Design Notes

Practical answers to the questions I get asked most — kitchens, bathrooms, joinery, benchtops, and everything in between.

Written for Hawke's Bay homeowners who want to renovate with confidence.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO READ TODAY?

SEARCH

A kitchen with dark wood cabinets and a black countertop. A large decorative vase with orange and green flowers is placed on the counter, next to a ceramic bowl. A wooden chair with a cushioned seat is positioned at the counter.
Interior of a room with a mustard yellow wall, a black console table with white flowers in a glass vase, a small statue, and some books. On the left, a dark green cabinet with a white countertop, and on the wall, a framed painting of yellow flowers.

Georgian Style Wall Colours & Wallpapers That Are Enriching New Zealand Villas

Mid Century Modern Kitchen Design Details We Are Loving

Pink kitchen cabinet with glass doors containing books and bottles, open shelf below with a glass decanter, yellow pot, teapot, and pitcher, against a white wall with a small wall sconce.
Close-up view of a copper kitchen sink with a modern gold faucet installed on a light blue countertop. In the background, there is a colorful, abstract stained glass style wall art.

Georgian Kitchen Design Details We Are Loving

Art Deco Kitchen Design Details We Are Loving

Close-up of green and white marble surface with veining patterns.
A cozy living room corner with a round, orange-brown upholstered armchair with cylindrical armrests. Next to it is a glass-topped table with wooden cylindrical supports. The room features beige tile flooring and cream-colored walls with a framed artwork and beige curtains in the background.

9 Armchairs To Put On Your Wishlist in 2024

Why Verde Fiamma Marble is Perfect for Your Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

A restroom with red tiled walls halfway up, a white sink, framed photographs, and a large colorful poster on the wall.
Modern kitchen and dining area with green cabinetry, a large arched window, and a round dining table with chairs.

The Art Of Integrating Colours And Curves To Create Spaces That Feels Peaceful And Calm

Laminate Benchtops Luxury Upgrade Rivals Engineered Stone

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a wooden island with a vase of green leafy plants, a white refrigerator, and various small appliances, illuminated by ceiling and pendant lights.
A kitchen with a white countertop, a bowl of fruit, a wooden-framed glass door, and a view of a flowering bush outside.

Case Study: Restoring The Kitchen Of This Historic Napier Hill Villa In Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Overcoming Renovation Challenges: A Guide to Villa Restorations in Hawkes Bay

Close-up of a marble kitchen countertop with a wooden cabinet underneath.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertops, green tile backsplash, hanging pendant light, and large windows with curtains.

Quartz Vs. Granite Benchtops: Which Is The Best Choice For Your 2024 Kitchen?

Seamlessly Integrating Modern Amenities Into Your Mid-Century Home Kitchen In 2024

Elevate Your Bathroom with the Timeless Elegance of Black Tapware
Explore the world of thin stainless steel benchtops and discover their transformative impact on modern kitchen design. From their sleek minimalist appeal to exceptional durability, learn why thin stainless steel benchtops are the choice of homeowners

Transform Your Bathroom With Style & Functionality With Large Format Tiles

Powder Room Trends We're Loving for 2024 and Beyond.

Thin Stainless Steel Benchtops Are The Sleek Choice for Modern Kitchens.

Is Black Tapware The Right Fit For Your Bathroom Renovation?

Marble bathroom sink with a gold faucet and a vase of pink flowers, against a dark maroon wall with a mirror.
Minimalist shower area with a ceiling-mounted showerhead, two black bottles on a built-in shelf, and a small wooden stool in a clean, white space.
Dark kitchen with blue and dark wood cabinets, white countertop, flowers on the island, and a stove with a blue pot on top.
A kitchen with a white countertop, a bouquet of pink and white flowers in a brown vase, a window with black blinds, a white kettle on a stove, and decorative baskets hanging on the wall.

The Truth About 'Free' Kitchen Designs: What You Need To Know Before You Begin The Kitchen Design Process.

The Top 8 Insider Tips To Finding The Perfect Kitchen Designer For Your Project In New Zealand.

Do I Really Need A Rangehood In My New Kitchen?

How Can You Make The Interior Design Process Easier With 3D Renders?

Bathroom sink with round marble basin, marble countertop, and checkered cloth on the right. A marble sculpture and a two-handle faucet are also visible.
Collection of decorative items including a dried flower, a round marble tray, a loop of rope tied with a bow, a woven mat, and various textured stands in neutral tones.

Mastering the Art of Small Home Design in New Zealand: learn to love your humble abode.

A Look Inside this Dreamy Mid-Century Modern Home with Kara Rosenlund in Australia

Modern kitchen with a curved wooden island, brass faucet, large window with an arched top, and minimal decor including a vase with branches and a table lamp.
A cozy interior with a pink marble bar counter, wooden chairs, a decorative shelf with art objects, a large pink and cream chandelier, a modern painting, and a vase with dark leaves.

2024 Kitchen Design Trends: Embracing Heritage And Innovation

5 Ideas That Will Make You Fall In Love With Pink Marble

A woman in a yellow dress stands in a cozy, modern living room with wooden accents, stone flooring, and decorative pottery on shelves.
Interior of a room with a checkered black and white table, a beige sofa, a window with wooden grid pattern, a painting, and decorative items including a potted plant, a rock, a notebook, and eyeglasses.

My Top 8 Insider Tips To Finding The Perfect Kitchen Designer For Your Project

How Do You Choose The Right Kitchen Style For You and Your Home?

When Should You Hire A Designer? Knowing The Right Time For When To Bring In A Professional Designer.
Can Interior Designers Design Kitchens? The Importance of Specialized Expertise
“How Do You Choose The Right Kitchen Style?”
The Top 8 Insider Tips To Finding The Perfect Kitchen Designer For Your Project

Can Interior Designers Design Kitchens? The Shocking Truth.

When Do You Need To Hire An Interior or Joinery Designer?

A cozy corner in a room with a dark wooden bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, a green velvet chair, a round wooden table, and a pendant lamp, with a glass brick wall on one side.
Modern kitchen with a black range hood, grid tile backsplash, teal cabinets with round wooden knobs, granite countertop, and a wooden ceiling with exposed beams.

4 Ways To Modernise Your Mid Century Modern Home In 2024

Four Vibrant Ways To Incorporate Colourful Cabinetry Into Your Kitchen In 2024

Interior view of a room with vaulted ceiling, showing a stone wall on the left, a wooden floor, a small bed with white bedding, a wooden side table, and skylight windows.
Kitchen with white cabinets, teal walls, wooden dining table, white farmhouse sink, and stainless steel fixtures.

Lighting Solutions for Modern Barns and cosy cottage Living Spaces

Is A Timber Benchtop The Right Choice For Your Cottage Or Character Kitchen Renovation In 2024?

A small kitchen viewed through an arched doorway, with light gray cabinets, a marble countertop, a cutting board, open shelves with books and decorative items, and a small wooden stool.
Modern kitchen with a green marble island, gold fixtures, teal cabinetry, and a unique gold overhead light fixture.

8 Tips for Creating a Functional Butler's Pantry in 2024.

Incorporating Authentic Art Deco Design Elements Into Your Kitchen

Modern kitchen with wooden island, white cabinetry, two large gold pendant lights, and decorative vases with greenery on the island.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a marble countertop and backsplash, hanging plant, and large window allowing natural light.

Top 10 Tips for Renovating Heritage Homes in Hawke's Bay

Lighting Ideas for an Art Deco Kitchen Makeover in 2024

Interior design samples and color swatches on a table with drinks and fabric samples.
Kitchen with beige stone wall, white cabinets, and a wooden countertop. Items include a blender, potted plant, jars, a paper towel holder, a pepper grinder, and a gas stove. Wall-mounted light fixture with two lamps.

Does A Kitchen Renovation Add Value To Your Home For Resale?

Does A Kitchen Renovation Require Council Consent, And How Do I Find This Out?

Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinets, a black countertop, and a textured backsplash; a white island in the foreground with a potted plant and fruit baskets.
Close-up of two gold cabinet handles attached to a white cabinet door.

When Should You Hire A Designer? Knowing The Right Time For When To Bring In A Professional Designer.

How Do You Choose The Right Kitchen Style?

Entryway with green cabinetry, a bench with a beige pillow, a potted fern, a woven basket, hexagonal tile floor, and a door with multiple glass panes.
White built-in wall cabinet with multiple doors and drawers, located next to a wall and a door, with wooden handles and a wooden floor.

Custom Joinery For Mudrooms: Combining Style And Function

The Role of Detailed Plans in Coordinating with Sub-Trades

View from a bedroom with a striped bedspread, wooden walls, and a doorway leading to a tiled bathroom with blue mosaic tiles and a shower curtain.
A vintage-style armchair with checkered upholstery and a decorative cushion, a wooden dresser with small drawers, two tennis rackets hanging on a green paneled wall, and part of a bed with a floral-patterned quilt.

Top Design Trends For Restoring Mid-Century Kitchens

Key Design Tips For Restoring A 1920s Bungalow Home In New Zealand.

Color chart from Dulux showing three paint shades: Cardrona, Haast Half, and Ōhai.
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, a black-framed clock on the wall, a vase of yellow flowers on the dining table, a chalkboard on the refrigerator, and windows with greenery outside.

My Favourite White Kitchen Cabinetry Colours In 2024 By Dulux.

Three Reasons Why Corner Cabinets In Kitchens Are Overrated In 2024.

Bright white kitchen with a large window, white cabinets, and a gold faucet.
Kitchen shelf with white dishes, a pink vase with white flowers, and small bowls on a marble countertop, with white cabinets and a brass light fixture.

Finding the Perfect Pantry solution for Your new Kitchen

Effective Design Solutions For Maximising Space In ‘Small’ Kitchens.

Kitchen countertop with a stainless steel espresso machine, a white kettle, and a white SMEG toaster. Open shelving above holds a glass vase with white flowers, books, and various dishes and jars. White cabinets and a black stovetop are also visible.
Kitchen with white tiled walls, open wooden shelves, a wooden door, and a countertop with plants and bread.

When Should You Renovate Your Kitchen In New Zealand?

Cabinetry Details for Creating a Coastal Kitchen Design that’s timeless and Beach-Inspired

Line drawing of a kitchen with cabinets, a stove, and an island.
Sunlit kitchen with white cabinets, a large island with bar stools, and wooden accents.

What to Do First When Renovating Your Kitchen.

Creating A Functionally Gorgeous Farmhouse Kitchen

Corner of a bathroom with a built-in bathtub, a window with wooden trim, and a small arrangement of stones and candles on a circular tray.
Modern minimalist bathroom with white subway tile walls, a bathtub beneath a window, a toilet, and a towel rack with a towel.

3 Mistakes You Don't Want to Make When Choosing Bathroom Tiles

Should You Choose a Built-In Bath, Freestanding Bath, or Back-to-Wall Bath?

Modern bathroom with three white-framed mirrors, a white sink on a navy blue vanity with handleless drawers, and various toiletries on the counter. The bathroom has white tiled walls with thin vertical lines, a glass shower enclosure with a rainfall showerhead, and a towel hanging over the edge of the vanity.
Modern kitchen with a concrete island, white cabinets, and marble backsplash, adjacent to a staircase leading upstairs.

Top Bathroom Trends In New Zealand For 2024 & 2025 From a Qualified Bathroom Designer

Benchtop Details for Creating a Coastal Kitchen Design that’s timeless and Beach-Inspired

Interior view of a bedroom with wood-paneled walls, a bed with striped bedding, and a doorway leading to a bathroom with blue mosaic tiles.
Modern kitchen with white island countertop, dark wood cabinets, and built-in appliances, including a black refrigerator, with open shelves and a gold-toned backsplash.

Top Design Trends For Restoring Mid-Century Kitchens

Kitchens With A Hidden Scullery: Seamless Design And Functionality

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble island, black refrigerator, and built-in oven.
Flat lay of decor items including a dried flower, a beige rope circle, a round marble coaster, a textured beige woven strip, and various textured paper or fabric pieces in neutral tones.

Planning A Kitchen – The Importance Of Good Design

Timeless Kitchen Design Details For A Lasting Aesthetic

White farmhouse sink with a stainless steel faucet and handles in a white kitchen with marble countertop.
Modern bathroom with two oval mirrors, black walls, gold accents, marble countertop, rolled black and white towels, and a vase with yellow flowers.
Modern bathroom with marble walls and a large oval mirror, white vessel sink with a gold faucet, and various decorative items like a potted plant, soap dispenser, and a basket with towels.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, marble backsplash, and marble countertops, featuring a built-in gas stove and a sink with a chrome faucet.

Bathroom Design In Auckland: Transforming This Small Plain Ensuite Into A Spacious Moody Oasis

Are Engineered Stone Benchtops Worth the Money for Your New kitchen?

The Ultimate Guide To Kitchen Cabinet Design In New Zealand - From A Qualified Kitchen Designer

Bathroom Renovation Checklist: A Step-By-Step Guide For New Zealanders

Home office with a black desk, beige chair, framed artwork, gold desk lamp, and a patterned rug, viewed through open wooden doors.
A bouquet of pink peonies in a glass vase on a wooden bedside table in front of a bed with peach-colored pillows and bedspread, near a window with sunlight.
Color swatches arranged in a grid, showcasing shades of pink, beige, yellow, and green.
Person flipping through color swatch book with color samples on a wooden table.

The Best Paint Colours For A Relaxing Bedroom In 2024

How To Create A Home Office That Boosts Productivity

How To Choose The Right Interior Designer In New Zealand?

Are Interior Design Services Tax Deductible For My Business?

A bedroom with a single bed featuring a wooden headboard and patterned bedding, a window with white curtains, a tall lamp with a pleated shade, and a radiator on the wall.
Modern bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub, a black matte faucet, a wooden stump side table with greenery, soap dispenser, and candle. White and dark gray herringbone and marble wall tiles.

How To Make A Small Bathroom Feel Larger And Luxe With No Major Renos

How Much Does An Interior Designer Cost In New Zealand?