Feature article

Dated 1950s duplex gets a new kitchen voted one of the four best in NZ

From a 1950s duplex to luxury homes, these are New Zealand’s top award-winning kitchens of 2026.

Last updated: 6 June 2026 | 3 min read

AI summary

The 2026 Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) have crowned New Zealand's best kitchens, showcasing a move towards warmth and texture.

Winners include Atelier Jones Design for a 1950s duplex reno with aged brass, and German Kitchens for a Queenstown home with a dramatic granite island. Other top designs feature a dual-zone kitchen with a hidden scullery by Shane George and a bold black-and-timber kitchen for Landmark Homes by Dress My Nest. Key trends include light timbers and natural stone.

Raimana Jones designed the cabinetry with a Mid-century influence, and specified specially aged brass for the tall cabinets. Photo: David Straight

TIDA judges praised the fresh and “surprising” aesthetic and the way the kitchen looks like it has always belonged. Photo: David Straight

This magnificent kitchen designed by Damian Hannah of German Kitchens has transformed a Queenstown house, and was designed to keep the view foremost. Photo: Paul McCredie

Designed around the alpine view

A dramatic granite island, reconfigured layout and carefully aligned windows ensure the Remarkables remain the focal point of this award-winning Queenstown kitchen.

Side-by-side workstations make it easy to entertain on a grand scale in this kitchen by Shane George, who won the 2026 TIDA NZ Designer Kitchen of the Year award. Photo: Jamie Cobel

Dual kitchens for effortless entertaining

Two sculptural islands anchor the main kitchen, while a fully equipped hidden scullery keeps preparation out of sight, creating a seamless space for cooking, gathering and entertaining.

And this is the busy workstation in the scullery. Photo: Jamie Cobel

Vanessa Webb at Dress My Nest designed this winning kitchen for a Landmark Homes project. Photo: Nhi Tu

Matte black cabinetry is teamed with natural oak. Photo: Nhi Tu

Battens on the front of the island are echoed in the base of the table. Photo: Nhi Tu

Author

Colleen Hawkes

Stuff

Most viewed properties of April 2026

Each month, we round up the most-viewed homes on Trade Me Property. Here's what Kiwi are loving right now.

6 May 2026

Modern interior living room in the property shown.

Explore | 3 min read

The renovation of this Kingsland villa turned it into a real sanctuary

A Kingsland villa becomes a calm sanctuary after a thoughtful renovation focused on texture, warmth and family living.

12 June 2026

Explore | 3 min read

Craft, character and coastal living in this Sumner new build

A Sumner hillside home proves new builds can feel warm, personal and connected to their coastal setting.

5 June 2026