Custom Cabinetry: An Interview with Sunshine Coast Cabinet Maker Cheyne Kohncke
- Kylie Harber
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The world of custom cabinetry has a lot in common with my bespoke wallpaper murals — both rely on craftsmanship, creativity, and thoughtful problem-solving to shape the way a space feels.
For the Nambour Cinema project, I had the pleasure of working alongside Sunshine Coast cabinet maker Cheyne Kohncke of CK Cabinetry, whose work is defined by precision, pride and an unwavering commitment to quality.
In this interview, Cheyne shares his journey into custom cabinetry, his philosophy on craftsmanship, and what it really takes to elevate a space from good to unforgettable. You can also explore how our collaboration unfolded in the full Nambour Cinema case study.
How did you get into custom cabinetry and what led you to start CK Cabinetry?
Cabinetry runs deep in Cheyne’s story. His father was a cabinet maker who built his success from the ground up through skill, determination, and an uncompromising work ethic. From the age of ten, Cheyne spent school holidays working alongside him on site, learning the trade long before CK Cabinetry existed.
“I watched how he solved problems with knowledge and precision, always achieving a perfect finish,” Cheyne explains. “Cabinetry felt like a giant 3D puzzle — every job was different, every challenge exciting.”
After completing his trade, Cheyne expanded his experience by working across Sydney and Melbourne alongside some of Australia’s best cabinet makers. He later spent years subcontracting as an installer, absorbing knowledge from different companies and environments.
When he returned to the Sunshine Coast, something became clear to him — many cabinetry businesses were missing creativity, genuine customer care, and true craftsmanship.
“I put my money where my mouth is,” he says. “I wanted to blend creativity with a passion for the trade and deliver a tailored experience for every client. Quality isn’t just about the product — it’s about how people feel throughout the journey.”
That philosophy is the foundation of CK Cabinetry today.
What do you love most about being on the Sunshine Coast and how has it influenced your business?
The Sunshine Coast offers a balance Cheyne values deeply — coastal lifestyle paired with strong community and access to opportunity. After moving back over ten years ago to start a family, the region became an integral part of his work-life approach.
“The lifestyle, the views, the people — it’s hard to beat,” he says. “There’s a laid-back feel here that makes every day better, and that flows into how we work with clients.”
How has your background or life experiences influenced your approach to craftsmanship?
Cheyne describes his biggest strength simply: perfectionism.
“I take pride in the finer details,” he explains. “I set the bar high for myself, and if I’m satisfied with the end result, I know it’s exceptional.”
That mindset was instilled early on by his father, who lived by one rule: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing perfectly. Today, that philosophy is evident in every CK Cabinetry project.
What is something unique about you that makes you really good at what you do?
Determination.
“I don’t stop until I’m truly happy with the outcome,” Cheyne says. “Nothing is ever too hard, and I never give up.”
That relentless drive allows him to tackle complex, fully custom cabinetry projects with confidence — even when the brief pushes creative or technical boundaries.
How does someone get started working with you, and what is important to know about custom cabinetry?
For Cheyne, whether it’s clients or team members, attitude matters most.
“Passion, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to grow — those are the foundations,” he says.
When it comes to custom cabinetry, he believes great results come from embracing the process, trusting expertise, and understanding that bespoke work is about creating solutions tailored to how people truly live and use their space.
In your opinion, what separates a good cabinetry project from a great one?
The difference often comes down to people and communication.
“Getting to know the client and guiding them through the process can turn even a simple job into something incredibly rewarding,” Cheyne explains.
For higher-budget projects, greater creative freedom allows him to design spaces that inspire and become talking points. But regardless of scale, the most meaningful moment is always the same.
“Seeing the smile on a client’s face — that’s the real heart-melt moment.”
How did the collaboration with Nambour Cinema come about for you?
CK Cabinetry was invited to collaborate on the Nambour Cinema project through Multi Maintenance Services.
“It was a fantastic opportunity, and we couldn’t say no,” Cheyne says. “It was one of those projects you know will be special.”
What stood out to you about that project — the challenges and the highlights?
Timing was the biggest challenge. The schedule shifted repeatedly, eventually colliding with the Christmas rush and overlapping with four other jobs.
“The team pulled three back-to-back 14-hour days,” Cheyne recalls. “It was exhausting and stressful — but the results speak for themselves.”
How do you ensure your cabinetry complements the overall design vision of a space?
Cheyne believes great design starts with listening.
“Sometimes people’s visions don’t align with their budget or space,” he explains. “Once you understand how they want to use the space and what matters most to their lifestyle, everything starts to make sense.”
From there, it’s about balance — combining function, materials, and creativity like ingredients in a recipe to ensure the final result works beautifully.
What are your favourite materials or finishes at the moment?
Natural stone remains a standout, especially when paired with custom CNC profiles that push creative boundaries. Soft walnut tones, gold accents, and black finishes are current favourites — timeless yet bold.
Are there any trends or innovations in cabinetry that excite you right now?
Blum Pocket Doors top the list.
“They’re expensive, but they’re a true work of art,” Cheyne says.
Other innovations like lift-up splashbacks that conceal additional storage signal an exciting future for custom cabinetry.
“The next ten years are going to be very fun.”
What have been some of your biggest lessons in running a creative business?
Cheyne keeps it simple:
Believe in yourself and your creativity
Don’t get caught up in the small stuff
Never stop learning
Always have a solid contract
And invest in a great accountant
What would be your ultimate dream project?
A Spanish-style Mexican villa — oversized ceilings, open spaces, natural stone, and a rich yet soft colour palette.
“There are some incredible teams on the Sunshine Coast I’d love to collaborate with,” Cheyne says. “But that Spanish dream might be one I save for myself.”
What’s coming for CK Cabinetry in 2026?
Big things.
CK Cabinetry has recently moved into a new, larger factory complete with a powerful CNC machine, allowing for even more fully custom work. A showroom fit-out is underway, and while Cheyne is keeping details under wraps, one thing is certain:
“Next year will be fun — watch this space.”
Projects like Nambour Cinema are a great reminder of what’s possible when custom cabinetry, bespoke wallpaper, and thoughtful design come together.
If you’re planning a fit-out, renovation, or commercial space and want to create something that feels truly considered and memorable, I’d love to explore it with you. You can view more of my mural and wallpaper collaborations, or get in touch to start a conversation about your space.
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