas that you need to carry out these tasks. Install lights above your kitchen island to make preparation work easier. Install LED lights below your top cabinets so it illuminates your countertop, at the top end of your splashback and near the handles of all cabinets and drawers.
You should also add either LED ceiling lights or ceiling bulbs, so your entire kitchen is illuminated.
Tips of installing your Task lights
Tasks lights should be positioned directly above your sink, island, countertop, or other space where you carry out cooking tasks. Install the LED light strips under your upper cabinets and above the handles of your lower cabinets.
2. Ambience lighting
This type of lighting creates a soft mood in your kitchen. This could either be lighting that can be made dimmer, or it could be in the form of pendant lighting on top of your kitchen island.
There are several design options available for pendant lighting so you will have plenty of options to choose from depending on the style of your kitchen. If your space allows then you can also install a chandelier. Recessed lighting can be installed on your ceiling or any opening like seen in vaulted ceilings.
Tips on installing ambient lighting
Ambient lighting should have a direct path to the floor of your kitchen. If you do not have an island, then install a chandelier directly above your floor or directly on top of your island. If you are installing recessed lights, then position them at half the distance of the distance of your floors and ceilings. Also avoid creating shadows on your countertops by installing the recessed lighting above the countertop and not at the edge of it. The same concept would apply to semi flushed and flushed lighting.
Accent Lighting
This type of light usually highlights a design feature in your kitchen. This could either be a feature wall or architectural feature in your kitchen. This is great especially in open planned kitchens where your kitchen is visible for the living and dining area. You could also but accent lights in glass cabinets with fine China or crockery.
If you have a vaulted ceiling or any other ceiling feature that you want to highting then you can install cove lighting which basically means that they light is built into your ceiling. You can also install soft low profile lighting inside your cabinets.
Tips on installing Accent lighting
Think art galleries when installing accent lights especially if you are trying to highlight a feature wall. You can also put lights inside your cabinets with the light installed above the crockery or decorative items in the glass cabinets.
8. Electric work and SMART Kitchen features
If you are renovating your entire kitchen then chances are that you will be rewiring your kitchen. This is especially true if you are changing the layout of your kitchen because then you will have to switch all the plug points around. You can also add smart features to your kitchen that will improve the way you use your kitchen.
Ideas to incorporate SMART features in your kitchen design
SMART appliances like a refrigerator that dispense water of any temperature that you like
A hot water tap so you do not have to boil water every time you need boiling water while cooking.
SMART home systems can be integrated within the design so you can control the light or the dimness of lights with your phone.
SMART lighting controlled by Bluetooth where you can set a time that you come home and it will automatically switch the lights on for the time that you get home.
SMART fridge that has cameras inside the fridge which can be connected to your phone. This way you can check what items you have run out of and get them on the way from work.
Sensor ovens which can sense that the food or meat is cooked and it will automatically switch off or set off an alarm so you will never burn or overcook a meal.
Plug points with a USB port so you can charge your phone while cooking
Sensor lighting that will switch the lights on automatically when you enter the kitchen
Range hoods that will automatically switch on at a certain fan speed suited to the type of cooking that is taking place.
The cost for a new kitchen remodel in NZ depends on what type of style you want your kitchen to be. Whether it is a vintage, cottage, classical, modern or a traditional kitchen style, also depends on the special kitchen features that you have upgraded from your previous kitchen like,
Better quality materials for countertops, cabinets, splashbacks
Energy star rated appliances.
Change in Layout- adding a kitchen island or walk in pantry.
Customise your kitchen cabinets doors and storage.
Designer faucet, kitchen lights, cabinet handles
Waterproof flooring
Plumbing and electric work.
Frequently asked question
On an average, how much will I spending to renovate my kitchen in New Zealand?
To renovate a kitchen in New Zealand, you will be spending about $22,000 - $30,000 on an average. This includes, project management, permits, labour works, kitchen designers etc. To know more, click on the link below, https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/kitchen-renovation-cost-nz/
How much does it cost for a kitchen renovation (mid-range) in NZ ?
At a budget level, you will be expect to spend under 29,000 with not change in layout. In contrast, for a mid-range level you will be spending $32,000 to $45,000. This includes, adding a kitchen island, better quality materials, upgrade your appliances, customize your cabinets and etc.
How long will it take to renovate a kitchen ?
To renovate a full kitchen renovation, it can take up to 4-7 weeks (depending on permits delay). However, it may take a bit longer as it includes changing in layout, plumbing, electric work or even getting a consent from Auckland council. A tip to consider is to start early to get a permit and start the project earlier.
Do I need to hire a kitchen designer ?
No, our consent process includes in-house designers who will help up along with the process during your time with us like 3D rendering, colour choices, picking materials etc.
What steps do I have to take before renovating my kitchen ?
1. Set your budget 2. Book a consent with a Kitchen Designer 3. Establish you kitchen needs than personal desires 4. Pick a renovation company that fits your desires 5. Grant permits from Auckland Council 6. Set project goals 7. Note: Remodelling a kitchen will take 3 to 4-7 weeks . Go shopping for suppliers 9. reassess your budget with project management 10. Ask for warranties for your appliances, materials, and workmanship once your renovation is complete. 11. Cleaning service should include too
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.
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services, Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
This article has been republished to include further content on kitchen renovation trends and top 6 key features that a good kitchen design must include. This recommendation has been made by our in house kitchen designers .
Kitchen renovation trends usually change slightly from year to year with no big changes seen in the coming years. It is easy to change certain elements within your existing kitchen to keep up with the new trends. For example if you have a traditional white kitchen and want a change then you can easily add a pop of colour by adding a vibrant textured backsplash. If you are lacking in storage, then you could easily replace your existing island with a multi-functional kitchen island which could be used as a breakfast bar, storage unit as well as a cooking area.
What a kitchen means today for a family is very different from what they meant in the past. Traditionally kitchens have always been a place for cooking and cleaning only. Kitchens today are a place where most of the family congregates. It is a place that brings the family together whether it is in the form of a breakfast island bar or an open plan kitchen which opens into your living space.
In this article we will discuss the following:
the top 20 newest kitchen renovation trends for 2023
10 trends that you should stay away from in the coming years.
6 Key Features that every good kitchen design must include – Recommended by our Kitchen designers
Here’s what we concluded as the top kitchen renovation trends for 2023
Smart Kitchens
Eco-Friendly Kitchens
Cabinet Colours: Dark Colours Are Finally Here & White Is On Its Way Out!
Streamlined Designs, Materials and Textures
Open plan Kitchens and Broken plan kitchens
Quartz is Still King
Effective Storage Solutions
Open Shelves for Small Kitchens
Kitchens with a bar island for entertainment
Hardwood Flooring is Still the Shining Star but Ceramic Tile is on its Heels
Single Level Multipurpose Kitchen Islands
Double Islands
Ceiling high larders
Backsplash Trends
Connecting With The Great Outdoors
Adding a Pop of Colour
Mix and Match Metals
Steel Hoods
Statement Accessories
Hanging cups, Colourful pans and Colourful Appliances
Welcome with a Sociable Kitchen
Embrace a Wood Resurgence
Layered Lighting
Handle less Designs
Create a Space for a Pantry
Technology advances and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the newest kitchen renovation trends. There is a far bigger focus on open concept homes that revolve around the kitchen so everyone can be together.
As with any modern design trend, clean and simple styles have become favourites for homeowners with natural light becoming an essential aspect of the overall look and function of the kitchen space. There are 3 fundamental things that make a great kitchen design and it doesn’t often change, the three things are:
Functional Layout that works with the given space
Choice of materials/fittings – the quality of these are crucial and you will notice a difference.
Storage – the design and placement is key to make sure you end up with a well-utilized space.
Trend #1. Smart Kitchen Design
Technology has entered the kitchen in full force and not just in the form of fancy gadgets and appliances. Today, you can have a kitchen with technology integrated into every function and appliance–from the faucets to the fridge to lighting. This is what we call a smart kitchen.
Smart kitchens are an evolving aspect of design. In fact, a lot of kitchens today are built smart from the ground up. For older kitchens, sensors, smart gadgets and other devices can be added to add convenience.
Kitchen renovation trends in Massey: These ‘pop out power outlets’ were installed on the counter top which can be pulled up when needed and pushed back down when not in need
Easy add-ons are motion sense-equipped kitchen faucets that can sense the presence of hands underneath and will come on automatically or try a one-touch feature. Refrigerators that can alert you when your groceries items are running low or a coffee maker programmed to have your coffee ready when you wake up.
There is also a gadget that monitors your eggs, telling you which ones are almost going bad. Do not forget to update your lighting system–allowing you to control all the lights from your smartphone or tablet. Technology integrated kitchens are becoming more popular as homeowners experiment with novel technologies. This is one of the biggest trends going into 2023.
Trend #2. Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design
A growing kitchen renovation trends has been being eco-friendly. As the awareness around sustainability grows, people are getting more conscious about using materials that are environmentally friendly. Taking steps towards sustainability could include having built in recycling bins in the kitchen, installing an induction cook top to reduce energy waste, and installing a 3 in 1 hot water tap.
Hot water tap is a great way of reducing water and energy waste. When boiling water we often boil too much water or use a kettle. When you install an instant hot water tap, you are using just the amount of water you need and less electric energy is being used to get the water to boil. This is also an added convenience to having access to instant boiling water for coffee or food preparation.
Trend #3. Cabinet Colours: Dark Colours Are Finally Here & White Is On Its Way Out!
Although white cabinets are a classic look that can be used in almost any kind of kitchen style, we are slowly starting to see them on the way out! We expect white to start declining in popularity throughout 2023 . To break up the monotony of all-white kitchens, expect to see islands in a variety of different paint colours or wood stain colours. The mixing of finishes creates a needed accent piece and additional pops-of-colour for the brave of heart.
Blue and green will be the most popular shades to add colour to your kitchen. Apart from natural and neutral shades green, emerald, and other earthy tones will also be popular this year.
Kitchen renovation trends in Massey: Our client in Massey wanted black cabinets against white to give a luxurious feel to his kitchen. LED lights were also installed under the cabinet handles to add to the glamour of the kitchen.
Dark kitchen cabinets portray elegance and a deep rich luxurious atmosphere. You must however be careful that the dark accents or cabinets you use does not overpower the room as it could make the room feel perpetually dark or dingy. But more homeowners are getting bolder and opting for a kitchen with dark cabinet colours in 2020. Expect to see tons of black and darker colour shades in the trendiest home of 2020.
Trend #4. Streamlined Designs, Materials and Textures
Cabinets
While styles like farmhouse and mid-century modern are still popular, homeowners are getting more streamlined in their overall aesthetics, designs and alternative materials for kitchens. Simple looks are all about modern clean lines. They will continue to be a huge hit throughout 2023.
Removing upper wall cabinets has become a growing trend in the last few years since it opens up the visual space making the kitchen appear much larger and brighter. It allows you to utilise the countertop space more productively as most people cannot reach the top shelves anyway.
Textures and Materials
A streamlined design does not equate to boring. It simply means that a design which is less cumbersome and more tasteful. Consider using materials with different textures. For example when using open shelving, consider rough cut wood as your material for a natural look or metal tubing for a more industrial look.
Floor tiles in a natural stone or backsplash tiles that are sculpted, beveled, or stacked make for the perfect focal point. These interesting textures are very different compared to the usual polished or glossy finishes we see everywhere. You may even want to consider a ceiling treatment to add another dynamic to your kitchen.
Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay: The Spanish tiles installed in this kitchen are a great design element that can be used to enliven a space.
Kitchen renovation in Parnell: We added textured 3D tiles as a backsplash for this client to add character and interest in the kitchen wall
For further ideas on using Tiles as a focal point in a Kitchen
Trend #5. Open plan concept and Broken plan concepts
The open plan concept for kitchens has been a growing trend for many years now. Today’s homes are mostly made of 2 working parents where evenings are the only times that families get together to spend quality time. Open concept kitchens allow families to spend time even if one person is in the kitchen whereas the others in the living. Open plan kitchens are easily achievable by tearing down a few walls that separate the kitchen from the rest of the living space.
An open plan Kitchen: The above picture is an open plan concept as the room is very clearly divided from the living room by a wall and from the dining room with some counters. There are still some breaks in the room which divide the room into specific areas. The above kitchen was renovated by us in Bucklands Beach.
Broken plan kitchens are a trend of the next decade, taking the open plan concept to another level. Imagine a large room which has different zones for living, dining and cooking. These zones are not divided by any half or full walls. This makes an area look more spacious as there is little that is ‘breaking’ the large space or room.
Broken Plan Concept: The above is a good example of a broken plan kitchen. The room is a large space where there are allocated zones for different purposes. However, there are no walls making a specific ‘break’ between the different zones.
Trend #6. Quartz is Still King
For high-end kitchen countertops, quartz still reigns supreme. The material is extremely hardy, can last virtually forever, is a breeze to maintain and is anti-microbial. Granite, the main competitor in the high-end bracket, requires slightly more maintenance.
When quartz countertops first came into the market, the main worry was lack of variety in terms of colours and finishes. But through technological advances, manufacturers can now provide a range of colours and patterns. You can even get quartz finished with elaborate swirls and large veining to imitate other materials like natural stone. These unique styles have become immensely popular.
Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach: We engineered stone to look like black marble which was then infused with shiny specs to add a touch of luxury for this kitchen renovation
But there is a notable trend toward softer and more neutral colours. More and more homeowners are opting for colours like grey, taupe, creamy or white finishes. This follows the trend towards cleaner styles seen in most home spaces.
While we are still on the topic of countertops, it is important to mention the rising popularity of composite sinks. These are sinks made from the same material as the countertop. This creates a cleaner uniform look and makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. However, it is going to be a tough battle against the still very popular stainless steel, ceramin and Silgranit sinks.
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Trend #7. Effective Storage Solutions
One of the biggest drawbacks with kitchen cabinetry is the unnecessary waste of space. The way the basic shelves and drawers are structured leaves a lot of wasted space. Worst of all, available space is often too small for some of your larger things or the opposite: it’s too wide and does not give you a way to properly and efficiently organize the space.
One of the foundations to a functional kitchen is kitchen storage. If it is inadequate or ineffective, you will be faced with endless frustrations and challenges.
To counter these storage challenges, homeowners are starting to look for better storage solutions within the cabinetry. These can include:
drawer dividers for cutlery & utensils
pull-outs for spices
tray dividers
roll-out trays
magic corners for pots & pans
wastebasket cabinets for garbage and recyclables
deep drawers.
Pull out Rubbish and recycling bins
Custom built Pantry drawers to add convenience and maximise storage
Magic corners to utilise the space in corner cabinets
A different variation of a magic corner to effectively utilise corner space for cabinets
Custom built storage solution for cabinets to store condiments
The most popular storage solutions we have seen with our clients are the ‘magic corners’ as they effectively utilise the wasted space in the corners of the kitchen. The other popular storage solutions have been custom built cabinets with pull out drawers.
While Hidden storage solutions will always remain popular, they are not always feasible in a small kitchen. Small kitchens do not have the space for bulky cabinetry with storage drawers and hence need a different storage solution.
Open shelves for small spaces can provide effective storage solution and can also add a great design element. Following are some of the ways you can maximise storage in an open shelf for a small kitchen:
Use magnetic holders for knives. These can be screwed on to the wall so you do not have a bulky knife holder on your counter top
Laddle hangers and wall spice racks. Small hooks can be installed to hang all your spoons and laddles used for cooking. You can also find smart hangers where you can place your spice bootles.
You can also create a wine glass hanger which would reduce the need for shelves.
Floating open shelves were added to increase storage and add a design element to the kitchen
A great tip is also to buy colourful pots, pans, bowls etc which can be placed in the open shelves. This would create interest and also add a pop of colour to your kitchen.
Trend #9. Hardwood Flooring is Still the Shining Star but Ceramic Tile is on its Heels
Hardwood flooring is still very popular when it comes to kitchen flooring. But the second most popular option, ceramic flooring. Thanks to technology, ceramic flooring now comes in a wide variety of designs, styles and sizes.
For example, you can get ceramic tiles that look exactly like hardwood flooring. So if you want to retain the hardwood look but want a material that is easier to maintain, consider using ceramic tiles. In addition to wood, ceramic tiles can be designed to resemble a range of other materials including natural stone. Even the surface texture is changed to mimic these materials.
In terms of size, you do not have to go for traditional sizing any longer. It seems like the sky is the limit with variety and larger format tiles. You can get single plank tiles that resemble actual wide planks of hardwood once laid down on the floor. Or you can get custom cut tiles to create a uniquely patterned kitchen. Larger tiles make an are look bigger in space as compared to smaller sizes. This is because there are lesser grout lines and the area hence looks less ‘busy’.
Trend #10. Single Level Multipurpose Kitchen Islands
Kitchen islands are no longer an afterthought or something small to squeeze into the space. They have become the point and the hub of the kitchen. One of the changes emerging is the single level larger sizing, serving multiple uses. Large islands now also have ample shelving below to maximise storage.
In the year 2023 large kitchen islands will become the jack-of-all-trades. They will have storage solutions and would be fitted with various under-counter appliances while also providing seating–serving as a casual dining and/or drinking bar. To accommodate the increased size, we are seeing a tendency for the kitchen island to extend into living room spaces in homes with open plan designs. This ensures the kitchen island can be multi-functional without cluttering up space in the kitchen.
Kitchen renovation in Massey: Kitchen island extending into the living room space to double as a bar that can be used for entertaining
Trend #11. Double Islands
If you have the space, then we would advice you to get two smaller island in your kitchen rather than 1 large island. Having 2 smaller islands improves the flow of the kitchen as well as the ease of movement. Having two separate islands also means that you could use of as a breakfast bar and the other as a counter top for preparation as well as installing a cook top.
Double islands have become a growing trend in the last year and are seen to be on the rise for large kitchen spaces as well as open plan living.
Trend #12. Ceiling high larders
Kitchen is not just a functional space these days. With the rise in open plan kitchens, it has become important to make kitchens aesthetically pleasing along with good functionality. Many people now prefer to have open shelves in their kitchen rather than bulky cabinetry as it makes kitchens look more spacious. Buy some colourful pots and pans and you have a beautiful focal point full of colours and textures.
The same logic applies to larders. The trend in 2023 is seeing a rise in larders that are open and built up to the ceiling. This gives you more storage and will also add a beautiful design aspect to your kitchen. To access the higher shelves on your larder, consider buying a trendy movable ladder that you can rest against your larder.
The above is a great way to built an open larder with trendy storage containers and a larder to access the higher shelves. Add some light within the larder and you have a great focal point for your kitchen.
Trend #13. Backsplash Trends
First things first, subway tiles are out! Okay maybe not completely out, but they are no longer popular in the ‘white brick’ size. People are moving on to larger slabs of tiles with various textures and patterns. Adding a bright and vibrant backsplash will add the much needed character in a neutral kitchen. Neutral patterns with natural texture is another option for those looking for a classic look.
Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach: Hexagon shaped black and grey textured tiles were added as a backplash to add interest, drama and texture to the kitchen
Another big change we’re seeing in tile backsplashes are their size and the portion of wall they cover. More people now opt for larger tiles to make the area look less ‘busy’. These slabs can be made to look like marble, quartz, wood, copper, stainless steel, glass…. the list goes on forever!
Trend #14. Connecting With The Great Outdoors
As discussed above, open plan living and kitchen has been a popular trend for a while now. In New Zealand we love Bbqs and entertaining our guests outdoors. This way of living in NZ has given rise to the trend of connecting the kitchen/dining area with the deck or outdoor area. Some of our previous clients have also used their outdoors as an extended kitchen area.
This is mostly done by building a covered outdoor area equipped with grills and cooking equipment which can be accessed from the kitchen through french doors.
Trend #15. Adding a Pop of Colour
As mentioned above, white will always be a popular colour for kitchens as it is a versatile colour to work with. In past people have always gone for a traditional look for kitchens with either white surfaces and cabinets or dark wood. The trend has now been changing towards adding colour to otherwise white kitchens.
A sky blue backplash was added to add some colour into a neutral themed kitchen in Papatoetoe
People are now looking at ways to add colour to their kitchens. We spend most of our time in this area of the house, entertaining our friends and family, so why not put our favourite colour in the space? We have and will be seeing this on cabinets, islands, hutches, and feature walls.
The colours predicted for these spaces are inspired by the elements with blues, earthy tones of green and red.
Trend #16. Mix and Match Metals
We get this question a lot: is it okay to mix metals in the kitchen? The answer is YES! Mixing metals adds character in the space, especially if it is done correctly. We will be seeing more of an eclectic style in 2023. Overly matched and coordinated spaces is a trend that is slowly fading. If you love gold fixtures, but don’t want it all over your kitchen, add a soft gold faucet with black or nickel hardware.
Light fixtures can be a completely different metal altogether, while having hints of the same metal you are using elsewhere. These pieces are the finishing touch to the space. Make them stand out! Another way to mix in metals, would be in your furniture selections for kitchen tables chairs or island stools. These can be easily interchangeable when you want to change things up a bit!
Textured metals that are the same colour as other pieces in the kitchen are a nice way of adding a different element, while not getting too crazy.
Trend #17. Steel Hoods
In 2023, we will be seeing homeowners focus on their hood designs. This piece can be a major focal point in the space, especially depending on the layout of the kitchen. Most of the time, we design the space with the range and hood on a wall that is seen from other rooms in the house. Why not make this piece a statement?
The Steel hood above adds a certain drama to the kitchen
Custom steel hoods are a way to add in a breaking point to a long row of wood cabinetry. These are a nice feature, but they do come with a cost. Custom steel hoods can range anywhere from $5-7k, but they sure do make a beautiful addition to your new kitchen, so make sure you budget for this correctly. Let’s get rid of those boring matching stainless hoods and be creative with your space! This is also your chance to add metal as a component to your kitchen.
Trend #18. Natural Wood Tones in Kitchen Design
Stained, treated or imitation wood has been used in kitchens for more than a decade. Natural wood is making a come back in the next year as natural forms of wood brings warmth into a kitchen and gives it a nice rustic feel.
Kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge: Natural wooden counter tops treated with Epoxy Urethin Vinyl to increase durability.
If you have a white toned kitchen then adding either a wooden island, drawers or counter-top will add a vintage charm to your kitchen. In order to increase durability of your natural wood elements in the kitchen simply apply Epoxy Urethin Vinyl Coating on your counter tops. Natural wood however can be used in its true form as a nice rugged looking breakfast bar.
Trend #19. Statement Bronze Accessories for your Kitchen design
Installing statement is a great way to liven your kitchen up and give it a unique design element. Use statement taps and fixtures like brass to give your kitchen a rustic look or industrial look.
Brass sink and tap-ware added for our client to create a rustic look for this kitchen we renovated in Orewa
If you have a kitchen which is mostly designed in neutral and white colours then use black for all your taps, fixtures and cabinet handles to instantly make it a classic black and white kitchen without making any drastic changes.
Rustic looking bronze hanging lights also added to the rustic feature of this kitchen in Orewa
Trend #20 Plate racks, Hanging cups and colourful appliances
As mentioned above, a great way to spruce up you kitchen aesthetics is to bring some colour into the kitchen. If you are not looking for a big change then putting colourful crockery on display is a great idea to add some colour.
The above kitchen looks dramatic and bold due to simple red utensils and black cabinets. The red utensils create a lot of interest to an otherwise monochromatic kitchen.
All you have to do is add some hooks for colourful cups or add a wall mounted plate rack complete with pattered plates to create interest into a drab kitchen.
Another example of adding colour to a white toned kitchen.
If you are not afraid of colour, then add colourful appliances like a SMEG fridges or accessories can add some fun elements to your kitchen without having to renovate.
Trend #21 Welcome With a Sociable Kitchen
One of the kitchen renovation trends 2023 is the use of curved design elements to enhance the ergonomic benefits and functionality of the space. Rounded kitchen islands are becoming popular as they facilitate socialising and movement in open-plan kitchens with multiple entry and exit points. This kitchen renovation trend encourages smooth transition between spaces and is perfect for entertaining guests.
Wood kitchen cabinets are becoming popular and may be part of kitchen renovation trends 2023. Using wood cabinets like walnut or oak kitchen cabinet ideas provides your kitchen with a timeless or classic look. A popular option amongst homeowners.
Trend #23 Layered Lighting
A major kitchen renovation trend 2023 is layered lighting to create a well-designed and functional kitchen. Instead of relying solely on task lighting in specific preparations area, layered lighting will create a more balanced and visually appealing look. This kitchen renovation trend of layering lighting is a key aspect of designing a successful kitchen.
Task Lighting Above Sink
Trend #24 Handle Less Design
The modern kitchen renovation trend 2023 is focusing on multi-functional, open-concept spaces with a minimalistic aesthetic. With the advancement of push-open and close doors, handle less kitchen cabinets are becoming increasingly popular as it provides a sleek and streamlined look. This trend emphasises simplicity, placing emphasis on the detail of cabinetry for a clean, uncluttered look.
Pantry cupboards are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes as they provide a convenient and organised solution for food items. This kitchen renovation trend 2023 emphasises the importance of having all food goods in one central location, instead of scattered around various wall cupboards. This not only makes it easier to keep track of groceries, but also creates a more orgnaised and functional kitchen space.
10 Kitchen Trends to avoid in 2023
It is always a great idea to not renovate your kitchen wholly after one trend. This is because some trends start becoming an eye sore after a time. We mostly recommend our clients to go for classic designs and use elements of upcoming trend to complement the kitchen as opposed to wholly changing the kitchen to suit a ‘current fad’.
We have compiled a list of trends that do not work well anymore and that you should avoid.
Trend #1 Themed Kitchen design
Kitchens that are fully renovated to emulate a certain time period or style can quickly run out of style, leaving you with a kitchen that you no longer like. An example of this would be a kitchen would be a retro themed kitchen. If you like retro styled kitchens then think about perhaps using a few elements from that era in an otherwise classic or modern kitchen.
Trend # 2 Kitchen desks and workstations within a kitchen design
Kitchen desks were very popular a few decades ago. The birth of kitchen desks came from an era where there was no internet or online accessibility of recipes. People used these desks to work on their menu and store recipe books. However, kitchens is a space which is prone to getting messy and you do not want your desk to bear the brunt of it. Re-locate your kitchen desk to another area of the house and instead add an extra pantry in the kitchen area.
Trend # 3 Dark wooden cabinets
Unless you have a large kitchen, dark cabinets can make your kitchen look bulky and cumbersome. It will close the space up and make your kitchen look dated. Opt for a lighter wood to open your space up and add a modern clean touch to your kitchen.
Trend # 4 Over the range microwave
Older kitchens mostly feature a space above the counters for microwaves. Not only is this cumbersome but it is also inaccessible sometimes with food being split or dropped ever so often. Instead, make a space for your microwave which is below eye.
Trend # 5 Tile Counter-tops
Tiled counter-tops may be cheaper compared to other materials but they are not easy to maintain. They are prone to chips and grouting stains which can become unsightly very soon. If marble or granite is not an option for you then try using engineered stone which can be made to look and feel like marble. They are a whole lot easier to clean and maintain.
Trend #6 White Subway tiles
Subway tiles have been used over and over again in the last decade or so. It is almost an overkill to use them when renovating a kitchen. Try glass, acrylic, stone or tile instead. If you do however like the ‘subway’ look then try colourful subway tiles instead so they add pop of colour to your kitchen.
Trend #7 Closed kitchens
As discussed above, closed off kitchens just do not suit our contemporary tastes anymore. Sure there is a pressure to keep your kitchen tidy in an open plan concept however, no one parent or two want to cook the evening away in a closed off kitchen while kids are hanging in the living room.
Trend #8 DIY backsplashes and cabinets
Doing a DIY job of either painting your cabinets or installing them will never give it the finish that you desire. If you are not a professional then stay away from doing a DIY job as it will only give you problems in the future.
Trend #9 Ornate Styles
If you prefer a rustic, classic or traditional kitchen then that is completely okay! Modern kitchens with sleek lines is not everybody’s style. Even if you are after a traditional kitchen, do not go for ornate decorations on cabinets, doors or oddly shaped islands. Ornate designs on wood etc make a kitchen look dates and unappealing. Instead, make the use of colours, wood and other accessories to bring out the traditional style.
Trend #10 Mismatched styles
When you think about renovating your kitchen it is always a good idea to see what the overall feel of your home is. If your home reflects a more classic traditional style then renovating your kitchen to a sleep modern kitchen would make it look like an eye sore. Instead you could have a traditional kitchen with modern elements to still maintain the theme of the rest of your house.
Trend #11 All White Kitchen
Minimalistic kitchen designs are trending, but to avoid a barren look, it’s important to incorporate neutral colours in addition to white. Incorporating colours such as tan, grey and black into a white kitchen can add depth and interest while maintaining a minimalistic aesthetic. This kitchen renovation trend 2023 focuses on simplicity and clean lines, so be sure to avoid having an all white kitchen.
6 Key features to incorporate within your Kitchen Design
There are several features that you can incorporate within your kitchen design when renovating a kitchen for comfort, functionality and aesthetics. A well planned kitchen design includes key features that maximise the space for the lifestyle of the homeowners. The good news is that there are several innovative solutions available today that work within small as well as large spaces. We spoke to our Kitchen designer and she listed the top 5 features that a good kitchen design should include.
#1 Layout is important for a Kitchen design
Deciding a layout of your kitchen will depend on the space available and how much your family uses the kitchen. If your kitchen is a high traffic area with various family members cooking together then your kitchen design should include a substantial amount of bench space. We have listed the most common layouts below:
One walled kitchens
These kitchens are best suited for smaller units or apartments in Auckland where space is limited. Units and apartments mostly feature open plan living. With one walled kitchens you can make a small area look less cumbersome and you get the flexibility of having a small dining area and a nice living room space.
Galley Kitchens
This layout works good for small spaces as well as it is a lean layout which is ideal for 1-2 person households. The galley kitchen layout features two walls or countertops running parallel to each other with a walkway in between. If you do have a small unit and a one wall kitchen does not provide ample space then a galley kitchen is the right type of layout for you. You can also use one of the countertop area as an island with bar stools and skip on a dining table. This will give you extra counterspace as well as an area to eat your meals.
L-Shaped Kitchens
L-shaped kitchens are great when you want to maximise the corner space of your home. L-shaped kitchens work well for small to medium sized homes as they do not make the area look cumbersome. These kitchens consist of countertops that on walls perpendicular to each other. An L shaped kitchen also provides more storage space as you can built additional storage cabinets on the wall above the counter. If you have the space then you can build an additional island which can act as a dining space as well.
U-shaped Kitchens
U shaped kitchens have counters or cabinets in three walls of a kitchen making a U shape. They work best for larger spaces and traditionally have worked best for kitchens that are not open plan. However as more people are leaning towards open plan living concepts, this U-shaped design has evolved to include an island instead of counters on all three walls. The modern version of U-shaped kitchens includes an L shaped kitchen along with an island. This also allows for easy foot traffic throughout the kitchen.
Islands in a Kitchen
As discussed above, it is possible to include islands within most layouts when designing a kitchen. The size of the island should however be in proportion to the space that you are working with. If you do have a one walled kitchens then you are probably working with a small space which means that the island that you install should be sleek and no overcrowd the space.
Peninsular Islands
Peninsular islands can be seen as an extension of an L-shaped kitchen. They are attached to a part of the L shaped kitchen to form a U-shaped kitchen. Below is a great example of an Peninsular island that we designed in a full kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach.
Peninsular island in Bucklands Beach which provides our client with extra counter space as well as a breakfast nook.
Storage is one of the most important aspects of achieving a functional kitchen. The first thing that we recommend all our clients is to draw up an inventory of all their large utensils and kitchen appliances. If there is anything that you do not use regularly then this would be a great time to get rid of them.
Next think about your pantry and how much groceries do you store on a regular basis. Do you need a larger pantry or are you satisfied with the current one? These questions are important before a renovation so your kitchen can be custom built according to your family’s functionality.
When working within tight spaces we incorporate space saving designs such as ‘magic corners’ for corner cabinets, pull out cabinets, pull out rubbish bins and pull out pantries. Such designs help save space, and maximise storage when not a lot of it is available.
# 3 Durable Benchtop
Benchtops need to be durable in any kitchen whether it is used often or now. Most times benchtops cannot just be changed without changing the carcass of your cabinets as well. This means that it is vital that your benchtops survives atleast 25 years. Most older homes in Auckland have durable benchtop made of laminate which are not prone to cracking or breaking but they are prone to staining. Laminate benchtops get stained very easily and hence start making your kitchen look shabby.
Stainless steel is a very durable benchtop as it will not stain and has a long life. Stainless steel is not for everyone though as it can make a kitchen look cold and more like a commercial kitchen. Stainless steel is not the best option if you are going for a traditional or classic kitchen. Stainless steel can work well with industrial, modern and contemporary styles.
Quartz is another material that works great for countertops as it comes in various designs and is very durable. Due to its versatile option in design, it can be used in all types of kitchen styles. It is however an expensive choice for benchtops which might not be right for everyone’s budget.
Engineered stone has become one of the most popular choices for our clients as it is durable as well as cost effective compared to quartz. Engineered stone is exactly as it sounds, it is engineered in the factory. It can be made to look like marble or any other material which makes it a versatile design choice. It is also not as expensive as marble or quartz and does fit into most budgets. Engineered stone does not stain like laminate and is a very easy to clean material.
# 4 Good durable Flooring
The floor of the kitchen can easily get dirty and messy. Most people live busy lives and cannot spend a long time cleaning and maintaining the floors. Tiled or Acrylic floors are the easiest to maintain when it comes to kitchens. Tiled and Acrylic floors now come in various textures, designs and patters and can be made to look like wooden floors or any other type of flooring. This means that you do not have to compromise on style and aesthetics. They are also very easy to maintain and do not get damaged with any water spillage.
Carpets and Real hardwood floors are easily the hardest to maintain. Carpets are easily stained and can be a nightmare to maintain in a kitchen even with a kitchen mat. Real hardwood floors can begin to rot overtime if there is constant water spillage which is often not avoidable in a kitchen. If you have real hardwood floors then a good idea will be to protect them in order to avoid them getting damaged.
We have renovated old bungalows in Auckland where our clients chose to keep their timber floors and we preserved them by taking the following steps:
All the floors were cleaned thoroughly and then sanded
All the rows of nail holes were fixed
3 coats of commercial grade water Born Polyurethane was applied on the floors
After 5 days we then applied a satin finish of moisture cured and water based polyurethane.
# 5 Good Quality Fittings
If you’re considering which items to spend more on in your kitchen, it’s worth paying attention to the fittings. A standard cabinet can be lifted by a beautiful handle, while a basic sink can look high-end with the addition of a well-chosen tap.
The fittings in your kitchen are going to be used a lot, so it makes sense to invest in quality to ensure they’re strong, durable and nice to touch.
It is important to use good quality fittings when renovating a kitchen whether it is a DIY project or through a renovation company. You are not going to be renovating your kitchen every 5 years or so which means that the fittings you choose should be lasting you at least 15-20 years. It is better to put off your renovation for a few more years in order to save enough to invest in good quality fittings for your kitchen renovation.
Your fittings will be used a lot and quite regularly so there is a high chance of wear and tear. The materials you choose for your cabinets, benchtop, sink and door handles should be durable and sturdy.
# 6 Easy to clean splash back
A well chosen splashback can transform your kitchen in terms of design as well as reduce the time it takes you to clean while cooking. One of the key functions of a splashback is to protect the wall from the splatters made while cooking. Hence decide on a sleek tiled splashback without many grout lines or a glass splashback.
If there are too many grout lines or if the tile used is rough or textured then cleaning the splashback will be harder. If it is a smoother tile without too many grout lines then it would be a whole lot easier to clean your splashback.
Featured Projects
Urban Luxury Kitchen renovation in Parnell
This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more
Entertainer’s Dream Kitchen and Bar
Guru and Neeta from Massey had a closed off kitchen which did not let them enjoy an open plan living. They wanted to renovate to introduce a feel of luxury but also make it an open space which could double as an entertaining space. We opened up the space for them and also extended the kitchen counter towards the lounge to act like a bar. The black and white see more
Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey
Cottage Style Kitchen in Mangere Bridge
This was a special kitchen as it was about incorporating natural elements into the kitchen to reflect our client’s country surroundings. The kitchen was dated and was transformed into a chic country style kitchen complete with treated real wood as bench-tops, butler’s sink, floating shelves and cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look see more
Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland
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.
Kitchen renovations start from 23K and can go up to 50K depending on the level of customisation and the type of range you use for products. If you are looking at a basic kitchen renovation with minimal change in layout and use mid range products/fixtures then you can get a fully renovated kitchen in 23K. However if the level of customisation is high and products used come from our premium range then it can cost anywhere above 30K
How do I budget for my kitchen renovation?
First you should make a list of why you want to renovate your kitchen. Is it to increase functionality by including modern amenities and changing your layout? Is it to make minor upgrades as things are starting to look old? Is it to convert a closed of kitchen into an open space living? Is it to upgrade a rental property to yield better rent in the market? These questions will largely affect your budget. If you are looking at upgrading an investment property to either add value or yield better rent should be getting a basic renovation with little customisation with the use of medium range supplies. However, if your intention is to increase functionality and add comfort then you can use our mid-range to premium suppliers and customise your kitchen to the extent that your budget allows.
Do you have finance options for my Kitchen renovation?
Yes we do provide finance options for people wanting to renovate their kitchen with us. We realise that it is not always possible to put aside a huge chunk of money for your renovation and we have hence partnered with Linda from Loan Market to provide finance options for our clients. To understand more about our finance options, visit our page: https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/guide-to-financing-your-home-renovation-in-nz-by-superior-renovations/
Does a Kitchen renovation increase the value of my home?
Kitchens and Bathrooms are the two main parts of your home that will increase the over all value of your home. Kitchens especially have become a focal point for buyers when choosing a home. This is because kitchens of today are a lot more than just a place for cooking. They are a place where the family congregates, a place for interaction and entertainment. Hence when buying a home, kitchen is mostly a first property for buyers.
Where can i find help to design my kitchen?
Renovation companies like ours that provide a full 'design to build service' will include design in to their process which means that you do not have to find your own designer. Having a designer in the same team as the rest of the renovation company is an added benefit as you do not have to liaise with two different companies.
Do i have get my own plumbers and electricians for my kitchen renovation?
This will depend on the company that is carrying out your renovation. Renovation companies that offer a complete 'design to build' service will include everything from designing your kitchen, demolition of previous kitchen, disposal of rubbish, supply of products like flooring/bathroom fixtures/showers,vanity, installation process, all the different trades involved and project management of the entire process and trades involved. The costs for kitchen renovation will include all the above. However there are kitchen manufacturers that focus only on manufacturing a kitchen and installing it. They would not provide any electricians, tilers, plumbers etc. Do your research to see what fits you best
What are some Kitchen backplash trends?
A backsplash can really change the look of your entire kitchen. Whether it is pop of colour that you want to add in an otherwise white toned kitchen or make it into a sleek modern kitchen by adding a glass splashback. You can read our article on newest trends for kitchen backsplash for 2020 and 2021 here: https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/how-much-do-kitchen-splashbacks-cost-in-nz/
throom fixtures/showers,vanity, installation process, all the different trades involved and project management of the entire process and trades involved. The costs for kitchen renovation will include all the above. However there are kitchen manufacturers that focus only on manufacturing a kitchen and installing it. They would not provide any electricians, tilers, plumbers etc. Do your research to see what fits you best. ” image-5=”” count=”6″ html=”true” css_class=””]
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
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This blog has been updated with additional information to ensure you create a functional kitchen design.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation, then you must be looking for kitchen design ideas that works best for the space that you have available. Not everyone is able to build a brand-new house to live in. This means that most people have to renovate their existing kitchen and have to decide on a kitchen design that transform their current space into something that is functional and works for their family.
Our kitchen designers often work with our clients to custom built a kitchen within their current space. We spoke to our designers and they said that deciding the right type of design does not just mean deciding on a U shaped, L shaped or galley kitchen. There are a few technicalities that need to be kept in mind before deciding on a layout for the kitchen. They work by 7 rules that go into designing a kitchen that works for our clients.
In this article we will discuss the following:
7 core technicalities to keep in mind when designing your kitchen layout
Kitchen Ergonomics 101
7 tips to keep your kitchen functional
6 Most popular kitchen layouts – which layout is right for your kitchen design?
Whatever shape your kitchen has, it must be livable first. It has to be an area where you can walk around at ease without bumping into things. You need to align your cabinets in a way that when opened they are not bumping into something else. Therefore, space planning is vital before you can decide a shape for your kitchen.
7 Essentials to keep in mind when deciding on a Layout for your Kitchen Design
In the first section of this article, we will discuss the 7 essential features that you should keep in mind before deciding on a layout for your kitchen.
How do you decide what kitchen layout to go with?
There are several different kitchen layouts available, each with their own set of pros and cons. Some common kitchen layouts include:
U-shaped: This layout features cabinets and countertops on three walls, creating a “U” shape. This layout is great for larger kitchens and allows for plenty of counter space and storage.
L-shaped: This layout features cabinets and countertops on two adjacent walls, creating an “L” shape. This layout is great for smaller kitchens and can be used to create a work triangle.
Galley: This layout features cabinets and countertops on two parallel walls. This layout is great for small kitchens and allows for easy movement between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Island: This layout features an island in the middle of the kitchen that can be used for additional counter space and storage. This layout is great for larger kitchens and can also be used to create a work triangle.
Single-wall: This layout features cabinets and countertops on a single wall. This layout is great for small kitchens and allows for easy movement.
When considering a kitchen layout, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your kitchen, as well as your cooking and storage needs. Additionally, it’s important to consider the flow of traffic and the ease of movement within the kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, it’s important to maximize the space you have by choosing a layout that works well with your available space. If you have a larger kitchen, you may have more options for layout and can choose a layout that works best for your cooking and storage needs.
Kitchen Ergonomics and the work triangle
Kitchen Ergonomics is important in order to achieve a great kitchen design. Ergonomics is a study of designing an environment that fits people instead of people fitting into an environment.
A work triangle was initially devised as a measure of efficiency of a kitchen. The triangle ensures that there is a clear pathway from your stove, the cleaning area which is your sink and your refrigerator. There should be no other traffic through this triangle.
1.Foot traffic and designated storage areas
One of the top priorities in your kitchen design should be to ensure that you have a clear primary pathway throughout the kitchen without obstructing the oven or dishwasher doors when opened.
Kitchens are almost always a high traffic area in any household. Your kitchen design must include clear designated areas where you will be storing your appliances, which will be your living area and where you will be doing most of the cooking. Make a list of all your big appliances, your cutlery, your regularly used utensils, your washing area, your cooking area and make sure that your kitchen design includes a designated area for these things. An example below shows a rough drawing of how the areas should be designated in your kitchen designs.
Create Clear zones for circulation, meal preparation and cooking in your kitchen layout (Image courtesy Room Sketcher.com: https://www.roomsketcher.com/blog/kitchen-layout-ideas/)
2.Distance between all your fixtures
It is important for your kitchen area to not be too cramped. There are many kitchen designs that include all the amenities, but they end up having very little space between fixtures. This means that in reality when you are working in the kitchen it will not be a very functional space.
Hence think about the distance between your cooking area and your sink for example. You also do not want your fridge to be too far away from your stove because it will end up becoming inconvenient. Your dishwasher should also be in an easy distance from your sink so that you can rinse and easily load your dishwasher.
3.Distance between your island and cooking area
If you have an island in the kitchen then you should make sure that there isn’t too much or too little space between the island and the cooktop. Islands are usually a great area to prep your meals which means that if its too far from the cooktop then it will complicate things.
This L-shaped island from our renovation in Blockhouse Bay is installed a good distance from the counters
L Shaped Kitchen from our Stanmore Bay renovation with a large island with bar stools and a hob
On the contrary if there is too little space between the island and the stove then you cannot have more than 1 person comfortably cooking and prepping in the area. Also, most island do have storage cabinets built into them and they should be able to comfortably open and not collide with the parallel countertops or yourself.
4.Place the Cooktop and Kitchen first within your kitchen design
A good rule of thumb is always to figure out where the sink, cooktop and the dishwasher goes before deciding on other designated areas. The sink and cooktop are the areas where most of the action happens in the kitchen. Designers often first decide on these elements before designating areas for preparation of storage cabinets. Also ensure that there is ample room around the sink and cooktop. If you have a large island with quite a bit of surface area, then you can install your sink on it as it could provide you with lots of area to work with.
Everything should comfortably open and not obstruct the pathway or any other fixture in a functional kitchen design (Image courtesy Room Sketcher.com: https://www.roomsketcher.com/blog/kitchen-layout-ideas/)
5.Be smart about where you place your cooktop
Ventilation is very important in kitchens so that there is not too much moisture in the kitchen. Too much humidity and moisture in your kitchen will end up making your walls mouldy and ruin your furniture especially if its an open plan setting. You can install a cooktop on your island, but it will be expensive to install a good ventilation system and you will have no splashback to catch all the splatters. Hence, we recommend our clients to install their cooktops on an exterior wall where installing a ventilation system becomes easier, plus you will be able to install and splashback.
6.Keep Vertical Storage in Mind
Storage is one of the most important components of a functional kitchen design. A kitchen can be beautifully designed but if it lacks storage then it makes for a bad kitchen design. Not everyone has the choice of having large and spacious kitchens with numerous storage cabinets for storage. However, a lack of space however does not have to equate to lack of storage in small kitchen designs. You can consider installing wall-mounted vertical storage that is reachable by kitchen ladders. A moveable ladder can be included into your kitchen design, and you can store products that you use regularly in the top cabinets. In order to give your kitchen design more depth, you can also place hooks and open shelves on the walls.
7.Create a Floor Plan and Visualize Your Kitchen in 3D
Once you have decided on materials, dimensions, and aesthetics of your kitchen, make sure that you create a 3D plan for your kitchen. Most renovation companies like ours provide 3D drawings for clients so that the client can visualise the kitchen before manufacturing and installation begins. Even if you are doing a DIY project, it is always a good idea to generate 3D drawings for a kitchen via an app or a designer.
7 Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Functional
1. Vertical Wall Storage
when planning your kitchen layout design, you’d always want to consider a functional kitchen design. Having storage in your kitchen plays a huge part in making your kitchen functional. Create organizational central by using magnets, hooks, and rods. use vertical wall storage in your kitchen as it’s a great idea for any size kitchen and there are a variety of customisable layout options.
Vertical Wall Storage | Photo Credit – iStock
2. Live On The Big Island
in your kitchen plans NZ, always plan for an island if possible. A kitchen island is a place where everyone gathers and can act as extra storage space. Consider a kitchen island in your kitchen layout design as it makes your kitchen more functional.
3. Hidden, Not Forgotten
Our kitchen designers Auckland recommend that you think about installing a two tiered carousel to free up counter space and make the most of corner cabinet storage. This is a great idea to consider in your kitchen layout ideas NZ as you can store both often used and infrequently used goods hidden away but within easy reach.
Two Tiered Carousel
4. Clean Lined Cooktop
For your designer new kitchen, think about using a flat glass ceramic cooktop if your kitchen has limited counter space. This kitchen plans NZ works regardless of which kitchen style you’re after, thanks to it’s streamlined shape, and complements the kitchen.
5. Spiced Up Organisation
Creating a functional kitchen design may be tricky as there are many elements to consider. Purchase small containers to fill up drawers with all the different spices you own. Have a designated drawer that is dedicated to only spices that would take your organisation to the next level.
Pantry with pull out drawers
6. Keep Continuity In Mind
You don’t need to spend big to get the functional kitchen design you’re after. To get a unified, finished kitchen layout design, opt for kitchen appliances covered in integrated doors that complement your cabinets.
7. Illumination Innovations
Nobody likes fumbling around in the dark for something, even if it is to find a flashlight. In your kitchen plans NZ, purchase some plug in lighting strips with motion sensors to install into your drawers. To create a functional kitchen design, having good kitchen lighting is the way to go.
Lighting on the splashback
6 Most common Layouts for your Kitchen design – Which one is right for your space?
Now that we have discussed the essential dimensions and distances required for a functional kitchen design, lets discuss the 6 most popular kitchen design layouts of today. A good layout will help you maximise the space available to give you a functional kitchen for your family.
A kitchen is different from all the other rooms in a home as ergonomics has a huge role to play in its design plan. Getting the right heights and distance between objects is important for its functionality.
1.U-shaped kitchen
U shaped kitchens work well if you have a lot of space available. U-shaped kitchens have counters on three walls of the kitchen forming a U shape. These types of kitchens offer ample space to eat, cook and entertain. Larger U-shaped kitchens can also accommodate an island in the middle to provide additional bench space.
U shaped kitchens are usually found in a standalone room of itself or in the corner of a large room. The modern U-shaped kitchen has evolved from being made on three walls into an L-shaped kitchen with a disconnected island to for a U shape. This allows people the flexibility to enjoy an open planned living which is the most popular style today.
If you do have a small kitchen then a U shaped kitchen is possible to have but opt for the modern U-shape design with an L-shaped kitchen and a narrow island that can double as a breakfast bar.
If your kitchen layout design has enough space, consider adding a kitchen island in your kitchen plans NZ. Having a kitchen island adds additional storage and can be used as a gathering point. If you happen to have a large kitchen, instead of adding a kitchen island, add a dining table. Having a dining table might be more comfortable than gathering around an island.
2. Add Depth With Paint
Having a U shaped designer new kitchen can become too boxy. In your kitchen plans NZ, include some dark paint on a singular wall. If you happen to have a kitchen island add dark paint to the base of it. This will help create a focal point in your kitchen and add depth to the space.
3. Pendant Lighting
Having a large kitchen requires you to consider lighting as you’d want to ensure the kitchen is well lit. Our kitchen designers Auckland suggest that you hang some pendant lighting in the middle of the room to above a dining area. This way it will help define the area and make the kitchen more welcoming.
Pendant Lighting in Kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
4. Open Shelving
In your kitchen layout ideas NZ, plan to have some floating/open shelves to replace some cabinet spaces as it will open the room. To create an inviting atmosphere, be sure to add décor elements and keep the space orgnaised.
Open Shelving in Kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
5. Create An Entertaining Space
Creating a functional kitchen design has many elements to it before it becomes functional. A kitchen has always been somewhat of an entertaining space. If you’re a fan of hosting parties at your house, make sure there is space for you to converse with guests while cooking or preparing meals.
2.L-shaped kitchens
An L shaped kitchen is great for small spaces like apartments and units. They are different from U-shaped kitchens as they have one less wall where you can put counters and storage. It is great for small families, couples or single inhabitants of a house.
While there is less counterspace and storage available in an L-shaped kitchen, it is a more cohesive design for smaller spaces. With ingenuity and some innovation, you can maximise storage by building storage vertically and reach these spaces with a trendy kitchen ladder.
L shaped kitchens are also great if you have a corner that is not being used and if you are looking at maximising this space. If your kitchen is in an open plan living, kitchen and dining area then you can potentially build a small island that can double as a dining and do away with a dining table all together. This will give you more bench space and you will not be stuck with a dining table that you do not use.
5 Ideas To Maxmise Your L Shaped Kitchen
1. Link With Materials
To create a cohesive look in your kitchen layout design, try to link sections in your kitchen by matching materials. Consider using the same surface material, cabinetry paint, and hardware. This will not only give the area a coherent aesthetic, but it will also make the room appear larger because your attention won’t be drawn to anything different elsewhere in the space.
2. Balance Your Storage
Storage space is highly important in your kitchen, ensure you have enough storage space in your kitchen layout design. In a L shaped kitchen, you’re able to have storage up high and down low. Our kitchen designers Auckland suggest that you paint your high cabinets the same colour as your walls, as it will give the impression that the space is bigger without sacrificing storage space. Paint your lower cabinets a lighter, brighter tone.
3. Create A Practical Workspace
A functional kitchen design consists of having a practical workspace which is why you should always keep in mind of the working triangle in your kitchen layout ideas NZ. To have a successful functional kitchen, you’d want everything to flow smoothly.
4. Balance The L Shaped With A Window
If possible, try to position your L shaped kitchen under a window as it will help you balance out the kitchen. This designer new kitchen will give equal function to the other part of the L shaped kitchen. Having windows in your kitchen will lighten up the room.
L shaped kitchen with window | Photo Credit – iStock
5. Store Vertically
As mentioned before, storage space is an important factor that you should consider in your kitchen layout design as having enough storage space creates a functional kitchen. Use an entire wall to have floor to wall ceiling cabinets if possible as it will utilise your kitchen space. Take your kitchen layout ideas NZ a step further by adding a magnetic rail to hold knives.
3.Galley Kitchen:
Galley kitchens have two parallel walls with countertops and a walkway in between them. Traditionally galley kitchens often feature in standalone rooms of their own. This style is very popular in older Auckland homes with more people choosing to remove one of the walls to integrate the galley kitchen into an open plan living space.
Galley kitchens work best if you have a narrow room and prefer your kitchen closed off from the rest of the house. A galley kitchen can easily be converted into an open style kitchen by demolishing the wall between the kitchen and the living space. If you are demolishing a wall that has countertops adjacent to it then you can convert this row of countertops into a long island instead. This way you can keep the storage and work bench space. Another great way to integrate a galley kitchen into your living space is making a large open window without a glass pane on the wall that has one of the countertops adjacent to it.
We designed this kitchen for a client that wanted to integrate her Galley kitchen into the rest of the living space. She still wanted to keep the storage which meant that our next best option was to create a window and extend the counter into an island which was used for casual dining.
Allowing natural light in your designer new kitchen is ideal but if you’re unable to let natural light in, opt for good lighting fixtures in your kitchen layout design. In your galley kitchen layout ideas NZ, take into account lighting options such as worktop spotlight and properly positioned pendants. Shiny materials like tile, metal, and glass will reflect light to give the impression that the room is bigger.
2. Keep It Simple
In your designer new kitchen, keep it simple as it will make your space feel airy. Choose sleek, click close doors that don’t have handles. Skip the colour scheme and stick with monochromatic, light neutrals. Choose a unique rug or a high end faucet for your kitchen if you’d like to make a statement in your kitchen layout design.
3. Open it up
Creating a functional kitchen design for your galley kitchen can be tricky. The easiest way to create more functionality in your kitchen is by adding a kitchen island for food preparation and storage. As it can allow for casual dining, including an overhang and stool seating.
Galley Kitchen in Island | Photo Credit – iStock
4. Hanging Storage
Counter space is important no matter what style kitchen you have. In your kitchen plans NZ consider having some hanging storage options as an alternative if you’re low on cabinet or counter space. Our kitchen designers Auckland always recommend hanging storage solutions to hang your pots and pans where they can be easily accessible. Another alternative is to have floating shelves to display anything you like.
5. Clear The Contents
Our inhouse kitchen designers Auckland suggest that you keep your kitchen countertops clear if possible. As this will provide your kitchen with an airier look and make the space look clean. Consider installing a microwave drawer to get the appliance off your counter. Provide goods with a home by having tall storage, especially if you don’t utilise them frequently.
4.Island Kitchen:
Kitchens in the past always featured islands which were predominantly used for prep work in kitchens. Islands phased in the past few decades as the space available for them became lesser and other kitchen designs provided more storage.
This however has changed in the past decade as islands of today feature storage cabinets on all sides, they provide extra prep space and act as a small breakfast nook. Installing an island is not possible for all spaces but there are more sleeker styles available today. It is possible to incorporate a an island in L-shaped, U shaped and Galley kitchens as long as there is enough room to move around all the counters.
To create a functional kitchen design, it’s been proven that having a kitchen island plays a huge part in making your kitchen more functional. Having an island may only seem like it’s possible only for a spacious kitchen but that’s not the case. Think about having a portable island as it can be easily moved to different areas of the kitchen when needed as it can provide as additional work surface and seating options.
2. Refresh The Kitchen With A Splash Of Colour
Kitchen designers Auckland advise that if you have a neutral kitchen, use your kitchen island as a space to add a splash of colour in your kitchen plans NZ. In your designer new kitchen, consider painting the island a contrast colour as it offers a quick and simple update that can work wonders in the kitchen without you having to commit to a full kitchen renovation.
Splash of colour on kitchen island | Photo Credit – iStock
3. Incorporate Extra Storage At One End
Kitchen layout ideas NZ for your island, ensure you take advantage of your island by adding additional storage to it. Put this unused area to better use by including a set of shelves rather than the typical end panels. Make sure it has a thin gap that might be used as a spice rack or a place to store condiments and oils, as it should be at least 10cm deep to create a functional kitchen design.
4. Position Appliances Away From Entertaining Space
If your island is in an open-concept kitchen, you probably want to create a lively and appealing environment for entertaining. in your kitchen layout ideas NZ, you might want to consider placing cooking appliances on the inside of your kitchen island. Our kitchen designers Auckland highly advise this as having cooking appliances on the outside of your kitchen island is not a good idea. To create a more inviting atmosphere, incorporate your oven and hob onto the island facing the social area.
5. Make Sure Your Kitchen Is Well Lit
Lighting is extremely important as if you have an island, it will become a focal point. Ensure you have the right lighting in your kitchen plans NZ so that your kitchen has sufficient lighting. As your kitchen island will be a primary location for food preparation and entertaining, it needs to be adequately lighted. Keep this in mind in your kitchen layout ideas NZ.
5.Peninsula Kitchen:
In peninsula kitchens your island extends from the rest of your kitchen. This type of island provides more benchtop space or a dining area when there isn’t much space available for an standalone island. This works especially well for L-shaped kitchens as seen in one of our renovations below. Lynette’s family really wanted a breakfast nook in their kitchen design but did not have the space for an island in the middle of the kitchen. Hence we created a peninsula design for her kitchen which allowed her to have her breakfast nook without making the area cumbersome.
We custom built a peninsula kitchen for this renovation in Bucklands Beach which added additional bench space as well as added a breakfast nook for our clients.
Many kitchen designs that have been completed by our kitchen designers Auckland express how important it is to create a space for seating where the family can all get together. If your open-plan peninsula kitchen has room, you might want to think about installing banquette seating there. This kitchen layout ideas NZ is an excellent approach to fit more people around the table as it will create a social space for entertaining and serve as a kitchen extension in your designer new kitchen.
2. Open Shelving
Like many designer new kitchen, you’d want to create a perfect kitchen layout ideas NZ to open your kitchen and make the space appear lighter and larger. Open shelves make it simple to reach for necessary appliances when working in the kitchen and lets more light into the room.
Open Shelving | Photo Credit – Unsplash
3. Add Light Fixtures
Remember to install lighting over your peninsula. It not only brightens up your workspace, but it also gives your house more visual appeal. You can add pendent lighting to the space to offer visual contrast in your kitchen plans NZ.
6.Two Island Kitchen:
This type of kitchen is only possible for a kitchen design which has a large space to work with. You can create a lovely 2 island kitchen which can be installed in the middle of the kitchen design with a pathway in between them. You can use one of the islands for prep work and in the other you can even install a cooktop and make that your cooking area. Two islands of a smaller size work better than one large island in the middle as there is more accessibility available with two small islands. It is also better for walking around and the general flow of your kitchen.
Featured Projects
Urban Luxury Kitchen renovation in Parnell – An open plan U-shaped Kitchen
This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more
Entertainer’s Dream Kitchen and Bar – A modern U shaped Open plan kitchen
Guru and Neeta from Massey had a closed off kitchen which did not let them enjoy an open plan living. They wanted to renovate to introduce a feel of luxury but also make it an open space which could double as an entertaining space. We opened up the space for them and also extended the kitchen counter towards the lounge to act like a bar. The black and white see more
Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey
Cottage Style Kitchen in Mangere Bridge – Peninsula Kitchen
This was a special kitchen as it was about incorporating natural elements into the kitchen to reflect our client’s country surroundings. The kitchen was dated and was transformed into a chic country style kitchen complete with treated real wood as bench-tops, butler’s sink, floating shelves and cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look see more
Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Aucklandd
Open Plan Galley Kitchen in Epsom
We renovated this historic bungalow in Epsom to make it more functional for a young family. The materials used were durable and easy to clean. This open style galley kitchen allows our clients the freedom to spend quality time within one space. See full details for this project here
Further Resources for your house interior design
Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
Yes, we do have an In-house Kitchen designer who will help you create a Kitchen design for your kitchen renovation. We provide all our clients with 3D drawings when we create a proposal for you.
What kind of Kitchen layout is best for me?
This will depend on various factors. Read our article on Planning your layout for a functional and practical kitchen design here to understand more about the layout that is right for you : https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/kitchen-layout-planning-guide-to-achieving-a-good-kitchen-design
Do I have to get my own plumbers and electricians?
We provide a full renovation service for any given area. This means that our service will include design, demolition, sourcing of all renovation materials from local supplier showrooms, custom built cabinetry, installation of all cabinets, flooring, fixtures, project management and all trades like electricians, plumbers, grouters, builders, tilers, and any other trades.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
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.
– 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
Scratch resistant
stain resistant
100% waterproof
soft on the feet so you won’t experience foot fatique when cooking for long
Looks like food
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
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
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.
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.
Further Resources
Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
It can often be stated that the kitchen is the heart of the home as it’s where meals are created, and where friends and family gather to enjoy a wonderful home-cooked meal. When thinking about kitchen design NZ, always consider an entertainment factor as it is where everyone gathers. Designing kitchens for entertaining comes from an open kitchen layout as it makes the space feel more inviting.
Designing or upgrading your kitchen to your needs is important to make it perfect. Especially if you’re the type to host events at your house, the kitchen needs to accommodate for everything. An entertainment kitchen is the perfect type of kitchen for you if you love hosting events. This type of kitchen represents a space to welcome guests, cooking, eating and working from home. A kitchen has many uses so when making your kitchen design, consider all those factors.
In this article:
Design a kitchen for entertaining
Family kitchen design ideas
Top 8 Lighting Ideas
5 Tips to Design a Kitchen Layout
How to design a kitchen layout suited for an entertainment kitchen? If you’re considering an entertainment kitchen, consider the shape and size of a kitchen island or a breakfast bar. What kind of dining space you’d like to integrate and how much fridge and freezer space you’d need. As well as ensuring that there’s enough space for a general family/relaxing area. If you’re unsure of these factors, don’t worry! Our amazing in-house designer NZ can help guide you through the process.
Below, are some elements that we think you need when designing entertainment kitchen.
1. Make Space For a Drink’s Fridge
Making space in your kitchen design idea for a drink fridge can be essential for an entertainment kitchen. It’s incredibly useful to have a mini fridge for drinks, as it’d be easier and more comfortable for guests to grab a drink instead of looking through your fridge. Some people consider installing a wine fridge. While that can be quite an investment purchase, wine fridges aren’t for everybody so we suggest installing a mini fridge that can fit up to a variety of drinks ranging from water, soda drinks or alcohol.
If you have a walk in pantry, try including a fridge to utilise the space better. Of course, this doesn’t mean have a second big fridge in there as that’d take up unnecessary space. But opt for fridge drawers if you can to keep your fridge more organised. Having all these options for your kitchen design idea as it allows you to have enough space in your kitchen for catering options. As well as being able to accomodate your guests by having a drink station to keep guests comfortable when they grab their own drinks.
Mini Fridge for Drinks | Photo Credit – iStock
2. Make a Kitchen Island Central to Your Design
Having a kitchen island in your kitchen is essential and possibly the best decision you could make for your kitchen design. A kitchen island has many uses and is highly functional in kitchen design NZ. The island is where you can relax, catch up on newspapers, do homework, or even work from home sitting at your kitchen island. This is a feature for kitchen design NZ.
Not only that, but when friends and family come over it provides a space for everyone to catch up or play some card games. The island itself becomes the epicentre of the party as they can all gather around the island to have some party snacks.
Now, if the island is going to be constantly used for entertainment purposes. It’d be wise to consider purchasing extra bar stools for special occasions and you can keep them in storage. This would help ensure that your friends and family all have a seat and feel included during gatherings. For decorative purposes, consider some seasonal flower display, some candles or even some fairy lights will create a warm atmosphere.
One kitchen design NZ concept that is important to think about is kitchen lighting. Whilst you can design the perfect kitchen with our kitchen designer NZ, if your kitchen lighting is left as a last thought then it can ruin the look for your kitchen design idea. The perfect kitchen lighting for an entertainment kitchen is atmospheric mood lighting. An example of this would be a collection of candles and lanterns around the kitchen and also consider built in lighting in your kitchen design ideas.
When thinking of kitchen lighting, there are three different styles you need to consider. Task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting. Task lighting can help get rid of any dark corners on your countertop. Ambient lighting is there to help illuminate the room and create a modern kitchen look. When thinking of creating a modern kitchen design, consider recessed lighting. Accent lighting is purely decorative lighting like wall or pendant lights.
Example of kitchen lighting being used right to get rid of any dark corners
The key to any great kitchen, whether its open space or closed space kitchen is great air circulation/ventilation. Nobody wants last night’s food aroma to loiter around in the kitchen the next day. Which is why thinking about having good ventilation in the kitchen or around the house is important.
To improve ventilation in your kitchen, definitely consider using a range hood above the stovetop. You could also consider a ceiling-mounted extractor that you could put in the middle above your kitchen island. However if that is not within your budget cost, there are alternatives. Some of these alternatives are opening windows and doors when cooking to let some fresh air in or simply investing in an air purifier. Air purifiers help remove bad odours and is portable, so you can move it to any room you want whenever you want.
Seating is an important factor to consider in your entertainer kitchen design NZ. If you plan on throwing dinner parties and guests will be seated at the dining table for a long time. Comfort is important! Upholstered dining chairs should be considered as they can provide support that’s required for several courses.
To make use of your kitchen space, you could also consider a built-in seating for the dining table or consider a banquette seating idea. This can create the same effect and support as upholstered dining chairs and can be positioned alone a walk or linked to kitchen cabinetry. This could be a kitchen design idea to consider and make your kitchen feel more cozy.
With these seating kitchen design ideas, it presents and opportunity to bring in colour or patterns to your kitchen design scheme and could possibly enhance the decorative detail of your kitchen design NZ. Or provide an element to make give your kitchen a modern look for your modern kitchen design.
Example of seating in dining area | Photo Credit – Unsplash
6. Take Acoustics into Account
As kitchens mainly have hard surfaces, they could affect the acoustics of the room. When you’re entertaining and having guests over, there will most likely be music playing in the background or people talking to one another.
To solve this issue, consider soft surfaces and furnishing in your kitchen design ideas for your entertainment kitchen. This could be in the form of upholstered chairs, window treatments, or even rugs. Although, rugs would be best suited away from cooking and preparation areas. If you’re looking for kitchen flooring ideas, consider a timber floor instead of a tile as that will be softer underfoot.
How Do You Build A Kitchen Design For Entertaining?
Building a kitchen for entertaining is important to focus on the kitchen layout. You’d want to make sure that there is enough space for guests to sit comfortably, without getting in the way of anyone cooking. This could make you consider your kitchen layout by dividing the cooking and dining zones that include a kitchen island so that whoever is cooking can still socialise with their guests and not feel excluded.
When thinking about designing a kitchen for entertainment, making sure that seating is comfortable is another important factor to consider. Having seats that are comfortable will ensure that everyone can linger around the kitchen for longer.
One of the most popular kitchen design NZ style is a modern kitchen design. A modern kitchen is all about space. A space to cook, space to entertain and a space for family gatherings. The modern kitchen has many uses and would be great for hosting parties as they’re spacious. Creating a new kitchen design, is more than new appliances and cabinetry as nowadays there are many other factors to consider.
The biggest appeal for a kitchen is to be able to cook and be apart of the action when entertaining as everyone is included. For normal days, it’s a great setting for busy families to cook and help their kids with homework and be able to keep an out for their kids while preparing a meal.
Down below we have 11 kitchen design ideas that helps blend form and function
11 Kitchen Design That Blend Form and Function
1. Boost Storage In A Family Kitchen With A Beautiful Banquette
When designing your kitchen, you’d always want to make sure there is enough storage space for your kitchen appliances and utensils and other things you may need to store. This is where you might consider banquette seating. Combining function and form, banquette seating offers built-in seating for a dining nook in an open plan kitchen.
The banquette seating offers an opportunity for extra storage space. The storage space doesn’t just have to be for kitchen gadgets but it can be used for any storage needs. Like containers, toys, or even a little secret snack area.
2. Create A True Social Hub For Family Time
Open plan kitchen layouts are becoming trendy nowadays especially with a modern kitchen design style. Ditching the formal dining room, home office and sitting room. An open plan kitchen provides a large, multifunction space. The kitchen layout would be suitable and designed for everyone that can use it and make it the heart of your home.
Creating an open plan kitchen, helps make your family be more sociable. As parents are able to prepare meals while still being able to see and interact with their kids. Having this kitchen design ideas allows the host to interact with guests while preparing food and drinks when they have guests over. Having an open plan kitchen removes the walls which can make the room look bigger and provide additional space for people and furnishings.
When having an open plan kitchen, kitchen layout is important. Having a big space to decorate can be exciting yet stressful as you want to decorate it so the room doesn’t look empty. There is a general rule you may want to follow which is that the dining table shouldn’t be too far from the kitchen. Also ensure that there is a direct route from the table to the dishwasher to make is easier for cleaning.
Open plan kitchen, perfect for entertaining and being sociable while cooking
To achieve your perfect kitchen layout that avoids any obstructions and can provide the best access to frequently used ares like the fridge or the stove. It’s important to work with a kitchen designer NZ as they’re able to help bring your visions into a reality. Our kitchen designer NZ can help accommodate to your needs and give you the kitchen you’d want.
Focusing on distinct areas of your kitchen like cooking, dining and relaxing, will help you maintain order in an open plan kitchen or a multi-use family room. You can use different flooring, decorative light fittings or different kitchen colour schemes to help show the different rooms in one setting. This can be effective and won’t lose sight of the overall design cohesion.
To help visually tie the room together and keep it simple and uncluttered, consider coordinating the dining table top with the worktops. If you need more help our kitchen designers NZ will gladly help you out and guide you through it.
A kitchen island is always a great addition to kitchen design NZ and you should always consider having a kitchen island in your kitchen design. The island itself has many uses, from extra prep surface, a place for the sink, a place for friends and family to gather around. Put some bar stools, then it becomes a space when kids can do their homework and even where you could work. The island can also be used as another storage space area.
A suitable size for a kitchen island ranges from around 2m to 3m long and around 1.1m to 1.4m wide. Any wider can create wasted space in the centre. Although the sizing may depend on how much space your kitchen has. You should always allow at least 1m of space around the island. Remember that not all barstools tuck right in, so measure correctly.
At some point, we always end up running out of storage, which is why in your kitchen design you should always think about ways you can add drawers and be able to utilise space. Consider open shelving on your kitchen walls as not only can it create space but it can also be visually appealing. You can add decorations onto the open shelving which can add a theme to your kitchen.
Example of creating a smart storage solution in kitchen pantry
Ever since the pandemic hit and we’ve all be stuck at home and having to work remotely. We’ve had to find a place for us to work. Most times if we don’t have a home office, it would be working at the dining table or somewhere near the kitchen if not in the kitchen. Which is why it’s important to make your kitchen feel welcoming while also having them to be sleek, smart and functional.
When thinking about your kitchen design, consider the aspect of having to work from home to make your kitchen suitable for you to do that. This could be where a kitchen island might come in handy with bar stools as it could be a place where you work. It’s also a good place for household admin, and become a work station that is designed to complement your kitchen.
7. Put Functionality At The Heart Of Your Kitchen
A kitchen has many uses. It’s an ample space for entertaining, generous storage and room for family gatherings. It’s the heart of your home. Making your kitchen function is the number one priority when thinking about your kitchen design and kitchen layout. Having a big kitchen can create layout issues. Large kitchens can be overwhelming to design and if your kitchen layout isn’t planned properly, it can result in a lot of unnecessary travel.
The best way to create a kitchen layout in a large kitchen is to add a kitchen island. This is a popular solution and can perform a variety of functions therefore making your kitchen functional. In a large room, or an open plan kitchen it acts as a bridge between furniture. Improving the work triangle and allowing more than one cook in the kitchen to work comfortable side-by-side. So if you enjoy teaching your kids how to cook or cooking with your significant other without getting in each others way. This would be perfect.
Kitchen flooring is also another priority when thinking about your kitchen design. You’d want flooring that last long and not ones that would chip or break easily. Kitchen flooring have to be incredibly tough to stand up to dirt and knocks in a family kitchen.
Natural stone flooring can be something you could consider for your kitchen design as they are the most forgiving floor coverings if the right stone and finish are chosen. Some stones can be denser than others and all flooring will be subject to a little wear and tear over the years.
However, if you have children, porcelain tile may be another flooring style you might consider for your kitchen design. Porcelain tile is non-porous and can provide a strain proof option which is wise if you have children that are creative and often make a mess. Easy to clean up and leave no stain behind.
Examples of Kitchen Tiles That You Could Consider | Photo Credit – iStock
9. Light The Way
Kitchen lighting is a vital part of any successful kitchen design scheme and is important when it comes to designing an entertainment kitchen or a family kitchen or kitchens in general. Using task lighting above your kitchen island can help create a characterful lighting serve. It helps light up the whole island and provide as a decorative function when combined with materials like marble tops and metallic accents.
10. Go For A Dark Colour On Cabinetry
To bring some colour into your kitchen design, opt for using dark colours on your cabinetry as it can create a bold and interesting family kitchen space. For a kitchen design ideas it’s often tempting to use an all-dark paint scheme. But for sociable spaces like the kitchen, a balanced approach can be more suited.
A benefit of having dark cabinetry, is that it can help hide any fingerprints, stains, or scuff marks that may occur over time. Having good natural sunlight in your kitchen design can also help bring out the colour in a dark shade.
Banquette seatings beats dining chairs when you consider your kitchen seating idea. Banquette seatings help save space and can also seat large number of people when you have guests over or host family events.
Usually, with dining chairs the rule is to leave around 90cm between a chair and the next piece of furniture or wall. But with banquette seating you can reduce that down to 30cm, especially if the seat fits onto the wall. Not only do they save space, but they can also accommodate more people. It’s perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings and make photos look better as there are no chairs in the picture. Consider banquette seating in your kitchen design if possible.
How Do You Design A Family Kitchen?
There are many needs and uses when it comes to a family kitchen. In your kitchen design, you’d have to think about the kitchen layout, where you cook, eat, and to entertain. Even if you have a large kitchen, the meal prep, cook and cleaning areas will always be close together for better efficiency.
The amount of work surface area you need, depends on you and your family needs. It’s important to have enough worktop for meal prep as well as when you’re cooking with others. A family kitchen can be designed for entertainment use as everyone is willing to help cook. It’s become the new normal to be sociable while cooking and entertaining guests at the same time. It’s also a great space to multitask and catch up with one another while preparing food.
Our Top 8 Lighting Ideas for your Kitchen Design
Kitchen lighting can often be left as a last thought and that is a mistake many people make. Lighting brings the room together and can help transform your kitchen. For example, a contemporary kitchen requires a layered and responsive lighting scheme that can keep up with the changing demands throughout the day.
Having an expansive glass door and skylight in a large kitchen will flood the space with natural light, making the room look bigger. Task lighting can be used for prep areas and ambient lighting for social spaces.
For a modern kitchen design, the lighting helps create depth, marking out different zones and help create a clear and safe passage though the space. The different types of lighting that can be used is general, task, ambient and decorative lighting in your modern kitchen design. Since some kitchens may require lots of light switches it would be easier if you brought smart lights which can be controlled though your phone, making it easier for you to turn the lights on and off. When it comes to lighting, consider the warmth of the bulb as the cooler end gives brilliant task lighting. While warmer whites can make a seating area feel more inviting.
Down below is our top 8 lighting ideas to include in your kitchen design.
1. Install An Eye-Catching Modern Lighting Centrepiece
Installing an eye catching modern lighting centrepiece is designed to create ambient lighting and the the purpose of a lighting centrepiece is to draw attention to the kitchen island. The centrepiece helps give the kitchen a living rom appeal, rather than to provide practical task lighting.
Example of task lighting to draw attention to island | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Make The Best Use Of Down-lights
Ceiling down-lights are a popular solution for general lighting for your modern kitchen design. You’re able to turn them up for when you want to clean the room. Or dim them down to create a softer mood. With down-lights, you’d want to create an even spread of light. You might have to accommodate if you have a skylight, or TV screen that could affect the lighting. You’d also want to avoid putting down-lights right next to a pendant or hard up against a wall cabinet.
Example of Downlights in a Kitchen | Photo Credit – iStock
3. Layer Light
A complex room, like a living-kitchen open floor-plan requires different light levels for a range of activities. Nobody likes a dimly lit work area. Which is why when you think about your modern kitchen design. Make sure to position spotlights or pendants directly above key areas in your living-kitchen room. This will ensure that light isn’t blocked when you stand or work around your kitchen.
Example of task, ambient and accent lighting in a kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
4. Tackle Task Lighting
Task lighting is an important feature to add to your kitchen. As they can be discreet and hidden under wall cupboards or shelving. But you can also create a nice centrepiece feature that can be angled to direct brightness where it’s needed.
5. Consider Low Light Sources
LED strips can help provide a soft low light that can be useful to direct traffic through the kitchen space. Some LED strips can be controlled with a remote and can change colours creating a different atmosphere in the kitchen. You could also wow your guests with different colours. It’s like a party! Putting a subtle glow beneath your counter will encourage your guest to pull up a seat or gather around.
6. Light The Inside Of Cabinetry
Having light inside of your cabinet can be a key component for your modern kitchen design as they provide soft, ambient lighting. It helps bring display back into the kitchen and create an opportunity of soft diffused light. Which can help create a focal point in your modern kitchen design and help brighten up darker corners of the room.
Lighting in shelves/pantry | Photo Credit – Unsplash
7. ‘Wash’ Cabinetry With Lighting
Another kitchen lighting to consider is to use track lighting and up-lights to wash surfaces with a soft reflective light. This can be linked back to using down-lights as you should only place them where light is required as part of your kitchen lighting scheme. Consider using a low glare directional downlight to direct light to wash the front of your kitchen. Added bonus is that when you open your cupboards, it will also light the inside of it up.
8. Ask An Expert In Modern Kitchen Lighting Design
If you’re confused and wondering how to plan your kitchen lighting that fits your kitchen design. Consider asking a kitchen designer or the kitchen designer you’re working with to help you. They’ll be able to help you balance a range of sources into a cohesive scheme to enhance your space. You can’t go wrong with asking for help as designers are there to help you bring your visions into a reality.
4 Modern Kitchen Lighting Tips For Your Modern Kitchen Design
1. Create Light Reflections
In your modern kitchen design, opt for pale countertops in a darker kitchen as that will help create light reflection in your kitchen. Pale colours and reflective surfaces will amplify the glow, while dark shades absorb light. Having dark shades that absorb light can be advantageous as it can help create mood or create a different atmosphere.
Example of light reflection in the kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Light Beyond Your Modern Kitchen
As you know, having skylights or walls of glass can provide plenty of natural sunlight into your kitchen during the day. But can turn into black holes at night. Consider running strip LEDs in a skylight recesses as well as great outdoor lighting ideas. This will help create a light show in the garden beyond the glass. And help get rid of the black hole.
3. Choose Discreet Modern Kitchen Lighting Ideas
There are many lighting options that you could consider in your kitchen design that can be discreet. Spotlights aren’t the only solution for directional light. There is an exhaust light, which has a smart tubular design that comes in two colours for a powder-coated casing and four metallic options or the trim. Lighting options that go with your kitchen design aesthetics.
Example of modern kitchen lighting ideas | Photo Credit – Unsplash
4. Use Modern Kitchen Lighting To Play With Room Proportions
If you have a large kitchen or a kitchen with high ceilings. Don’t just leave that ceiling space empty. Complete the kitchen look by choosing a modern kitchen light fitting that helps tie your kitchen together. Choosing a modern molecular lighting with multiple bulbs, that shine their light in all directions may be a suitable option for your modern kitchen design. This is best suited to be installed over an island or dining table to create a focal point.
5 Tips For A Kitchen Design Layout
As a first time homeowner there are many questions that you have in mind before starting to renovate your kitchen. How to design a kitchen? How to design a kitchen layout? Which kitchen layout is best suited for you? There are many questions and research involved before you start. There are many kitchen design NZ and kitchen designers NZ that are able to help answer your questions and help guide you through the process.
But, to further your research more. We have come up with 7 tips that you should consider in designing your kitchen layout. These tips would help answer you question on how to design a kitchen layout and how to design a kitchen as well.
1. Create a Wishlist
To begin, start by creating a wishlist and writing down all the features you’d like in your dream kitchen. It’s a chance to create a brand new room that is fitted more towards your needs and build a new space that you love. There are many kitchen layout NZ ideas that you might have in mind for your kitchen. Also reflect on what isn’t working in your current kitchen to avoid having it in your new kitchen.
You can also include intangible ideas on your wishlist which our kitchen designers NZ can help with and give suggestions when needed. These intangible ideas could be mixed materials cabinetry, different countertop finishes, etc. To gather more inspiration you can look on Pinterest on look at our case studies and see how previous clients have designed their kitchen layout NZ. The more you see other kitchen design NZ, the more you’ll know what kind of kitchen style you’re after.
2. Set a Kitchen Design Budget
It’s important to set up a kitchen design budget as kitchen costs need to be clearly defined at the start of your project. How much are you willing to spend? You’d also want to set aside some money just incase there are any unforeseen costs or any problems that may occur during the process. At Superior Renovations, you don’t need to worry about paying separately for plumbing, wiring, or labour as that is included in our renovation process.
How to design a kitchen layout isn’t just about working a layout that fits the space but more-so on how you can use the room as well. How to design a kitchen layout that you can use the space? Carefully think about how you wish to use the space and your requirement. Nowadays our kitchen is the heart of our homes as it’s a place where we cook, eat, and entertain. Also a place to sit and work. Our kitchen designers NZ say that kitchen layout NZ should have the prep, cook, and wash areas close together in a kitchen to make the space more efficient. This will help avoid any run ins and save time especially in a large kitchen.
Example of how to utilise space for an entertainment kitchen | Photo Credit – Unsplash
4. Measure Up
Kitchen nowadays perform a variety of roles like family dining, relaxing, working, and entertaining. It’s important to have a good kitchen layout that have adequate storage as having enough storage space in your kitchen is important. You’d want to ensure that you can fit everything you want in your kitchen. But that all depends on accurate measuring which our kitchen designers NZ would be able to do during their consult with you.
If you’re thinking about having a kitchen island in your kitchen design, make sure to precisely measure the floor so that the island can fit comfortably within your space. When placed, it should leave enough floor space for you to maneuver around the entire space.
5. Consider the Perfect Layout
Choosing the perfect layout for your kitchen begs the questions as to how to design a kitchen layout. Looking at kitchen layout NZ ideas would be a starting point to start the journey of designing your kitchen. Making your kitchen efficient and maximising the space can make time spent in the kitchen more enjoyable. In your layout try to put your sink, refrigerator, and oven within easy reach of one another. In your kitchen layout, consider natural light and seating areas are best placed near windows.
Kitchen design ideas can be overwhelming as there are many different ideas that fit into your aesthetic. Creating your dream kitchen can be exhausting as you’d want it to be perfect and practical for you and your family. Designing an entertainment kitchen requires a lot of thinking and can be quite an investment to make. But it’s an investment that’s going to do wonders for your home.
Having a read through this blog would have given you more information and more insight on designing an entertainment kitchen and creating a family kitchen. With wonderful advice from our designer NZ and tips to create better lighting in your kitchen design idea as lighting is an important factor to consider. Our kitchen design NZ will be sure to help give you an idea and provide inspiration for you. Have a read, have a browse and start designing!
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.
When thinking about your kitchen design, you often think that it will mean a lot of fun and creativity. Kitchen renovations are not cheap so if you are looking at renovating or designing your kitchen then you would have thought long and hard about it. It’s a change that you’re willing to invest in to create a better space and environment that is best suited towards your aesthetic and liking. Not every kitchen design works for every family. An open plan kitchen design could work for some family dynamics while an separate kitchen might work for others.
Getting the kitchen design is vital for a fully functioning kitchen that works for your family and a space that you can enjoy in as a family.
Although the second we get into the process of designing and changing up our space it can become overwhelming. What colour goes best? What style is better? There are a hundred questions popping through your mind to ensure that you’re not spending thousands to end up making a mistake. Kitchen designers however are trained to put your vision into a working and fully functioning reality which is why they are often an integral part of a kitchen renovation process.
It is also easily possible to make mistakes when designing your kitchen so we created the top 10 mistakes that our designers have outlined that you should avoid during a kitchen renovation. We have also outlined the top design trend in kitchen design as well as bathroom design to find out what most Aucklanders prefer in terms of style.
There are many mistakes that are bound to happen when you’re designing your own kitchen for the first time. Kitchen designs require more thought as they are many factors, elements, and materials to consider which can make you unintentionally make these mistakes.
Here are 10 mistakes that you should avoid in your kitchen design.
1. Not Planning your Kitchen Design Properly
Planning and creating a new kitchen suited towards your needs or changing it to make it more modern is always exciting. You finally get to create a new space that you know you’ll love and enjoy spending time in. But it can be overwhelming as you’re looking on Pinterest for kitchen ideas and whilst they look good, they might not be the most functional for you. Not planning your kitchen design properly is a common mistake that people make as there’s so many factors to consider.
When thinking about your kitchen design, consider these 3 things.
Convenience and Practically
When designing your kitchen, always have in consideration of making your kitchen convenience and practical for you and your family. Consider separating each section of the kitchen into 5 zones for consumables, non-consumables, cleaning, preparation, and cooking. Doing this will ensure that your new kitchen will be organised and easy for you to use and within reach.
Optimise your Kitchen Capacity
Storage plays a huge factor when designing your kitchen as there are many things we need to store in the kitchen. You want to create a kitchen that has heaps of storage space for your kitchenware and appliances. Consider including overhead cabinets and shelves to help reduce clutter in your kitchen.
How to Design your Kitchen Layout (Dos and Don’ts).
Knowing the right layout for your kitchen is an important step to consider when designing your kitchen as you’d need to decide where your main kitchen components go like kitchen sink, countertop, fridge, etc. Picking the right layout for your kitchen will help eliminate any future clutter and help ensure the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen construction.
Do put ceiling lights along countertops
Having good lighting in your kitchen is important as it can create mood lighting and create a nice atmosphere in the room. Putting ceiling lights along the countertops will create more light for the work area. Using recessed lights will be perfect for installing lights along the countertops and help open up the kitchen space. This can also eliminate any dark corners on your kitchen counter.
Example of having lights under the counter | Photo Credit – iStock
Don’t position your fridge near a wall
In your kitchen design layout, the biggest mistake you can make is putting your fridge right next to a wall. This can be a problem as you might not measure enough space between the wall and your fridge. Which can result in not being able to open your fridge door all the way, which can be a bit annoying. Try to keep your fridge away from the wall so that the fridge door can open all the way.
Do get an island if space allows
A kitchen island provides more counter space in your kitchen as well as a place where everyone gathers. The kitchen can be the heart of your home and having an island tend to be where everybody goes. Whether that be to eat, work, or simply have conversations. Having a kitchen island incorporated in your kitchen would be highly recommended.
Don’t put your waste basket too far from the sink
It’s always a good idea to put your waste basket close to the sink as it makes it easier for you to dispose of any rubbish. The most popular idea to put your kitchen waste basket is inside a cabinet. One of those pull out rubbish bins, that way you’re able to hid the bin and mask any odours that might occur.
Ever heard of the kitchen work triangle? The kitchen work triangle is a theory that states a kitchen’s three main work areas should form a triangle. The triangle makes it easier for you to reach between your cooking, cleaning, and food storage area with ease, while also providing enough space between them to avoid crowding and for other people to walk through.
Although the kitchen work triangle might not be suited towards you needs, it comes as suggestion from our designers as following the kitchen work triangle will make your kitchen more efficient and we’ve achieved the kitchen work triangle in our past renovations.
3. Not Allowing for Storage Needs
Having adequate storage in a kitchen is crucial as we can often run out of space. Sometimes we may be renovating our kitchen to create more storage space to make our kitchen more organised and less cluttered. Kitchen storage is not limited to being confined to a wall or base cabinets. There are heaps of different ways you can make the most out of your storage space. For a modern design kitchen, consider using open shelving or wall cabinets with glass doors.
4 Ideas to Utilise Storage Space in Your Kitchen
Make Use of Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors are often left empty as putting stuff there can cause them to be in our way when trying to find what we need in our kitchen drawers. Thought the inside of your cabinet doors is filled with storage possibilities and this is something you should consider utilising your storage space in your kitchen. You could install hooks to store pans or add a slim rack to stash your pot lids and keep all your pots and pans in one place.
Hanging Rack for Pots and Pans
Constantly tired of digging in your kitchen cabinet trying to find the right pan/pot to use? Installing a hanging rack in your kitchen for pots and pans can help eliminate clutter in your cabinet and provide more space for other kitchenware or appliances. That way you can see all your pots and pans in one setting and be able to easily take it out and use it.
Make the most out of your wall space by installing a knife magnet which displays all your knives in a row. But if that seems too dangerous with kids running around, consider putting in open shelves in your wall space in your kitchen. Having open shelving can be used as extra storage space and it will also become part of the kitchen décor which you could add small plants or succulents.
Give Your Island Drawers
Considering going for an island kitchen layout? To get more storage space, always choose to have drawers in your island. That way you have more storage space for your kitchenware and island handles are often hidden so at first sight, people won’t even notice that your island has drawers.
Ensuring that you have enough storage space is as important as creating enough bench space in your kitchen. Most household nowadays have appliances like a toaster, coffee machine or an air fryer, and if you’re someone that loves purchasing small kitchen appliances or decorations then making sure you have enough counter space is important
3 Tips to Utilise your Bench Space
Incorporate a Kitchen Island
Having a kitchen island provides another space for food preparation or you could add some barstools and create an eating, working or entertaining space to. Not only does a kitchen island create more storage, it’s also a nice space to entertain people and if you like creating a charcuterie board, the kitchen island makes a great space to take photos and gather friends and family around.
How often do you end up using 2 sinks? If you answer rarely, only consider sticking with one sink. Having one sink leaves you with more bench space for food preparation, decorations, or appliance placement. Having 2 sinks are always nice but if bench space is more important to you then having one sink is ideal. Especially if you have a small kitchen. Having one sink provides you with more bench space.\
3. Induction Cooktop
Not only are the induction cooktop used as a stove but when they’re turned off then can even be used as another space for food preparation. Can be a place to put your groceries, ingredients, or a mixing bowl without worrying about it spilling or falling. The best thing about having an induction cooktop is that they’re discrete, so depending on the angle it can be invisible. Another bonus is that the cooktops heat up and cool down quickly.
Induction Cooktop in Kitchen
Notice how the induction cooktop blends in with the counter. At first glance you don’t notice the cooktop unless you look at it closely.
When thinking about your kitchen design, always consider ventilation. Ventilation plays a huge part in your kitchen as cooking produces lots of smoke, steam, and odours which can irritate eyes and skin. Having good ventilation in your kitchen can create more comfort as kitchen hoods can provide ventilation to control the air temperature.
Kitchen hoods are one of the best ways to improve ventilation in your kitchen. Not only do they help remove steam when cooking but they also filter out grease as well. Using your kitchen hood properly means to turn it on when you start cooking and not during the middle or at the end. Be sure to clean your filters regularly to maintain good ventilation.
2. Open Windows
As we all know, opening windows helps let in fresh air which can help get rid of any odours in our house. It’s something that we do whenever it’s sunny. Opening windows during food preparation and when you’re cooking can help improve ventilation in your kitchen. The open window doesn’t have to be in the kitchen, it can be in another room. Whatever works for you as opening any window can help circulation in your house and improve ventilation.
Using a splatter guard is another way to improve ventilation in your house as they can help prevent any grease and grim from flying around. The splatter guard can also help protect your cabinets and splashback. The splatter guard is a more affordable option and won’t take up any valuable space and is easy to wash.
Invest In an Air Purifier
An air purifier is another useful way to improve ventilation in your kitchen as well as your entire house. This option may not be everyone due to how expensive air purifiers can be, but they do come with great benefits and it’s something to consider. Air purifiers helps remove bad odours and is portable so you can move it to whichever room you want.
Example of air purifier in room | Photo credit – iStock
6. Forgetting about power points
Power points is the last thing that comes to mind when designing your kitchen as they’re a small item that you need. Whilst power points are essential to have in your household and kitchen, the main problem with power points is placement. Where should power points go in your kitchen? You can’t put them near sinks, and they also need to be well placed so that you can access them easily and prevent overload.
Power outlets that can be pushed back into the counter
This is a great example of installing power outlets into your island or countertop as they can be pushed back into the counter or island and won’t be in the way. Makes it more convenient and less of a tangled mess of wires when using kitchen appliances.
Picking the right colour for your kitchen can be challenging. Having the right colour scheme can change the aesthetic of your kitchen. It’s almost tempting to have an all-white kitchen as white can go with anything. Use colours to add contrast to your kitchen and try refrain from having an all-white kitchen, unless that is what you’re after. Installing a nice splashback with a pattern or design can make a huge difference in your kitchen.
Having good lighting is important as lighting can change the room and adds functionality and it a key component to a great kitchen design. Unfortunately lighting comes as a last thought just like power outlets which is why we need to avoid this mistake. This is an important step to consider as nobody likes having a dark kitchen or uneven lighting.
Best Lighting for Your Kitchen Design and Where to Put Them
What is Task Lighting?
Task lighting focuses on a specific area to provide targeted illumination for accomplishing tasks. This is useful lighting to have in your kitchen as it can be put under your cabinet for extra lighting. Having a well-placed task light can define and highlight the areas of your kitchen where you’re chopping, washing, or serving food. Having task lighting will get rid of any dark countertop corners and remove any shadows. LED strips are perfect for this.
Ambient lighting is used to create a modern and illuminate the room. While there are many different options to choose from when deciding on what lighting you want. The most popular is recessed lighting. These lighting fit right into your ceiling and makes your kitchen look sleeker, while giving ample light to your space. The key thing to remember when using recessed lights is the placement as you want them to look appealing on your ceiling.
When choosing recessed lights, always go for white light bulbs.
What is Accent Lighting?
Accent lighting is purely used as decorative lights that adds to the existing lighting in your kitchen. There are many different lights you can use for accent lighting like a wall lights or pendent lights. Accent lights creates a soft focus on certain key elements in your kitchen based off where you put them. This is one of the versatile kitchen lighting ideas as you can put them wherever you like and there are no limitations.
9. Not asking for professional advice
We love sticking to a budget and creating our own little project that we can do ourselves. There are many different ways that you’re able to change up your kitchen without having to rip everything apart or take things out. But it’s always wise to ask for professional help as it can help you save thousands of dollars and prevent you from making any expensive mistake.
10. Choose the wrong tapware.
When picking finishing touches for your kitchen, there are many different styles and design that you may like. Be careful to always pick finishing touches that are the same style as your kitchen design. You don’t want to have your new kitchen looking odd with different finishing touches. If you’re after a contemporary kitchen, stick with brass tapware.
What is our Design Process?
Design processes can be tricky and confusing if it’s not explained to you properly. Especially if it’s your first time choosing the right company to make your design come true. To ensure that you understand what happens, here is our design process.
Site visit
Once you’ve had your first consultation with our designers, the next step will be to arrange a time that works for everyone so that our designer can have a site visit. This is a required step as our designers are about to take measurements and have a more in depth discussion with you about what you want and what’d you like.
Designing the layout
Based on the measurements taken from the site visit, our designers are then able to starting researching and designing the best layout or style that is bested suited for you. While they’re designing the perfect layout, they’ll also give suggestion based on the structure. We try our best to design a bathroom or kitchen that is based off your requirements but our designers do make suggestions here and there.
Colour Design and material choosing
Once we’ve finished designing the layout, we add some colour and materials that you have picked out for your kitchen or bathroom. During this process, our designers Cici and Dorothy are able to go with you to pick out colours and fittings and be able to give suggestions along the way.
Finalise all the fittings and appliances
Lastly, we finalise all your fittings and appliances in the design and from then on, they’ll email you the finished 3D design that they have created for you. From then you can discuss with our designers about any changes you’d like to make. Once you’ve approved of the design, then we’re able to start renovating and making you one step closer to having your dream room!
The main mistake that you should avoid making in the design process is not communicating with our designers properly. Communication is an important step when renovating as miscommunication can create problems and end up having you wasting thousands on something you don’t like.
Advice From Our Designer
When trying to design your own kitchen or bathroom by yourself, our designers advice is to make sure that your design makes the space highly functionally and aesthetically pleasing but making your space aesthetically pleasing is a personal choice. Some more advice for you when you’re designing your own kitchen or bathroom, you should always question why you want to redesign the space. But most importantly, our designers have advised that you should always seek out professional help.
Before starting on your design, you need to first consider what kind of style would suit you best and go well with the rest of the house. To provide you with the best information possible, we’ve asked Cici and Dorothy our in house designers on what they think is the most popular style and trend for a kitchen or bathroom design. Our in house designers Cici and Dorothy both said that the most popular style for bathroom or kitchen is contemporary and modern.
Our in house designer Dorothy said, ‘that most clients prefer modern or contemporary design as they both has simple elements to boost the room size and tend to be naturally brighter.”
Down below, we have listed some elements that you need to make your bathroom or kitchen style look contemporary or modern.
Elements of a Contemporary Bathroom Design
Contemporary bathrooms just so happens to be the most popular bathroom style. We’ve also asked our designers on what style is popular when it comes to bathrooms and they both said contemporary. This style is most popular as you’re able to incorporate some modern features here and there.
Here are 6 elements that you need for your contemporary style bathroom.
1. Neutral Foundation
When thinking about having a contemporary style bathroom, neutral hues is the way to go when thinking about colour choices. Contemporary bathrooms mainly use white, black or a neutral colour for the overall look of the bathroom. Pure white or black foundations work best, and it allows you more freedom to decorate your bathroom to your liking. Later on in your bathroom decorations, you can also be able to accentuate the setting with a vibrant greenery and natural earthy materials. You can always use some vibrate colours as well to frame the room and give it a unique vibe.
2. Introducing Natural Elements Throughout
Designing a contemporary bathroom can be challenging as there are only certain elements you can choose that is within your style. Introducing natural elements throughout your bathroom can play a vital role to create a perfect symbiosis between modern sleek and timeless traditional. Opt for using natural materials like choosing natural instead of man-made materials. Look for hardwood, bamboo, cork, or stone to bring a bit of outdoors into your bathroom.
Natural Elements you can Add to your Bathroom
Widen Windows
Consider having bigger windows in your bathroom instead of small one. This can add a sense of tranquillity in your bathroom. Having a wider window also helps let in fresh air which is good for ventilation and getting rid of any damp bathroom smell. Having wider windows also helps let in more natural sunlight which provides your bathroom with a more natural look.
Wider windows in bathroom
Natural Light
Allowing as much natural light into your bathroom will provide a natural element and make the bathroom feel more open. Try to avoid covering your windows during the daytime as you’ll block the natural light. If you’re concerned for your privacy, consider incorporating plants outside your bathroom window. So you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoor view from your bathroom while still maintaining your privacy.
Adding some succulents or plants to your bathroom decoration can help add vibrancy and natural focal points to your bathroom. Some plants can decrease levels of certain pollutants, reduce airborne dust, increase humidity and lower stress levels for people who see them.
3. Clean Lines
Clean horizontal lines are a main element of a contemporary bathroom as this can be applied to bathtubs, cabinets, and fixtures. Curvy, undulating planes have little relevance in a contemporary bathroom. Though the sharpness of certain elements can be softened with smooth angles as well. Think rectilinear in your cabinet choices to keep it basic.
Contemporary bathroom designs requires little to no ornamentation as contemporary design is all about sleek, clean lines. White tiles with solid colours or natural grain and texture are preferred over ones with ornate patterns. Instead of using ornate details and décor, contemporary spaces tend to stick more to colours with hues that are on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Example of lack of ornamentation | Photo credit – iStock
5. Simple Lighting
In contemporary bathrooms, simplicity is a running theme that extends towards lighting as well. Natural lighting is an important element to have in your contemporary bathroom as this can be easily achieved with the right choice of windows. Consider non ornate lighting fixtures or cone lighting on the walls, ample overhead lighting as well as top lighting for your vanity.
6. Lack of Clutter
Contemporary spaces have a minimalistic aesthetic and may not be well suited for everyone. Appliances and bathroom necessities like lotions, brushes, and appliances all how their own space hidden and tucked away so you’re not able to see it. Therefore it helps eliminate any clutter in the bathroom. Giving the bathroom a nice sleek look.
Nowadays, the most popular kitchen style ranges from modern or contemporary or a mix of modern and contemporary elements. We asked our inhouse designers on which style is most popular that our clients choose and they both said modern.
Down below we have come up with 8 elements that make a modern kitchen.
1. Flat-Panel Door Style
Having a flat-panel door style helps create a sleek look in your kitchen. This can also be referred to as a slab-door style and is a signature element of a modern kitchen design. This is best used for your kitchen cabinets and is one of the most popular style. Some modern kitchens may use the shaker door style, but that leans more towards a transitional kitchen.
There are many names that are thrown around to describe this cabinet construction. What it means is that the door overlays the cabinet box, because when you look at the cabinets all you see are doors. Using these cabinets will allow you to have the exact same spacing between all your cabinets and drawers. This style is often use to create a more sleeker look for your modern kitchen design.
3. Sleek and Simple Hardware
Sleek and simple hardware can be integrated into cabinets as well as tubular or flat linear pulls. The sleek handles helps defines the cabinets. Modern kitchen cabinet are often pair with this type of hardware as it helps accentuates the lines of the cabinet. Full length cabinets are also a great option because it can add to the minimalist aesthetic and the horizontal lines will also be accentuated by the cabinet.
4. Lack of Ornamentation
The lack of ornamentation is where contemporary and modern kitchen stop being similar. In a modern kitchen, you won’t have or see any patterned tile shapes or colour with a modern design. The splashback is often glass to tie in with the sleek look and in a modern kitchen style, there will be no patterns or veining.
While a modern kitchen lacks ornamentation, that doesn’t mean your modern kitchen can’t be decorate. Since they don’t use any ornamentation for decorations, modern style rely on natural elements and materials. Using natural characteristics in materials, like the horizontal grain of oak or the veining of marble can often be found to add variety to the kitchen.
Tips to Bring A Natural Feel To Your Kitchen Design
Incorporate Large House Plants
Adding natural elements like houseplants can help add a natural feel to your kitchen. This is a great way to decorate your kitchen. If you kitchen has any free space and receives lots of natural light then adding large house plants that do well with the environment can make it look more natural and open up your kitchen a bit more.
Example of house plant in kitchen | Photo Credit – iStock
Wood
Wood has always been a popular natural element to add to any design as there are many things that can be constructed out of wood. Like flooring, cabinets, furniture, etc. Using wood accents helps create a natural look that contrasts well with foliage and light and will do well to provide your kitchen with a natural feel.
Skylight
Being able to incorporate a skylight in your kitchen will definitely give your kitchen a natural feel. Having a skylight brightens up your kitchen with the amount of natural light coming in and can create a warm atmosphere. Although, skylights may not be for everyone or is too expensive to install, consider having large windows. Having large windows in your kitchen is also a great way to let natural light in, making the space feel more open.
Example of having natural light from large windows | Photo Credit – iStock
6. Use of Horizontal Lines
In a modern kitchen design, they all share the same tendency to using horizontal lines. They can either be wide or long stacks of drawer cabinets lined in a row. The hardware of these cabinets are set long and horizontal so that they’re able to accentuate the lines of the drawers.
7. Consistency in style of accent pieces
In a modern kitchen style, all accent pieces like bar stools, lighting, chairs and tables should stay consistent in colour and style or else you end up having an eclectic kitchen rather than a modern kitchen. Sleek bar stools and pendant lights are consistent with a modern style and in some cases, you can add some colour to your accent pieces and you kitchen can still look modern.
Consistent accent style pieces across the kitchen design
To conclude, the design process can be tricky especially if it’s your first time. Creating your own design can be fun as you’re able to create something you know you’ll love. But there are many mistakes that you can make and hopefully with the help of this blog, you’re able to avoid these mistakes. This blog also contains elements of a contemporary bathroom and elements of a modern kitchen as those two styles are the most popular at the moment as said by our designers Cici and Dorothy
Following this guide will be sure to help you avoid any mistakes that you could make in your kitchen design and tips to ensure that you don’t make these mistakes in your kitchen design. So get out there and start designing a space that you’d love and enjoy spending time in!
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.
Thanks Superior Renovations for doing our house, it definitely looks a lot better now! Special thanks goes to Alison and Jacob for their excellent effort and good manners in handling the construction process, it wasn't easy but with them around it definitely became easier to handle. Cheers🥂
F J Bandukwala
1732443128
Absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our renovation of two bathrooms and kitchen in a double level home. Kevin and his entire team were an absolute pleasure to work with from the get-go. Every minor detail was attended to, and all our requests were accommodated. Cyrus deserves a special mention as under his watchful eye and expertise, nothing could go wrong.
Jacquie
1731901814
I have recently finished a renovation in our 1930’s bungalow, updating the original (and I do mean original) kitchen and bathroom. Plus creating a new laundry and removing three fireplaces which created two new spaces including an office. From the initial appointment with Alison who came over and then provided drawings and a quotation, to the work with Frank, our project manager and the team, this has been a wonderful renovation experience. I would have described myself as a nervous-renovator prior to doing this, as I had never done a renovation before, but Frank, Alison, Sunny and all the team have worked so tirelessly and generously to create spaces that we love. Superior’s care in managing the project has meant that we have come away with much more than we originally sought to achieve and without the stress I hear others lament about when they renovate. I would recommend Frank, Alison, Sunny and the team at Superior Renovations wholeheartedly.
Ike Harris
1731464234
We engaged with three companies to completely renovate our downstairs and ensuite bathrooms. We elected to go with Superior Renovations as they provided us with a fixed price and specific timeline to complete the project (which two other companies could not do), and we were absolutely delighted with the end result. We love everything from the floor and wall tiles to the heated towel rails and from the LCD mirrors to the underfloor heating and soft close lids. We especially loved replacing the old tub in our ensuite with a walk-in shower.The entire process went incredibly smoothly, with the project being completed on budget and ahead of schedule. From the initial design phase to the final touches, nothing was too much trouble for the team. Superior Renovations conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, ensuring every detail was perfect.Frank (Project Manager) and the team did such an amazing job. Totally professional outfit, top notch communication, all tradies were courteous, polite and respectful. Alex (Builder) was especially knowledgeable and offered great solutions as minor issues unfolded. Each stage of the renovation was completed on the day it was scheduled. The crew were always on time and mindful of our work from home arrangements. And I was also impressed with the floor protection that was laid out on the first day.Through no fault of Superior, we did encounter a major, unforeseen setback that delayed our renovation on the downstairs bathroom. Superior were patient with us while we sourced specialists to remedy the issue. But once that was all sorted, Frank and the team picked up the baton and charged ahead to the finish line, delivering two beautifully ‘superior’ bathrooms. We also experienced a minor electrical issue post-build. And even though it was unrelated to their renovation work, Frank promptly dispatched an electrician who quickly fixed the problem. Talk about above and beyond!In summary, we highly recommend Superior Renovations for anyone looking to undertake bathroom renovations in their home. We’re already talking about renovating the kitchen next and we’re so confident in Superior Renovations that we will most certainly be engaging with them to complete the task.A huge thank you to Frank, Alex and all the wonderful team at Superior Renovations:)
Kalina Hristova
1726355498
Superior Renovations did an amazing job we would definitely recommend them for anyone looking for a high quality outcome. Our Project Manager Jacob was amazing, taking care of any minor adjustments we wanted, nothing was too much trouble.
Melanie Whittaker
1725410234
Absolutely love my new ensuite bathroom. Superior Renovations made the process so enjoyable, I'm truly delighted with the transformation from an old tired room to modern functionality.Jacob led a wonderful team of professionals who were considerate and efficient. He answered any query with reassurance and patience.I'm now looking at engaging them again for my main bathroom because I'm not fearful of renovating anymore and confident I'll get a superior outcome. They definitely lived up to their name!
Carolina Guerra
1724904345
Superior Renovations transformed our bathroom, and we couldn’t be happier. Cici, Jacob, Alex, and Ray were a fantastic team (Ray, our dog, is going to miss you). They tackled our old house’s quirks with creativity and attention to detail. We were especially impressed that they stayed within budget, even with a few surprises along the way. We’d definitely choose Superior Renovations again and highly recommend them.
Regina Cho
1723452566
Thanks Sunny, Jacob and the team for a great renovation. We had 2 bathrooms, the laundry room and front door re-done and very pleased with the results.
Kalpana Iyer
1721966378
Superior Renovations did a good job for our deck, they are professional and took on board any changes suggested by us and gave good ideas and advice.They took care of cleaning up all the mess after every job.Good value for money.Special mention to Cici, Frank & all the workers.😊 Thank you so muchHighly recommended 👍😊
Narelle Silwood
1721941639
It was a pleasure to work with Jacob and his team. They installed a lovely new kitchen which met all my requirements, it arrived on schedule and I was kept informed all the way through the project. Thanks Jacob ... you did a great job. Narelle
Gavin Botica
1721770037
I recently engaged the services of Superior Renovations for a complete renovation of my kitchen and bathroom, and I couldn't be happier with the results. The entire process went incredibly smoothly, with the project being completed on budget and ahead of schedule. From the initial design phase to the final touches, nothing was too much trouble for the team. They conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, ensuring every detail was perfect. I highly recommend Superior Renovations for anyone looking to renovate their home.
Chinchien Lin
1718067110
We have our bathroom renovation scheduled later this week. Everything so far is awesome. They are very patient and nice to work with!My wife's dream of a bathtub is finally happening. Can't wait to see the final result!
Rajesh Kumar
1715585029
Great work done by Superior Renovation.Great service and efficient job.Big thanks to Jacob andthey team.Highly recommend.Got my 2 bathrooms renovated.
Narene Orchard
1710539464
We had the best experience using Superior Renovations. They had a good range of products available making it easy to pick the fixtures and fittings. The team were experienced and had great pride in their work, from the office to onsite we were treated like valued customers. The product we ended up with exceeded our expectations.
Dhruv Mehta
1709191393
Great experience with Superior renovations. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to renovate their house.
Steve
1709094029
We engaged Superior Renovations to transform our 30-year old, tired looking and problematic bathroom into something world class - and wow! The end result is simply stunning. The team led by Frank did an absolutely fantastic job. This was our first major renovation project and the entire process was easy and hassle free. The team delivered on schedule, within budget and the quality of their work is outstanding. If you are considering renovating - do not go past these guys.
Linda Meyer
1704326554
Wish I had given more of my renovation project to Superior earlier in the process. Superior team was knowledgeable, skilled and exception to work with. Will certainly be a repeat customer if ever a need comes up.
Emma Mildon
1702329424
From design to completion the team were professional and always keen to get the project right. We will definitely be using their services again. Even finished the job with a spotless clean.
Henry Popplewell
1702262198
My wife and I are absolutely delighted with the team at Superior Renovations - and the "superior" job and experience they delivered for us in renovating our ensuite and main bathroom. We are so pleased we chose them for our renovation.Everyone from Cici the designer, and Frank our wonderful and attentive project manager, down to the team of guys doing the heavy lifting were a real pleasure to deal with. We were kept informed every step of the way and everything was done to a very high standard. Nothing seems too much trouble for your crew (in fact Frank even became quite good at running after and catching our dog when the naughty little boy escaped), and they even helped me out with a couple of small extras around the house at no additional cost.Their pricing was very fair - no hidden extras, and they are such hard workers! But I think what impressed me most was that everything they promised was done exactly on the day they said it would be done, and at the time they said it would be done. They were a very respectful, friendly team who obviously take immense pride in their work.Thank you Superior team! Recommend 100%
Libby Sumnz
1701916493
This place is excellent. The service is fantastic. Eunice was amazing. She is efficient, knowledgeable and professional. Their prices are excellent. We have chosen to go with them for an ensuite renovation.We have now had the pleasure of Superior completing our ensuite. It's a big WOW from us.Communication, professionalism, making sure they checked in with us about preferences, quality of workmanship, quality of materials are all 5 stars.They completed the job early. Payment structure was excellent. The staff were polite and respectful. If there was an issue it got sorted immediately. Follow-up was prompt. There was no lingering to tidy up loose ends. Rubbish taken away immediately. Full respect of our neighbours using a shared driveway with us. Finally Jacob our project manager was the best. He held the job together from beginning to end.To be honest...we were 'blown away' by how smoothly it all ran.
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LED lighting below cabinets
Pendant Lighting
Pendant Lighting
Reference: https://weizter.co.za/magazine/the-work-triangle
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