| 97 T T Sue Russell Kitchen design starts with the layout As well as unique kitchen design, manufacture and installation, Treetown Designer Kitchens is often involved in whole-house cabinetry projects, marking their stamp of design flair throughout the home. JOINERY Treetown Designer Kitchens Hayley Hohneck, operations manager at Cambridge-based Treetown Designer Kitchens, says one of the key reasons the business has flourished and garnered the reputation it has, is that every project is considered bespoke and every project, regardless of budget, size or style, is given the same meticulous care and attention. Hayley is very proud of the consistently high quality of their work. “There’s certainly not anything cookie-cutter about us. Our approach with our clients and with builders that we work with is to take time to really pinpoint what’s important in every project. It’s a conversation that takes as much time as it demands, and we don’t hurry it along.” As well as unique kitchen design, manufacture and installation, Treetown Designer Kitchens is often involved in whole-house cabinetry projects, marking their stamp of design flair throughout the home. The business is owned by proud locals Kevin and Bridget Middlemiss. Kevin’s history as a joiner spans more than 30 years, and when the opportunity came up in 2007 to buy the company, then known as Treetown Joinery, and before that L F Grey Joinery, the couple leapt at the chance. Hayley is one of three in the design team, with each person bringing their unique set of skills to wrap the client in a seamless kitchen build experience. “Josie takes care of all our technical drawing, Shannon works directly with the client and guides them through the design and selection of materials, while I coordinate all the operational elements,” Hayley explains. Projects begin with a visit to the home, in the case of a kitchen renovation, or in the case of a new build, it’s with reviewing the plans and engaging in design options for owners to consider. “When it comes to a renovation, clients are often clear on what they like and what they don’t like. From there, we start looking for solutions, be they hardware solutions, or reconfiguring the cabinetry. The starting point is always getting the layout right.” Hayley says that given family life is often centred on the kitchen, as a home ages, the design and materials used in a kitchen can become dated over time, so a refurbishment and upgrade to more modern design aesthetics can alter the whole look and feel of the home and the experience for those living in it. “These days, the majority of kitchens are part of a larger living area. Often, there’s a discussion about walls being removed, and in some cases relocating the kitchen from its original situation in a home. By engaging in these conversations from the outset, we bring a world of possibilities to our clients to consider.” Next to the showroom is the joinery factory where three full-time, experienced technicians create the cabinetry. The showroom has kitchen and laundry set-ups for visitors to view. These often provide the starting point for early conversations around design and materials options. “Kevin does all the detailing. He picks it up when the plans are all formed. With his experience he’ll look at a project from all perspectives – design, build and installation,” explains Hayley.. Keeping in close contact with clients throughout the whole design, build and installation is an important element to the company’s success. And when it comes to marrying budget reality with the vision and dreams clients have, Hayley says there are ways to deliver the best-possible long-term outcome. “Depending on materials, fixtures and fittings, the cost of a kitchen can differ by tens of thousands of dollars, so we tend to focus with clients on ensuring we have the total size and design layout correct, then discuss various materials options, for instance, to then fit in with what they can currently afford. “We’re quite good at managing how new trends can be addressed in later years.” Hayley says currently renovations and upgrades to existing kitchens would amount to approximately 70% of their work. “What we like to do is work with people. The problem-solving and finding better, more functional outcomes for clients, is really rewarding for us.” 57 Albert Street Cambridge P. 07 827 7309 E. info@treetownkitchens.co.nz www.treetownkitchens.co.nz Leaders in bespoke cabinetry design and manufacturing 30 Euclid Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton, Waikato, 3200 07 849 7745 | 07 848 1809 quotes@hamiltonlaminates.co.nz www.hamiltonlaminates.co.nz Laminate Benchtop Specialist in the Waikato area
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