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.
AI summary
The 2026 Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) have crowned New Zealand's best kitchens, highlighting innovative renovations and new builds.
Atelier Jones Design won for a 1950s duplex update featuring aged brass and a kōwhai motif. Other winners include German Kitchens for a Queenstown home's dramatic granite island, Shane George for a dual-zone kitchen with a concealed scullery, and Dress My Nest for a bold Landmark Homes kitchen using black cabinetry and timber.
A key trend is using warm, textured materials like timber to seamlessly integrate kitchens with living areas.
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
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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
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