Common Bathroom Fitting Mistakes: Insights from Ruth Ansell (Branch Manager at Reece Bathrooms NZ)
In this discussion, we delve into the common mistakes people make when selecting bathroom fittings. Ruth Ansell (Branch Manager at Reece) shares her experiences with visitors to her showroom, shedding light on these errors and what to do to avoid it. Reece Bathrooms stands as New Zealand’s premier provider of plumbing and bathroom products and serves as the primary supplier for Superior Renovations for the majority of our bathroom renovation projects.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Note: This article has been updated to include additional house renovations content to reflect the home renovation costs and home renovation trends for the year 2023.
People try to do some kind of renovations to their homes almost every season depending upon the changes and choices they decide to make. Renovations are done to make your home look more attractive and beautiful from inside and outside. It is also often done to increase functionality and make your home more convenient.
Home renovation is an exciting venture for many homeowners, especially in Auckland, New Zealand, where the real estate market is continuously booming. As we move into 2023, the latest trends in home renovations in Auckland are focused on creating functional and sustainable living spaces that offer modern comfort and style.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
One of the most significant renovation trends for 2023 is the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient fixtures. With the increasing focus on sustainability, more homeowners are turning to environmentally friendly solutions for their homes. These include installing solar panels, using recycled materials for construction, and incorporating smart home technology that minimizes energy consumption.
Another trend that is gaining popularity is the open-plan living concept. This involves creating an open floor plan that seamlessly integrates the kitchen, living, and dining areas to create a large, multifunctional living space. This design concept has become popular due to its versatility, providing homeowners with ample space to entertain guests or relax with family and friends.
In addition to open-plan living, smart technology has also become an essential component of home renovations in 2023. Smart home technology allows homeowners to automate various aspects of their homes, including lighting, heating, security, and entertainment. This technology makes it easy to control and monitor different aspects of the home from a single device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Other popular home renovation trends in Auckland for 2023 include the use of natural and earthy tones, statement lighting fixtures, and the incorporation of outdoor living spaces. These trends help to create a welcoming and relaxing environment, making the home a haven for its occupants.
We can expect these renovation trends to continue in Auckland, New Zealand. With the real estate market continuing to boom, homeowners and investors alike are looking for ways to increase the value of their properties.
In addition to the rise of DIY projects, we can expect to see an increase in the use of online tools and apps to help homeowners plan and execute their renovations. These tools can help homeowners visualize their renovation ideas, estimate costs, and even connect with local contractors.
For rental properties, we can expect to see more investors renovating to increase the rental value of their properties. This could include upgrading the kitchen or bathroom, installing new flooring, or adding smart home technology to attract tenants.
Overall, home renovations in Auckland, New Zealand, are expected to continue to be a popular trend in 2023. With a focus on sustainability, functionality, and modern style, homeowners can create beautiful and comfortable living spaces that increase the value of their properties. If you’re considering a home renovation in Auckland, be sure to explore the latest trends and financing options to make the most of your investment.
Financing your Home renovation in Auckland
For more information on Financing your renovation…
People think that the proper cost of renovation depends upon the size of the room or the place, but it’s not true. Costs for renovation in Auckland varies according to the different styles, adjustments, fixtures and the material that is used to renovate your place.
Before – Full House Renovation in West Harbour, Auckland
After – Full House Renovation in West Harbour, Auckland
Painted brick house before and after (NZ) – Example of a renovated exterior of a house in West Harbour which included: Roof painting, new concrete driveway, painting of bricks, new gutters, replacing all windows/frames to double glazing, new electronic front door, full exterior repair and painting of weatherboards.
It doesn’t seem that the renovation industry will slow down because a lot of renovation work is available. As mentioned above, we’ve actually seen an increase and we speculate that it’s due to to the following reasons:
Finding ways to increase value while the market is stagnant
The Covid-19 Lock-down has stimulated the demand for renovating
Our services and interaction with the customers has always been our advantage and has made us the best amongst all other companies in Auckland. If you are currently living in Auckland you might have noticed that the number of renovation cranes has increased in significant numbers and it’s still not enough.
While the renovation builder industry (Auckland) is continually increasing, the construction and House renovation Auckland work has increased to a significant level as well, especially in the residential sector despite consumer confidence. If you are also looking to purchase some property in Auckland and the upcoming areas, let us tell you that this has now also become very challenging.
Having your own home is a blessing. The mood of people changes with time. People want to renovate their homes whenever they feel for a change or see something new in the market and they want that at their place. You do not need to wander and ponder on the internet to look for renovation services as we are always there for you to provide the best and quality renovation Auckland services.
Top 8 reasons why Aucklanders renovate is as follows:
Updating outdated features: Many homes in Auckland have outdated features that may not be functional or aesthetically pleasing. Renovating the entire home allows homeowners to update these features and bring their home into the modern era. This can include updating old appliances and fixtures, installing energy-efficient options, and modernizing the overall design to better fit the homeowner’s preferences.
Increasing home value: Renovating the entire home can significantly increase its value. This is especially important for homeowners who plan to sell their home in the future. A full renovation can include adding modern and desirable features, such as open-plan living areas, outdoor living spaces, and updated kitchens and bathrooms, all of which can increase the home’s appeal to potential buyers and ultimately its value.
Creating more space: A full home renovation can involve adding more square footage to the home, which can be useful for families that are expanding or simply need more living space. This can include adding an extension to the home or converting an unused space, such as a basement or attic, into a functional living space.
Personalizing the home: Renovating the entire home can give homeowners the opportunity to customize their living space to their specific tastes and needs. This can include selecting finishes and colors that reflect the homeowner’s personality, creating functional living spaces that suit their lifestyle, and incorporating unique design elements that set their home apart.
Improving energy efficiency: A full home renovation can also include upgrading appliances, insulation, and other features that can improve the home’s energy efficiency and save homeowners money on energy bills in the long run. This can include installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation to walls and ceilings, and upgrading heating and cooling systems to more efficient models.
Repairing structural damage: If a home has suffered structural damage, a full renovation may be necessary to repair and reinforce the home’s structure. This can include fixing foundation issues, repairing damaged walls or roofing, and reinforcing weakened structures to ensure the home is safe and structurally sound.
Enhancing curb appeal: A full home renovation can also include exterior updates, such as repainting the home, adding new siding, or installing new windows, which can enhance the home’s curb appeal. This can make the home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its overall value, while also giving the homeowner a sense of pride and satisfaction in their home’s appearance.
Improving indoor and outdoor living: Home renovations in Auckland often focus on improving indoor and outdoor living spaces. Auckland’s mild climate and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal place to enjoy indoor-outdoor living. Renovating your home can provide the perfect opportunity to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing your enjoyment of the beautiful Auckland environment. This can include adding outdoor living spaces such as patios or decks, creating an open-plan layout that integrates indoor and outdoor living areas, and installing large windows or doors that offer unobstructed views of the outdoors. Upgrading your indoor and outdoor living spaces not only enhances your quality of life but also increases your home’s value, making it a smart investment for house renovations in Auckland. If you’re looking to renovate your home, consider a reputable company like Home Renovations Auckland to help you achieve your goals.
Superior Renovations – Kitchen Renovation
If you have considered renovating, then it might be of the following types:
Extending your home.
Add another level to your home.
Make aesthetic changes on the inner side of the home as per your mood and ideas.
We renovate and adequately design the place according to the budget and lifestyle of our client. We try our level best to make your place look more attractive and beautiful but also making sure it’s within the clients scope.
If your property is one of your biggest assets, then renovation should be your second priority in order to maintain/increase it’s value. People are spending billions of dollars for the renovation of their properties. The renovation costs NZ per square meter in the Auckland house renovations building industry has been quite stable in recent years and we haven’t seen significant spikes.
Superior Renovations
Where to look?
As you know, Auckland is well known for its property and location, there is a lot of room available for renovation particularly in the older regions such as Ponsonby, Mt Eden, Sandringham, Glenfield, Howick etc. Almost in every area of Auckland, there are house renovations happening. The critical role to renovate a property if you’re looking to see is to increase its perceived value and equity in the market to attract the right buyers at your target selling price, which isn’t easy considering the demographics in every suburb is different.
Subdividing also seems to be quite popular in recent years and this is due to the large land available for older homes.
2. How much does it cost to renovate in Auckland in 2023? ↑
Confirming the renovation costs is a bit tricky and complicated
It depends on requirements and ideas of the client and the range can be quite large. If you’re considering on buying a place to renovate, try to get a ball park figure for the renovation to avoid not having enough budget after the purchase. If you’re renovating for your own home, focus on the necessities first and then the wants later if the budget allows.
When it comes to house renovation costs in Auckland, the price can vary greatly depending on the scope and complexity of the project. According to the New Zealand Building Industry Federation, the average cost of home renovations in Auckland can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per square meter. This means that for a 100 square meter home, the cost of a renovation could range from $200,000 to $500,000 or more. It’s important to note that these are just averages and the actual cost of a renovation can vary based on factors such as the quality of materials used, the size of the home, and the contractor’s fees. If you’re looking for reliable and affordable home renovations in Auckland, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable company that can work with your budget and needs.
There are some renovation costs/rates that can be calculated in advance if you know the size of the area you want done (but keep in mind this would be an average). You should have a 10% contingency budget should you start any renovation, there are also unforeseen costs once a renovation starts – perhaps you want to get extra things, or there was rotten timber that needs replacing.
Example of a complete full house renovations
The word home renovation can mean many different things to different people. The scope of work for
St Heliers in Auckland
This renovation was more cosmetic that structural. All internal areas were renovated without any structural changes.
Bathroom renovation
New floors and full house painting
New floors and full house painting
Bathroom Renovation
Renovated Bedroom
Renovated Rumpus
Renovated Lounge
Renovated Bedroom
This full house renovation in St Heliers (Auckland) included: Renovation of the toilet, Bathroom Renovation x 2, Laundry Renovation, Full Interior Painting, Desk Renovation, Interior door replacements, Interior Stairs and Balustrade Installation (Glass), Wallpaper Removal and Plaster, Exterior Painting and installation of Balustrade
West Harbour in West Auckland
This renovation was an extensive indoor and outdoor renovation. 4 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, kitchen and living room was renovated. There were also many structural changes in the home which included renovating a staircase, breaking load bearing walls, installing double glazing windows, renovating the roof etc. Outdoor renovation included landscaping, re-paving, installing an electric gate and creating a deck.
Why consider a house extension when you could sell your Auckland house and move to a larger home? Here are four good reasons to consider adding a house extension:
If you like the area you’re living in, you don’t have to move
Make the changes you want to make and not settle for something that’s just okay
A home extension may be more affordable than moving to a larger home
You may be attached to your current home or location and not want to leave
The cost of a renovation to extend a ground floor home by 50 square meters in New Zealand can vary greatly depending on various factors such as location, the complexity of the project, materials used, and labor costs. Additionally, building permits and fees may also add to the overall renovation costs.
As a rough estimate, the renovation costs for a house extension in Auckland of a 50 square meter ground floor extension in New Zealand could range from NZD 100,000 to NZD 250,000 or more. That works out to $2,000m2 – $5,000m2. The difference is in the type of construction and the quality of the inclusions. This estimate is based on industry averages and may not reflect the actual renovation costs of your specific project. It’s recommended to consult with a professional builder or architect to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs and location.
You won’t know the exact cost of a home extension until you’ve made plans and know how large the extension is going to be and what will be included in the extension. You may be wondering about the cost of hiring an architect to create the necessary drawings. The cost of hiring an architect for a ground floor extension in New Zealand can vary depending on factors such as the project size and complexity, level of detail required, and the experience of the architect. On average, the cost of hiring an architect in New Zealand for a ground floor extension can range from NZD 5,000 to NZD 15,000 or more.
Architectural drawings are essential for any home extension project as they provide detailed plans for the construction team to follow and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
Want to figure out a custom price for your own extension project? Check out this free to use House Extensions Cost Calculator (NZ) developed by Superior Renovations.
Cost of Two storey House Extensions in Auckland
What about two-story extensions?
If both storeys are the same size, a generally-accepted rule is to add 50% extra to the build cost of a single storey house extension. So if you ground floor extension’s renovation cost is $250,000 then your 2 storey home will be $2500,000 + 50% = $375,000
Add 20% for professional fees and GST (15%).
Don’t forget about windows, finishings and fixtures when you’re pricing your house extension, Make sure you include these in your planning and cost estimates. If you don’t, you could be in for a surprise when the final invoice comes.
Planning a house extension is a big job that can seem daunting, especially with so many things to think about. It’s best to start with figuring out the cost. Once you’ve got a rough idea of how much your extension will cost, you can move forward with everything else.
There are other places to start, of course. But the best place to start will always be with a general cost calculation.
General Process for House Extensions NZ
Initial enquiry to a construction/renovation company
Feasibility study to be carried out by an architect
Pre-construction costs are proposed
Client agrees to initial costs
On-site meeting with client along with architect and builder
Draft architectural plans are drafted and briefed to client
Final architectural plans are submitted for consent
Consent approved
Quote/proposal/specs are generated by builder based on approved plans
Awaiting client approval
Building contract signing process
Initial deposit received
Construction start date (as estimated finish date) is confirmed
Example of a full interior renovation which included: New gib board, redesign of the staircase, installation of glass balustrades, new chandelier, new carpet installation and replacing all lights to LED
Different types of renovation costs NZ per square meter made in different areas of Auckland have ranged from $2,000 to $4,000 for home renovations in the mid range categories in terms of fixtures, finishes etc while more complex renovations with high-end finishes could cost upwards of $6,000 NZD per square meter.
The interior part takes can range between $90,000 to $180,000 depending upon the client’s requirements and if there is no structural change required but only minor consent related work. The scope of work required, the size of the house and the finishes/fixtures you choose will greatly determine the cost of your full home renovation in Auckland.
The cost of a house renovation can vary significantly depending on the scope of work and specific details of the project. For instance, if you’re planning to renovate a standard 3 bedroom home with mid-range fixtures, including painting the interior, renovating 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen, and changing the flooring in all bedrooms and living areas, you can expect to spend between $90,000 to $105,000 in renovation costs. However, if consent-related work is required in the bathroom, kitchen, or living areas, such as obtaining council approval, the cost could increase by up to $20,000, including the architect’s fee, architectural drawings, and Auckland council fee. Keep in mind that these are just estimated house renovation costs and the actual renovation costs may vary depending on various factors such as the location and quality of materials used. To get a better idea of the expected renovation costs for your specific project.
It is not possible however, to give an estimate on a full home renovation without visiting the home and measuring if the complexity of the home renovation is high. An example of this would be renovating a house with extensive structural changes, installing double glazed windows, insulating the home further etc.
House Renovation costs in Auckland as per Square Meter
If you are having a thought of the cost of renovating your place as per square meter, you can follow the guide mentioned above. Although the figures mentioned above for house renovations costs NZ per square meter are not exact. They are just an estimate for you to consider your renovation area according to your budget. In the beginning, $2,000 square meter is the cheapest renovating cost. The average cost is 2,500 per square meter. Anything that is over $ 3,000-meter square is undoubtedly a prohibitive renovating price.
See below on the break-down of house renovation costs:
TYPE OF HOUSE RENOVATION COSTS
COST RANGE
Renovation Architect Cost
$5,000 – $15,000 (5-15%. In this case considering the renovation to be worth $100,000)
Surveyor / Engineer
$150 – $500 per hour
Heat pump
$2,000 -$5,000 (based on the number of heat pumps and the brand)
Renovation Management
$50 to $150 per hour or $5000 to $20,000 for the entire project.
Electrical
$5,000 to $8,000 if it is extensive electrical work but between $1,000 to $3,000 for minor electrical work like changing electric outlets etc.
Plumbing
$2,700 – $5000
Builder
$50 to $150 per hour or $10,000 to $50,000 for the entire project.
Joinery (windows)
$5,000 to $15,000
Insulation
$2,000 to $5,000
Roof
$10,000 to $20,000 depending on the type of roof and complexity of the shape of the roof (also including scaffolding).
Interior Renovation costs
$41,000 to well over $100,000
Renovation Costs Bathroom
Starting at only $20,000 for a basic upgrade with an average spend of $25,000-40,000 and well over $45,000 for a full redesign.
Renovations Costs for Kitchen
Ranging from $18,0000 for average size, $30,000 mid-$35,000 size and $40,000 + for high end designer kitchens.
House Extension cost
$100,000 +
Recladding cost
$150,000 +
Double Glazing Cost per square metre (NZ)
When considering house renovations in Auckland, New Zealand, it’s important to factor in renovation costs. Double glazing is a significant aspect of home renovations that can impact costs. While it may be an additional expense, double glazed windows can improve the energy efficiency of a home, resulting in lower energy bills and potentially reducing long-term renovation costs. Additionally, double glazing can add value to a home and make it more appealing to potential buyers, which may offset the initial cost of installation. Therefore, when planning a home renovation project in Auckland, homeowners should consider the long-term benefits and cost savings of investing in double glazing.
Retrofitting double glazing costs, a lot lesser than getting entirely new double glazing with new frames. You can expect to pay about $15,000 to $18,000 for a 100m2 home. An insulated glass unit and drainage system is installed in your current window frames. While this is a cheaper option, it is not possible to install the insulated glass unit in your current frames for most homes in Auckland.
It is only possible for new homes where the window frames are in great condition. Older home in Auckland do not have frames that are in good condition as they are often damaged or skewed. If you have a newly built home with single glazing, then opt for retrofitting your double glazing as it is a more cost effective option with similar insulation levels as new double glazing with new frames. Hence, while double glazing windows is more expensive than retrofitting, it is not mostly possible for older homes and especially for people renovating their homes as they do not usually do so for new builds.
Looking to re-roof your home in Auckland, New Zealand? Re-roofing can offer numerous benefits, including improved weather protection, energy efficiency, and compliance with building codes. But how much does it cost to re-roof in Auckland?
The cost of re-roofing in Auckland can vary depending on factors such as the size of your roof, the roofing material used, and the complexity of your roof design. For example, re-roofing with asphalt shingles may cost between $8,000 to $16,000, while re-roofing with long-run iron roofing may cost between $18,000 and $36,000 for a standard-sized home with a pitched roof in Auckland.
To get an accurate estimate for re-roofing your home in Auckland, it’s important to get quotes from reputable professionals who specialize in re-roofing Auckland homes. Make sure to factor in additional costs such as roof insulation, removal and disposal of the old roof, and any necessary repairs to your roof structure.
Home renovation costs in Auckland can also be significant, and it’s important to factor in all potential expenses before embarking on a renovation project. Re-roofing a house is one aspect of home renovation that can impact costs, but it can provide long-term cost savings by improving energy efficiency and weather protection. Other home renovation costs in Auckland may include interior and exterior remodeling, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and recladding. It’s essential to work with reputable professionals in Auckland to ensure the work is done to a high standard and meets all necessary building codes and regulations. Overall, homeowners in Auckland should consider the long-term benefits and cost savings of home renovations and factor in all potential expenses to ensure a successful project.
The cost of reroofing in Auckland in 2023 can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the roof, the materials used, and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $14,000 and $25,000 for a complete reroofing job.
Here are some key points on the cost factors of reroofing:
The size and shape of the roof: The larger and more complex the roof, the higher the cost of reroofing.
The type of material used: Different roofing materials have different costs, with some options being more expensive than others. For example, asphalt shingles are generally cheaper than metal or tile.
The quality and thickness of the roofing material: Higher quality and thicker materials will generally cost more than lower quality and thinner options.
The condition of the existing roof: If the existing roof is in poor condition, additional work may be required to remove and dispose of it, which can increase the overall cost.
The accessibility of the roof: If the roof is difficult to access, such as being high or steep, this can increase the cost of reroofing due to the additional safety equipment and labor required.
Additional features: Features such as chimneys, skylights, and ventilation systems can add to the cost of reroofing due to the additional labor and materials required.
Renovated Bathroom
Kitchen and House Renovation
Is a home renovation worth it?
People are confused if renovating their property will increase its value or not. Let us assure you that if you are a resident of Auckland, then renovation is the best way to increase your property’s value and beauty.
This is the reason that the knowledge regarding Home renovation Auckland is very essential. The best way to pursue is that you should overestimate the budget for renovation and set the sale priceless. This will let you make a proper price and profit analysis.
Whether you intend to modernise an old kitchen or enhance your outdoor space by adding a deck to your home, your first step when planning a renovation will be figuring out the cost, work and time involved in the project.
6. So here are a few tips to help you get off to a good start for your house renovations. ↑
Do you research, figure out what you want
You should have a clear idea of what you want before you start getting quotes and choosing materials. If you know you want to redo your bathroom, but aren’t sure what style you want, you can get inspiration from home improvement and design magazines or use Pinterest to find creative ideas and bookmark them for later.
Make a detailed plan
Creating a detailed renovation plan is essential to the success of your renovation project, and while your renovation company can certainly help with this, there are some things you’ll need to decide on beforehand, including your budget and preferred materials and finishes.
Allow plenty of time for your renovation
Home Renovation projects in Auckland can often end up taking a lot longer than anticipated, so you should allow plenty of time for unexpected delays. Planning in more time than you think you’ll need to prevent unnecessary stress when things move more slowly than anticipated.
Make sure you have considered all your options
It’s best to get advice and proposals from a few different renovation companies in Auckland before making a final decision so you can compare them and make sure you are making an informed decision. Of course, high-quality materials cost more and skilled contractors often charge more than less experienced ones, so check the contractor’s reputation, ask plenty of questions and look for hidden fees.
The key to renovating your Auckland Home beautifully yet inexpensively is to devise a goal for yourself, and paint an entire picture of what you want and then step by step renovate each part of your house with the guide of a trusted renovation company – they’ll be able to guide you through the process by giving you sound advice to avoid costly mistakes.
As mentioned above, the term ‘house renovation’ can mean different things to different people. To determine what the scope of work is in different types of home renovations greatly depends on your intention to renovate your home. You need to ask yourself what you are actually trying to achieve with your renovation, in short what is your reason to renovate?
In this blog we will explore different types of home renovations, their scope of work and what does it cost to renovate your full home for different needs.
7. Type 1: Updating a dated Property or an Investment Property – What does is the cost of renovating a full home?
Scope of Work: Kitchen renovation + Bathroom renovation + Re-wiring + Interior Painting + Flooring and Lighting
This type of renovation is ideal for those who want to upgrade or modernize a dated property, and it’s often done on older homes as well as investment properties. Using mid-range supplies, materials, and fixtures, a full house renovation can give your home a fresh new look and add value to your property.
Whether you’re looking to modernize your home, increase its value, or simply create a more comfortable living space, a full house renovation is an investment that can pay off for years to come.
It is important to note that since type of home renovation is to just upgrade or rent out your property, you should use materials that are not too personal to your choice and are budget friendly.
While the cost of labour and project management will remain the same for most types of full home renovations, the cost of the materials you choose will determine the final cost of your full home renovation. We advice our clients to choose neutral colours and to use materials that are from the mid-range category to renovate their homes.
The aim is just to upgrade the areas, give it a clean look and include basic modern features and styles.
Cost of Kitchen renovation
The cost of renovating your kitchen will make a substantial part of the full cost of your home renovation. This type of renovation project involves restoring and painting the existing cabinet doors, and modernizing the kitchen with new laminated floorings, a laminated benchtop, and modern countertops. If the kitchen is small or mid-range materials are used, new cabinets are a possibility. You could use MDF or basic range of acrylic panels for your cabinetry as this is a easy to clean and budget friendly material. Additionally, lights will be repaired as needed. The objective of this renovation is to update the kitchen without changing its layout and while keeping the renovation cost low by utilizing cost-effective materials that have modern conveniences.
An example of this type of kitchen renovation can be seen below. This kitchen features high gloss acrylic panels for cabinetry, laminate floors and freshly painted walls.
This renovation features simple basic high gloss acrylic panels, 30mm benchtop and laminate flooring. The cost for this type of a kitchen will be between $28,000 to $32,000.
Kitchen Cabinetry and Benchtop – What you can expect it to contribute to the cost of renovation your full home
As mentioned, the most cost effective yet budget friendly material for such full home renovations is MDF and mid range acrylic boards. MDF panels remain one of the most popular materials due to it being cost effective and being easy to maintain. MDF stands for Medium-Density Fiberboard. It is a type of engineered wood product that is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers and combining them with wax and resin binders under high temperature and pressure. The resulting material is then formed into panels that can be used for various applications such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative molding. MDF is known for its uniformity, stability, and smooth surface, making it a popular choice for projects that require a consistent finish. It is also an affordable alternative to solid wood and is often used as a substitute for materials like plywood or particleboard.
Mid range high gloss acrylic panels from Ultraglaze is another cost effective and popular material for kitchens. 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 acrylic panels from ULTRAglaze are a range of mid range acrylic panels that are attached the the carcass, they however are prone to getting scratched easily unlike their premium counterpart which we will discuss later in the article.
Our renovation showroom at Wairau valley, Auckland showcases such a budget friendly kitchen which features a combination of MDF and mid range acrylic panels for its cabinetry. As seen below, some of the cabinets have a matte finish black MDF panels while the others have high gloss ULTRAglaze acrylic panels.
Dorothy used cost-effective yet trendy materials for the kitchen design. To achieve the matte black look, she utilized Acrylic boards for half of the cabinets. To keep the expenses down, she opted for mid-range Acrylic panels instead of premium ones. For contrast, she used MDF Melteca black boards for other cabinets, which is also a popular material in the renovation industry. The benchtops and wall splashback were made of engineered stone for consistency and the illusion of a larger space. To keep up with current trends, floating shelves were added, and unique features such as a stainless steel open shelf, floating breakfast bar, and wine fridge were incorporated. Overall, the kitchen design is both stylish and affordable.
This kitchen showcases how different materials and colours come together to create a beautiful yet budget friendly kitchen design.
One of the most popular benchtops for basic full home renovations in Auckland is stone engineered benchtop. There is a large range when it comes to the cost as well as design. For a basic kitchen renovation, use a stone engineered countertop from the mid range. A basic kitchen renovation with a renovation company will include flooring, cabinetry, benchtop, all labour and project management. This type of a kitchen renovation will cost between 28K to 30K.
There are however, ways to bring the cost a new kitchen by taking the following steps:
Use a manufacturer and not a renovation company: A manufacturing company will design, manufacture and install the cabinetry. This means that you will have to arrange your own trades like plumbers, electricians, flooring, painters etc. This type of a kitchen renovation will bring the cost of your house renovation and will be about 10K to 15K.
Use laminate benchtop: While laminate benchtops have become a dated choice, there are still some brands that have a range in laminate benchtops which has a modern look to it.
Minimal in built storage: Most people who renovate their kitchens often opt to build custom storage within their cabinetry instead of standard shelving. These include pull out pantries, magic corners to access items from corner L shaped cabinets, pull out condiment drawers etc. Buildings such custom storage solutions will increase the cost of your kitchen in turn increasing the overall cost of your house renovation.
Cost of Bathroom Renovation for a Basic full home renovation in Auckland
If you’re looking to reduce renovation costs for your bathroom, there are some options available to you. One cost-saving method is to leave the existing layout of the sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet as is, and instead focus on replacing outdated fixtures with new, updated models. This can be a more affordable alternative to a full bathroom renovation, which can cost an average of NZD $10,000 to NZD $20,000 in Auckland. However this would mean that you are not using a renovation company but just getting a plumber to swap fittings.
If you are however, wanting to renovate the entire bathroom including re-tiling, painting etc then you may need to use a renovation company. In order to keep the renovation costs down, you can choose tiles that are from the mid range, neutral colours, use an acrylic shower, and use mid range fixtures.
This would cost you between $25,000 and $30,000 which would include cost of all labour, fixtures, project management and products.
The bathroom below shows a standard wall hanging vanity. drop in shower and laminate floors with painted walls. This renovation that we carried out in West Harbour, Auckland is a simple yet fully renovated bathroom. See full project specifications + Pictures for the below project.
This bathroom features simple wall hung vanity, a drop in bathtub, painted walls and dark laminate flooring. This bathroom in West Harbour, Auckland will cost between $28,000 to $30,000.
Another example of a investment property bathroom renovation can be seen below. Our client renovated her entire home using materials in the basic range and her renovation costs remained on the lower side.
The bathroom renovation features a custom built glass shower, a basic toilet and vanity as well as tiled walls and floors from the basic range in Tile Depot.
This rental property we renovated in Hillsborough, Auckland features large tiles, new toilet, vanity and a custom tiled shower. This type of a bathroom renovation will cost between $27,000 to $30,000.
Cost of Re-wiring the house for a full house renovation in Auckland
For the purpose of this article we will be discussing the cost of rewiring the house for a standard 120 meter square home.
When it comes to full house renovations in Auckland, the cost of rewiring a 120 square meter home can vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and condition of the existing wiring, the complexity of the job, and any special electrical needs of the home. On average, you can expect to pay between NZD $5,000 and NZD $15,000 for a complete rewiring of a home of this size.
Rewiring is often important in older homes where the electric wires have been affected due to wear and tear, age or been damaged to an extend due to other factors.
Cost of Painting the interior of a home
Painting the interior of a home or room is a common part of many renovation projects, and it’s important to factor in the cost of painting when planning your renovation budget.
On average, the cost of painting a home interior or room is between $35 and $55 per square meter, with an average cost of $45 per square meter. A painting project can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, with the national average being $7,500. For a 150 square meter home, the painting cost can range from $5,250 to $8,250, not including GST. If you’re only painting a single room, the cost can vary from $675 to $825. By considering these costs ahead of time, you can better plan and budget for your renovation project.
Cost of Flooring for a Basic Home Renovations in Auckland
Renovating a house can be an exciting but expensive venture, and one of the most significant expenses can be the cost of flooring. In Auckland, the cost of flooring a home can vary widely depending on the type of flooring chosen.
Laminate flooring is a popular and cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $25 to $75 per square meter. This type of flooring is durable, easy to clean, and can mimic the look of other materials like wood or stone. The cost of installation is also relatively low, making it a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners.
Carpet is another popular choice, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per square meter. This type of flooring is comfortable, warm, and comes in a variety of styles and colors. The cost of installation can be higher than laminate flooring, but it can be a good choice for bedrooms or living areas where comfort is a priority.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, tiles can be a good choice. However, they tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $75 to $200 per square meter. Tiles are durable, moisture-resistant, and can add value to your home. However, the cost of installation is also higher, and it’s important to work with a reputable and experienced installer to ensure the tiles are properly installed.
There are further affordable options available, including vinyl flooring, concrete flooring, and cork flooring.
Vinyl flooring is known for its durability and affordability, with basic vinyl costing as little as $25 per square meter and luxury vinyl up to $60 per square meter. This can be a great option for homeowners looking to update their flooring without breaking the bank.
Concrete flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its modern and industrial look. While the cost can vary depending on the complexity of the job, it generally ranges from $60 to $120 per square meter. This can be a great option for homeowners looking to create a unique and contemporary space.
Cork flooring is another eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, with a cost ranging from $50 to $80 per square meter. It’s known for its durability and soundproofing qualities, making it a great option for families or those who value a quiet and peaceful home.
Most of our clients choose laminate flooring for their rental properties as opposed to any others as they are aesthetically pleasing, durable, easy to maintain and budget friendly.
Verdict – How much does it cost for a Basic Full home renovation in Auckland?
The answer to this may be varied but if you renovate your kitchen, and bathroom using basic materials then you can expect to pay $28,000 for a bathroom renovation and $32,000 for a kitchen renovation. For a standard 120 meter square home you can expect to pay between $6,000 to $10,000 for interior painting. Re-wiring should be between $5,000 to 10,000 depending on the complexity of the work and about $5,000 if you choose basic laminate flooring. This kind of a full home renovation in Auckland would cost you between $75,000 to $100,000 depending on the materials you choose, repair work required and complexity of work required.
Type 2: Improving Quality of Living and Increasing functionality – How much does it cost to renovate a house in NZ?
Example of Scope of Work: Kitchen + Bathrooms + Rewiring + Interior Painting + Flooring + Smart Video Alarm Systems installed + Hot water cylinder installed + Insulation + existing windows replaced with double glazing windows + Aircon system installed + Fixing past leaks and damage.
Home renovations in Auckland can dramatically improve the quality of your life, whether you’re buying a house to renovate before moving in or simply want to upgrade your current living space. One of the most common types of home renovations involves improving insulation and adding energy-efficient features such as double glazing windows, air conditioning, and alarm systems. Not only do these upgrades improve your comfort and security, but they can also save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Of course, home renovations can also be costly, especially if you’re using custom fixtures and high-end materials. Mid to high-range suppliers are often the go-to for these types of projects, as they offer more customised options and better quality products. When planning your renovation budget, it’s important to consider all the costs involved, including materials, labour, permits, and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
The three main goals of this type of a house renovation is to increase comfort, be aesthetically pleasing and increasing the functionality of the home. The intention of renovating the home is to make it a personal space for the family and hence, it is important to have a designer on board that can help with achieving these goals.
Importance of having a Renovation Designer for your house renovation
Designers play a vital role in achieving a functional space while achieving an aesthetic look that you are after. Renovation designers like the designers we have within our team at Superior Renovations are different from interior designers. Our renovation designers work closely with all our trades very closely to maximise space, plan zones, and advice our clients on different renovation materials to suit their family’s needs.
Some of the Top 10 things that our renovation designers can help you with are as follows:
Expertise and experience: A kitchen designer with experience in Auckland home renovations can bring valuable insights and recommendations to your project. They can provide guidance on kitchen design Auckland and kitchen design NZ, helping you make informed decisions on layout, space planning, color schemes, and finishes.
Budgeting and cost management: A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you create a budget for your renovation and work with you to manage costs throughout the project. They can provide guidance on sourcing materials and finishes that fit within your budget, helping you prioritize where to spend and where to save.
Creative problem-solving: A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you solve design challenges that arise during the renovation process. They can come up with creative solutions to problems such as awkward layouts, limited space, and challenging structural issues, ensuring that your kitchen design NZ is both functional and attractive.
Increased resale value: A well-designed kitchen renovation can add significant value to your home. A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you create a cohesive and attractive design that will appeal to potential buyers, increasing your home’s resale value.
Space planning: An experienced kitchen designer in Auckland can help you optimize the flow of your kitchen by reconfiguring furniture layouts, removing walls, or adding new ones. They can suggest changes to the overall floor plan to create a more open, functional, and efficient space, ensuring that your kitchen design Auckland is tailored to your needs.
Storage solutions: A kitchen designer in Auckland can create custom storage solutions that meet your specific needs, helping you maximize existing storage space or design new built-in storage solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Lighting: Good lighting is essential for creating a functional and comfortable kitchen. A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you choose the right lighting fixtures and placement to ensure that the space is well-lit and functional.
Material selection: An experienced kitchen designer in Auckland can suggest materials that are both durable and functional, such as low-maintenance flooring that is easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear.
Traffic flow: A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you identify the main traffic patterns in your kitchen and ensure that they are unobstructed. They can suggest moving furniture or adding rugs to create a more open flow.
Zones: A kitchen designer in Auckland can help you create distinct zones within your kitchen, each with its own function and purpose. For example, they might suggest a cooking zone, a food preparation zone, and a dining zone, ensuring that your kitchen design NZ is both practical and stylish.
By focusing on these key areas, a designer can help you create a space that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. They can take into account your personal preferences and lifestyle, as well as any specific needs or challenges posed by the space itself.
Cost of Kitchen renovation which is functional and Beautiful – How does it contribute to the overall renovation costs of a full house renovation in Auckland?
Consider the layout of your kitchen
When it comes to changing the layout of a mid-range kitchen in Auckland, renovation costs will vary based on several factors, including plumbing and electrical changes. If you’re keeping the current layout, the cost will likely be around $32, 000. However, if you want to add an island or change the existing layout, renovation costs can increase to over $35,000. It’s important to consider that changing the layout will impact the overall renovation costs. In cases where the current layout isn’t functional, replacing the stove, sink, or cabinetry may be necessary. The most popular kitchen designs for mid-range kitchens in Auckland include Galley, U-shaped, L-shaped, Island, Peninsular, and Two Island kitchens.
Work Flow of your Kitchen – Making a functional kitchen
When planning house renovations in Auckland, it’s important to consider kitchen ergonomics for a great kitchen design. Ergonomics is the study of designing an environment that fits people rather than the other way around. A work triangle was initially devised to ensure efficiency in the kitchen, with a clear pathway from the stove, cleaning area (sink), and refrigerator. Traffic flow and designated storage areas are also crucial, with a primary pathway throughout the kitchen and clear designated areas for big appliances, cutlery, utensils, washing area, and cooking area.
Distance between fixtures is another key consideration, with enough space between the cooking area and sink, fridge and stove, and island and cooktop. Cooktop placement is especially important for ventilation, and exterior walls are recommended for easier installation of ventilation systems and splashbacks. Vertical storage can help make up for a lack of storage space, and 3D plans are a great way to visualize your kitchen before renovation costs start adding up. Your designer will consider these mind these principles for your kitchen design NZ.
Kitchen Cabinetry for a mid-range kitchen renovation
A mid-range kitchen remodel cost in NZ can offer a lot of flexibility in terms of materials and designs for your cabinets and door handles. For example, one popular option for cabinets is MDF Melteca, a surface that is affordable, easy to clean, and highly durable. Melteca has various ranges of materials, making it a versatile choice for homeowners looking for a mid-range kitchen renovation.
One option to customize your MDF cabinets is to wrap them with Dezignatek Thermoform, which allows you to add any pattern you like to create a traditional, vintage, classic or modern look. For example, a Rhonda pattern can give the cabinets a vintage look. Custom-built cabinets made of real wood are also an option, but they can be more difficult to maintain and are typically more expensive.
Another popular option for cabinets is premium acrylic panels by Laminex. Laminex’s premium acrylic decorative boards are pressed on locally made FSC certified MDF, which makes them both beautiful and durable. These panels have a great depth of color with a matte finish that is made smooth to almost feel like velvet. They are also fingerprint-resistant, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. This makes them a great option for busy kitchens where spills and messes are common.
The use of soft close cabinets and durable hinges from Blum and Hafele is a common feature in modern kitchen designs. No-handle setups with LED lights provide a seamless and uncluttered look, while brass handles can give a vintage feel to a traditional style kitchen. Matte knobs against white cabinets can create a classic and clean look.
Countertop: A spotlight on a mid range kitchen renovation – Display in our Renovation showroom in Wairau Valley
The benchtop used in this kitchen design in NZ is made of engineered stone with a concrete look and a matte finish, sourced from supplier UniQuartz. This material is soft to the touch and has a leather finish, making it stain-resistant and durable. It can withstand high temperatures without cracking and is easy to clean.
The cabinet and drawer fronts are made of high-quality acrylic panels mounted on MDF boards. The countertop is made of engineered stone, and there is a recessed veneer underneath it, creating a floating effect.
Choosing materials like engineered stone for a mid-range kitchen remodel can help keep renovation costs down while still achieving a modern and stylish look. The shark nose top edge of the benchtop also adds a unique and visually appealing floating quality to the design.
Kitchen design in NZ can be optimised for storage with several features that maximise space and organisation. Magic corners are a popular solution for hard-to-reach corner cabinets. Cutlery drawers and spice racks are custom-built options that keep utensils and spices within easy reach. Custom-built condiment drawers and pantry pull-out drawers also maximise storage space while maintaining organisation. Pull-out bins can be installed for hygienic waste disposal, and a kitchen island can double as storage, depending on your kitchen layout. Kitchen renovations can come with a high price tag, with the cost of renovating a kitchen island alone ranging from $4,000 to $6,000.
Recommended Flooring
One of the more popular flooring options for kitchens in Auckland is SPC Laminate flooring from Tile Depot. he benefits of using Neptune SPC (stone based laminate) flooring from Tile Depot for kitchen renovations, which is waterproof, easy to apply, free of harmful substances, and comes with anti-bacterial and sound-absorbing technology. The article explains that traditional options such as tiles are hard on the feet and can get cold in winter, while Neptune SPC flooring is durable, easy to maintain, and has a wood-like appearance. The article also mentions that most clients prefer using Neptune SPC flooring for kitchen renovations due to its durability and easy maintenance.
Examples of Splashbacks used in mid-range kitchen renovations: Tiles and Glass splashbacks
The picture below shows a kitchen that we renovated in Henderson Valley. The splashback features strips of large tiles that have smaller tiles that are arranged in a herringbone fashion. See full project specifications + Before and After pictures.
Art Stone Painting grey Chevron 300 by 800 for splashback from Tile depot – They are popular art deco tiles which give a 3D effect creating a great dimension in design.
The Kitchen splashback below shows a black mirror glass splashback for a kitchen renovation in West Auckland – Massey. This is another example splashback for a mid-range kitchen renovation that is suited for this type of a home renovation in Auckland.
Custom made reflector black finish glass splashback behind the sink wall and the wall behind the stove to make cleaning easier.
So how much does a kitchen renovation contribute towards the overall renovation cost of a full house renovation? The answer to this is subjective depending on how much you are changing the layout, what materials you choose and the size of the kitchen. On an average there is a decent level of customisation for this type of a kitchen and clients often prefer incorporating custom storage solutions within the cabinetry.
Overall a kitchen renovation for this type of a home renovation will cost between $35,000 to about $45,000.
Bathroom Renovation for your mid-range Home renovations in Auckland
Just like kitchen renovations, the cost of a bathroom renovation will depend on the fixtures you choose, the flooring options and most importantly if there is a change in layout. Changing the layout of your toilet means that you will have to go through a council process. This will include the architect drawing waste pipes beneath the home and submit it to the council. This adds about $6,000 to $8,000 to the overall cost of the bathroom renovation.
Most clients that are renovating their bathroom in this type of a home renovation often get rid of dated acrylic showers in favour of either wet areas and switch their drop in wall baths for free standing baths. A popular trend has also been to include large 600 by 600/ 600 by 900 tiles for floors and walls. This creates continuity for the bathroom and gives it a clean contemporary look to the bathroom.
The choice in tiles and fixtures greatly determine the cost of the bathroom renovation. The most popular brands that clients use for this type of a bathroom renovation is Englefield, Kohler, Milli, Kado and Mizu. Reece is our preferred bathroom supplier for our clients and carries all the brands mentioned. Tile Depot is our preferred flooring supplier as they carry a range of tiles suited for most tastes and budgets.
An example of a bathroom renovation from the mid-range can be seen below. This bathroom renovation from Henderson valley features a contemporary bathroom with a custom built vanity, free standing bath, brushed brass finish tapware, custom shower, toilet (cannot be seen in the picture) and large tiles. There was no change in layout for this bathroom and this type of bathroom renovation will cost between $32,000 and $35,000. See project specifications for the bathroom renovation below + Before and After pictures.
The bathroom was remodeled in a contemporary design that blended a classic and enduring style. It features a stand-alone bathtub, a tiled shower, a floating vanity, and matte tiles. The bathroom’s design includes three different types of tiles: a lighter neutral grey for the walls, a medium grey for the floors, and a darker grey for the shower. This layering of tile colors creates an elegant and subtle look for the bathroom.
The bathroom showcased below was a bathroom renovation in Albany which features mid-range fixtures from Reece, a custom built shower and the cost of this type of bathroom will also range around $32,000 to $34,000. See full project specifications for renovation below + Pictures.
The bathroom’s design has a modern and contemporary aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the rest of the house. The floor is made up of large 600 by 600 dark tiles, which creates a striking contrast against the off-white 600 by 600 wall tiles. The floating vanity, with an oak finish, adds a touch of warmth to the bathroom.
It’s important to consider the cost of insulation during a full home renovation in Auckland. Insulation costs can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the type of insulation material used, and the complexity of the installation.
When it comes to renovating in NZ, it’s important to keep in mind that proper insulation can improve the energy efficiency of your home, resulting in lower utility bills and a more comfortable living space. In fact, according to the EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), insulating your home can save you up to $600 per year on heating costs.
The cost of insulation in Auckland typically ranges from $40 to $160 per square meter, depending on the type of insulation material used and the complexity of the installation. For example, installing spray foam insulation can be more expensive than installing fiberglass batts. Additionally, if your home has difficult-to-reach areas that require special attention, this can add to the overall cost.
SPOTLIGHT BELOW: In progress Insulation of an entire 5 bedroom home during a full home renovation in West Harbour, Auckland.
We extensively renovated this home by stripping it down to its main structure and beams in order to insulate the entire home.
All the walls, ceilings and floors were insulated during this home renovation in West Harbour, Auckland.
Overall, the cost of insulation is a worthwhile investment for any homeowner in Auckland planning to renovate their home. Not only can it save you money in the long run, but it can also increase the value of your home and make it a more comfortable living space. So when you’re planning your next renovation project in Auckland, be sure to factor in the cost of insulation.
How much does it cost to double glaze your windows?
the cost of double glazing for windows is a significant factor to consider when budgeting for house renovations. The cost may be influenced by several factors such as window size and quantity, frame material, glass type, insulation level, installation complexity, and contractor expertise and location. All these factors may impact the overall renovation costs. I
it’s important to take these factors into account when planning and budgeting for house renovations that include double glazing to ensure that renovation costs stay within budget.
Most New Zealand homes are either made of plaster, weatherboard, brick or cement. Installing a double glazing unit in a plaster home is a lot more complicated than other materials and you will need a renovation company that specialised in plaster homes to double glaze your windows. For other materials it is easier to carry out double glazing. On an average it will cost you between $3000 – $3500 to double glaze each window for your full home renovation in Auckland. To double glaze a standard 2 bedroom home it will cost you around $35,000 + GST while a standard 3 bedroom home will cost you around $40,000. The cost of double glazing will make a significant portion of your full home renovation costs.
How much does it cost to build a deck? How much does it contribute to the overall renovation costs?
The cost of building a new deck can impact renovation costs, and the price may vary depending on several factors.
“Cost of Building a Deck in Auckland for 2023,” the estimated price ranges for building a new deck in Auckland, New Zealand, are as follows:
Basic deck: $350 to $550 per square metre
Mid-range deck: $550 to $700 per square metre
High-end deck: $700+ per square metre
These price ranges can impact the overall cost of full home renovations, and they are based on factors such as the materials used, the size and complexity of the deck, the type of foundation required, and the level of finishes and detailing. It’s important to consider additional costs such as council permits, site preparation, and landscaping.
It’s worth noting that these price ranges are estimates only, and the actual cost of building a new deck may vary depending on the specific requirements and circumstances of the project.
How much does it cost to install an alarm or security system for your home?
he cost of installing an alarm system in an Auckland home can impact renovation costs, and the price may vary depending on several factors such as the type of system, the size of the home, and the level of security required.
Cost of Installing a Security System in Auckland for 2023,” the estimated price ranges for installing an alarm system in an Auckland home in 2023 are as follows:
Basic system: $800 to $1,500
Mid-range system: $1,500 to $3,000
High-end system: $3,000 to $6,000+
These price ranges can impact the overall cost of full house renovations, and they are based on factors such as the number of sensors, cameras, and other components required, as well as the complexity of the installation. It’s important to consider additional costs such as ongoing maintenance and monitoring fees, as well as any necessary upgrades to existing systems.
How much does it cost to change a water cylinder? – What does it contribute towards the overall renovation costs?
When considering the cost of installation for house renovations, it’s important to note that there may be additional expenses beyond the cost of the cylinder itself. For example, if the new cylinder requires plumbing or electrical work, this may increase the overall cost of the installation. Additionally, there may be expenses related to any necessary upgrades to the existing system, such as new pipes or valves.
The cost of a hot water cylinder can also vary depending on the type of cylinder. For example, an electric hot water cylinder may be less expensive than a gas or solar-powered cylinder. Similarly, larger cylinders will generally cost more than smaller ones.
If you are planning full home renovations in Auckland that include installing a hot water cylinder, it’s important to get an accurate cost estimate from a professional plumber. The estimated price ranges for installing a hot water cylinder in Auckland in 2023 are:
Basic cylinder: $1,200 to $2,000
Mid-range cylinder: $2,000 to $3,500
High-end cylinder: $3,500 to $6,000+
The cost of changing your cylinder is not substantial compared to other aspects of renovations but it is important to consider all the small and big parts of your renovation so you have a realistic idea on what your budget should be.
So how much does it cost to renovate your home for this type of a full home renovation in Auckland?
The answer to this is not simple, as it really depends on the number of areas you are renovating, materials you choose. However as an idea, if you are renovating a standard 3 bedroom home with 2 bathrooms then your overall renovation costs for your full home renovation could look something like this:
Kitchen renovation: If you are using a mix of mid-range and premium range materials for a standard kitchen could start from about $40,000.
Bathroom renovation: Each bathroom could range between $34,000 to 36,000. If you are getting consent related work done then it will add $3,000 to $5000 more depending on the complexity.
Adding or renovating a deck would amount to be about $8,000 or so depending on the size and material used
Double glazing would be around $35,000 or more depending on the number of windows.
If you are getting this type of a renovation for a 3 bedroom standard home then you can expect to pay between $120,000 to $180,000.
Type 3 – Extensive Interior and Exterior renovation with major structural work – How much does a full home renovation cost?
Scope of Work: This type of renovation includes stripping down the house to its main structure and re-doing the entire interior. This would also include exterior renovation which could include re-cladding, renovating the roof, and landscaping, and installing an electronic gate.
Home renovations of this type can be very extensive and require the family to move out of the house for the duration of the project. This type of renovation is typically done for clients who have an old family home but love their location and community. Instead of moving to a new house, they would rather renovate the entire home to something modern and that caters to the needs of all members of the family. Home renovations can involve major changes such as knocking down walls, adding rooms or floors, installing new plumbing and electrical systems, and updating the kitchen and bathrooms. The goal of home renovations is to create a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing living space that meets the needs of the family and adds value to the property.
This type of home renovations in Auckland are done to also add convenience, modernise an old home, and add a sense of luxury to the home as it would be used as a future comfortable family home.
Kitchen renovation – How does it contribute to the overall renovation costs?
Renovating your kitchen can make a great first impression on your guests, especially in open-plan kitchens. In Auckland, the cost of a luxury kitchen renovation ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 However, it is important to spend your money wisely as the cost of a custom-built luxury kitchen can be limitless. A luxury kitchen typically includes a new layout, custom storage, cabinets, high-quality countertops, marble or designer flooring, and brand-new appliances.
The main difference between mid-range and luxury kitchens is that the latter allows for the incorporation of high-end and premium materials. If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, be sure to consider the cost and benefits of each option carefully.
In a kitchen renovation, the cabinetry makes up the bulk of the overall renovation cost. For this type of a kitchen renovation, clients often prefer using mid to high end kitchen cabinetry material with ample in-built storage and modern technology.
Handcrafted Kitchen cabinetry
As an example we are showcasing the luxury kitchen display in our renovation showroom. This kitchen displayed in our showroom aims to demonstrate the option of having custom cabinet fronts that are handcrafted to include the design seen in the front of the cabinets.. Crafting this particular kitchen requires a higher level of skill compared to our other kitchen models, as all the cabinets are handmade instead of being produced in a factory. The design of this kitchen was conceptualized by our senior kitchen designer, Cici.
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.
Our Auckland kitchen showroom offers an opportunity to see a classic kitchen made with luxurious materials that are crafted by hand.
The style of the kitchen also plays a vital role in the design of such a kitchen. Our clients often work closely with our kitchen designers to create a certain style that suits the overall design of the home whether it may be traditional, classic, modern, contemporary, cottage style of industrial style. Each element is selected with a purpose to bring create a particular theme for the kitchen design.
What makes these cabinet fronts unique in comparison to the others showcased in our kitchen showroom? The cabinet fronts are crafted from MDF and cut by hand to create the paneling around them, which requires a higher level of skill than using a machine. All the cabinet fronts are spray-painted with ‘half black white’ matte finish lacquer paint, except for the island cabinets, which are painted with ‘Madison blue’ matte finish lacquer paint.
Handcrafted detailing in our hooded rangehood in our kitchen showroom in Auckland
To produce an attractive contrast with the white cabinets, all cabinet fronts in the classic kitchen were painted using the color ‘Madison blue’.
Typically, classic kitchens feature a neutral palette for the cabinets, as neutrals are timeless and always in fashion. Color is usually added to the design through the use of colorful tiles or brass tapware. However, in this case, Cici, our lead kitchen designer, opted for blue cabinets for the island to give it a more classic cottage-style look. Blues have always been a popular choice in classic country kitchens, and she wanted to create a contrast that would make the kitchen a showstopper. With most kitchens being open-plan, it’s important to pay close attention to the aesthetics of the kitchen design. Cici believes that a kitchen should enhance the beauty of the living space, rather than just being a functional area for cooking.
In Built Appliances
Another feature of this type of a kitchen renovation is to have your larger appliances like dishwashers, bins, fridges etc within the cabinetry for a seamless look. Some examples of this can be seen below:
Benchtops that are 60mm thick are not very typical, as the most commonly used types of benchtops have a thickness of 30mm. The engineered stone benchtop in this case has veined lines designed to imitate the natural lines seen in marble.
Concealing your dishwasher and refrigerator behind your cabinets can give your kitchen a smooth and elegant appearance, which is particularly beneficial for open-plan kitchens where appearance is more important. To achieve this, the dishwasher and fridge are fitted with cabinet fronts that make them look like regular cabinets from the outside. We have installed such hidden appliances in our kitchen showroom to demonstrate their appearance and functionality to our clients.
Hidden dishwasher in our matte black kitchen display in our renovation showroom in Auckland. This gives the overall kitchen a seamless look from the outside and is perfect for open plan living kitchens.
Double bins that go back into the cabinetry for a large scale home renovation in West Harbour, Auckland. This is another feature that adds to the seamless feel of a kitchen.
This magic corner can be seen in our kitchen renovation display in our renovation showroom. This is usually built within the corner L-shaped cabinets as this makes retrieving items in the corner easier and makes for a more organised storage solution.
Most kitchens now are incorporated within a larger living space which promotes an open-plan living. This means that your kitchen design needs to look uncluttered (hence in built storage and hidden appliances) and is aesthetically pleasing which complements the rest of the open space. This means that there is an added emphasis on how the kitchen actually looks.
The feature walls seen below show 2 different kind of splashbacks within the kitchen design. This kitchen has two feature walls, each with its own unique function.
The first feature wall visible below serves to add depth to the kitchen and give it a luxurious appearance. The wall is adorned with 3-dimensional tiles in a sheet format, sized at 256 x 297 x 8mm. These tiles combine marble and gold metal mosaic, and were sourced from Tile Depot, specifically known as ‘Mosaix Lux Gold Herringbone White 275 x 303’.
The Tile Depot’s exquisite tile sheets were utilized to enhance the elegance of this highlighted wall by installing them in a Herringbone pattern. These sheets comprise a blend of stone engineered to resemble marble and gold metal. This display can be viewed at our Auckland (Wairau Valley) kitchen showroom.
These exquisite tile sheets obtained from Tile Depot were utilized to infuse a hint of opulence to the feature wall. The tiles are arranged in a Herringbone pattern, consisting of a blend of stone that mimics the appearance of marble and gold metal. You can view this design in person at our Auckland-based kitchen showroom located in Wairau Valley.
For the area above the cooktop we chose white subway tiles from tile depot. White subway tiles are a defining aspect of classic kitchen designs, and we aimed to integrate them into this particular design. The tiles’ polished finish makes them easy to maintain and suitable as a cooking splashback. Additionally, utilizing two distinct types of splashback tiles in the kitchen contributes to the overall visual appeal and depth of this kitchen design.
The modern rangehood from SMEG has a custom built classic style cabinetry on top of it to mimic the more classic and bygone look of range hoods. This is complemented by white glossy subway tiles for easy cleaning while cooking.
If you are looking at renovating your kitchen with this level of customisation and space then you are looking at spending between $50,000 to $65,000. There are however kitchens in this type of a home renovation that can cost lesser if the space is smaller or if premium acrylic panels are used in place of the hand crafted cabinetry.
Here is an example of a kitchen renovation that will cost you lesser as the cabinet fronts are manufactured using a machine. This kitchen renovation we carried out in Herne Bay, Auckland showcases a kitchen which might look simple but actually featured premium acrylic panels from Laminex.
The kitchen seen below would be in the range of $50,000 to $55,000 owing to the materials used.
This kitchen was renovated using beige matte satin finish laminate from Laminex. They have a satin finish, are stain resistant, have high heat endurance, and fingerprint resistant.
The cabinets are scratch resistant, finger print resistant, stain resistant and have a satin finish. This kitchen also has all its appliances hidden within the cabinetry and also has ample inbuilt storage.
The waterfall countertop is also 60mm thick which is made by joining two pieces of countertop at a 45 degree angle.
A waterfall edge for the 60mm benchtop
Another example of a kitchen renovation in an extensive home renovation is the kitchen seen below. This kitchen was renovated in West Harbour and due to its large size it will cost between $40,000 to $45,000. This kitchen also features premium acrylic panels from Laminex.
This large kitchen features premium laminate panels in high gloss black with a matte finish 30mm waterfall edge benchtop.
Custom Bathroom Renovations – What does it contribute to the overall renovation costs?
Renovation costs for a high-end bathroom renovation in Auckland, New Zealand can vary widely based on several factors. According to industry estimates, the cost of a luxury bathroom renovation can range from $30,000 to $60,000 or more. The actual cost will depend on various factors such as the scope of the project, materials used, and level of customization required.
Many of our clients which want a more luxurious bathroom renovation end up paying about $6,000 to $10,000 on fittings alone as they are renovating to add luxury and comfort in their lives. Others are renovating to upgrade their bathroom from an old and dated space to a bathroom with minor structural change to enlarge a space into something more up to date and modern. This minor structural change could include incorporating a toilet which will require drawings by the architect and constructing additional waste pipes.
Some clients who are looking at luxurious fittings may include a free standing bathtub from Kado (a hotel luxury brand from Reece) that comes upto $3000. Or they may be going for a particular theme in terms of design whether it is a spa inspired bathroom or a contemporary bathroom with feature walls.
Spotlight on some of our luxury bathroom renovations
Vintage Bathroom renovation of a 1920’s bungalow in Auckland:
This bathroom renovation while not a very expensive bathroom, features some premium fixtures such as its free standing bathtub and Edwardian looking vanity. We also faced the challenges of working within a fairly tight space with fittings that were relatively on the larger side. See full project specifications for the bathroom below + Pictures.
This bathroom features a vintage bath, Edwardian basin, vintage subway tiles, and antique looking brass tapware.
Vintage bathroom with a large double wet area.
Bathroom Renovation in West Harbour
4 bathrooms were renovated in the full home renovation in Auckland as this was a large scale and extensive home renovation. The older bathrooms were dated and were renovated to include large tiles, spacious bathrooms, mid-range vanity and bathtub as well as a custom built glass shower. This type of a bathroom does not feature luxury fixtures but instead is a mid range bathroom within a large scale home renovation. See full project specifications for project below + Before and After pictures.
Bathroom renovated in West Harbour as part of an extensive full home renovation in Auckland.
Bathroom Renovation in Redvale
This bathroom was renovated in a contemporary style with matte greyish hued tiles for the floors and walls, free standing bathtub, custom vanity and benchtop, and a tiled shower. See full project specifications + Pictures.
In conclusion a bathroom renovation will make a significant amount towards the overall renovation costs depending on the number of bathrooms, the premium fittings you choose as well as any structural changes that you might be doing. Not all clients that are getting an extensive full renovation get luxurious bathrooms, sometimes they are just upgrading the bathroom to include modern conveniences.
Outdoor home renovations to include Indoor outdoor living – How much does landscaping contribute to the overall renovation cost in a home renovation?
What does landscaping for a full home renovation look like? This type of landscaping usually includes the following:
Outdoor deck and Pergola
Outdoor cooking areas to include a BBQ, or a Pizza oven
Pathways and Paving
Electric gates and Fencing
Standard green lawn
What does it cost to create an outdoor deck?
This will depend on the size of the deck, the material used and the complexity of the design. Some of the more premium choices for deck for this scale of a home renovation is Kwilla. According to industry estimates, the cost of building a Kwila deck in New Zealand can range from $350 to $550 per square meter.
In addition to the cost of building the Kwila deck, you should also consider ongoing maintenance costs. Kwila is a hardwood that requires regular oiling to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Therefore, you should factor in the cost of regular maintenance when budgeting for a Kwila deck.
Spotlight: This home that we renovated includes a Kwilla deck with steps that go towards the fencing of the home. This deck provides ample space for entertaining and gives spectacular views of the seaside in front of it.
The steps leading up the fence of the house. If you are adding additional features like seating then the cost of the deck will increase.
If you are not creating your deck with Kwilla, then there are other options like basic timber which will on an average cost between $1000 to $2000 per square meter. A composite deck will cost between $1500 and $2,500, and hardwood would be between $2000 and $4000 per square meter.
How much does it cost to build a pergola in Auckland?
The cost to build a pergola will also depend on the material used, size, and complexity of design. The average cost to build a standard pergola will be between $3,000 and $5,000. Pergolas are a great addition to enhance the design of your outdoor space.
How much does it cost to incorporate an outdoor cooking area?
Renovation costs for an outdoor cooking area in Auckland can vary depending on factors such as size, materials, appliances, labor, and additional features. The cost of outdoor cooking appliances such as grills, pizza ovens, and smokers can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars each. The materials used for the outdoor cooking area, such as stone, brick, or wood, can also impact the cost. Labor costs for installation and any additional features like seating and dining areas can add to the overall cost. As a general guideline, a fully-equipped outdoor cooking area can cost several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
How much does it cost to create pathways and pavements? How much does it contribute to the overall renovation costs?
As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay between NZD $50 and $150 per square meter for a basic concrete or gravel pathway, while more expensive materials like pavers or natural stone can cost between NZD $100 and $200 per square meter.
Other factors that can impact the cost of building outdoor pathways include the amount of site preparation required, any necessary grading or excavation work, and the cost of any additional features such as lighting or landscaping.
This home renovation in Auckland features a driveway by pouring concrete that was matched in shades with the exterior of the home.
The outdoor renovation part of the project included painting the walls from red brick to a more subtle grey, creating pathways and small gates between areas of the large property.
Pathways were created throughout the property for easily accessing different areas of the outdoor spaces. You can see that blocked pavement was created with pebbles to elevate the overall design of the outdoor area.
How much do electric gates in NZ cost?
lectric gates are a popular choice for homeowners in New Zealand looking for added security and convenience. If you’re considering installing electric gates on your property, it’s important to understand the costs involved.
The cost of building electric gates in New Zealand can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of gate, the materials used, the complexity of the installation, and the cost of labor in your area. In Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand, electric gates are commonly installed to provide enhanced security and convenience.
As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay between NZD $4,000 and $15,000 or more for electric gates in New Zealand. The cost of materials can vary widely depending on the type of gate you choose, with aluminum or vinyl gates being less expensive than those made from wood or steel.
How much are electric sliding gates?
The type of gate, such as sliding or swing gates, can impact the cost. For a sliding gate, you can expect to pay between NZD $6,000 and $12,000, while a swing gate can cost between NZD $4,000 and $8,000.
How much is the installation of electric gates in Auckland?
The complexity of the installation can also impact the cost. If additional features such as remote control, intercoms, or sensors are required, this can add to the overall cost. A basic electric gate system without any additional features can cost between NZD $4,000 and $6,000, while a more complex system can cost between NZD $8,000 and $15,000 or more.
Labor costs can also vary depending on the contractor or company you choose. The level of experience and expertise required for the installation can also impact the cost. For a basic electric gate system, you can expect to pay between NZD $1,000 and $3,000 for installation, while a more complex system can cost between NZD $3,000 and $5,000 or more.
How much do electric gates cost to run?
Generally, the cost of maintenance for electric gates can range from NZD $100 to NZD $500 per year. This includes routine services such as cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and testing of safety features.
If the gate requires repairs or replacement of parts, the cost can increase significantly. For example, replacing a damaged gate opener or a malfunctioning sensor can cost between NZD $500 and NZD $1500 or more, depending on the complexity of the repair.
Fencing Cost Per Meter Square
As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay between NZD $100 and NZD $450 per linear meter for a standard timber fence in New Zealand. The cost can increase to NZD $600 to NZD $1000 per linear meter for a high-end timber fence or a fence made from materials like Colorbond steel, aluminum, or PVC. For a concrete fence, the cost can range from NZD $350 to NZD $800 per linear meter.
Cost of fencing in nz
In addition to the materials, the height and length of the fence can also impact the cost. A higher or longer fence will require more materials and labor, resulting in a higher cost. For example, a standard 1.8-meter timber fence can cost between NZD $180 and NZD $810 per meter, while a 2.4-meter fence can cost between NZD $220 and NZD $1000 per meter.
The front door of the home is password protected for added security.
The cost of labour can also vary depending on the contractor or company you choose. The level of experience and expertise required for the installation can impact the cost as well. The average cost of installation in New Zealand is around NZD $50 to NZD $70 per hour. However, the cost can be higher if additional work is required, such as leveling the ground or removing an old fence.
Cost of a New Lawn in NZ – how much does garden landscaping cost?
As a rough estimate, the cost of a new lawn can range from NZD $25 to NZD $55 per square meter, depending on the type of grass used and the preparation work required. The cost of a new garden can range from NZD $150 to NZD $350 per square meter, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design. The cost of retaining walls can range from NZD $300 to NZD $700 per square meter, depending on the materials used and the height of the wall.
The cost of labour can also vary depending on the contractor or company you choose. The average cost of installation in New Zealand is around NZD $50 to NZD $70 per hour. However, the cost can be higher if additional work is required, such as extensive site preparation or the installation of complex features.
We created designated areas for our clients to grow vegetables in their back courtyard.
All areas were divided by small gates for designated areas such as lawn, the front driveway, the vegetable garden and back courtyard.
We lay a medium sized lawn with fencing for outdoor entertainment.
So How much does it cost to renovate a house for this scale of a home renovation?
This kind of a home renovation like all others will depend on the scope of work as well as the size of the home. A kitchen renovation will cost you anything between $45,000 to $80,000 depending entirely on the size and the materials you choose. Bathroom renovations on the other hand will atleast average around $35,000 and more depending on the fitting you choose. The number of bathrooms that you have will also contribute towards the overall renovation costs.
You also have to keep into account all the painting work, landscaping, double glazing and any security systems you are putting in place. On an average home renovations of this extent for a large home will be between $250,000 to $500,000.
Budget Friendly Home Renovation Ideas
Renovating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little bit of creativity and effort, there are many budget friendly home renovation ideas that can make a big impact. Some of these ideas include repainting walls or furniture, updating light fixtures or refinishing kitchen cabinets. DIY projects are another fun and creative project to do is upcycling old furniture as that provides another affordable way to update your home. We have provides some budget friendly renovation ideas below to help you transform your space without breaking the bank.
Kitchen
1. New Countertops
A five digit kitchen renovation can include cabinets, worktops, and fixtures. Yet, if your cabinets are in reasonable condition, you can improve one of your home’s most used surfaces with brand new worktops. You may also be able to afford a more expensive material if you only need to cover a smaller amount of square footage.
2. Change the Splashback
Replace a worn out splashback with one that brightens your kitchen and provides visual intrigue to offer a punch of design. Tile, stone, glass, ceramic, and beaded board are just a few of the alternatives available, giving you a wide range of options to pick a material that fits your budget. Another cost-effective choice is to only put in a splashback where it will offer the greatest level of protection, such as behind a range or close to a sink.
Splashback in kitchen
3. Add a Faux Island
Having standalone cabinets or tables in a kitchen without an island can save money. All you need to do is move the component at will by installing rolling caster. It will cost you more to relocate if you include if you include more frills, such as cabinets with drawers. In your home renovations, start with a basic table if you want to stay inside your budget.
Kitchen island with cabinets and storage space
4. Upgrade Cabinets or Cabinet Doors
Wallpaper, paint, and peel and stick wood goods. All are fantastic choices for giving antique cabinets a fresh look in your home renovations. Without having to add extra shelves, you may create easily accessible open storage in your house renovation Auckland by taking the doors off some top cabinets. In addition to fitting your budget, look for ways to update your home that will also improve how you use the area on a regular basis.
Living Room
1. Update Flooring
Many peel and stick flooring solutions are thin enough that you can change the flooring in tour room without removing the old one. Even if you must remove the floor because you are no longer able to take it. A new floor can be an affordable, long-lasting job on its own in your house renovations.
New flooring in full house renovation
2. Change Window Treatments
The addition of new fabric, window treatments, or a mix of the two can give a living room a lovely makeover. Older windows can be effectively concealed using a variety of do it yourself choice. In your budget friendly home renovations try to reuse the curtain rods and rings that are already there to save a little additional money.
3. Install Dimmers
Finding the ideal balance of light may be difficult if your home lacks adequate overhead lighting. In older homes with fewer outlets accessible for floor and side lighting, this may be why your home lacks lighting. In your house renovations Auckland, we recommend installing dimmer switch as this can be a quick and simple solution to get better overhead lighting. When working, keep the lights bright. When relaxing, turn it down for softer ambient lighting.
Bathroom
1. Add a Medicine Cabinet
A straightforward, cost-effective adjustment may give your bathroom both flair and storage. To add storage and a fresh aesthetic, swap out a plain wall mount mirror. Add a cork board or blackboard to the inside of the door if you’re feeling crafty for daily reminders and affirmations.
Medicine Cabinet for Extra Storage Space
2. Wallpaper an Accent Wall
Wallpaper is an excellent project for a home makeover on a budget because it has gotten easier to complete, even for beginner DIYer. Wallpaper is a quick and easy way to add pattern and colour, and it’s entirely fine to use it only on one accent wall. However, if you’re not quite ready to take on proper wallpapering. Try the transient peel and stick variety. You don’t have to worry about trying out a current design trend because you can remove it easily if your décor style changes.
Accent Wall in Bathroom
3. Add Storage
A purchased cabinet or open shelves might make all the difference if you lack built in storage. Look for pre-made storage solutions that are designed to maximise vertical space, such as tiered carts, leaning ladders and apothecary cabinets. They provide a lovely and useful storage alternative, and you can use them in place of ornamental elements like baskets.
4. Swap Out Hardware
With new hardware, bathroom cabinets can be given a contemporary makeover. Choose various designs from the same family or combine various treatments for a more eclectic appearance. If your existing knobs lend themselves to a more sculptural flair, consider adding backplates.
5. Safety Updates
Although towel bars and toilet paper rack are typically not particularly attractive fixtures, they offer a chance for you to increase the safety of your bathroom. It’s a wise investment at any moment, whether you’re thinking of someone else or yourself in the future.
Bedroom
1. Add Interest to Walls or Ceilings
If your bedroom walls or ceilings are plain, you can simply add wainscoting or trim even without a supply of power tools. Even better, you can create the appearance of wainscoting by outlining a section of the wall with trim or timber, then using paint to connect the wall and trim to replicate the real thing. Without the expensive price, it appears high end. Select prefinished millwork to reduce labour costs. Alternative you can finish it yourself to reduce your home renovation budget.
Plants and paintings added to bedroom | Photo Credit – Unsplash
2. Add a Headboard
Add a headboard to your bedroom for a reliable way to modernise it. Whether it’s small and elegant or large and striking. They can be quite pricey when brought brand new. But DIY headboards offer many opportunities to maximise both your design and your spending power in your house renovations Auckland.
3. Inset Display Shelves
Kid’s bedroom present a constantly changing home renovation challenge. They rapidly transition from toys and books to collectibles and beyond, and it can be challenging to find a place to store all of that stuff. Adding narrow, wall-to-wall shelves is a straightforward home improvement change that is inexpensive. They suit in a range of bedroom sizes, are affordable, and don’t take up a lot of space.
Dining Room
1. Install a New Light Fixture
Dining areas frequently live in a time warp cause by their lighting. However, for a few hundred dollars and a little electrical DIY, you can give your room a focal point that completely changes the atmosphere. Choose a convention chandelier or several pendants for a more modern look.
2. Reinvigorate a Built In
Obscured spaces, such as the wall or back panel behind shelves, don’t get much attention. But those are great stops to add pops of colour with paint or wallpapers. Another idea – swap out the door inserts for glass or apply coloured film to existing glass. These little touches can go a long way to making a room feel renewed.
The wall of back panel that is hidden behind shelves, for example, receives little attention. However, those are excellent places to add splashes of colour using paint or wallpaper. Another option is to replace the door panels with glass or cover existing glass with coloured film. These small adjustments can have a big impact on how refreshed a space feels.
Entry
1. Create a Mini Mudroom
Even in a small area, all you really need to construct a life-changing, cost-effective mudroom is a seat, a shelf, and some hooks. You can either combine used and repurpose pieces with less expensive newer items that function as a whole solution or you can purchase expensive organisers made specifically for this reason. If you have the room, it helps to have a cubby for each person of the family to simplify daily tasks.
7. What should I look for when choosing a renovation company? ↑
Don’t get distracted by flashy websites, and nicely designed vehicles – the right renovation company only needs to have experience, resources, organizational skills and a genuine interest in helping you renovate your dream home, see below on what you should look for.
Here are the top 5 things Aucklanders should be looking for in a potential renovator:
An impressive portfolio of past projects – Check for case studies and details of the renovation (specifications) and ask a lot of questions. Another reason why you want to choose a company with an impressive portfolio of past projects is that a company that has done a lot of renovations, would have also been through a lot lessons/mistakes along the way that you can avoid.
A proven track record with projects of similar scale and detail – Make sure you choose company that has done work that is similiar if not the same as what you’re looking for. The mistake most people make is choosing a company that does everything, but an expert in nothing.
Great communication– Clues are in their online reviews (unsolicited) and video testimonials (if any, not all companies have this and it’s not easy to get raving clients). Ask for details of past clients who are happy to be called and interview them, if a company can’t provide you a list of at least 5 – there may be red flags.
Excellent organisational skills – This may be a bit difficult to judge, but it’s in the details such as:
What was their sales process like? was it systemised?
How was their follow up and their initiative?
How well did the booking go with the office team?
Was there a clear indication of next steps?
How accurate was their proposal based on your requirements?
Great real customer testimonials, and not from their website: Google them, visit other pages besides their website, and check out their Facebook reviews/posts ( are there any negative comments?)
Make sure they are affiliated with reputable suppliers: Make sure you know where they are getting their supply from to ensure you’re getting good quality fittings installed, and you’re also backed by independent product warranties.
8. House renovations before and after (NZ) by Superior Renovations
Before Kitchen Renovation
After Kitchen Renovation
After Bathroom Renovation
Before Kitchen Renovation
Before Kitchen Renovation
After Kitchen Renovation
Before – Kitchen and House Renovation
After – Kitchen and House Renovation
After Kitchen Renovation
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
Will I have a choice of fixtures and fittings and can I supply them myself?
Absolutely – if you would like to purchase anything directly and provide it for installation at the appropriate time then we have no objections to this but we always suggest clients to choose our suppliers for a number of reasons, we’re confident of the quality, we can manage the logistics, trade prices, and any troubleshooting during the renovation is easier since we can direct contact.
Do I need to employ any other trades for the renovation?
Generally an established renovation company will have all their trades setup and a network of suppliers they use and trust. It just makes the renovation a lot less stressful and cost-effective. A house renovation will typically require 8 – 10 different trades and if any of which are unreliable they will affect all other trades involved. For this reason we are reluctant to carry out a renovation if a customer wishes to employ trades separately.
All the builders I’ve spoken to say they can do my Job. What makes Superior Renovations different?
Yes, there are many builders out there today, but Superior Renovations are not just builders. We specialise in Home Renovations, and that is important when transforming existing properties into modern contemporary homes – our service isn’t limited to renovation but we also take care of the design process, consultation process with architects, consents and supplier communication/logistics.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Generally a kitchen renovation will be between 5-6 weeks from date of demolition and this assumes design is finalised and parts have been manufactured (not including splash back which takes additional time for manufacturing)
How long does bathroom renovation take?
Generally a bathroom renovation will between 3-4 week from date of demolition, however will be longer if it involves consent.
How to plan house renovation?
Work out exactly what you’re getting done first and receive a detailed scope of works from your renovation company. Once this is received, then you know what you need to consider – check lists are very helpful to simply the process otherwise it does become overwhelming. You’ll find plenty of check lists online (eg how to choosing a builder), also check out Superior Renovations E-book (plenty in there for you to use).
How long does house renovation take?
Normally full house renovations would take between 3-6 months dependant on the scope of the renovation, complexity and size of the renovation.
How much to spend on full house renovation?
The average spend for a full house renovation in Auckland (including bathrooms and kitchen) is between $80,000 - $160,000 dependant on the size of home, building requirements, choice of products/fittings and a number of factors.
Do I need a building consent for my renovation?
If you are carrying out building work you may need to apply for a building consent. Here are some examples of work that requires consent: Any structural building including new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and re-piling Changes to original plumbing and drainage Site works for a building Retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres, or retaining walls with a building or driveway near the top Fences higher than 2.5 metres and any swimming pool fence Swimming pools Decks more than 1.5 metres from ground level If in doubt we recommend you ring your local council and discuss your project with them.
Need more information?
Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.
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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Looking after your home is an investment. From home recladding to double glazing windows to renovating spaces to upgrade it towards your living needs. To ensure your home will last for decades, you’d also want to ensure your roof is in good condition.
Before you start looking at companies to help you out. You’d want to ensure you have a rough estimate of how much roofing cost per square metre NZ is and find out roof replacement cost NZ. The cost to reroof a house NZ will be different from the cost of new roof NZ.
Are You Curious about the Cost of Reroofing?
Try our Reroofing Cost Calculator tool: There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of reroofing, including the size and complexity of the roof, the type of roofing material, the cost of labor, and any permits or fees required by your city. To get a better idea of the cost of reroofing your home, use the Reroofing Cost Calculator below.
What is reroofing? How is it different from getting your roof repaired? The term ‘re-roofing’ describes the procedure of removing the old roof covering. Fixing any damage substrate (which may involve rebuilding roof trusses and support battens or purlins). Replacing underlay, and then putting up a new roof covering.
When you replace your roof, you may also be addressing any underlying problems. Such as rot or water damage to the ceiling, walls, and roof structure. The best approach to avoid harm to the internal structure of your home and the pricey repairs that will follow is to replace your roof and look at roof replacement costs NZ and how much roof cost per m2 is.
It should come as no surprise that getting a roof restoration rather than a full roof replacement can save you time and money. Whenever they work on a roof, roofing professionals will cover any worn shingles with a fresh layer of shingles. This not only enhances the look of your roof but also provides a barrier against leaks.
Reroofing a house | Photo Credit – iStock
What is Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement of your roof is always an option, but issues with your roof deck make it much more necessary. Roofing companies will need to remove all the existing shingles from the roof to expose the roof deck. After that, they will put in fresh felt or underlayment. New shingles will be used to cover the roof deck protecting it for at least 20 years.
In contrast to reroofing, which merely covers up any damage. This will fix all the issues you have with your roof. Your roofing contractor will need to repair your roof deck if it has significant damage to stop further damage. Though holes underneath, water can seep into the walls and harm the drywall and flooring. While cost of new roof NZ will be more expensive than cost to reroof a house NZ, the end results would be well worth it in the end.
Cost of new roof NZ repairs for this kind of damage may be very costly. Therefore, even though replacing your roof is an expensive project, it will end up saving you money in the long run. This is because it enables you to spot early indications of dropping and rot brought on by water damage to the deck. Therefore, a complete roof replacement can fix all your roof leaks.
What Is The Difference Between Reroof and Roof Replacement?
One of the most important maintenance decisions a homeowner must make is whether to fix a leaky roof or replace. The cost to reroof a house NZ or cost of new roof NZ against the cost of roof replacement. Along with the expected lifespan of the roof, are typically the deciding factors.
In its lifetime, a house may only require two complete roof replacement. During which the entire roof is removed and reroof with new roofing materials/cladding. Ensure you pick the right choice to save you some money as roofing costs per square metre NZ can be costly.
A modern roof with a localised leak is typically a suitable candidate for repair. If any rot or other damage to the substrate is discovered. It might soon grow to be a much bigger problem than it was initially. Getting the expert advice of a roof replacement expert will typically help you prevent any surprises. If your roof has required several repairs over the years. It may be time for a complete roof replacement and start looking at roof costs per square metre NZ.
How to Decide Between Reroof and Roof Replacement?
Normally, roofs with small leaks or damages make suitable candidates for reroof. Additionally, if there is only one layer of shingles, reroofing is an alternative. On the other hand, you might want to avoid reroofing small parts because this could leave your roof looking noticeable uneven.
Roofing professionals will need to repair your roof deck if it has sustained significant water damage, has a lot of mildew or mould development, or is dropping. You will therefore require a complete roof replacement and consider looking at roof cost per m2.
If you want the solid peace of mind that come from knowing that your roof will survive for 20 years or more. A complete roof refurbishment can also be your best option. This is because roofing specialists will be able to look for significant damage indications and fix them. Giving you the strongest and most durable roof imaginable. This reduces the possibility of damage going undetected until it is too late, which can happen when reroofing.
Reroofing is an option if your roof only has one layer of shingles on it. On the other hand, due to building requirements. Roof restoration is prohibited when there are already two layers of shingles in place. You would require a complete roof replacement in this situation. If your roof’s materials and pitch are additional criteria that may rule out reroofing and have you looking at roof replacement cost NZ. If your roof has significant water damage, wet shingles, or missing shingles, reroofing is not an option either. Lastly, a reroof often has a shorter lifespan than a roof replacement and roof cost per m2 can be more expensive.
Broken Roof. Most likely need a roof replacement | Photo Credit – iStock
How much does it typically cost to reroof a house in NZ? After all, the roof is one of your home’s most crucial components, so you probably attach great importance to it despite knowing that it can be expensive. Cost to reroof a house NZ is a difficult task because so many variables can change the estimate that roofing companies give.
The cost to reroof a house NZ can vary depending on the roofing material you select. While tiles typically range from $49 to $56 per m2, an architectural long run roof can cost up to $150 per m2. Asphalt roofing costs between $100 and $120 per m2.
As there are many different materials you could use in your roofing materials. The cost will be different as some roofing materials cost more than other. With an average house that is roughly around 130 – 140 square metres, using metal tiles and long run iron roofing materials can cost around $55 per m2.
If you consider using steel roofing material, the roof cost per m2 for this material would roughly cost around $56 per m2. Compared to other roofing materials, steel roofing materials are lightweight and easier to install.
Another material to consider roofing costs per square metre NZ is metal roof tiles as the roof cost per m2 for this roof material is around $50 – $70 m2. You may be after this roof material if you’re after a more traditional look for your roof replacement.
Going into the slightly more expensive roof materials for your roof replacement cost NZ. Concrete tiles are a great choice and they’re highly durable and fire resistant. Cost of new roof NZ for concreate tiles would be around $75 per m2.
While clay tiles are on the high end and will cost more if you chose this material for your roof replacement the cost to reroof a house NZ can be expensive. Clay tiles are also durable and have high strength and when done properly, these tiles can last at least a century. roof cost per m2 for clay tiles would cost around $104 per m2.
Saving the best for last, but also the most expensive option you can get with roof materials. With all roof materials, there are benefits and disadvantages to all roof materials when you’re considering roof replacement. If you happen to choose copper tiles, the cost of new roof NZ would be around $190 per m2.
What are the common challenges with roof replacement?
Roof replacement can be a complex and challenging project, especially in New Zealand where the weather can be unpredictable. Some common challenges with roof replacement in New Zealand include:
Weather: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly, which can make it difficult to schedule and complete a roof replacement project. High winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can all make it difficult to work safely on a roof.
Access: Some roofs may be difficult to access, especially if they are steep or have limited space. This can make it difficult to remove the old roof and install the new one.
Age of the building: Older buildings may have structural issues or may not have been built to modern building codes, which can make it difficult to replace the roof.
Building materials: Some roofing materials, such as asbestos, can be difficult to remove safely and may require specialized equipment and trained professionals.
Budget: Replacing a roof can be a costly project, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the cost before beginning the project.
Time: A full roof replacement can take a lot of time, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the time frame before beginning the project.
It’s important to work with a reputable and experienced roofing contractor when undertaking a roof replacement project. They will be able to advise on the best approach and materials to use and will be able to manage the challenges that arise during the project.
What is Asbestos In Your Roof?
Whether a roof includes asbestos or not is arguable one of the most important elements that affect the price of a roof. This dangerous building material is found in thousands of residences across the country. Small fibres make up the naturally occurring material known as asbestos. These fibres are sturdy and incredibly resistant to chemicals, heat, fire, and water. In NZ, asbestos was imported and used extensively in a variety of construction related fields, particularly in the manufacture of residential and commercial roofing.
What to do if you have Asbestos in your Roof?
While asbestos is simple to recognise on its own, other elements found in roof tiles make identification more challenging. Asbestos containing roof tiles frequently have a white or grey colour, while many other tiles manufactured of safe materials also have these colours. Although just one in every twenty asbestos containing roof tiles has an identification mark, this is one way to tell whether your roof tiles are asbestos free. You may scientifically test your roof’s tiles to determine whether they contain asbestos.
Working with asbestos requires several safety precautions. Even though asbestos cement is low risk and removal does not require a license. We do advise asking a professional to remove any asbestos roof tiles rather than doing it yourself. Due to the enormous risk posed by the harmful fibres of asbestos. Roofing costs per square metre NZ can be tricky to calculate if professionals haven’t been able to look at the site.
Asbestos on roof | Photo Credit – iStock
Changing Roof Material
When it’s time to upgrade your roof, you might think about switching out the components. Nevertheless, upgrading to stale, tile, wood shakes, or metal can initially cost you more. They will last you a lot lonoger than asphalt shingles will. If you want it, they will also give your house a more unique appearance. It’s crucial to understand that not all building frameworks are strudy enough to handle these heavier roofing materials without some modifications. Roofing costs per square metre NZ will cost more for a full roof replacement but you’d never have to worry about it again.
Asphalt roofing has only been in the market for a few decades which makes it a relatively new product in the market. For more than a century, asphalt shingles come in two options you can pick from – organic or fibreglass. The base layer of organic shingles is composed of wastepaper, cellulose, or wood fibres that have been treated with asphalt before a top coating of asphalt is put. The base layer of fibreglass in fibreglass shingles is joined to the upper layer by a urea-formaldehyde resin. Roofing costs per square metre NZ can vary based on the size and you’d want to ensure you have the right environment for this material.
Asphalt shingles are a visually appealing option because they are available in a variety of hues and patterns. High fire resistance is a feature of solutions made of fibreglass, which are also both lon-lasting and low maintenance. However, there are various options for use in areas with heavier winds.
Like most things, asphalt tiles will deteriorate over time despite them being a tougher alternative. If you’re planning to purchase an older home. It’s best to verify the roof tiles don’t have asbestos in the tiles. This is due to the tiles looking their granule coating which could cause problems with water leakage. You’d might have to reroof and look at the roof cost per m2 for asphalt shingles.
Asphalt Shingles | Photo Credit – iStock
Clay/Concrete Tiles
In additional to being bug and fire resistant, clay tiles are also incredibly resilient. They are also recyclable at the end of their life cycle and have a choice of aesthetic colours and finishes. The downside of using tiles is that they require more support because they are a heavier roofing alternative. Which may raise the cost of new roof NZ. Walking on them may cause them to break, complicating roof replacement costs NZ and parts, as well as making it difficult to match colours when replacing the tiles.
Clay/Concrete Tiles | Photo Credit – iStock
Copper
One of the most resilient roofing material you could use in your roof replacement cost NZ. Copper has been used for roofing for hundreds of years. Few materials can match copper’s aesthetic appeal, and it’s natural patina makes it a design statement for even the most modern of architectural styles.
Copper does not require any special coatings or finishes, unlike other steel roofing materials, and it will never rust or corrode, making it perfect for costal applications. Many roofing materials contain at least 75% recycled material, and copper is extremely recyclable.
The drawback of copper is that it is a very soft metal that could easily be dented by hail and other similar objects. If not placed appropriately, copper’s tendency to expand and contract due to temperature changes can cause problems with water infiltration. Roof replacement cost NZ for this material can be expensive. Be sure to seek out similar materials to this if this goes over budget. Roofing cost per square metre NZ is different for all materials.
Copper Tiles on a part of the house | Photo Credit – iStock
Corrugated/Long Run Steel
Corrugated iron is a kiwi icon that has graced many sheds and homes across the country. Even though the word is somewhat misleading nowadays because it has been made from steel for more than a century. Technology advancements have led to the production of numerous new styles and finishes, and its endurance is well-known due to this.
In addition to being simple to install. Steel has a high performance to weight ration which complements almost any architectural style. It’s also recyclable at the end of its duration and can withstand our unpredictable weather with ease and roof replacement cost NZ won’t break the budget.
On the negative side, steel roofing will dent when sufficiently struck by something. Which can detract from its appearance and cause leaks near seams. Like faulty installation, you may experience issues with water leakage and your roof could collapse in high wind conditions. This roofing material may not be suitable for you if you live somewhere with high winds as you many need to look at roof replacement cost NZ much sooner than necessary.
Steel Tiles on Roof | Photo Credit – iStock
Membrane
Due to its sustainability for use on flat or low-pitched roofs. Membrane roofing solutions, which were historically the preserve of commercial structure, have recently acquired popularity in the residential market. There are five main varieties of membrane roofing. They are liquid, thermoset, thermoplastic, modified bitumen, and glass reinforced plastic.
Depending on the membrane roofing type you select, there are different advantages. They all offer strong performance to weight ratios, are simple for skilled contractors to install, and provide high level of aesthetics. Cost of new roof NZ with this material would be a suitable roof replacement.
The downside of thermoset and thermoplastic products is that improper installation or neglect can lead to water leakage or pooling. When examining the roof or making repairs to other roof structure, caution must be given because these materials have been known to sustain punctures.
Use of Membrane Tiles | Photo Credit – iStock
Slate Shingles
Few materials shine as brightly as slate if you want to make a statement with your roof and having a slate shingle roof on your property can raise its resale value. Slate is a very desirable material choice because of its inherent tonal changes and versatility in terms of architectural styles.
There is no better material than slate for durability. Slate shingles should be reused or recycled several times and require little to no ongoing upkeep.
The disadvantage of slate shingles is that they are the heaviest of the roofing materials and will require adequate structural support.
Slate tiles used on roof | Photo Credit – iStock
Looking for the right roofing material can be tricky as there are many different materials you can choose from. You’d also want to ensure that it’s long lasting, so you don’t have to fix up your roof again. Luckily you can also reroof your home if necessary for a quick fix as the cost to reroof a house NZ won’t be as expensive as roof replacement cost NZ. Always do extensive research and grab a consultation and advice from professionals before you try to DIY it yourself. Especially if you’re unsure if your roof contains asbestos or not as asbestos can be harmful. Roofing cost per square metre NZ has many variables that determine the total price for a reroof or roof replacement.
Discussing Tile Trends with Kalun from The Tile Depot – Superior Renovations®
Are subway tiles still a popular choice? What are the upcoming tile trends for 2022?
Hear it from Kalun (Senior Sales Consultant at The Tile Depot). We caught up with her at our Wairau Valley Showroom, check out what she had to say, and tell us what you think is trending right now.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
How to design a bathroom? There are many steps and factors that you need to consider before you get started. Some say that your bathroom is almost like your very own spa. It’s a room in your house where you go to relax by taking a hot shower or soaking in the bathtub with wine and a movie. Which is why it’s important to think about the layout of your brand-new bathroom and which kind of style you might be going for. There are many bathrooms design that can be suited towards your needs and your families.
In this article:
Modern bathroom designs
Contemporary bathrooms
Traditional bathrooms
Cottage and Vintage bathrooms
Rustic Bathrooms
Industrial bathrooms
Contemporary Bathroom Design Ideas – How to Design a Contemporary Bathroom
There are many bathrooms design NZ that can be suited to your home. As you know there are many different bathroom styles available to you. Our contemporary bathroom design ideas reflect a more design approach with flowing curves, hard angles, and geometric patterns. This bathroom design is starting to appear more in homes nowadays as we move away from traditional bathroom design. Of course, this is all about preference. So, if you’re move interested in a traditional bathroom design then we can make that happen for you.
What is the difference between contemporary bathroom design and modern bathroom design? Firstly, the main difference are the years. Modern design begun around 1920s and 1930s. Secondly, you can also tell the difference between the two based on the different looks. Modern bathroom design is characterized by clean lines, neutral colours, and natural materials. This will help give the house or the bathroom a minimalistic aesthetic.
Contemporary bathroom design often draw inspiration from modernism and mid-century modern and doesn’t commit to a single aesthetic. It can have many different aesthetics, but they all tie together and make the room look nice and not overwhelming, Contemporary bathrooms also use glass and metal materials to even copper as this can work very well in a contemporary bathroom style. Which is why this bathroom style gets mistaken for a modern bathroom style.
Whilst traditional bathroom style use more wood, stone, and porcelain materials. Whereas contemporary bathroom designs use synthetics material like laminates and plastics, granite, stone, and stainless steel. This is what you’ll see in a contemporary bathroom. When trying to see which style is which, keep an eye out on the materials that are used, and you’ll have a rough idea.
8 Elements of a Contemporary Bathroom Design in NZ
1. Clean Lines
Contemporary bathrooms feature unbroken horizontal lines. Curvy, undulating planes are not relevant here, and cabinet hardware is kept simple.
2. Authentic Materials
How to design a bathroom? With a contemporary bathroom you’d want to choose materials that have and authenticity to them. We should be celebrating materials like wood or concrete instead of trying to alter them.
For this bathroom design idea, cabinets will lack any kind of decorative features like face frames or mouldings. Everything has been reduced to its most basic forms and components; there are only the necessities here. Cabinet and vanity doors have smooth, single-plane surfaces. Bathroom tiles design will be perfectly flush with the grout.
For this style, we’re going for a cleaner, simpler design. Once you consider having tiles patterning on the wall or chose more complex tiles then we’re moving away from the simpler design of the contemporary bathroom.
Bathroom tiles design perfectly flushed with the grout
If you love to organise and keep your space nice and tidy, then this style is perfect for you. Contemporary bathrooms have a minimalist aesthetic which is why you can incorporate asian themes into your bathroom. This is due to how everything is put away and everything has a home to go to. Nothing will be left on the countertops except for the necessities.
A bathroom does not have to be cluttered with toiletries. It can be a beautiful space but it is important to think about storage before choosing your fittings. A mirror cabinet is a perfect way to increase storage in your bathroom which can be seen in this bathroom. The mirror cabinet is from Methven which we get from our supplier Reece.
4. Contrast
Our designers use contrast to provide interest and drama to contemporary rooms instead of using ornate décor and details. For example, textural bamboo cabinets blend with polished concrete. Modern interiors keep to hues and colours that are at opposite ends of the colour spectrum. Your bathroom would be more pleasing if there is a wow factor.
This bathroom is a great example of a bathroom design that combines different textures and patterns within a small bathroom space to create a cohesive bathroom design.
Once more, simple shapes take precedence over anything extravagant or detailed.
6. Open Space
This is a crucial component when designing your contemporary bathroom. How to design a small bathroom? Whilst the space might be small, You can always create the illusion of space by making your bathroom more open and having more light in. The style is characterised by floating vanities, wide flooring, and a general sense of lightness and airiness.
7. Colours
Contemporary bathroom design ideas can use many different colours. There isn’t just a specific colour tone or shade you need to stick to. Whilst some people do agree that contemporary styles lean towards cooler colours. Others have disagreed used colours that fit well with them and they own style. It’s more important to consider how your material selections and colour choices interact.
8. Chrome
Because it is elegant, polished chrome is widely used in modern fixtures. Many of the faucet and fixture designs that are so effective originate in Europe, where chrome is preferred because it is durable, simple to clean, and true to the material.
One of our displays in our renovation showroom showcases a dark contemporary bathroom with chrome fittings as it is one of the most popular finishes for our clients. It works really well with modern and contemporary bathrooms. Our renovation showroom showcases 5 displays of renovated bathrooms and 3 Kitchens so clients can explore different materials and get ideas for their own renovation.
How to Design a Modern Bathroom? Modern Bathroom Ideas
How to design a bathroom? Modern bathroom design may be for you if you enjoy a clean, uncluttered appearance that keeps the focus on the architecture. Continue reading for essential information about this well-liked bathroom design, including its essential components, colour schemes, fixtures, and finishing touches.
Modern-Style Bathrooms at a Glance
Flat-panel doors and drawers on floating vanities
Simple faucets and hardware
Frameless mirror
Simplified or integrated lighting
A neutral, minimalist colour scheme
Finishes and materials should be repeated for a consistent look.
What You Won’t Find in Modern Bathrooms
Door faces with carvings or ornate knobs
Detailed wainscoting, millwork, or moulding
Vibrant colours and patterns, unless used as a small accent
A unorganised approach to materials and finishes as opposed to simplicity and consistency
Neutral Colour Palette
For your modern bathroom ideas, you might want to consider using a neural colour palette. A modern bathroom design will lean use more crisp, clean white, subtle neutrals and black. Accessories such as bath towels and plants add a splash of colour in your modern bathroom design.
Colours for Modern Bathrooms:
Neutrals – Beige, slate, putty dove grey and taupe.
Black and white – Matte black and architectural white
Pops of colour – Teal, chartreuse, red and blue
Floating Vanity
How to design a small bathroom? Not only are floating vanities popular with modern bathroom designs but they’re also very useful when thinking of a small bathroom design. They create more space in your bathroom for more storage use underneath and provide you with an opportunity to be creative.
A floating vanity works well in a modern bathroom and should be incorporated into your modern bathroom ideas as they help provide a light, streamlined look. Choose engineered quartz, marble, granite, or a solid-surface material in a neutral colour for the top. Combine with undermount sinks for a seamless look that is also easy to clean.
In a modern bathroom design, vessel sinks can be a striking alternative to undermount sinks. Simple rounded or rectilinear shapes in white, glass, or stone are ideal. This is a design detail you’d want to think about in your modern bathroom ideas.
Creating an open space bathroom can also help improve the visual effect of the room. How to design a small bathroom? Space does not matter when it comes to creating breathing space in a modern bathroom design. The space between objects is just as important as the objects themselves in a modern bathroom design. Consider clean-lined furniture on bare floors or a neutral rug, crisp white walls and bare windows, or a single sculptural vase on an otherwise empty surface in your modern bathroom ideas.
A calming bathroom design in our renovated bathroom in Albany
Of course, a modern bathroom design can be colourful. A modern bathroom focal point is on material and structure, rather than a specific colour tone or surface pattern. If you’re thinking of adding colour into your bathroom design ideas try not to use busy patterns as that will take away the modern style. Instead opt for bold hues to an upholstered piece or a bunch of glass vases.
Design Detail – Sculptural Lighting
For your modern bathroom ideas consider using pendant lights as they really stand out in a modern style. Consider choosing a sculptural shape in gleaming gold, copper, or silver, matte black, wood, or white.
Rustic Style Bathrooms
If you’re an outdoorsy, adventurous person who loves nature then having a rustic style bathroom is perfect for you. You’d feel right at home with materials like stone and rough-hewn wood beams.
Rustic Style Bathrooms at a Glance
This style entwines the outdoors with warm, cosy textiles and raw natural materials, as you’d expect in a rustic bathroom. If you’re interested in creating a rustic bathroom design, here are some elements to consider:
Handcrafted wood beams, cabinetry, and wall panelling
Natural stone floors, accents, and wall treatments
Hammered or matte finishes on dark metal hardware
Natural-inspired colour palettes
Patinated materials, such as natural wood, copper, and stone
What You Won’t Find in Rustic Bathrooms
Lush colour palettes
Cutting edge trends
Immensely polished finishes like chrome
Lucite, moulded plastic and man-made materials
Mix and match approach to finishes and materials
Nature-Inspired Colour Palette
For a rich, cosy look, repeat the hues of natural materials such as stone and warm woods with paint colours and accents in similar shades.
Colours for Rustic Bathroom
Neutrals – Buttermilk, cream, straw, wheat, stone
Earth tones – Chestnut, mushroom, umber, terra cotta, sepia
Spicy hues – Cinnamon, saffron, pumpkin, chili pepper, baked apple
Furniture-Style Vanity
Some bathroom design ideas you might want to consider wood or wood like vanities with furniture style details like legs and open shelving. The example below shows one of our clients take on a rustic bathroom but adding gold accessories to give in a more rustic luxury look and feel.
Wooden Vanity with brushed gold tapware in this Rustic Bathroom design in Westmere
A stone or copper vessel sink can be the focal point of a rustic bathroom or powder room. Look for natural shapes that are rounded and organic, and that have a tactile texture or patina.
Natural Stone
Bathroom design NZ uses natural stone for their rustic bathroom design. Stone floors, counters and wall treatments help deliver a natural texture to a rustic bathroom. You might want to try incorporating slate, fieldstone, travertine, soapstone, and pebble tile are all rich, earthy materials in your rustic bathroom design NZ.
Design Detail – Weathered Metal
Patina is common in rustic-style metal finishes, which are softly gleaming or matte rather than shiny or high-gloss in a rustic bathroom design NZ. For bathroom design ideas try cabinet pulls, faucets, and lighting in dark, weathered metal finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, or hammered copper are ideal. Choose something more whimsical, such as twig- or stone-shaped hardware.
Finishing Touches
Tie up your rustic bathroom design NZ with wood, stone, or copper accessories. You’d want to use finishing touches with nature incorporated into it through nature art or photography. That way it will give your bathroom an outdoorsy vibe. Consider using these finishing touches in your bathroom design ideas.
Gold coloured finishing touches for this rustic bathroom
Cottage style bathrooms aren’t seen as much in bathroom design NZ as most people either choose modern or cotemporary bathroom design NZ. With that said though, cottage style bathrooms find beauty in simplicity and can be the change you may need. When thinking about bathroom design ideas for this style, you’d want to incorporate these elements:
Open shelving
Wall panelling
Freestanding bathtub
Simple hardware
Natural wood accents
What You Won’t Find in Cottage Style Bathrooms
Cottage style bathrooms mainly priorities on rustic and simplicity charm. Which is why when planning your bathroom design ideas, you’d want to avoid any modern elements. Here are some elements you won’t see in a cottage bathroom design NZ:
Busy patterns
Cluttered surfaces
Super sleek finishes
Heritage Hues
Simple, natural colour palettes are preferred in cottage style bathrooms. White with crisp black trim is a popular option; for deeper hues, consider nature-inspired neutrals and other classic colours. For your bathroom tiles design you might want to consider using these colours to help tie the room together.
Other classic colours – Deep Green, Barn Red, Sage, Denim Blue
Shaker Style Vanity
How to design a bathroom? With different bathroom styles, they all have different elements that are required to complete the look. For a cottage bathroom design NZ, you’d consider getting a shaker style vanity. This vanity is well suited for a cottage bathroom.
Shaker cabinets can be painted or simply finished to show off the natural beauty of the wood grain. Cabinets with flat panels and furniture-style designs in natural wood tones can also look good for your bathroom design ideas.
Design Detail – Barn Lighting
Cottage bathroom design ideas for lighting can come in different shapes. You can choose from a bold shape barn lighting which can add a stylish touch to your bathroom design. Another option is going with a cylinder shape vanity lighting or a simple glass bell with filament bulbs. Lastly, you can look for pendants and sconces made of traditional galvanised steel or vibrantly coloured powder-coated steel. This will elevate your bathroom design ideas.
Design Detail – Subway Tile
Bathroom tiles design for this bathroom is going with subway tiles. This is because subway tile is crisp, clean, and reasonably priced, and it pairs well with almost everything. It bridges the gap between rustic and modern aspects with ease. For a novel twist, try mixing it with dark grout. Consider using subway tiles in your bathroom tiles design.
Subway tiles with dark grout combines with black hexagonal tiles with white grouting
Having a claw foot bathtub will most definitely be the star of the room. Including a claw foot bathtub in your bathroom design ideas will help add character to your cottage bathroom. The only problem is that not every bathroom floor can handle the weight of a claw foot bathtub. An alternative to this would be having a freestanding pedestal bathtub, consider this as a backup plan in your bathroom design ideas.
Design Detail – Sliding Barn Doors
How to design a small bathroom? Having a sliding door will help eliminate the space that is needed for the bathroom door. This is perfect for a small bathroom as it will provide you with more space to decorate your bathroom and storage area as well. The only downside to this is that a sliding door does not provide 100% complete privacy like a normal door. Including this into your bathroom design ideas will add a more cottage character to your cottage style bathroom.
Sliding Barn door was created for this bathroom’s entrance due to the tight space in the corridor and to avoid the door opening into the bathroom. This provided more space for all bathroom fixtures without being congested
In your bathroom design ideas, you may want to consider getting a trough sink and it will add to the appeal of a cottage style bathroom. This type of sink is ideal for busy households because it is made of white fireclay or porcelain and has multiple faucet options. When installed as a drop-in with a lovely wood counter. A trough sink strikes the perfect balance of functionality and elegance.
Wall Panelling
Panelling can be tricky especially if you are planning to renovate with an old home, but we can always work around it to give you the cottage appeal. It’s been said that shiplap panelling can add an architectural interest in your home and really set the tone for your cottage bathroom. Some bathroom design ideas may also be using beadboard panelling as well.
Finishing Touches
To finish off decorating your bathroom, we recommend woven baskets, striped rugs, modern stools, and matt black hardware. As this will go well in your cottage bathroom style. You may also want to add some artwork surround nature or farm life. Farmhouse-style bathrooms combine rustic appeal with modern sensibilities that value simplicity.
The matte and intricate fixtures of the tapware combined with white ceramic fixtures make the bathroom what it truly us – a classic vintage bathroom design in Greenhithe, Auckland
Pastel Tones
Your bathroom should feel nice and relaxing the second you step in. The bathroom is the place where we can relax after a long day. To create a more relaxing environment in your bathroom, opt for using pastel, neutral colours to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Example of using pastel tones in bathroom | Photo Credit – iStock
Pastel – Coloured Tiles
Stuck on bathroom tiles design? For your cottage bathroom you can choose a timeless style for your bathroom tiles design. Or you can opt for a peachy pink, or powder blue. Keep in mind that you can use your bathroom tiles design to frame your bathtub or make a little statement wall.
Soft Creamy Towels
Towels add colour and texture, instantly calming the atmosphere in your cottage bathroom. Add delicate pastel hues to your decor to give it a cottage atmosphere. You may match them to a prominent element, like pastel tiles, or combine multiple hues for a shabby-chic look.
Traditional Bathrooms
Another popular bathroom design NZ. It’s often said that the bathroom is the place you relax so you’d want to make sure all your accessories and furnishing all work well with one another to create a harmonious scheme. How to design a bathroom? For a traditional bathroom you’d want to incorporate unique pieces that helps give the room a timelessness feels. It’s best to avoid any modern furnishing or accessories.
7 Elements of a Traditional Bathroom Design
1. Cabinets with Character
In your traditional bathroom design ideas, you’d find cabinets with character in this style. Cabinets and vanities in traditional settings are defined by rounded legs, carved door faces, and ornate knobs. Be sure to pick a vanity with these features to add character to your bathroom.
2. Antique Style Lighting
In your bathroom design, you’d want to ensure that you aren’t picking any modern lighting fixtures. Lighting fixtures for a traditional bathroom is unique and ornamental. Instead of tubular or streamlined fixtures, consider curvy antique sconces.
3. Calming Colours
There will be no bright colours in a traditional bathroom design as that will move away from the style. In this bathroom design colour scheme opt for neutral colours like black, grey, or white. If you want to be a bit more creative and add colour you can choose a pale green or blue colour.
Moulding is important in a bathroom as it can help add decoration to the room, help protect wall surfaces and cover any gaps in the walls, floor, ceiling, or cabinets. This may be something to consider in your bathroom design ideas.
5. Lots of Details
Details are important in a bathroom. In such a small space you can make the room seem big just by the details. How to design a small bathroom? The attention to detail in a small bathroom is one of the distinguishing features of traditional spaces. In traditional settings, tilework, millwork, and cabinetry all have extra ornamentation.
6. Unique Tilework
Bathroom tiles design may be a bit trickier for a traditional bathroom. We recommend choosing a lighter colour and veining for your bathroom tiles design. An example may be choosing something like a Carrara marble material. Another option may be to use a black and white hex tile floor for your bathroom tiles design.
7. Stand – Along Storage Cabinets
In a traditional bathroom style, artistry is brought forward and shown more than functionality. In many traditional bathrooms design, you’d see that vertical cabinets are used as linen closets.
Stand – along storage cabinets | Photo Credit – iStock
Design Highlights of a Traditional Bathroom
Calm Colour Palette
Traditional bathroom colour scheme tends to lean towards softer and relaxing instead of bright colours. You can opt for wood tones or deeper shade of grey or blue for a richer look in your bathroom.
Colours for Traditional Bathrooms
Soft neutrals – Snow white, cream, silver, beige
Serene hues – Sage green, misty blue, blue-grey
Rich colours – Espresso, slate, chocolate, navy
Use of soft neutral colours | Photo Credit – iStock
Having a dressing table in your bathroom might sound odd but in a traditional bathroom style, it makes perfect sense. Not only does this dressing table work will with light hues stone but it also has a double purpose. More storage spaces! How to design a small bathroom? Creating more space and making sure you have enough storage areas to eliminate any clutter is essential.
Elegant Stone
Another element that can contribute to your traditional bathroom design is having stone floors, counters, or wall treatments. This can be a focal point in your bathroom style. A bathroom tiles design idea for you can be using rectangular and square pieces to create a basketweave effect.
Classic Bathtub
This is another bathroom style that you can integrate a claw foot bathtub, or you can stick with a classic pedestal style bathtub. Though if that isn’t what you’re looking for you also choose a freestanding bathtub as that will still stick with the style.
In a traditional bathroom, the right details create a sense of luxury and pampering. Classic brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze faucets and hardware hit the right note. Finish with an antique stool, embroidered hand towels, a vase of flowers, and a pretty tray filled with bath products.
Industrial Style Bathroom Design
This style of bathroom can come in different many colours and different accessories but still stay within the style. This bathroom style might not be right for everyone. If you love raw materials and utilitarian spaces, then this style is perfect for you.
Industrial Style Bathrooms at a Glance
In an industrial style bathroom, you won’t find any busy patterns or bright colours. It’s often stated that raw materials and tough fixtures would be the star of the bathroom and take centre stage. Some elements to look for in an industrial bathroom:
Exposed raw materials
Minimal details
Glass and stell shower enclosures
Trough and basin sinks
White subway tiles
What You Won’t Find in Industrial Bathrooms
Surface ornamentation plays no part in this bathroom design as it focuses more on the beauty of how things work. Here are some elements you won’t see:
Light or pastel hues
Luxurious comforts
Elaborate moulding
Delicate fixtures
Minimalist Colour Palette
Unlike other bathroom styles, you’d want to avoid using any bright or pastel colours as that will not be on theme with your industrial bathroom design NZ. The colour palette for this bathroom will be from the raw materials you use with a tiny bit of saturated colour included.
Colours for Industrial Bathrooms:
Saturated colours – Navy, rust orange, royal blue, brick red
Shades of grey – Charcoal, cement gray, slate
Black and white – Matte black, architectural white
Neutral colours in industrial bathroom | Photo Credit – iStock
Freestanding Bathtub
A freestanding bathtub is popular and it often a key feature that many homeowners purchase in their bathroom design idea as a freestanding bathtub goes with most bathroom styles. Your freestanding bathtub can a focal point in your industrial bathroom, and you can choose from a white or silver bathtub as well.
Adding modern functional elements to a historic Epsom bungalow to suit the lifestyles of new homeowners
If you look at any industrial bathrooms, you’d be able to see that matte black fittings look amazing for this style. It really makes the room pop! For your shower you can get a black framed shower door made from steel or aluminium. These materials are vital for this style. You can finish the look off with a sliding door or a glass shower door.
Hardworking Raw Materials
To add authentic character to your industrial bathroom design, focus on using raw materials like stainless stell, brick, timber beans and concrete. This would be a main point in your bathroom rather than having paint. Another benefit to this is that this material won’t deteriorate as quickly as other materials.
Example of raw materials used in industrial bathroom | Photo Credit iStock
Bathroom tiles design can be trick with an industrial bathroom design style. We recommend going with the white subways tiles as it provides the bathroom with a clean, crisp look. You can increase your contrast by adding dark grout to your bathroom tiles design.
Design Detail – Hefty Sliding Doors
For such a complex bathroom, you’d want to go all out with this style. We recommend choosing a sliding door to finish off the room. Larger, heavier-duty sliding doors are a factory-inspired take on the barn door trend that are ideal for industrial bathrooms. Furthermore, heavier sliding doors offer more privacy than standard wooden barn doors.
Finishing Touches
An industrial bathroom style is not for everyone as there aren’t many opportunities for you to add colour or have decorative flourishes. Finishing touches for this bathroom is just a few carefully chosen details are enough to complete the space. Exposed pipes, gear like faucets and hardware, metal stools and potted plants are excellent choices to finish off your bathroom design NZ.
Example of exposed pipes and hardware | Photo Credit – iStock
Designing a bathroom can be tricky sometimes as there are many different styles that may be best suited for you and your aesthetic. Some people put a lot of work and effort into making sure their bathroom is perfect and others don’t. It’s all about preferences and if you’re interested in these bathroom styles, be sure to check out our showroom and speak to our bathroom designers to plan your dream bathroom.
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.
In this Article:
Mistakes to avoid in your kitchen design
Design process at Superior Renovations
Elements of a contemporary bathroom
Elements of a modern kitchen
10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Kitchen Design
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.
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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