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Design Suite

Design Suite

About

Design-led kitchens for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato

We begin with the home, not the cabinetry.

Design Suite Kitchen Design is a boutique studio led by Kate Blakeborough, a qualified kitchen designer (CKDNZ). We design considered kitchens for renovations and new builds across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, for homeowners investing in a long-term home.

We are design-led, not a showroom. We begin with the home, the light, the flow and the way you live, and design the kitchen to it, resolved from layout and storage through to materials and finishes. With a background in professional kitchens, construction and psychology, Kate resolves how a kitchen works, not only how it looks.

Every project is held by a single hand, from the first conversation to the final detail. A mobile studio, we come to you. We also design sculleries, laundries, wardrobes and kitchen interiors.

Design Suite
Design Suite
Design Suite

Testimonials

The kitchen layout in the house we bought was by no means ”user friendly.” It constantly went on the ”too difficult at the moment” list. Then along came Kate, friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. My previously impractical kitchen became a bright, easy-to-use space that is also future-proofed for additional appliances should they be required.

Janet Andrews – Pukehina

From our first consultation with Kate, she listened to what we wanted for our kitchen, but also gave us new ideas. When we were presented with the kitchen plans designed by Kate, the plans looked even better than what we had envisioned. The design concept images were clear, modern and easy to visualize how the plan would transpire from paper to completion.

Sara Davidson – Pukehina

We got Kate to help us with the design of our tiny home Kitchen, even though this project was unconventional, Kate delivered exactly what we were looking for. She was a reliable and clear communicator providing valuable advice about what was possible and how the kitchen would work better with the space and budget we had. After the kitchen was done and installed, we asked her to also help with bespoke cabinetry that would form the steps to the loft. The experience was once again very positive.

Thank you, Kate, for your passion and service.

Rani Silva & Jana Da Cunha – Whakamarama

Kate completed beautiful kitchen and laundry designs for both properties located in Pukehina. Kate done a fantastic job with her design service, completing both kitchens to a standard to be inspired by. Each space was designed to a different style to suit the architecture of each house. She has a great network of people, and I could not have got a better person to do the job.

Amanda Harris – Pukehina

Kate has designed two kitchens for me both of which I have been very happy with. They are well designed and thought out. Kate offered really good advice to ensure I had good functional and attractive kitchens. Service was prompt and my kitchens were both installed within the expected time frames. She also ensured I had access to good quality kitchen appliances. I absolutely recommend her services.
A very satisfied client.

Sharon & Murray McPherson – Kati Kati

Thank you, Kate, for creating a fabulous kitchen and linen closet for my beach-side apartment. Designed with style and functionality to suit our lifestyle and location. Designs were completed to the highest standard and from start to finish the project was managed professionally. Kate was fantastic to deal with. She was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly with great communication during the project. She suggested certain appliances and tapware and by buying through her we got good discounts. We are delighted with the end result and have had many positive comments from our friends, guests and family.

Susan Goldfinch – Mount Maunganui

We engaged Kate to design our kitchen renovations earlier this year. From our first meeting Kate showed enthusiasm and passion for design, understanding our needs and preferences, as well as suggesting fantastic alternatives to improve our desired outcome. She was able to show us an extensive range of samples and alternative finishes for all surfaces.

Throughout the process Kate communicated promptly as she developed our design and quoted prices. She secured our main appliances at a discounted price in order to meet our budget. Kate was flexible as we changed our minds on certain aspects and incorporated these into our final design.
We are enjoying a superb kitchen that works exactly as we hoped. We have no hesitation in recommending Kate to anyone wanting a thoughtful and experienced designer who delivers a 100% professional service.”

Denise & Gerald Gibbard – Mount Maunganui

Kate was professional and enthusiastic about our kitchen renovation. She gave us heaps of ideas and was so helpful if you are a first-time renovator like we were. Crucially, she also went through every detail when the kitchen was being installed to check that everything was ok. I would recommend Kate on her skills, experience and support given. 

Kate Walker – Papamoa

Design Suite designed and installed our new kitchen and laundry space in our 1960s built home in Paeroa. Kate not only renovated the space but truly transformed our lives with her functional and beautiful design. Kate worked alongside us to bring our ideas to life and with her fresh approach to kitchen design, style and functional planning of the project provided us with needed inspiration and trust to complete our project.

The entire process, from concept to completion was most enjoyable with achieved delight at the end result. Challenges with the reconfiguration of our home layout was small and solutions to design was easily provided, which was helped by Kate and her team of skilled builders, cabinet makers and installers who were equally easy to work with.

Kates knowledge and truly personalised service built our confidence that we selected the right designer for our home remodel. Kates eye for detail to design our space with style, fashionable materials and finishes on a modest budget is credit it to her.

Andrew McPherson - Paeroa

We recently engaged Kate to design a new wardrobe for our renovated ensuite. Kate’s innovative approach incorporated all our requirements in a space efficient design. She made several excellent suggestions (which we hadn’t thought of), and the two modifications we requested were included immediately. Kate worked very quickly and was a pleasure at every stage of the process. I would highly recommend Kate for any design project.

Vicki Legarth & Paul Hopkins – Ohauiti

We hired Kate to change our very dated mid 80’s kitchen, into a modern, family friendly space. From the initial consultation, Kate’s professionalism and keen eye for design and functionality ensured we could have the best of both worlds. As first timers, Kate guided and provided expert advice on how best to arrange our kitchen and utilise our space to cope with the demands of our family. We couldn’t be happier with the results and highly recommend Kate to anyone looking to renovate their kitchen.

Mel Dwayne & Jonn Ripo – Pukehina

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kate Blakeborough, Design Suite, on the design of my new kitchen benchtops.

She was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. While offering suggestions, she also listened to what I wanted.

I was 100% happy with the beautiful bench tops she designed, and the workmanship was excellent.
I have had many compliments on the amazing bench tops.

If you are after an excellent kitchen designer, look no further than Kate Blakeborough, Design Suite.

Diane Howell – Te Puke

Kate has totally transformed our kitchen / living area! It is beautiful, stylish, modern and has the wow factor. Even more importantly is that it is highly functional, makes the most of the space available, provides ample storage, has maximum bench space, includes features that are practical and purpose built for a family member who uses a wheelchair, and it is a dream to work in. Kate's selection of everything from shelving layouts to handles and benchtops to tap has been spot on. Kate was able to imagine a space that we couldn't see and worked with us in the most patient and professional manner with an eye for detail and turning the ideas into reality. She is excellent with colour and ensures quality materials are used. I would fully recommend Kate to anyone and if I were to ever be involved in another kitchen design I would hand every decision to her in confidence.

Ange McLean — Papamoa (Google Review)

Kate was wonderful to work with and she created a kitchen that we absolutely love. Thanks to all involved. Highly recommend.

Anne Cato — Mount Maunganui (Google Review)

I’m writing this on behalf of my late mum, who absolutely loved her kitchen designed by Design Suite Kitchen Design. From day one, Kate treated her like a friend, not just a client, and really cared about bringing her vision to life.

Mum and the designer, Kate, went on trips around the country to find the perfect granite benchtop — something that suited our rural lifestyle but still had that modern villa classic look she wanted. The end result was stunning and exactly what she dreamed of.

Every time I walk into our family home kitchen, I see her in it. It’s more than just a space — it’s a reflection of her personality and the care that went into creating it. She would’ve given Design Suite 10 stars if she could.

Alex Robins — Paengaroa, Te Puke (Google Review)

Kate was awesome to work with. Our new kitchen is the true heart of the house. My misses is happy so am i. Happy wife, happy life. Great budget too! Looking at getting the lake house done now too. Thanks

Nev King — Pukehina (Google Review)

Kate custom designed and installed my beautiful kitchen. Such a gem, she listened to all my wants and made it work for my beach house kitchen. Modern and glam. Thanks Kate

Victoria Herrick — Pukehina (Google Review)

Thank you so much Kate, you were a pleasure to work alongside as we planned my first kitchen renovation. Every detail thought of and the best materials sought. Highly professional workmanship and no compromises made on seeking the most excellent finishings. Thank you so much Nikki

Nikki McBride — Te Puke (Google Review)

Kate designed cabinets for our studio unit. We wanted just an addition of storage and Kate saw the vision and implemented the whole process seamlessly and an amazing result!

Sara Davidson — Pukehina (Google Review)

Design Suite Kitchen Design delivered a first‑class experience from start to finish. They managed every aspect of our renovation — from design and planning through to coordinating trades and installation — making the whole process smooth and stress‑free. The designer’s expertise and attention to detail really shone through, creating a space that captures the essence of our Pukehina beachfront setting while remaining highly functional for everyday living. We’re delighted with the result and would recommend Design Suite to anyone seeking a beautiful, tailored kitchen renovation.

Sheree Bell — Pukehina (Google Review)