Kitchens

From shaker to tongue-and-groove, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing your kitchen cabinet door style. So which one is right for you? Kitchen cabinets, tapware, benchtop surfaces, splashback tiles. If you’ve ever considered renovating your kitchen, you will know that there are a lot of decisions to be made, and the choices […]

Discover how this kitchen’s dramatic art-deco inspired design was made possible thanks to thoughtful planning and clever storage Every good kitchen designer knows great design is all about form and function. So, when this homeowner approached Joanne Godding of Bespoke Kitchens about transforming her small, cramped kitchen Joanne knew exactly what she needed to do. […]

Encouraged to go bold this week on The Block NZ, the teams took some risky choices for their kitchen designs. Did they pay off? Check out the room reveals below After last week’s disastrous, and hard to watch, scoring, the judges decided to stage an intervention with the teams this week. They emplored them to […]

From old and tired to bold and contemporary. Here’s how a kitchen that was on its last legs got a new lease on life There were a lot of things wrong with this kitchen in its original state. The wall colour was “unappealing”, the fridge too small and the space was inefficient for a busy family […]

Need some inspiration and a bit of guidance for your kitchen renovation? We ask an expert for his advice on the latest practical trends to help you get started During 30 years in the business, John van Doormaal from Innovative Kitchens has seen a big change in the way we use our kitchens. “It’s not […]

Installed as part of a new-build, the winner of Your Home & Garden’s Kitchen Awards, in association with Blum, was the judges’ favourite for its warm feel and clever use of materials Meet + greet Katie Harris, 29 (hand therapist and Optic Build’s administrator), Daniel Harris, 30 (builder and owner of Optic Build), and Olive, […]

The houses are starting to come together on The Block NZ as the teams reveal their kitchen and dining areas. We get a closer look at their standout style The Block NZ teams reveal their impressive kitchen and dining rooms It’s true what they say: kitchens sell houses, which means this week’s room reveal on […]

A specialist in kitchen hardware, Blum’s clever designs and innovative technology helped make this bold, black kitchen a sophisticated and practical space A striking black kitchen makes a stylish statement in this Auckland home For this home situated above Hobbs Bay in Auckland with views of the marina and Rangitoto, the brief was create a […]

Take a look back at some of our favourite kitchen renovations for some reno-inspo.  1. 1920s bungalow kitchen  When renovating their kitchen, the owners of this bungalow wanted it to be in keeping with the heritage style of the rest of their home. So they had the cupboard doors and drawers made to match the original […]

From colours to textures and finishes these are the kitchen trends that are shaping interior style this year 6 inspiring kitchen trends you need to know about in 2018 The kitchen design forecast for 2018 is a little different than those in recent years, with a mix of trends that focus on practicality as well as style. […]

Whether you’re looking for a small on-trend update or you want to do a complete overhaul of your kitchen, we’ll help you break the process down into stages How to design a dream kitchen that you’ll love for years to come As the hardest working room in your home, your kitchen will be one of […]

When it comes to doing your bit for the environment at the end of an unfinished meal, the answer could be right in front of you – in your kitchen sink. With the help of InSinkErator, we grind down a few myths about this surprisingly eco-friendly system for dealing with unwanted food scraps. Why this […]

The Evolution 200 is an environmentally responsible way to dispose of food waste. We have one to give away to one lucky person. Enter below! Win an InSinkErator Evolution 200 food waste disposer worth $1095 InSinkErator food waste disposers are not only convenient and hygienic, but environmentally responsible too. That’s because when your food waste […]

There is often not much we can do about a neglected rental kitchen – not without landlord permission, which depending on your situation, can range from difficult to near-impossible to get. However, fear not, as we have rounded up some non-permanent solutions that will help make a positive impact on your kitchen Finding a great home to rent […]

Decadent marble and gold detailing add a luxurious flourish to the clever design of this Auckland kitchen. Here’s how to merge function and style in your home This luxurious kitchen gives storage a stylish edge A feeling of decadence was a focus for the renovation of this cottage kitchen in one of Auckland’s most upmarket […]

Whether it’s to cook for one or to entertain many, New Zealanders are rediscovering their passion for food and are reconnecting in the kitchen Why Kiwis are reconnecting with their kitchens The heart, the hub, the social space – the way we describe our kitchens these days highlight how central they are to our lives […]

Contemporary cabinetry, chic lighting and a colossal central island helped The Block AU’s Carleen and Dan earn a perfect score. We take a closer look at their design and see how they compare to The Block NZ  The Block AU: Carleen and Dan’s kitchen There was plenty of sizzle when the teams on The Block […]

Interior design expert James Treble serves up his top 8 tips and considerations to help you create the perfect kitchen design Kitchens sell houses! It’s an old saying, and one that every real-estate agent will agree with. Whatever the size of your home, the kitchen is a room you spend heaps of time in. It’s […]

Classic monochrome, modern country and bold colour, we explore these striking kitchen trends and show you how to shop the look to show off your unique style 3 of our favourite kitchen trends and how to shop the style Classic: The monochrome look continues to be popular, and for good reason. Crisp white cupboards offset […]

Whether you’re designing a new kitchen or reconfiguring an old one, the key to creating a space you love is choosing the right layout. Here’s how… How to choose the right layout for your kitchen People often refer to kitchens as the heart of the home. Kiwis in particular love cooking and we entertain at […]

Discover how to design a space that’s the life and soul of the party with these top tips for creating the ultimate entertainers’ kitchen 8 tips for creating the ultimate entertainers’ kitchen Whether you’re channelling Nigella Lawson and throwing a scrumptious dinner party or simply serving a few steaks and sausages off the barbecue, the […]

Food writer Eleanor Ozich is avoiding the city exodus this summer to enjoy the tranquillity of home on Auckland’s scenic west coast Do you take a traditional summer holiday? We often stay at our family beach house in Waihi, but this year we’re spending the holiday season at home in Titirangi. Our place is a […]

If the back of your fridge is a scary place filled with mysterious containers then it’s time for you to give your refrigerator a revamp with these 10 steps Keep your fridge organised with these 10 easy steps Make life easier for yourself and your family by finding food faster and avoid items rotting at […]

A kitchen is one of (if not the) most important rooms of the house; a chance to make a bold impact and set the tone for the rest of your space Not only will a minimalist kitchen make for a versatile living and entertaining space in your home, it’s a major draw card for future […]

The kitchen of this quaint holiday-cottage in Bluff was given a cheerful makeover before its Invercargill owners bade it farewell   The kitchen of this quaint Bluff cottage was given a vintage-vibe makeover Who were the owners? Peter and Karyn Necklen (pastors), Josh, 23 (engineering student), and Melody, 20 (fast food manager). Where is the […]

Designer and calligrapher Ylva Skarp and her family decamped to the Swedish countryside to renovate a boarded-up former school built in 1901 and the results are simply spectacular Festive tricks Take advantage of what nature has to offer. Gather family and friends for an evening of festive foraging. Sprigs, pine cones and twigs can easily be […]

Don’t miss out on your morning coffee because you’re in a rush; we have the ultimate kitchen hack for your busy lifestyle The ultimate kitchen hack for a busy home We’ve all heard the surprising facts about how the average person wastes a lot of their time – five years waiting queues, and around six months […]

A kitchen revamp doesn’t have to cost the earth. These simple but effective tricks will breathe new life into the heart of your home 14 simple yet effective kitchen updates to jump-start your dream kitchen The kitchen is called the hub of the home because it’s the most used space and a favourite gathering point. It’s not […]

The owner and mastermind behind this fresh and elegant designer kitchen shares the pros, cons and money-saving tips for creating a kitchen that fulfilled her needs and budget  All you need to know about installing a new kitchen Who lives here?  Stacey Stanborough – founder of interior design company Grace By Design. You have installed […]

A beautiful new kitchen is something to be treasured and enjoyed for years. With an incredible choice of materials, finishes and fittings at your fingertips, you can truly create your dream design. Here are three looks to inspire you How to create a contemporary kitchen A contemporary kitchen is not afraid to make a statement […]

When it comes to your wedding registry, don’t get carried away. The latest kitchen gadgets may appeal, but will you actually use them or will they simply take up valuable space?   With each item you consider listing on your wedding registry, picture it in your kitchen. Where would it be stored? Would your bench […]

It’s not just tasty snacks, but handy kitchen hacks you’ll gain after watching these clever how-to videos Hack #1 Make a killer guacamole, and dispose of the mess just as easily The truth about what you can put down the drain Potato peels, banana peels, chicken bones, garlic peels, celery, even an avocado pip – […]

Homes to Love caught up with Liv Harper, interior designer from Mitre 10 to talk all things splashbacks Why do I need a splashback? Splashbacks are important to protect your walls and cabinetry from moisture and heat, oils and cooking residue. They’re important particularly behind your stovetop/hobbs and behind your sink. They are also a great […]

Bring together a simple colour palette, great lighting, timber textures and streamlined cabinet handles for a kitchen that’s warm and contemporary Clean lines and texture Kitchens are notoriously expensive to make changes to, so pick a look that will stand the test of time. Stylist Annick Larkin has opted for a simple white, chrome and timber […]

This sleek yet family-friendly kitchen was specifically designed so the entire space can be opened to the outdoors The kitchen at a glance Who lives here? Manu Withers (structural engineer), Kelly Wyn (full-time mum), Taylor, 10, Camryn, 7, Virginia, 2, and Otis the dog. Where is your home? Birkenhead, Auckland. (The kitchen was part of […]

A budget of $36,000 and input from designers at DJ Cabinetry have resulted in this Scandi-style kitchen with a roomy scullery At a glance Who lives here? Fleur Clough (recruitment consultant at Eclipse Recruitment), husband Anthony (client relationship manager for directional drillers CDS), Emma, 1, and Persian cats Kinda and Lilly Bear. Where is your home? Red […]

With a ‘good cooker’ at the helm, this small but perfect Pakowhai, Hawke’s Bay kitchen has served the family well for decades At a glance Who lives here? Liz and Gary Spence (both retired). Where is your home? Pakowhai in Hawke’s Bay, a rural settlement nestled between Napier and Hastings, bordering the Ngaruroro River. Total budget: $7,000 […]

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so here’s how to give it a deep and satisfying clean How to deep clean your fridge 1. Turn the power off at the wall. 2. Remove food […]

The enduring appeal of these Italian appliances has everything to do with their smooth curves, distinctive lettering and lust-worthy colourways Smeg has been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that their retro-inspired fridge designs took the world by storm. For people used to utilitarian stainless steel-style fridges, this curved design classic had […]

If you missed your chance at seeing the homes from The Block NZ: Villa wars in their entirety, here they are for your viewing pleasure House 1: Jamie & Hayden Black and white rules in this contemporary urban home that has plenty of attitude. House 2: Sarah & Minanne These reno rookies used pared-back styles […]

We’ve rounded up some sublime gift ideas for food lovers. From barbecues to books, it’s never been easier to impress your family and friends with your gift-giving prowess The Forager Malle W. Trousseau Oyster Tools Set (includes leather hand guard), $119.90, from Corso De’ Fiori; water bottle with lid by Menu, $105, from Mildred & […]

Jamie and Hayden from The Block NZ: Villa Wars unveiled their black kitchen on last night’s episode and were met with disapproval from the judges and viewers alike With black cabinetry, black polished floorboards and a graffiti mural splashback, the kitchen unveiled by Jamie and Hayden was never going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Hayden […]

Summer days are for entertaining guests alfresco, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen The rise of the outdoor kitchen Outdoor kitchens became part of modern home design by stealth. First, there was the humble barbecue, then came the fire pit to cosy up cool evenings, then the outdoor gourmet […]

Colour story: Chequerboard. Rennee Lawrence and her husband Bryan renovated their kitchen in Pukerua Bay north of Wellington, on a tight budget and are thrilled with the results. They chose dark shades to contrast with crisp white and bright red accents, with Resene ‘Blackjack’ on the dining room wall and Resene Blackboard Paint in the […]

What is Corian and how is it used?Corian is a benchtop product which has been manufactured by DuPont since 1967. It contains an advanced blend of two-thirds natural minerals and one-third pure acrylic resin. Corian has traditionally been used for kitchen benchtops but it is becoming more popular for bathroom vanities and basins and also […]

No longer just a place to prepare meals, the kitchen has become an extra living space – and the latest design trends reflect its new role. Photography: Sharyn Cairns/Michael Wee /Nick Watt/Maree Homer/BauerSyndication.com.au

What are the key components for a truly practical kitchen?Regardless of cooking style or kitchen size, there are three key features to a truly practical kitchen: workflow, space and motion. Think about your most common tasks in the kitchen and about the items you need to access, then group these items together or in close […]