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. Atelier Jones Design won for a 1950s duplex renovation featuring aged brass and a custom kōwhai motif.

Other winners include German Kitchens for a Queenstown project with a large granite island, and Shane George for a dual-zone kitchen with a concealed scullery. Dress My Nest was recognised for a warm, black-and-timber kitchen for Landmark Homes.

A key trend is using warm, textured materials like timber.

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

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