Room of the Week: A New-Build Kitchen in NZ Caught Just in Time
A family's new kitchen in regional New Zealand got an interior designer's touch just in time to personalise the space
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
My client bought this house while it was still under construction, at the finishing stage. They already had a basic kitchen design, and the plumbing was already in.
They wanted to create something with character and charm that steered away from the standard spec-home kitchen. The goal was to create something light, warm and homey. We had to work with the existing layout.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
My client bought this house while it was still under construction, at the finishing stage. They already had a basic kitchen design, and the plumbing was already in.
They wanted to create something with character and charm that steered away from the standard spec-home kitchen. The goal was to create something light, warm and homey. We had to work with the existing layout.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
The kitchen during the renovation.
The kitchen during the renovation.
Starting point
- Feature lighting was important, and the client told me early on that they like the rattan look.
- A marble-look benchtop was also high on their wish list, but the budget was too tight.
- I recommended the marble tiled walls as a compromise, as it has a higher impact and adds both texture and pattern to the space, while also being in full view.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Browse more beautiful contemporary kitchens
Colour palette:
- Warm whites
- Timber
- Rattan
- A hint of black (note that the tap is chrome – mixing metals can be done tastefully).
Browse more beautiful contemporary kitchens
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- Mr Ralph lights.
- Dezignatek Ronda door fronts.
- Archant Siena brushed-anthracite handles.
- Bosch appliances.
- Valencia Carrara marble-look subway tiles.
- Engineered stone benchtops.
- Laminate plank flooring from Quick-Step.
Thinking behind the arrangement of fixtures:
I think opting for odd numbers with one or three pendants can be outdated. Picking two oversize feature lights was key to making this space work and creating something a little different.
I think opting for odd numbers with one or three pendants can be outdated. Picking two oversize feature lights was key to making this space work and creating something a little different.
Challenges you worked around:
My client was nervous about the oversize pendants being too big and it took some convincing that it was going to look amazing.
They were also worried about the budget being too tight for the tiling to extend up to the ceiling, but with some clever planning we changed some drawer units in the kitchen to cupboards to ensure the budget would stretch for this key detail.
My client was nervous about the oversize pendants being too big and it took some convincing that it was going to look amazing.
They were also worried about the budget being too tight for the tiling to extend up to the ceiling, but with some clever planning we changed some drawer units in the kitchen to cupboards to ensure the budget would stretch for this key detail.
Why do you think this room works?
It has texture and pattern. Both are found in the Shaker-style doors, the pattern and texture on the pendant lights, the tiled wall, the subway pattern, and the marble tiles.
The splashback tile extending all the way to the ceiling was key to a high-end finish. Plus, simple but key details, such as the handle placement, was important and helped make this design work well.
Your turn
What do you love about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great kitchen designs? Take a look at this great Room of the Week: A Hidden Kitchen in a St Kilda Apartment
It has texture and pattern. Both are found in the Shaker-style doors, the pattern and texture on the pendant lights, the tiled wall, the subway pattern, and the marble tiles.
The splashback tile extending all the way to the ceiling was key to a high-end finish. Plus, simple but key details, such as the handle placement, was important and helped make this design work well.
Your turn
What do you love about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great kitchen designs? Take a look at this great Room of the Week: A Hidden Kitchen in a St Kilda Apartment
Who lives here: A family with two children under five
Completed: 2021
Location: Manawatu, NZ
Room purpose: Kitchen and scullery
Budget: Undisclosed, but joinery and benchtop came to NZ$26,000