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Cabinetry is both the showpiece and the workhorse of a kitchen. It catches the eye the moment you walk in, yet its real value lies in how smoothly it supports cooking, cleaning, and storage. The best cabinetry feels timeless, looks polished, and makes the space easier to use every day.
1. Choose the right level of customisation
Cabinetry comes in three broad types: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Stock cabinets are affordable and easy to install, but come with fewer options. Semi-custom opens the door to more finishes, styles, and features. Full custom work gives you complete control, made to measure for your space. Think carefully about your budget, the quality you want, and how much flexibility your kitchen layout needs before deciding which path is right for you.
2. Plan for smart storage solutions
The best cabinetry makes storage simple and efficient. Deep drawers keep pots and pans accessible, while pull-outs and organisers stop pantry items from getting lost at the back. Corner pull-out systems turn wasted space into usable storage, and a well-planned pantry keeps everything easy to see and reach. Prioritise solutions that make daily cooking and clean-up faster and less stressful.
3. Choose materials that last
Cabinets are opened and closed countless times a day, so they need to stand up to constant use. Plywood is strong and moisture-resistant, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens. Particleboard and MDF are budget-friendly but less durable, while solid wood brings natural beauty and longevity. Framed cabinets provide extra strength, while frameless designs maximise usable space. Choose the combination that balances durability, budget, and style.
4. Smarter hardware, smoother living
The right hardware makes your cabinetry easier to use and helps it last longer. Soft-close drawers and quality hinges reduce wear and tear, while push-to-open systems or integrated pulls create a seamless look. Handleless designs suit modern kitchens, but practical handles or pulls are often better for heavier drawers. These small innovations improve how your kitchen feels and functions every day.
5. Coordinate hardware with other finishes
Hardware may be a small detail, but it has a big impact on the overall design. Think of it as the link between your cabinetry and the rest of the kitchen. Choosing finishes that echo your taps, lighting, or appliances creates a sense of flow, while mismatched pieces can break the look. Keep scale in mind too: hardware should feel in proportion to the cabinet doors and drawers it sits on.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dave Wilson, National Operations Manager at Mastercraft, to explore what it really takes to design and deliver a kitchen that works, not just looks good. With a network of over 80 licensees across New Zealand, Mastercraft is a household name when it comes to kitchens. However, behind the scenes, Dave’s role extends far beyond cabinetry. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. Dave shares how kitchen planning has evolved and why the kitchen is now one of the most complex areas to renovate in the home.
Search similar articles
Cabinetry is both the showpiece and the workhorse of a kitchen. It catches the eye the moment you walk in, yet its real value lies in how smoothly it supports cooking, cleaning, and storage. The best cabinetry feels timeless, looks polished, and makes the space easier to use every day.
1. Choose the right level of customisation
Cabinetry comes in three broad types: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Stock cabinets are affordable and easy to install, but come with fewer options. Semi-custom opens the door to more finishes, styles, and features. Full custom work gives you complete control, made to measure for your space. Think carefully about your budget, the quality you want, and how much flexibility your kitchen layout needs before deciding which path is right for you.
2. Plan for smart storage solutions
The best cabinetry makes storage simple and efficient. Deep drawers keep pots and pans accessible, while pull-outs and organisers stop pantry items from getting lost at the back. Corner pull-out systems turn wasted space into usable storage, and a well-planned pantry keeps everything easy to see and reach. Prioritise solutions that make daily cooking and clean-up faster and less stressful.
3. Choose materials that last
Cabinets are opened and closed countless times a day, so they need to stand up to constant use. Plywood is strong and moisture-resistant, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens. Particleboard and MDF are budget-friendly but less durable, while solid wood brings natural beauty and longevity. Framed cabinets provide extra strength, while frameless designs maximise usable space. Choose the combination that balances durability, budget, and style.
4. Smarter hardware, smoother living
The right hardware makes your cabinetry easier to use and helps it last longer. Soft-close drawers and quality hinges reduce wear and tear, while push-to-open systems or integrated pulls create a seamless look. Handleless designs suit modern kitchens, but practical handles or pulls are often better for heavier drawers. These small innovations improve how your kitchen feels and functions every day.
5. Coordinate hardware with other finishes
Hardware may be a small detail, but it has a big impact on the overall design. Think of it as the link between your cabinetry and the rest of the kitchen. Choosing finishes that echo your taps, lighting, or appliances creates a sense of flow, while mismatched pieces can break the look. Keep scale in mind too: hardware should feel in proportion to the cabinet doors and drawers it sits on.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Renovating Your Kitchen Guides take the guesswork out of your project. From budgeting and layout to appliances and cabinetry, you’ll learn how to make confident, future-proof choices – whether you’re renovating to sell or stay. Join MyTrends for access to this and a full library of guides to support your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Dave Wilson, National Operations Manager at Mastercraft, to explore what it really takes to design and deliver a kitchen that works, not just looks good. With a network of over 80 licensees across New Zealand, Mastercraft is a household name when it comes to kitchens. However, behind the scenes, Dave’s role extends far beyond cabinetry. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. From coordinating electricians and plumbers to staying ahead of design trends, health regulations, and material safety, he’s seen every challenge (and shortcut) that can make or break a kitchen project. Dave shares how kitchen planning has evolved and why the kitchen is now one of the most complex areas to renovate in the home.
Search similar articles
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
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Sorry, this page is not available at this time.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Unavailable
Sorry, this page is not available at this time.