Renowned for their reliability and exceptional client service, it’s easy to see why Kitchen Studio is one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands. Owners of the North Shore branch, Karen and Paul Collins, have upheld Kitchen Studio's reputation admirably, earning the trust and respect of their clients through years of hard work and dedication to quality kitchen design.
“Our clients come to us because our passionate, experienced kitchen designers really listen and understand the brief. Our team manages everything in-house — from design through to installation — so the clients have that peace of mind,” Karen explains.
“We’ve had three clients this week who have come back for updates after working with us 16 years ago. They were excited to catch up and happy to tell us their kitchen still works well and looks great.”
Not only has Kitchen Studio North Shore earned a shining reputation, but they’re also regular recipients of kitchen design awards. Recently taking home several awards, these three stunning kitchens are a testament to the skill and expertise of the Kitchen Studio North Shore design team.
Welcome Home
“The client wanted a space that welcomed her home, inviting her to indulge in cooking everyday meals and entertain friends and family."
Natasha Ronaldson receiving the Character Kitchen 2025 award.
“We removed an internal wall to create an open, light-filled space that connected to the rest of the home."
Receiving the Character Kitchen 2025 award, designer Natasha Ronaldson created Welcome Home as a literal manifestation of the titular sentiment.
“The client wanted a space that welcomed her home, inviting her to indulge in cooking everyday meals and entertain friends and family,” Natasha says.
Because the space was small, functionality and connection to dining and outdoor living areas were a priority.
“We removed an internal wall to create an open, light-filled space that connected to the rest of the home. Design elements were carefully considered, with detailed cabinet doors, pressed-tin splashbacks, and skirting to create a traditional yet relaxed ambience. Tall cabinetry and two large pantries with internal drawers keep things organised and accessible, with oversized drawers near the dining area for additional storage.”
The finished kitchen is light and charming with a welcoming aura that is impossible to ignore.
Eternal Twilight
“To bring this ‘sunset’ to life, literally no stone was left unturned. We found the perfect quartzite splashback to set the scene, adding warm white lighting with no power point cutouts to enhance the elegance."
"A live-finish copper detail was introduced to add drama to the material palette; as the copper naturally patinas it will blend with the stone to create an ever-changing kitchen."
Michael Robertson receiving Kitchen of the Year 2025 and People’s Choice 2025 awards.
Working to an abstract brief, designer Michael Robertson set out to create a kitchen that felt like romance under a beautiful sunset. Taking cues from the Art Deco movement, the space was designed to feel both intimate and social, with a bold black palette and elegant stone accents.
“To bring this ‘sunset’ to life, literally no stone was left unturned. We found the perfect quartzite splashback to set the scene, adding warm white lighting with no power point cutouts to enhance the elegance. A live-finish copper detail was introduced to add drama to the material palette; as the copper naturally patinas it will blend with the stone to create an ever-changing kitchen,” Michael explains.
Copper handles, shaker-style cabinetry, and fluted posts on the island ground the space in Art Deco sophistication, while the warm orange glow of the sunset motif adds a playful touch. It’s no wonder this brilliant kitchen received both Kitchen of the Year 2025 and People’s Choice 2025.
Café Noir
“A truly social kitchen needs space for everyone to gather and engage, so we removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the space, and added a large island-cum-dining-table to allow for free-flowing interactions."
Andrea Ellis receiving Kitchen of the Year 2024.
The variation in benchtop materials adds contrast and texture, visually dividing the dining area from the kitchen work zone.
Seeking an out-of-the-box entertainer’s kitchen, designer Andrea Ellis’ client wanted a space with the capacity to host events from start to finish.
“A truly social kitchen needs space for everyone to gather and engage, so we removed the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room to open up the space, and added a large island-cum-dining-table to allow for free-flowing interactions,” Andrea says.
The variation in benchtop materials adds contrast and texture, visually dividing the dining area from the kitchen work zone. Bold, black cabinetry with integrated appliances achieves a clean, minimalist finish — expertly juxtaposed against the pitched timber ceiling for balance and relief.
Winning Kitchen of the Year 2024, Café Noir is certainly deserving.
