In our nature
Rachael Kwok of NKBA on why we are designing homes that connect to our green spaces.
Design Larissa Breukelaar, photography Anthony Turnham
I’ve been thinking about how quickly our homes are changing.
Technology is playing a bigger role in how we live. Homes are becoming more efficient and easier to run. And while this is largely a good thing, at the same time, I am seeing a shift in what homeowners are wanting from their home design.
It is not just about smarter homes. People want homes that offer greater connection to the outdoors, are sustainable and lean into natural and organic materials.
In our recent NKBA trends survey, designers highlighted a growing interest in sustainability. Clients are increasingly seeking homes that feel practical, calm and connected to something real. Many are gravitating towards earthy, natural tones in kitchen spaces, describing these palettes as warm, outdoors- inspired and reflective of a distinctly New Zealand aesthetic.
But it’s not just colour and materials that are changing because of this desire to reconnect. We are seeing more designers bring greenery and outdoor connection into kitchens and living spaces.
One project that stood out to me was by NKBA designer Larissa Breukelaar, who designed her own home around a kitchen garden. She was building her second home for her family and wanted something light, calm and low-maintenance. A vegetable garden was a must-have. Not just for aesthetics: it was something she would use every day, for nourishing her family.
The kitchen connects directly to the garden through a clean-up zone with an exterior door. It creates a practical space to bring produce inside and keep some of the mess out of the main kitchen. It’s a beautiful space that considers more than just aesthetics.
Ultimately, home design is becoming less about what it looks like and more about how a home works. How it supports daily routines. How it connects people to their environment in a practical way. For some homes, that might be a vegetable garden. For others, it might be better flow to outdoor spaces or use of natural and organic materials. Technology will continue to be part of the home. But I think we will also see more spaces seek refuge in nature and connection.
