The design of this kitchen needed to blend into a 1980s homestead sitting on a lovely plot of land in a rural setting with a north-facing aspect.
The homeowner wanted to build an extension incorporating a new garage, laundry and a large, open-plan living space to the north. The kitchen would be relocated to the new space creating an uninterrupted connection to the outdoor living space, pool, and native bush.
With the desire for the kitchen to be elegant yet rustic, Michelle Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design needed to fuse lived-in charm with a refined aesthetic. In addition to this, it was important to be able to incorporate a scullery so that all the small appliances and food preparation could remain out of sight.
With the desire for the kitchen to be elegant yet rustic, Michelle Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design needed to fuse lived-in charm with a refined aesthetic.
The kitchen design has an open-plan layout with a central island to provide additional workspace, plus seating
for casual dining and a connection to the living space. Due to the rural location integrated solutions for waste management, including designated spaces for recycling, compost, and general waste needed to form an integral part of the design.
The homeowner loves to bake, so wanted a balance of state-of-the-art appliances, but also stylish finishes – plus a blend of light and dark elements. Michelle’s design delivered warmth by focusing on organic tactile materials, balancing the light counter surfaces with Resene Eagle on the cabinetry and darker elements blended throughout the design. It was important that the space did not feel too contemporary, so Michelle incorporated framed doors, with tongue-and-groove detail to ensure the design brief of rustic charm could be met.
The brushed bronze metal painted rangehood, together with antique cup handles and tapware, complemented the Dekton Entzo benchtops and splashback. The lighting combines task and ambient around meal preparation and social areas. Pendants over the island create a cosy atmosphere, with the metal detail tying nicely with other metal accents themed into the entire design.
The scullery is the playful powerhouse of the modern design, with the need to house a lifetime collection of cookbooks, easy access on the open shelves and a wall for all the small appliances. The materials used emulate those used in the kitchen, but with a twist of a textured green tile for a little fun, rather than a stone splashback.
Storage solutions have been considered throughout, with internal pullouts in base pantries either side of the hob and basket storage in the open shelves for the scullery adding to the rustic feel.
A design request was also to incorporate a designated pet feeding area into the scullery along with storage specifically for pet supplies.
Overall, the design embraces a relaxed, rustic feel. Natural materials bring together a cosy retreat, while remaining functional and timeless. The result is a space that the homeowner loves, being casual yet refined enhancing both everyday living and the joy of rural life.
The experienced team at Kitchens By Design offers an integrated design-to-completion service. If you’re looking for a new kitchen, please call (09) 379 3084 to make an appointment with one of their designers. Kitchens By Design’s showroom is located at 9 Melrose Street, Newmarket. For inspiration, look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz.
