The keys to the kitchen
Rachael Kwok of NKBA chats with the NKBA Designer of the Year about achieving timeless design.
Small but Mighty by Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design. Photography John Williams
This month I sat down with the 2025 NKBA Designer of the Year to hear firsthand how to prioritise great kitchen design.
Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design in Auckland understands how to create an excellent kitchen. She says that if Kiwi homeowners focused on just three things while renovating, they would set themselves up for success.
“First, I would invest in the layout and planning,” shares Natalie. “A kitchen is a working space, not a styling exercise. If the fridge is in the wrong place, if prep space is tight, if the island blocks flow, you’ll feel that every day. Carefully planned layouts are the foundation of longevity, and it’s where true value is created.
“Second, consider cabinetry construction and hardware. Cabinetry is what you physically interact with. It’s opened, shut, pulled, leaned on, cleaned constantly. So, I prioritise good joinery, excellent internal function and quality hardware.
“Finally, I always invest in key surfaces, particularly the benchtop. You live on your benchtops, not your splashback tile. So, I’d rather invest in one beautifully resolved, durable surface than in multiple trend- driven finishes that date quickly.”
Concerns about a kitchen feeling dated sooner than expected are common and understandable. A kitchen represents a significant investment, not just financially, but in the time and energy involved in creating it. That’s why considering longevity from the outset is so important.
Natalie says the fastest-dating kitchens are usually the ones that are driven by trends rather than fundamentals.
“Options that quickly date include a highly specific tile that locks you into a look, overly fashionable colours, especially when used on large permanent areas, finishes selected for impact rather than longevity and kitchens designed as photo backdrops and social media trends rather than real spaces. Futureproofing isn’t about being boring; it’s about being strategic. The Du Bois approach is simple. Make the permanent decisions timeless – layout, proportions, cabinetry detailing, and quality materials, then express personality through elements that can evolve like stools, artwork, styling and smaller accessories.”
In the pursuit of the perfect kitchen, costly mistakes can be made. As an Elite Designer of NKBA, Natalie Du Bois says she sees common mistakes undo a great project.
“A kitchen renovation is always about more than a kitchen; it’s about how the whole home works. The most successful kitchens feel calm and effortless, and that always comes down to good planning. Some pitfalls are choosing finishes before the layout is resolved, underestimating storage and real-life function, treating lighting as an afterthought and cutting costs in the wrong places. Ultimately, a great kitchen isn’t about adding more; it’s about considering everything properly, so the space works beautifully for years. A great kitchen isn’t designed for a trend cycle, it’s designed for the way you live, and it should still feel right 10 years from now.”
Natalie highlights the importance of thoughtful planning and investment in these key areas of kitchen design, enabling homeowners to create kitchens that are not only beautiful but also functional and enduring. As Natalie aptly puts it, longevity is the ultimate luxury, and a well-designed kitchen is a testament to that philosophy.
