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SURFACE SOLUTIONS
Whether you consider yourself Nigella Lawson or you just want to give the impression you’re a master chef at work, choosing the right bench top for your kitchen could be the distinction between serious cooks and leisurely chefs.
If you’re blessed with the time to cook a meal every day without fail then it will bode well to dig a little deeper into your money bank and choose a heat and scratch resistant material as opposed to cheaper ones. However, if the words “I don’t cook” become a regular statement, you may wish to focus on design and style at budget prices. With a dizzying array of bench tops all with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, here’s a list of the pros and cons you may want to take into consideration before reaching a final decision. Marble – if you’re a bit of a baker marble is top choice for preparing dough and pastries. Marble possesses similar qualities as granite however, has a risk of staining and is sensitive to acidic foods and cleaning agents Granite – durable, scratch, stain and chip resistant. It can withstand high temperatures without causing any damage and is ideal for food preparation Hardwood - commonly known as a “butcher block” is a favourite among chefs. A timber top creates a traditional look, is strong and long lasting, but is prone to wear and tear, and isn’t particularly heat or scratch resistant Stone / quartz – if you’re looking for something a little flash, quartz surfaces is found in homes, hotels and restaurants across the globe. Renowned for its natural stone look, stone/quartz is long lasting, resilient, hygienic, low maintenance, and is highly scratch, stain, chip and crack resistant Acrylic – extremely stain resistant and relatively heat resistant. It’s available in matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes. Joins are not visible so you get a seamless top and scratches can be buffed out Laminate – has been around for more than 50 years and is the most traditional and cost-effective of bench tops. It is stain resistant, strong, waterproof, low maintenance, inexpensive and there are plenty of colour options available. It is however susceptible to scratches, cuts and burns. High Pressure Laminate (HPL) like Formica is probably the number one choice when it comes to bench tops in New Zealand Stainless steel – popular for using as bench tops and splash backs, it’s heat resistant, non-porous and hygienic. Easy to clean but reflective in strong sunlight. The availability of patterned surfaces means scratches can be minimised Tile – commonly used as splash backs, in the kitchen tiles are hard wearing, easy to clean, and are heat and moisture resistant. They are generally made from ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural stone. On the other hand tiles are prone to scratches, cracks and chips, and grout can stain Laminam - is highly resistant to scratches and chemicals and is mould, bacteria and fungi resistant. Its large size, resistance to moisture and durability makes Laminam perfect for wet interior and exterior applications. However, grout can become stained Concrete – strong, heat and impact resistant, and a popular choice to achieve that contemporary industrial look. Concrete tends to chip easily on the edges and needs to be sealed in order to resist stains and water damage.
Beautiful Hand Crafted New Zealand Joinery
25 Lunns Road, Middleton, Christchurch 8024 telephone. (03) 343 0360 | mobile. 027 239 5934 email. info@mhj.co.nz | website. www.mhj.co.nz
Functional and sleek
Nicky Claridge from NC Design and the NKBA discusses up-and-coming kitchen and bathroom trends for 2021
Since the pandemic, many people have had to adapt to working from home and the design trends of 2021 are becoming a reflection of this.
No longer are aesthetics the main factor at the top of the list - functionality, an organized-clutter free space and a relaxing environment, amid all the chaos, is at the forefront of many home owners’ minds.
The kitchen island is here to stay
“The fact that a lot of us are working from home now, means the kitchen is not just a kitchen anymore, it’s a place to prepare food for sure, but it’s also a place to entertain and work from so it needs to be durable and multi-functional.
“There’s less of the symmetry, symmetry is still nice but it’s less important now. The main focus is on a really functional space.” Suzie Rees, executive officer of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association [NKBA], says that it is really a combination of many elements that makes the perfect kitchen. “It’s about form and function and having a kitchen that works with the home and the needs of the client. We do know that the majority of homeowners want more bench space, an organised space and a place to gather,” Suzie says.
Making a comeback
Looking at the design colour trends, Nicky says black cabinetry is still super popular with people, and the popularity of woodgrains is gaining momentum every day. According to NKBA members, the ideal kitchen will be a combination of matte white and timber cabinetry, engineered stone benchtops and a seamless splashback, preferably with a marble look.
Porcelain on the rise
Mark Bruce of DesignMarked Kitchens says that in 10 years, porcelain will be the material of choice, but it needs more time in the market to seal its popularity. “Engineered stone has been around a lot longer, is more affordable and has a wider reach, however porcelain is a high-end and innovative product that many designers prefer to work with. “There is a much bigger design scope with porcelain and that means more unique options for the designers and their clients. I would watch this space.”
A reprieve away from the disruption
Perhaps because we are spending more time at home, people are wanting a luxurious space where they can relax, unwind and block out the world for a while.
Because of this people are still big bathers but unlike the kitchen where more people are opting for black tapware, Nicky says the colour trend for bathroom tapware this year are the soft metals such as English Brass and Brushed Bronze. The annual NKBA Excellence in Design Awards will be held on Saturday the 3rd of July.
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL BCITO
TONY HORSFALL
M: 021 935 699 T: 09 533 5566 P.O.Box 82264 Highland Park, Auckland. 2010 www.surfacetiling.co.nz Find us on
Member of TANZ Tile Association of New Zealand.
Finding innovation
& inspiration in joinery
A joiner can be defined as a professional that creates different types of joinery such as kitchens, cabinetry, shelving, wardrobes, architraves, skirting boards, and doors and windows.
Essentially, a joiner can do any non-structural timber work (for anything structural, you’ll need a carpenter). While joiners primarily work with timber, they can also work with other products such as metal or timber composites. You will find that as well as standard joiners, you can actually find green joiners, who specialise in creating joinery in an environmentally friendly way, such as by using sustainable or renewable materials.
As well as actually creating timber products such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, a joiner will happily sit down with you to find out what your needs are, and then work with you to create something that meets your needs. Essentially, this is a design service. Master Joiners are represented by some of New Zealand’s best joinery manufacturers who pride themselves on delivering high quality products and services. There are 10 regional associations throughout New Zealand which collectively make up the New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers’ Federation incorporation. A national and regional fellowship of members ensures that all are kept up to date with the latest trends both in craft practice and business developments. Through its members, Master Joiners is also a prime mover in the introduction of innovations and standards to the joinery industry. Exterior and interior joinery are premium products, which require a level of protection to enhance the properties of the products. It is therefore important that you take your time in selecting who designs, manufactures and advises on care and maintenance.
One of its roles is to encourage competition and the pursuit of excellence between and from its members, their employees and apprentices. This means you, the homeowner, will receive the highest standard of workmanship on any project carried out by a member.
What to look for in a joiner
As a joiner is capable of working within several different areas of the home, it is a good idea to have a chat with your joiner and see what things they specialise in. For example, some joiners may work exclusively in cabinetry and shelving, while others may specialise in more decorative timber work such as architraves and mouldings. This is important as you want to hire a joiner that has a lot of experience in the particular area that you need. As well as this, you’ll also want to hire a joiner that can work to a reasonable time frame and to a reasonable price. To achieve this, you’ll need to sit down with your joiner and tell them all the details of your project. Once they know this, they’ll be able to accurately estimate the cost of the project as well as the time that it will take.
Basically – what you want is a trade certified joiner – a Master Joiner; a member of New Zealand’s Registered Master Joiners.
Key reasons for selecting a Master Joiner
All registered members must adhere to a high set of standards.
Joiners are up to date with the latest trends in craftsmanship and business developments. Registered Master Joiners provide full consultation and design services for all your joinery needs.
Find a registered master joiner in your area by visiting: www.masterjoiners.co.nz.
THE JOINER SHOP
Here at The Joiner Shop we pride ourselves on providing quality joinery to suit all budgets.
We design, manufacture and install a wide range of joinery including kitchens, wardrobes, laundry and bathroom joinery, stairs and much more. We are locally owned and operated and have been proudly serving the Kaikoura district community and further afield for the last 20 years.
We are also proud winners of a best kitchen award at the 2021 Canterbury Master Joiners Awards. If you are not sure of exactly what you want, well we can help you refine your ideas to provide the best practical solution for your home or project. We can point you towards quality products that best suit your budget or some of the latest innovations in hardware to make your life easier. From a beautiful budget kitchen to the wow factor or something that is really different we do it all. Our joinery is not mass produced and our cabinetry and timber joinery is made right here in our workshop in Kaikoura.
Whilst joinery is the main part of our business as in our name, we can also help with other aspects of your new build or renovation. We can provide a one stop shop for a lot of items in your home. We supply and install Dominator Garage Doors, glass showers, supply pre-hung internal doors and can also supply you with roofing products and aluminium windows.
We also provide glazing and locksmith services so if you have had a whoops or something has broken give us a call on (03) 319 5562.
THE JOINER SHOP
At the Joiner Shop we create high-quality joinery and provide a range of products and services for your new build, renovation or commercial needs. Let us help you with your next project in Kaikoura, Canterbury or Marlborough.
Phone: 03 319 5562 | Mobile: 021 244 8005 | 19 Beach Rd, Kaikoura Email: info@thejoinershop.co.nz | thejoinershop.co.nz
The global pandemic has changed the face of the home market, instigating great opportunities in design and construction. Delivery times and access to products may be affected but the desire for the comforts of home and the ability to innovate far outweigh the negatives.
In the past year many international Kiwis have returned home and New Zealand Kiwis adjusted to life without travel. The result was a building boom in the domestic renovation and building market, with an emphasis on the most functional spaces: bathrooms. They are a place of relaxation and escape, a haven to pamper oneself and revitalise and are being paid increased attention during design phases. Bathroomware market leader Oakleys Plumbing Supplies reports that current customers are not shy about achieving the best results they can, with the demand for top-quality bathroomware and plumbing systems higher than ever. People are not only building for function, there is an aspect of comfort and pride in their projects, too. Oakleys’ commitment to both New Zealand manufacturers and the best of the European suppliers, ensures customers are never without choice of product. Popular amongst homeowners at the moment are tapware in living metals which patina with age, and concrete basins and baths with their raw beauty and anchoring effect. German designed thermostatically controlled shower systems are in demand so you never have to worry about consistency in water temperature again, as are intelligent toilets which incorporate bidet systems and therefore an environment of increased hygiene. Oakleys has a talented team of consultants amongst its four stores, who not only have encyclopaedic knowledge of bathroomware products, but also offer design services, spatial planning advice, colour consultancies and an architectural service for architects and designers. As a result of increased demand in the bathroom industry, the Oakleys Group is in the midst of a showroom rejuvenation programme. Both Nelson and Cromwell stores have their state-ofthe-art showrooms open with Dunedin’s renovation currently in design and Christchurch’s to follow.
Designed by award-winning designer Davinia Sutton, the showrooms introduce a standard rarely seen in New Zealand showrooms before.
Davinia has created a raft of concept bathrooms showcasing the company’s amazing product lines and teamed them with impressive lighting, and beautiful tile, wallpaper and paint choices to showcase exactly what is achievable in today’s bathroom design world. The showrooms also feature kitchen and laundry products, extensive tapware collections, and working displays where you can test products before you buy. Oakleys’ dedication to design, workmanship and service has been evident since the company was established in 1875. When Henry Oakley and John Morgan Taylor founded Taylor & Oakley Plumbers Iron and Tinplate Workers, Gasfitters and Bellhangers, Christchurch was a newly established city and their products were the preferred fittings by reputable plumbers. Now 145 years later the company proudly maintains its locally owned and operated status with the owner of each branch found on the shop floor every day. This dedication to locals helping locals is at the forefront of the exceptional Oakleys’ service.
Experience the freedom to explore bespoke options Experience the freedom to explore bespoke options Contemporary, open, bright and low maintenance are Contemporary, open, bright and low maintenance are when looking to build your new home. Use one of our when looking to build your new home. Use one of our all hallmarks of our distinctive solid timber homes. With all hallmarks of our distinctive solid timber homes. With concept plans and customise to fit your site, tastes concept plans and customise to fit your site, tastes our commitment to consistency, communication and our commitment to consistency, communication and and budget or work with our architectural designers to and budget or work with our architectural designers to superior quality, we pride ourselves on creating striking superior quality, we pride ourselves on creating striking create an entirely new plan to suit your individual style. create an entirely new plan to suit your individual style. architectural homes for discerning clients. architectural homes for discerning clients.
Start your design and build journey with Lockwood today Start your design and build journey with Lockwood today
Lockwood Homes
Quality, style and high performance never go out of fashion.
When it comes to housing, there is only one name which has, for nearly seven decades, consistently delivered all three. And that name is Lockwood Homes.
For Wanaka based Lockwood clients Tony and Sue, designing a new home was about making a space they could enjoy on their own, and share with their family and friends.
They came to Lockwood to talk about options for a high quality, architecturally designed home, as well as a smaller dwelling on the site.
Tony and Sue wanted to incorporate covered outdoor living and entertainment areas and passive house features, making the most of their north-facing views.
They also briefed the Lockwood team on their requirement for a second two-bedroom home to cater for overflow family and friends and to use as an Airbnb rental.
“Tony and Sue’s site had great views. The challenge was making the most of that outlook while maintaining privacy for both the main home, and the smaller dwelling,” says Lockwood contractor Chris Fraser.
“The existing Lockwood Pavilion plan, designed by architect Pete Bossley, provided the perfect starting point.” The soaring wing with laminated beams and large joinery openings captured the natural connection with the outdoors that Tony and Sue desired.
“The design was then customised to create sheltered outdoor areas, office space and other additional requirements. The Pavilion was then sited in front and below the smaller dwelling providing privacy for both buildings.”
Tony and Sue are delighted with their new home and accommodation unit. The interior showcases Sue’s design flair and the special items they have gathered throughout their travels around the world.
They supported Wanaka-based industry where they could, purchasing sustainably sourced redwood tabletops, serving bench and bench seats through a local timber craftsman.
The schist for the pillars came from Cluden Stone Quarry and the incredible stained glass window commissioned from local leadlight artist Jennifer Robertson.
For Lockwood Homes, every building is an embodiment of its brand. The name ‘Lockwood’ is your guarantee of a home built on a reputation for outstanding quality.
If you’re looking to embark on a new build, bring your ideas to Lockwood and let us bring them to life.
