92 | Kitchen a standout at awards Perfection in Ponsonby. The striking DBI kitchen which took out two awards at the NKBA Awards. JOINERY DBJ Furniture T T Rosa Watson Proud hardware supplier to DBJ Joinery www.blum.com 621 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland info.nz@blum.com | 09 820 5051 Visit our Auckland showroom to discover top quality Blum products and services and be inspired for your next home project. A striking bespoke kitchen designed by DBJ kitchens with ample storage and a seamless entertaining space has won two awards at the NKBA Awards. The kitchen, named Ponsonby Perfection, designed by Dan Timmer, a shareholder of the company, picked up a Platinum Award for kitchen design and received Auckland chapter recognition in the kitchen category. DBJ Furniture owner and managing director Paul Walkinton said the team was thrilled with the recognition. “The design award serves as both inspiration and validation for the entire DBJ team, reinforcing our pride and recognition while setting a new benchmark for excellence. “It highlights our team’s collective expertise, fosters innovation, and boosts client confidence in our ability to deliver cutting-edge design solutions.” The brief was to create a captivating and practical kitchen space, with a particular focus on expansive storage options, hidden Fisher and Paykel appliances, with the warm texture of timber, stone, and negative detail handles. They wanted the kitchen area to have intimate seating for face-to-face conversations, a concealed bar fridge for seamless entertaining, ample tall pantry storage, a range of hidden integrated appliances, and a full air conditioning unit that is has been concealed within the cabinetry at the top, with grills through the front face of the cabinetry. It was a challenge designing an entertaining space together with storage space, which required continuous refinement, Paul said. “Our approach was to create a space that would be both visually stunning and highly functional, with a focus on integrating hidden appliances, timber accents, stone materials and negative detail handles. The kitchen island was designed to provide ample workspace while creating an inviting gathering area. One of the main challenges was housing the air conditioning unit, which was met by incorporating custom-made solid oak timber grills and access hatches. High storage through Blum tip-on Aventos was installed, with fixed panels above the grill area that met neatly with the angled ceiling, tall storage in the pantry area, and a hidden bar fridge. “The design not only met the brief but exceeded our clients’ expectations and they were thrilled with the result.” “The design award serves as both inspiration and validation for the entire DBJ team, reinforcing our pride and recognition while setting a new benchmark for excellence.” DBJ Furniture was founded in 1994 and has grown to a team of 50 fulltime staff, including craftsmen, designers, project managers, and support staff. Almost all their work is in the high-end residential category, specialising in crafting sustainable, and customizable interior furniture and cabinetry solutions for both commercial and residential markets. The company continuously adapted to industry changes, maintaining its commitment to quality, eco-conscious practices, and client satisfaction, Paul said. There were industry-wide challenges such as increased globalisation, supply chain disruptions, and evolving client expectations. “However, these challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, adaptation, and innovation.” There was a growing demand for eco-conscious design, with clients seeking materials and practices that had a minimal environmental impact, he said. But personalisation remained a key trend, with clients wanting furniture and interior solutions that reflected their individual style and needs. Advancements such as smart furniture solutions were gaining popularity, and materials like solid timber, reclaimed wood, and natural finishes are highly sought after for their aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Cabinetry had evolved to cover a wider array of areas, including panels, larger integrated TV units, fireplaces, wine rooms, and safe rooms, requiring a higher level of craftsmanship. Client expectations had also evolved to include a demand for faster turnaround times, greater customization, and a focus on sustainability.
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