Long lasting luxe: 3 timeless kitchen design features

20 February 2024

It’s agreed, renovating a kitchen is a big-ticket investment, which is why Finesse Joinery’s kitchen design Christchurch team create spaces to transcend fleeting trends and deliver timeless style alongside superior functionality to cater to your everyday needs.


Embracing classic elements in your kitchen design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also adds value to your home. There are several classic kitchen features and design concepts that stand the test of time, ensuring your kitchen remains a sanctuary of style and luxe living.


1.  Made-to-measure kitchen cabinets

Fitted kitchen cabinets offer a seamless and sturdy solution to optimise the space and enhance organisational efficiency. Custom kitchen designs exploit the kitchen's unique dimensions and architecture to create a cohesive and clutter-free environment. Expertly crafted by Finesse Joinery’s skilled kitchen joiners, fitted kitchen cabinets are built to last; quality workmanship to provide beauty and functionality for years to come.


2.  Timeless kitchen cabinetry styles

Some kitchen cabinet styles never date. Traditional Shaker-style country kitchens and the more modern flat-fronted cabinets are both reliable, while contrasting materials and using natural wood elements are also classic choices to add a contemporary timeless accent. 



A kitchen with blue cabinets and wooden floors and drawers open.
  • Shaker-style cabinets: originating from the early nineteenth century, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets exude timeless elegance with clean lines and minimalist appeal. Our latest Shaker range, the Northwood kitchen , pays homage to this iconic design ethos.


  • Flat-panel cabinets: unlike Shaker cabinets, flat panel kitchen cabinets have no trim and are completely flat and have no hardware. The simple and understated look means they are a great option for almost any style home, effortlessly blending contemporary style with functionality.


  • Wood-effect furniture: wood kitchens retain their allure due to their connection with nature, durability, and warm character. Whether infused with modern finishes or adorned with classic accents, wooden touches add a rich and beautiful element to a kitchen with a homely charm that never goes out of style. Click here to see how the Linwood kitchen uses wood to accentuate a modern kitchen design. 



A kitchen with blue cabinets and a gold sink.

3.  Enduring benchtops

Benchtops are the work horses of a successful kitchen renovation. From a practical point of view, they need to withstand the rigours of daily use, but from a kitchen design perspective, they are key; they are always on display and have the power to elevate a kitchen's ambiance. If your choice of kitchen cabinets is plain, a benchtop can be used to add an extra point of interest, pattern or texture. Combining different materials such as marble with wood provides you with a durable and resilient eye-catching benchtop.


The aesthetic pleasure a new kitchen gives you is undeniable, but for a truly timeless luxury kitchen design, it is the less apparent elements that play a key role. Built-in, hidden storage solutions designed to aid your lifestyle but also to preserve clean lines and minimise clutter, maximise the functionality of your kitchen space without compromising aesthetics. Quality hinges and hardware ensure the bespoke kitchen cabinets and drawers remain a pleasure to use and in perfect working order throughout its lifetime.


With a meticulous focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics, Finesse Joinery invite you to visit our Christchurch kitchen showroom for inspiration of timeless kitchen design excellence. Visit us at 423 Main North Rd, Redwood, Christchurch. If you have any questions in the meantime, call 03 352 3457. 

A kitchen with white cabinets , stainless steel appliances and a large island.
29 July 2025
Designing a kitchen in a unit presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With space at a premium, every design decision matters. But just because you're working with a compact footprint doesn't mean you have to compromise on functionality, quality, or style. In fact, with the right kitchen design team and clever design principles, your kitchen can become one of the most efficient, beautiful spaces in your home. Whether you're renovating a kitchen in a tired space or starting from scratch in a new development, here's how to design a kitchen for a unit, and why working with experienced kitchen designers in Christchurch makes all the difference. 1. Understand your space before you design The first step to any kitchen renovation, whether for a unit or a palatial house, is getting to know the space inside and out. Measure the floor area carefully, note the location of plumbing, power outlets, windows, doors, and ceiling height. In a unit, limitations like shared walls, structural columns, and compact layouts all come into play. When you work with expert kitchen designers, they’ll take all these factors into account and recommend layouts to suit your lifestyle and the existing structure. Popular layouts for units include: Galley kitchens for narrow spaces. L-shaped kitchens for corner areas. U-shaped kitchens for maximum cabinetry and bench space.  Open-plan kitchens that integrate with living/dining spaces.
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