Welcome home
Light-filled kitchen pairs pressed-tin charm with tailored storage so everyday cooking and entertaining flow easily to dining and outdoors.
Va va voom
Matte-black cabinetry meets warm oak accents and sleek Dekton stone for a dramatic, contemporary statement kitchen.
Olive loves oak
Oak cabinetry, deep-green tiled splashback, and a new walk-around island turn a quirky U-shaped kitchen into a seamless open-plan social hub.
Quintessence on Queen
Light-filled minimalism with flush-set windows, concealed storage, and an island that keeps the cook connected to family and guests
Eternal Twilight
This client envisioned a kitchen that felt like “her first kiss under the most beautiful sunset,” with the bold desire for a black kitchen. The brief was to create a space that felt both intimate and social, with a modern Art Deco aesthetic.
Botanica Kitchen
The original kitchen felt dated and enclosed. The curved island and overhead bulkhead contributed to a sense of heaviness in the space, and the bulky fridge obstructed the main walkway.
Inviting Haven
A dark, timber-clad kitchen is reimagined as a bright, timeless hub with Taj Mahal stone, an open scullery, and streamlined storage.
Function first, pretty later: why your kitchen layout matters more than the look
How design science, not just style, creates a kitchen you’ll love to live in
Clear Benchtops, Calm Mornings: Appliance Storage Zones
Clear your benchtops and reclaim your space with smart appliance storage zones that balance function and aesthetics.
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Episode Overview
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we speak with Mark Bruce, National Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, a trusted kitchen design brand with over 40 years of experience and a nine-year streak as New Zealand’s Most Trusted Kitchen Brand (Readers’ Digest).
Mark brings a unique perspective to the conversation, drawing from his early years as a cabinetmaker, his background in education and design science, and his passion for reshaping how Kiwis think about their kitchens.
Mark shares a compelling philosophy: great kitchen design starts with function, not form. Whether you’re planning a renovation or building new, he urges homeowners to think beyond looks and dig into how they actually use their kitchens, from how often you open the fridge to the way you prep, cook, clean, and live day-to-day.
Across the episode, Mark offers insightful and practical advice on:
- Why workflow, ergonomics, and “honest client briefs” should lead the design conversation
- How sculleries are reshaping the modern home and why he’s now a convert.
- Common layout mistakes – including symmetrical kitchens and misunderstood U-shapes.
- Tips for planning ahead: from appliance positioning to rubbish bins and rangehoods.
- The value of showroom visits and early budget conversations to reduce overwhelm
Mark also lifts the curtain on Kitchen Studio’s operations model, which focuses entirely on customer experience, from showroom consultation through to installation. With no in-house manufacturing to bias decisions, their designers can focus on tailoring solutions to each client’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. He explains how Kitchen Studio coordinates the full process, including sub-trades, and backs it with a 10-year transferable warranty and a deposit guarantee.
For those overwhelmed by kitchen planning, Mark’s key takeaway is simple: start with how you live, not just what you like. Whether it’s your forever home or an upgrade to sell, a well-designed kitchen should support your habits, elevate your space, and add joy to your daily routine.