96 | Function comes first for kitchen designer As a certified kitchen designer and platinum member of the NZKBA (National Kitchen & Bathroom Association), Chelsey has also won many awards. Photos: Boundless Vision. DESIGN Niche Design Co. T T Sue Russell When it came time to establish her kitchen and spatial design studio, Tauranga-based Chelsey Matheson chose a word she has always liked, for its name. “Niche is a word that carries value and feels special to me. It’s quite descriptive of what I do,” she says. Establishing the company in 2018, Chelsey says the whole concept of an independent designer was quite unique at the time. Even today, people still aren’t quite 100% sure on what it is. “I very much established Niche Design Co wanting to create specialised designs working closely with my clients. I wanted to ensure, with the kitchen, that it was in the best part of the house.” Her projects take her well beyond simply kitchens, which these days, often include a scullery concept. Chelsey also designs laundries, bathrooms and, in fact, any part of the home where inbuilt cabinetry is featured. “My renovation projects have really increased. Historically, my focus was heavily on the architectural new-build space, but it has most definitely moved to renovations, which have a faster turnaround and are deeply satisfying to my clients.” Chelsey says she views renovations as a wonderful challenge. “The original kitchen may be 30, 40 or even 50 years old, so I’m faced with how can I make it better to work in, while modernising its look and feel, while keeping it still connected to the home.” The detail of thinking that goes into kitchen design may surprise many. It even comes down to dishwasher placement, depending on the client being right- or left-handed. Chelsey says among the many skills she brings to the design table is her practicality, which she prides herself on. “It’s always the functional before the pretty look of the design comes into play. My dad and brother are both cabinet makers, so I’ve been around great joinery for a very long time.” Chelsey admits 2024 had its challenges, while being mum to a two-year-old brings another whole degree of busyness to each day. She has taken the opportunity, while focusing on her child, to also review her systems and processes, something she knows will bring lasting benefits to business. As a certified kitchen designer and platinum member of the NZKBA (National Kitchen & Bathroom Association), Chelsey has also won many awards and featured as a national judge. She won her first awards a year after founding Niche Design Co, and she acknowledges having had great mentors within the industry to help her in the formative years. In many situations, Chelsey will work alongside an interior designer, especially on the bigger projects. She actually recommends an interior designer to clients when the project is of scale. “I also offer clients my input if they seek it, as to who would be best to manufacture their cabinetry and joinery and for the installation process.” Chelsey believes this adds real value, and that projects go better when she’s working closely with the manufacturer, and it’s someone she knows and has recommended. For examples of many of her unique, exciting and meticulously designed projects, a glance on the website paints a good picture of what Chelsey is capable of designing. Inspire . design . craft t 07 574 4527 e info@tkb.co.nz w www.tkb.co.nz a 36b MacDonald St, Mt Maunganui 3116 WE BRING SPACE TO LIFE. COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL W www. inspace.nz P 07 578 5310 E info@inspace.nz INSPACE takes a modern and design-led approach to functional solutions for both commercial and residential spaces. We provide commercial joinery, shopfitting, plastic fabrication, signage, residential kitchens, and cabinetry solutions to suit many di erent needs.
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