Dark Elegance Takes Gold: Oakbridge Kitchen Wins Master Joiners Award

Award-Winning Craftsmanship at the Heart of Oakbridge

At Hallmark Homes, we believe that the heart of a home is defined by its spaces — where form, function and finesse converge. We also know that award-winning homes are built on the expertise and dedication of our tradespeople. That’s why we’re especially proud to celebrate our long-time partners at Finesse Joinery, whose craftsmanship has just been recognised at the 2025 Master Joiners Awards, taking out Best Kitchen $30K–$50K for our Oakbridge project — one of a couple of awards they picked up this year, highlighting their consistent excellence across multiple projects.

A Kitchen as Centrepiece

The Oakbridge kitchen is far more than a functional workspace; it anchors the heart of the home. As Finesse Joinery described it, the design delivers “moody sophistication and smart design … the joinery is the centrepiece of this stunning house.” This vision was shared by the clients, Finesse, and Fiona Renton from Sandawood Design — together, they aimed to create a kitchen that is both striking and welcoming. From the first sketches through to final installation, the joinery was conceived to be bold, tactile, and timeless — a space that draws the eye and invites gathering.

Celebrating the Craftsmen

Award-winning homes don’t happen by chance — they’re built on the expertise and dedication of our tradespeople. Finesse Joinery have been creating kitchens for Hallmark projects for over six years, including our showhomes, bringing precision and passion to every build.

This Oakbridge kitchen, dubbed “Dark Elegance,” features Bestwoods black melamine in a Timberland finish cabinetry paired with dramatic Archant Marble Laurent stone. Hidden scullery access, smart storage solutions, and seamless detailing elevate the space beyond the ordinary — practical, beautiful, and built to last.

Design Collaboration

Behind the design is a true collaboration. Finesse Joinery worked closely with Fiona Renton of Sandawood Design, refining the interior palette and spatial flow to ensure every line, texture, and finish worked in harmony. The result is a kitchen that feels both dramatic and welcoming, seamlessly integrating into the home’s overall aesthetic, while showcasing Finesse’s exceptional craftsmanship.

Why It Works (and Why It Wins)

This kitchen succeeds because it balances aesthetics with liveability:

• Balance – Dark cabinetry anchors the design, while the gold marble veining and open
  sightlines lighten and elevate the space.
  
• Cohesion – Every detail, from cabinetry alignment to lighting, was considered holistically.
  
• Craftsmanship – Crisp joints, precision detailing and flawless finishes demonstrate the highest level of execution.
  

Functionality – Behind the striking design lies a kitchen designed for entertaining, cooking and everyday living.

Gratitude & Recognition

We extend our thanks to Finesse Joinery for their continued excellence, Fiona Renton of Sandawood Design for supporting and elevating the aesthetic vision, the clients for their collaboration and trust in the process, and Canvas Media for showcasing the end result so beautifully.

This award is more than a milestone; it reflects the ongoing partnerships, trust and shared vision that define every Hallmark build. The Oakbridge kitchen is not just functional and durable, but truly worthy of national acclaim. At Hallmark Homes, our tradies don’t just build kitchens — they create award-winning spaces that families will love for decades.