Shane George Design wins 2026 TIDA New Zealand Designer Kitchen of the Year
Congratulations to Shane George Design, winner of the 2026 TIDA New Zealand Designer for a kitchen with a perfect balance of performance and visual calm
Located in a home on bush-clad site in the Far North, this kitchen was designed to harmonise with expansive harbour views and a sophisticated architectural footprint.
The project required a highly resolved dual-zone solution – a refined main kitchen for the open-plan living area and a fully functional, discreetly concealed scullery.
The layout is anchored by two central islands, creating dual workstations with a sculptural presence.
While the main kitchen emphasises minimal visual clutter and integrated appliances, the scullery—hidden behind a bank of tall cabinetry—serves as a complete second kitchen with its own oven, refrigeration, and sink.
This allows for high-performance entertaining while maintaining a calm, serene aesthetic in the primary living space.
Materiality was key to bridging the gap between architecture and nature.
In collaboration with a colour expert, a palette of warm oak, charcoal cabinetry, and veined stone was selected to echo the surrounding native flora.
The TIDA judges described the final result as a cohesive, dual-kitchen environment that elevates the daily rituals of cooking, gathering and entertaining, while offering a perfect balance of performance and visual calm.
Congratulations to Shane George of Shane George Design – winner of the 2026 TIDA New Zealand Designer Kitchen of the Year.
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
