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 recognised New Zealand's top kitchens, showcasing innovative renovations and new builds.
Award winners include Atelier Jones Design for a 1950s duplex update using aged brass and walnut, and German Kitchens for a Queenstown project with a dramatic granite island. Other winners are Shane George for a dual-zone kitchen with a concealed scullery, and Dress My Nest for a bold black and timber design for Landmark Homes.
A key trend is using warm, textured materials like timber to integrate kitchens with living spaces.
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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