From triangles to zones: how modern kitchens are designed for real life
The old sink–oven–fridge triangle is out. Today’s kitchens are designed around flexible zones that fit the way families cook, live, and entertain.
The truth about silica in engineered stone
What homeowners need to know about safety, risks, and the shift to low-silica benchtops
From Old-Fashioned To Party Central: A Kitchen Renovation Tale
For this busy family with older kids, the kitchen was becoming a cumbersome and clumsy space to deal with all the comings and goings, entertaining and general cooking that comes with a busy family.
Renovation Innovation
The owner of this home had a straightforward request when they met with Design Consultant Gleniss Kehely from Mastercraft Kitchens Waikato.
Eye-catching contemporary kitchen design by Mastercraft Kitchens
Sleek white lacquered cabinets teamed with Inifinity solid surface benchtops in this contemporary kitchen with scullery in family home
Contemporary black and white kitchen with dark-stained American oak and white lacquer
Modern kitchen in contemporary beach house features white lacquered island with waterfall sides, dark American oak cabinets, marble splashback
Multi-space kitchen by Mastercraft Kitchens with mosaic splashback
Contemporary kitchen by Mastercraft Kitchens with large scullery, Aga stove, feature tile splashback and soft-close cabinetry
Desert romance
Sandy tones, soft curves and repeated interior design elements add to the character of this contemporary, centrally set family kitchen
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Mastering the Craft of Functional Kitchen Design
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.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, he emphasises the importance of honest consultation, effective sequencing, and the often-overlooked significance of trade coordination. And he doesn’t just talk theory, he recently renovated his own kitchen and shares what he’d do differently next time. Throughout the episode, Dave offers insight into:
- Why today’s kitchens are more demanding to build than ever, and what makes them go wrong.
- How Mastercraft helps homeowners make informed choices around layout, materials, and trade management.
- The shift away from outdated kitchen planning formulas and toward zone-based design.
- The hidden costs of poor communication between tradies and how to avoid them.
- What homeowners need to know about the risks of silica and how the industry is responding.
- How to plan a kitchen that reflects the way you actually live, not just what looks good on Pinterest.
We also touch on Mastercraft’s broader expertise in electrical, plumbing, and project management, and how they bring it all together to help New Zealanders renovate with confidence. This is a must-listen for anyone planning a kitchen upgrade or build — whether you’re dreaming big or working within tight constraints. Dave’s message is clear: the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it needs a solid backbone to function properly. And with the right planning and the right people, it can be done right the first time.