New Zealand designers are once again dominating international design competitions, with seven Kiwi designers securing nine out of ten spots in the SBID Australasia Kitchen Design finals. This remarkable achievement showcases the country's exceptional talent in kitchen and interior design.

Two designers have particularly distinguished themselves by earning multiple nominations. Davinia Sutton of Design by Davinia Sutton has two kitchens in the finals along with two interior projects, while Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design has secured spots for both a kitchen and an interior design.

Du Bois's standout project, the 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party' kitchen, is located in a 1910 Auckland villa. The designer successfully transformed what was once a cramped space into a vibrant, character-filled hub for family life. The design masterfully combines traditional English elegance with playful, custom detailing, taking its name from the distinctly English traditional styling and architectural elements throughout the space.

Davinia Sutton's first nominated kitchen is part of the Alpine Lodge project, a high-end kitchen serving as the centerpiece of a luxury Central Otago alpine lodge. According to Sutton, the architectural design language reflects the strength and majesty of the home's surrounding landscape. Created for an avid cook, this kitchen features natural stone benchtops with shark-nose detailing that adds visual softness and tactile appeal. Suspended steel-framed shelving helps maintain a light, airy aesthetic while providing functional storage. The kitchen showcases dark-stained timber veneer cabinetry that complements the natural stone elements.

Sutton's second kitchen project, called Lakeside, is situated in a Wanaka house and was specifically designed to honor the stunning location while maximizing the spectacular mountain and lake views. The design employs a layered palette of natural stone, timber, and matte finishes that directly reflects the rugged environment visible through the windows.

Damian Hannah of German Kitchens has achieved his ninth consecutive appearance in the SBID finals with two exceptional high-end kitchen designs. His Kelvin Heights project in Queenstown was part of a massive renovation undertaking. Hannah explains that a worldwide search was conducted to find the perfect benchtop and splashback material that would complement and replicate the dramatic Remarkables mountain range visible above the property and the lake beyond. The chosen material is Leathered Black Beauty Quartzite sourced from Spain by Cosentino, which creates a stunning visual connection to the natural landscape.

Hannah's second nominated kitchen, Wharekauhau, is located in a new home on the shores of Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa region, within the prestigious Wharekauhau Country Estate. The designer notes that the clients' love for natural materials allowed the team to push boundaries in both textural and aesthetic design. The kitchen features deep-grooved veneers, backlit quartzites, steel mesh doors, and innovative sliding stone panels. The centerpiece is a spectacular backlit quartzite island featuring translucent Patagonia Gold quartzite by CDK. This dramatic element is beautifully contrasted by dark-stained timber veneer cabinetry that can be completely closed for a clean look or opened up to display interior shelving.

Maria Pomeroy's shortlisted project, the Coastal Zen kitchen, is part of a Christchurch house that was rebuilt following the devastating earthquakes. The designer explains that the kitchen perfectly fits the unique coastal location and captures the rhythm of the waves below, successfully balancing functionality with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The design emphasizes attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials including oak, stone (specifically Panda stone), and steel to create an understated yet luxurious space.

Other New Zealand kitchens that made the prestigious shortlist include designs by Rebecca Bailey Design, Hacker Kitchens, and Sticks & Stones Design. Additionally, Nicola Manning Design earned recognition as a finalist in the Residential Apartment Under $1 million section for a sophisticated two-story Newmarket apartment refit that embraced the existing concrete and steel construction, with beams and service pipes painted black for a striking industrial aesthetic.

In the interior design categories, Natalie Du Bois's second nominated project involves the sophisticated renovation of a three-story townhouse near Auckland Domain. The designer created this space for a globally connected professional couple, achieving a careful balance between bold, expressive interiors and the calming influence of nature. The design features sculptural furnishings, rich textures, and carefully curated art pieces that define the sophisticated living space. The bathroom design particularly capitalizes on the property's leafy setting, integrating natural elements throughout.

Ben Lewis of Trenzseater in Christchurch has achieved his ninth consecutive year of SBID shortlist recognition with his Brown Residence project, which is a finalist in the Residential House under $1 million section. Lewis describes the interior as a fantastic project featuring intricate details and multiple layers that are both tactile and visually stunning. The design achieves glamorous formality while still providing warmth and comfort for daily living. The project allowed for the use of exceptionally interesting and luxurious materials, including sumptuous velvets, gold leaf applications, alligator wallpaper on the ceilings, and a dramatic crystal lighting installation over the main stairway.

All the nominated entries can be viewed on the official SBID website, where readers are encouraged to vote for their favorite projects across all categories. This strong showing by New Zealand designers continues the country's impressive track record in international design competitions, demonstrating the high quality and innovative approach that characterizes Kiwi design professionals.

The success of these nine New Zealand projects in the SBID Australasia finals reflects not only individual designer talent but also the country's growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge interior and kitchen design that successfully integrates luxury with functionality while respecting and incorporating the stunning natural landscapes that define New Zealand's unique aesthetic.