Since 1995, Tree Essence has been designing interior solutions for discerning clients who appreciate both their design sensibility and their extraordinary dedication to the craft of cabinetry and joinery. While Tree Essence works throughout New Zealand and internationally, the majority of their clients are those building their homes in the spectacular settings of Church Bay, Matiatia Estates and at the eastern end of Waiheke Island.

Our Work

Custom Projects

  • The brief was “to have multiple preparation areas as I do a lot of entertaining”! A combination of euro oak with a light wash stain and paint effects were used for the main kitchen area. Pure zinc panels were incorporated to the open drawers and door panels. A substantial butchers block with end grain oak to the top also encompasses a knife draw. The block has become the main preparation area and hub of the kitchen. In the scullery area a paint effect over ply was applied with basalt benchtops. The vanity was made from a paint effected pine.

    Tree Essence also aged the oak floor boards to achieve an “older” appearance. They were finished with a Porters paint wash on-site.

  • We were approached by this client to create something special on a small budget. Options were discussed and it was decided to include furniture and joinery held in storage under the house.

    A functional and good looking kitchen was designed and produced. The storage items that were chosen for the project consisted of the following: Pantry – the pantry was constructed using an old toilet door, the obscure glass was removed and replaced with open louvers; Oven – the oven unit was an old desk gifted to the client in previous employment; Kitchen sink unit – this unit was new and included a louver door that was revamped to fit; Storage cupboard – an old gun case treasure was tidied up and shelves were added to create a unique storage cupboard.

    All other units were kept simple to complement the recycled pieces. They were finished using Porters milk white paint and a polar Infinity benchtop finished the overall look. The client was extremely happy with the finished project.

  • Tree Essence had previously done work for this client in Herne Bay Auckland which consisted of a kitchen design and remodel, vanities and laundry.

    The renovation of their cottage on Waiheke Island created the opportunity to craft exterior joinery for the new addition, which led to interior and exterior shutters and blinds. Tree Essence also designed the downstairs bedroom layout, the brief being to be able to shut away noisy teenagers if required, include bunks and incorporate ample storage. When the youths are out of town you can open up the area using adjustable shutters to allow light in but also close the area off completely.

    Tree Essence also designed and made the stair balustrade, vanities, storage areas, dividing doors, headboard and various furniture.

  • This gorgeous new kitchen was part of a full home renovation. Tree Essence’s greatest challenge on this project was to fit all the client’s requirements into such a small space with lowered ceilings.

    They designed the kitchen to suit the home’s ‘bungalow’ feel yet utilised the most modern componentry. The wooden cabinetry is of a traditional Shaker style with an Infinity (Corian) benchtop. The antique brass drawer pulls were imported from the US to complete the design. The freestanding island/workstation has open shelving to allow ease of access and the display of the client’s collection of tableware.

    Tree Essence has now done five kitchens in different homes for this client.

  • Tree Essence was commissioned to build a kitchen island for this Waiheke family with young children. They needed extensive drawer-space (as it would be replacing an existing corner pantry) and a breakfast bar. The house is 60s in style with a ‘bachy’ feel so to suit, a high-quality plywood construction was used. Most surfaces were then painted and the ends of the ply were left bare with just a sealant.

    The client particularly loves her Blum ‘soft-close’ drawers, dual rubbish/compost bin at bench height, having cutlery and crockery within easy reach of both the bench and dishwasher, and being able to feed the kids at the breakfast bar. She says, “It’s revolutionised our mornings!”