Achieving Your Dream Kitchen Design: Trusted Kitchen Designer in Dunedin, Otago

At Oreily Design, we are firm believers in the importance of personal vision for every homeowner. What works for one may not work for others - and this holds true for every room in the house, be it the laundry or dining room.

If there's anything we've learned working with diverse clients for decades, it's that to create a dream space, every consideration must be taken from the client's perspective: Does it meet what they want and need? Is it reasonable given their home layout, budget, and preferences? Do they have the time to maintain a specific joinery we are suggesting? In the case of kitchen renovations, there are many factors to be considered. To help you get started, here are a few key things to remember.

Must-Haves for a Dream Kitchen Design

  • Plenty of light, plus open spaces. Natural light brings in good energy and, coupled with an open floor plan, makes a kitchen studio appear bigger than it actually is. Open spaces also ensure that there's sufficient room to move comfortably about, whether you're entertaining guests or simply enjoying dinner with family.

    Luxury countertops. Apart from marble and granite, designer kitchens also often feature surfaces lined with quartz. A favourite among designers, quartz is timeless and durable, with colours that can be customised.

  • Double basin farmhouse sink. Apart from enabling you to soak and wash dishes at the same time, this versatile sink does an amazing job as a statement fixture when you're aiming for a rustic chic look.

  • Storage. A tidy kitchen looks pleasant and roomy. Plan for storage solutions in each area, from prepping and cooking to dining. 

Custom-Made Cabinetry: The Heart of Designer Kitchens

Speaking of storage, one of the most efficient ways to do it is bespoke kitchen cabinets. As opposed to ready-made cabinets and boxes, these can be trimmed and installed to fit your home's specific configurations, so every inch of space is maximised. 

Customisable cabinets are crafted by builders using native timber sourced from sustainably managed forests in New Zealand. Not only does this enable you to enjoy the distinct workmanship characteristic of a Kiwi tradesman, but you're also guaranteed that each piece will stand the test of time. 

And because they are made to order, every inch square is true-to-form and uniform, from grain to joinery.

Creating a Kitchen Space that Reflects Your Personality

Add a personal touch by creating a mood board! Gather some kitchen ideas you like, combining classic pieces with modern kitchen design. To start, you can use a basic palette to work on (e.g. white or grey), then one to 2 accent colours. Pay close attention to key elements such as materials for cabinets and benchtops, fixtures, flooring, and colour.


If you like contemporary aesthetics, dark wood and brass work. For Scandinavian-themed, we would recommend using pale wooden colours and off-whites. Feeling bold? Go for matte black with copper accents. For a softer look, use lots of grey.

Ensuring a Functional Kitchen Layout

Every square inch matters. When discussing floor plans and installations with kitchen designers, it's important to share how you use kitchen space. From how many cooks often work together to guest seating, layouts must be well-adapted to functionality and ease of movement for both homeowners and guests.

An ideal kitchen is separated into various workstations for prepping, cleaning, and storage. Meanwhile, some homes have bigger space for baking appliances.

Start Your Dream Kitchen Journey Today! Contact Our Dunedin Showroom.

Ready to step into a brand new kitchen? Email us at donna@oreilydesign.com or contact us at (03) 390 0077 | 027 418 4405 for a consultation with our specialists.  Or come see us at our showroom in South Dunedin. We offer a full range of laundry, bathroom, and kitchen essentials for residential clients and business clients in the Otago Region, including Dunedin, Queenstown, Cromwell, and Wanaka.

What Clients Say

"Oreily Design is a fantastic design store. We worked with them to get furniture for our new home. The team were knowledgeable, efficient, and had good taste. Monica and Donna replied to our emails or texts promptly and delivered our furniture and decor on time. Very satisfied and highly commended!"

- Timothy Stanton

"I really struggle with color and design, Donna was really helpful with great ideas and options that work I would never have considered myself."

- Greg Verhoef

"Great service!"

- Adrian Hollamby

"Coolest wee shop in town!! Loads of amazing stuff, all totally on trend and well priced."

-Kate Butler

 

"Donna is well organised to get it right and listed for build companies...Thank you Donna."

- Donna Dobbinson

 

Crafting Your Dream Kitchen: Trust Otago’s Best Designer Joinery in Dunedin, New Zealand

Is your kitchen in need of refurbishment? Creating your dream kitchen from scratch might seem tempting. But while tiny upgrades may be doable, hiring a team of experts can take away the stress of singlehandedly managing a full-scale kitchen joinery project, including replacing or installing benchtops, cabinets, and other kitchen storage solutions.


Why Opt for Kitchen Design Specialists in Dunedin, Otago

Merging form with function, professionals skilled in kitchen and joinery can help maximise any given space. With their trained eyes, they can help you reimagine a room and offer fresh insights into what works, ensuring all pieces come together.

A local professional is also up to scratch on current design trends that are popular in Central Otago or elsewhere. Plus, with a vast network of supplier contacts and exclusive access to the finest quality products and a wide range of shops, they can make that kitchen renovation happen based on your budget, style, and needs. 

What Makes Kitchen Joinery Design Unique in New Zealand?

Raised in a rich tradition of woodworking, New Zealand's installers and builders are well-known globally for their workmanship, particularly in designing commercial kitchens. In fact, a third of kitchen finalists in the 2022 SBID International Design Awards are Kiwis!

The country's master joiners, including ours, employ traditional techniques aided by advanced software to create stunning, custom-made joinery that can stand the test of time. These methods include joint installations that can last even without screws or nails


In keeping with the country's green practices, finished kitchens in NZ are made in alignment with future-forward, sustainable means. Kiwi designers and builders are passionate about utilising natural materials that are sourced through environmentally friendly methods, including using native wood from dedicated forests as opposed to imports.

What Services Can You Expect from an Otago Kitchen Designer?

Most designers work with client homeowners from start to finish, guiding them from initial consultation until all is set up. Initial communications usually include suggesting layouts, room plans, and appliances based on an assessment of your kitchen space. 

They can also recommend other suppliers who do an amazing job in kitchens. And because you have every bit of the process supervised and handled by your designer, it takes away the hassle of having to do everything on your own.

How to Enjoy Your New Kitchen: Tips from Our Kitchen Design Experts

Once it's all done, it's time to experience your newly transformed kitchen in its glory. Here are a few helpful tips on how to make it more enjoyable, according to experts:

  • Keep everything light and airy. The more natural light, the better.

  • Store food items in high-quality canisters with the same style. Uniformity makes a room appear more organised and adds a sophisticated touch.

  • Add some potted greens here and there - herbs, perennials, or succulents. Use flowers in a vase for an extra splash of colour.

  • Keep everything spic and span. Use a system for everything: from jar labels to aesthetic utensil trays in drawers to dish dryers.

  • Ensure your kitchen is well-stocked with snacks and other essentials. 


Looking for someone who specialises in designer kitchens? Talk to us. Whether you're living in Cromwell, Queenstown, or surrounding areas, we can help you achieve a kitchen space that suits your requirements, budget, and style that reflects that trademark Kiwi craftsmanship.