The inside story
Rachael Cone of Total Realty knows exactly what home purchasers are looking for when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms.
What do I love most about New Zealand bathrooms and kitchens? This is a tricky question as I’ve seen such a variety of homes and styles. However, I can say that across the board, our lovely kitchens and bathrooms are designed with everyday living in mind. They’re less about showing off and more about comfort, practicality and a bit of understated style. A bit like us Kiwis.
Let’s start with the bathroom. We mostly prefer to keep things clean and minimal, embracing soft tones, natural textures and plenty of light. You’ll often see timber vanities, stone tiles and large mirrors that keep the space feeling open and relaxed. Underfloor heating is a favourite of mine, so cosy especially on chilly mornings, and that can’t be overstated in my opinion.
Even small bathrooms in the ever- growing two-bedroom unit market are being cleverly designed to make the most of the space. Wall-hung sinks, floating shelves and walk-in showers keep everything feeling uncluttered and easy to use.
But now to the heart of the home: the kitchen. Kiwi kitchens are still largely using the same tried-and-true formula we have seen for the past three decades: usually open-plan, blending seamlessly with the dining and lounge areas, creating a soft, family-friendly flow that makes it easy to cook, chat and connect all at once. When it comes to finishings and features, we are still embracing the natural and practical – think stone benchtops, soft-close drawers, plywood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances.
Storage is usually well thought out, with pull-out pantries, deep drawers and clever corner units that maximise space and keep everything accessible. More households are now leaning toward energy-efficient appliances and lighting, which helps save on those winter power bills.
At the end of the day, most of our new bathrooms and kitchens are striking that delicate balance between comfort, practicality and ease of use – yet remaining quietly stylish with just enough flair to keep things interesting.
If all this talk about new homes has you wanting to get an appraisal on your own, please phone one of our friendly team members today. Only 1.5 per cent commission fee. We sell, you save.
