Kitchen styling tips to elevate your home kitchen interior design

23 October 2023

When designing a kitchen, the foundation lies in well-crafted kitchen joinery solutions, but the real magic comes with the finishing touches. If you’ve had the chance to visit Finesse Joinery’s Christchurch showroom, you’ll see how bespoke designs come to life, transforming ideas into luxurious, functional spaces. While kitchen cabinets form the backbone of your kitchen, it’s the small details—benchtops, lighting, textures, and materials—that truly set the space apart.


Discovering the perfect benchtop

A kitchen benchtop is not just a functional surface—it’s a major design element that ties the kitchen together. At Finesse Joinery, we guide you through a variety of benchtop options, helping you find the perfect balance between durability and design. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of marble, the modern touch of engineered stone, or the industrial appeal of stainless steel, the benchtop you choose will significantly impact both the aesthetics and the functionality of your kitchen design.


The right benchtop is crucial for handling the demands of daily kitchen use, from meal preparation to entertaining. A well-chosen benchtop not only enhances the style of your kitchen but also stands up to the wear and tear of a busy household. Our team ensures that your choice not only looks stunning but also fits seamlessly into the overall design.


A kitchen with a bar and stools in it

Textures and materials: The secret to depth

Incorporating a variety of textures and materials into your kitchen design can transform a simple kitchen into a sophisticated and layered space. Mixing natural elements like wood, stone, and even exposed brick can bring warmth and character to your kitchen. At Finesse Joinery, we create bespoke kitchens Christchurch homeowners love by blending materials that align with the architectural style of your home.


For those who prefer a neutral color palette, texture is a great way to add depth and visual interest without overpowering the space. On the other hand, if you're drawn to bold colors, textures can be used to break up large areas of color, keeping the design balanced and cohesive.


Don’t forget to explore different finishes for the finer details, such as taps, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls. Matte finishes can lend a contemporary feel, while brass or chrome taps can add a touch of elegance. Even updating light switches, fixtures, and sockets can have a significant impact on the overall feel of your kitchen. Every detail plays a role in achieving a beautifully finished design.


A kitchen with a large island and a dining table

Lighting: The unsung hero of kitchen design

Good lighting is essential to any successful kitchen design. Beyond practicality, it helps set the mood and brings out the best in your kitchen joinery. The ideal kitchen lighting plan includes layers of light—task lighting for work areas, ambient lighting to enhance the room’s atmosphere, and accent lighting to highlight specific features like custom cabinetry or an eye-catching benchtop.


Natural light should always be maximized, but carefully placed artificial lighting can be used to great effect in areas where sunlight is limited. Modern lighting fixtures can serve as statement pieces, adding contemporary flair while seamlessly blending with more traditional kitchen features. Whether you want to highlight your country kitchens aesthetic or create a sleek, modern vibe, lighting can transform the entire space.


Additionally, lighting influences other major decisions in kitchen design. It impacts where you place cabinets, how you define the kitchen zones, and the overall color scheme. The right lighting ensures your kitchen is not only visually appealing but also highly functional for everyday tasks and entertaining.


A kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a sink.

Personalising your kitchen with Finesse Joinery

At Finesse Joinery, we believe that the kitchen should reflect your personal style while also offering practical solutions. Whether you're drawn to sleek, minimalist designs or the timeless charm of country kitchens, we help you create a space that works for your lifestyle. From custom kitchen cabinetry to tailored storage solutions, our kitchen designers Christchurch team ensures every detail is crafted with care and precision.


Our bespoke kitchens are designed to enhance both form and function. We don’t just build kitchens—we create spaces that serve as the heart of your home, places where families gather and memories are made. Whether it’s through the use of luxurious materials, thoughtful lighting design, or cleverly integrated storage, we ensure your kitchen is a reflection of your personal taste.


Start your kitchen journey with finesse joinery

Creating the perfect kitchen takes time, skill, and a deep understanding of both design and functionality. With Finesse Joinery’s skilled kitchen joiners Christchurch and expert design team, you can rest assured that your vision will be brought to life. From the initial design consultation to the final installation, we guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your kitchen is a space where both style and practicality meet.


If you’re ready to start designing your dream kitchen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Finesse Joinery today to schedule a free consultation with our talented kitchen designers Christchurch, or visit our showroom at 423 Main North Road. Whether you're updating a small space or embarking on a full renovation, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Modern kitchen with gold faucet, stainless steel sink, and dark wood cabinets.

Award Winning Kitchen - City Chic

28 September 2025
Winner: Best Kitchen Under $30K – National & Canterbury Proof that award-winning kitchens don’t always need a premium price tag, City Chic demonstrates how clever design can create a big impact on a modest budget. Designed with maximum functionality in mind, this kitchen features smart storage, a timeless layout, and thoughtful joinery choices that balance form with affordability. Despite its lower cost bracket, City Chic delivers the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that defines every Finesse Joinery project. Key features Optimised workflow with a practical kitchen triangle for easy movement Stylish finishes that elevate the space without overspending Thoughtful details to maximise everyday usability and storage Bespoke joinery crafted to fit seamlessly into the home 
Dark modern kitchen with black cabinetry, island, stools, and light fixture.

Award Winning Kitchen - Dark Elegance by Design

28 September 2025
Winner: Best Kitchen $30–50K (National) & Best Kitchen Design (National) The Dark Elegance by Design kitchen is a showcase of dramatic style and everyday practicality. Crafted for a new Oakbridge home, this space balances moody sophistication with functional design, making the kitchen the true centrepiece of the home. With its bold, black-on-black palette, handleless cabinetry, and concealed scullery, this kitchen feels both seamless and striking. A backlit bar area adds warmth and versatility, perfect for transitioning from casual family life to stylish entertaining. Premium finishes and features Archant Marble Laurent Porcelain benchtops & splashbacks Bestwood Black Timberland cabinetry Blum hardware for durability and flawless usability Bosch Series 8 appliances for performance and elegance This project demonstrates how thoughtful design, quality materials, and expert joinery can transform a kitchen into a statement of both luxury and function.
Modern kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances, and overhead pendant lights.

How to design a kitchen for seniors: safety, comfort, and style

25 September 2025
For many adults, the kitchen is the heart of the home, where meals are made and social interactions take place. The best kitchen designs enable the space available to be used in the best way to support your lifestyle, but as we go through life our needs and abilities naturally change. A kitchen that once served you well, may no longer meet your needs. Mobility, vision, and strength can decline, making a thoughtfully designed kitchen as essential as looking fabulous. Designing a kitchen to cater to the needs of seniors requires more than simply aesthetic appeal, it’s about creating a space that prioritises safety, accessibility, and independence. Working with Finesse Joinery’s experienced kitchen designers in Christchurch ensures every kitchen design element from layout to custom kitchen cabinets are carefully considered with the capacity to evolve with you - planned for potential future needs to remain a comfortable, functional space for years to come. Understanding senior-friendly kitchen design The concept of ageing in place is central to senior-friendly kitchen design. This means a kitchen design that has a stylish aesthetic yet allows older adults to live independently and safely for longer. A kitchen design that: · Reduces the risk of hazards. · Minimises opportunities for strain. · Supports ease of movement. Aging in place design is not a one-size-fits-all solution. All Finesse Joinery’s kitchen designs are individual to meet the unique needs, preferences, and lifestyles of our clients, and an aging-in-place kitchen design is no different. By working closely with our award-winning professional kitchen design services in Christchurch, you can create a kitchen that seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term comfort. 
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