NKBA Awards 2026Entry 290
The Living Utility
Du Bois Design·Te Arai·Kitchen-related
Designed by
Natalie Du Bois
Du Bois Design
OFFICIAL RESULT
Outstanding Laundry Award Runner Up
The Living Utility gives a hardworking coastal-country laundry the finish and atmosphere of a room people actually want to spend time in.
Project gallery
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Project story
The Living Utility gives a hardworking coastal-country laundry the finish and atmosphere of a room people actually want to spend time in. The owners needed space for washing, drying, folding, ironing, household overflow and the regular arrival of children and grandchildren, without allowing the utility work to take over the house.
Timber, green mosaic tile, Neolith stone, lacquered cabinetry and considered lighting bring a residential warmth to the plan. Integrated baskets, hanging rails, open shelving and a large steam-ironing centre keep the practical work close at hand. It is a utility room that performs like one, but refuses to look like an afterthought.
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Project record
- Entry number
- Entry 290
- Project
- The Living Utility
- Entered by
- Du Bois Design
- Designer
- Natalie Du Bois
- Location
- Te Arai
- Programme
- 2026 NKBA Excellence in Design
- Room type
- Kitchen-related
- Category entered
- Laundry
- Photography
- Jackie Meiring
- Outstanding Laundry Award Runner Up
- Credits
- Blum, Miele, Robertson, Hideaway Bins, Laminex, Neolith, New Zealand Panels
Official result
Official NKBA 2026 result.
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