Is LUXURY still about more - or about meaning?

And what luxury mean to Michael Murray Studio.

MICHAEL MURRAY STUDIO Kitchen Design

Luxury in New Zealand isn’t loud. It doesn’t need to shout to be seen. Here, it’s found in the quiet details — the weight of a drawer that closes softly, the smooth grain of timber that’s been chosen with intention, the light falling gently across stone at the end of the day.

In a country surrounded by raw beauty, New Zealand design has always drawn from nature — but true luxury goes deeper than materials. It’s about how a space makes you feel. A home should calm the mind, ease the noise, and bring a sense of belonging. That feeling is the new luxury.

At Michael Murray Studio, we believe great design supports mental health. When your surroundings are considered — the right texture under your hand, the right tone of light, the right rhythm between spaces — you breathe differently. You slow down. You reconnect. The home becomes a refuge, not just a backdrop.

Our version of luxury lives in craftsmanship — especially in cabinetry. Every line, join, and handle is an opportunity for excellence. We obsess over proportion, shadow, and grain direction because those subtle details build a kind of quiet confidence in a space. It’s a craft that respects both the maker and the person who lives with it.

MICHAEL MURRAY STUDIO Bathroom Design

Materials matter too. Natural stone, solid timber, soft matte surfaces — not because they’re expensive, but because they age well. They hold warmth and depth. They remind us of where things come from.

Luxury, for us, is restraint. It’s knowing when to stop, when the balance feels right. It’s about creating something that endures beyond trends — something that still feels good ten years from now.

In New Zealand, we’re fortunate to have space to breathe, to think, to create with integrity. That’s reflected in our interiors — they’re calm, natural, and honest. At Michael Murray Studio, we carry that spirit into everything we design.

Because in the end, luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about peace of mind

Michael x