The essential ingredient for adding property value and creating a home full of happiness

In her novel Kitchen, contemporary Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto describes the kitchen as more than a place for everyday cooking: it is a spiritual space where people feel the warmth of family, heal emotional wounds and grow. The warmth of the kitchen sets the warmth of the home. The aroma of fresh sauce simmering in a pot, the smell of freshly baked biscuits, even washing the dishes together after a meal—these are the bonds passed down through generations of a family.

 

As people’s expectations of kitchens evolve, technological upgrades are becoming increasingly important. Creative spatial design and high-tech kitchen appliances save cooking time and help people balance busy working lives with relaxation, while greatly enhancing individual and family happiness.

 

Since the pandemic began, physical distancing has prompted people around the world to reconsider the benefits and drawbacks of their established lifestyles. Health, food, socialising and even intimate relationships have been redefined. New Zealand is a country of diverse cultural communities, and the kitchen is the heart of the home in every culture. On 4 August, Barfoot & Thompson’s Remuera branch invited local residents to the flagship store of well-known New Zealand brand KITCHEN THINGS for an evening of broadening horizons and experiencing modern kitchens.

 

Barfoot & Thompson Remuera branch manager Carolyn Vernon said: “The Jones Family, a family business with a 40-year history, and Barfoot & Thompson, a family brand approaching a century in business, both have a significant presence in New Zealand. Seeing people meet or reconnect here, gathering like family around the heart of the home and sharing food made with smart, modern, premium kitchen appliances, is something we are delighted to see.”

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson (left)

and Remuera branch manager Carolyn Vernon (right)

 

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson said: “The kitchen is an important family asset. Today is a great opportunity to reconsider what kitchens mean to families and properties.” He also said: “Our sales data tells a more honest story than economists’ predictions about the property industry.” Using New Zealand’s property market from 2007 to 2009 as an example, he drew comparisons with market changes in July this year and expressed a positive view of the market’s prospects.

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YIJU: Collaborations across industries are very popular worldwide, spreading from fashion to property. What does this collaboration between Barfoot & Thompson and KITCHEN THINGS involve?

 

Peter Thompson：KITCHEN THINGS is a very successful New Zealand family business. Like Barfoot & Thompson, its business model centres on enhancing the value of the home and family life. A modern kitchen with advanced technology is an essential selling point for a property, and this collaboration also helps customers learn more about kitchen products. It is a win-win partnership.

 

YIJU: Could tonight’s event offer a new opportunity for the property industry in its current state?

 

Peter Thompson：We are indeed experiencing a property downturn, but market fluctuations are a normal part of the economic cycle, and a recovery is foreseeable. Property investment is a medium- to long-term undertaking that cannot be defined by short-term performance. Bringing people together through our brands is a new venture and opportunity for both of us. KITCHEN THINGS is a company of exceptional quality, and Barfoot & Thompson is a leader in Auckland’s property industry. Our partnership stems from a natural fit, because the kitchen will always be the most valuable heart of a home.

KITCHEN THINGS founder Mark Jones

KITCHEN THINGS founder Mark Jones said: “Putting families and family values at the centre has made Jones Family Business one of the exemplary successful family businesses worldwide. We are fortunate to be able to bring outstanding kitchen brands from around the world to New Zealand, and we take pride in enhancing the value of our customers’ homes and family lives.”

KITCHEN THINGS founder Mark Jones (centre) and Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson (right)

YIJU New Zealand founder Pauline Gao (left)

 

Many meaningful family moments happen in the kitchen. Its role in the home continues to evolve, from a space simply for preparing food to one that holds important family occasions and emotional significance. It now accommodates more possibilities, including dining, entertaining, socialising and even working.

Barfoot & Thompson Remuera branch salespeople Cindy Jiang (left), Maree Church (centre) and Leila MacDonald (right)

 

In an interview, Barfoot & Thompson Remuera salesperson Cindy Jiang said: “I am fortunate to work at the Remuera branch alongside many experienced agents. Through their work, they have shown me that we do more than buy and sell houses: we help clients plan investments for their lives. Many clients have built lasting partnerships with us based on mutual trust, developing deep friendships. This is also one of the distinctive features of Remuera. Through in-person themed events like this, we are delighted to introduce kitchen products for the smart-home era, share food, encourage conversation and offer a taste of life in a welcoming, high-quality community.”

 

Perhaps no one can give a clear answer about what the kitchen of the future will look like. What will remain constant is that the kitchen is where families love to spend time, connect emotionally, and share food and love.