Innovative storage solutions for modern kitchen designs in NZ

A kitchen island is a splendid storage solution for limited-space modern kitchen designs in NZ

As the most dynamic area in your home that often serves as a socialising hub, your kitchen is likely to see a lot of activity. So, small modern kitchen designs in NZ have to work twice as hard to optimise functionality and traffic flow. Plus, they should focus on visual zoning to avert the eye from an irregular footprint with colours, clean lines and light.

Whether you want a coordinated feel or more personality and flair, going lighter is your best bet to create a space-expanding backdrop for focal points and surfaces. By distracting the eye from the corners and blurring perimeter lines, this ‘classic’ technique alters the visual perception of the room size and lends itself perfectly to modern kitchen designs in NZ.

A similar effect can be achieved by choosing furniture with curved edges. Here are some innovative options that can soften the look, eliminate angles and end up with a less bulky design.

workspace and a dining area

Multi-functional furniture for modern kitchen designs in NZ

When working with limited space, you can optimise its efficiency by choosing custom-built pieces that can multitask. For instance, a kitchen island can triple up as a table, storage unit and extra worktop – or even a room divider. Can you believe it?

Other innovative furniture solutions for modern kitchen designs in NZ that save floor space include:

  • Wall-mounted folding table or breakfast bar
  • Pull-out table (slides into a drawer compartment or cabinet)
  • Slide-out cutting board or worktop for food prep
  • Nesting tables that can be grouped or used separately
  • Extendable table for seating more people when needed

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Lucite and acrylic furniture for a breezy look

For a lightweight feel paired with durability and easy maintenance, you can opt for acrylic tops, legs, supports or custom-made lucite furniture. Their functionality will take your modern kitchen design in NZ to the next level.

With light passing through, acrylic pieces and whatever rests on their top seem to be floating mid-air to maximise open floor space. Besides, you are not limited to crystal-clear designs – they can feature some colour and be moulded to any shape, functioning as a stylish and more resistant alternative to glass.

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Storage, mobility and accessibility

Maximising storage is probably the most overused phrase with modern kitchen designs in NZ. While it’s a nice thing to have in the tiniest dining room, adding more storage at the expense of mobility and flow isn’t a good solution. That’s why the most innovative kitchen renovations space out essential elements and fixtures so they are easily accessible and won’t stick out too much.

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Upgrading a small space means you will likely have to keep storage at a higher or lower level than what you find comfortable. That’s why slide-out cabinet and pantry organisers are the epitome of convenience when looking for the most efficient modern kitchen designs in NZ. They will keep all your cookware and utensils streamlined, accessible and nice-looking – without straining your back or having to dig around.

Have you tried other innovative solutions for your home? Share them with us to exchange ideas for the good of NZ homeowners!

Do I need consent to renovate my bathroom in NZ?

Bathroom wall tiling

Let’s forget about the costs for a minute. When considering bathroom alterations, the rules to comply with are the homeowner’s second-top concern. So, what you want answered before predicting how your finished renovation might look is: Do I need consent to renovate my bathroom in NZ?

If you hire a designer or a licensed building practitioner when planning a bathroom renovation in Auckland, they are likely to answer this question – and any other enquiries you may have along the way. Otherwise, checking with your local Council should be the starting point before proceeding with the planned works. 

The quick takeaway homeowners can grab for basic jobs: If you envision maintenance repairs or installing a new unit in the footprint of an old one, you don’t need consent for your bathroom upgrade.

More structurally significant jobs can be trickier. Some decisions are up to the individual Council, rendering consent a grey area. Other changes and adding extras always require building consent due to a major shift away from the original room layout. 

When do I need consent to renovate my bathroom in NZ?

If you’re about to revamp a space, the general scope and complexity of your project are the factors that may necessitate obtaining permits. When you are wondering, “Do I need consent to renovate my bathroom in NZ?” the very next question is whether the area is changing structurally or you plan to add new sanitary fixtures. Such works can’t be completed without consent. 

Examples:

  • Altering walls and doorways/removing walls to modify room size
  • Partitioning off a space to add an ensuite 
  • Converting a room to an extra toilet or bathroom
  • Wet area tiling
  • Installing new drains

That said, taking out or moving fixtures without increasing their number lets you rearrange the bathroom layout with no consent needed. Thus, you can reposition a bath, replace it with a shower unit or move a toilet within an existing space. Repairs, minor alterations and extensions to drains require no consent but must be done or supervised by an authorised specialist. 

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Bottom line

In short, revamping an outdated bathroom to give it a modern appeal or replacing something like-for-like without an increase in plumbing fixtures comes with no extra hassle of applying for a consent. 

Adding another bathroom to your floor plan, converting a closet or laundry room to a bathroom or expanding your home to have multiple bathrooms are all extensive jobs. However, the benefits outweigh the extra expenses and time for getting a building consent. 

Whether you keep your upgrades simple or go for a new bathroom in Auckland, it will enhance your home’s value and add functionality and comfort. Outdated spaces are perceived as unsanitary and are a turnoff for most buyers. Let us guess: you don’t want that.

Another popular idea is to renovate your bathroom with a ‘sanctuary’ mindset inspired by the latest ‘spa-like’ or ‘cocooning’ trends. This may call for space reconfiguration, so you do need tips to renovate a bathroom in NZ.

Anyway, view it as a starting point for your dream bathroom rather than an inconvenience.

newly renovated bathroom with modern fixtures