The top priority in this 1930’s home was to illuminate this dark and dreary space while maintaining the existing walls of the kitchen and living room across two floor and ceiling heights. As insufficient ceiling space prevented the use of a skylight, therefore light was brought into this space using a customised bulkhead. This allowed us to conceal services and provide indirect dimmable up lighting  to illuminate the kitchen and living room. The heaviness of the bulkhead is broken up by the high gloss cabinetry and copper pressed tin. The copper pressed tin, illuminated by LED lighting, adds interest with its geometric movement and nods to the period of the home. The bright and distinctive pattern repeated in the design draws the eye in a lateral movement creating visual continuity across the kitchen. Italian blue glass pendants were incorporated to add texture and reflection to the kitchen relating back to Lalique glass ornaments from the 1930's.  

Project Details

As the homeowners asked for colour in their kitchen and living area a triadic colour scheme is incorporated into the design. cabinet fronts are painted a tone of yellow-green gloss making the space appear larger while the bulkhead is painted a blue-violet in the Resene shade - Maddox. The existing totora flooring and copper pressed tin bring warmth to the kitchen and provide the perfect backdrop for the rest of the interior finishes. The bench-top colour with white, copper and grey hues contrasts with the cabinetry and its high reflection value and makes space feel bigger. 

The homeowners loved to entertain and wished to cook while not being distracted by guests walking into the kitchen. A spacious peninsula was designed for prepping and entertaining which allows the clients to utilise their coffee machine and prepare drinks while socialising with guests in the living room. Activity zones have been ergonomically designed in the kitchen area and practical storage systems with specific functionalities fill the drawers.  Glass climbers for the upper cabinetry were selected to provide pantry space and not impede on the homeowner. The front of the kitchen features the television, houses wine glasses close to the fridge and allows guests not interrupt the cooking zones. The appliances have been set at a height allowing the homeowner to take things out of the oven and all upper cupboards are customised for perfect reach. 

A challenge of this design was the angled wall which impacted the structural requirements of the Corian bench-top. Consequently, the dishwasher was relocated in order to allow enough clearance for the section joins. Wide horizontal lines of the upper cupboards give a sense of stability while complimenting the bulkhead and dividing the kitchen into segments allowing the kitchen to feel calm. Emphasis has been captured by the black television and the black glass cupboards are positioned symmetrically in the design. Although the kitchen is not large It utilises space efficiently and incorporates all the elements required for functionality, flow and entertaining highlighted beautifully by lighting.  

The Finished Space

“Sarah and her team have been responsive to our wishes, helpful in making suggestions and always available when we have needed advice.  The process from start through consultation, design, production and installation has been smooth all the way for us as clients. Thanks to the community of Whangarei for having the resources locally for me, now without Jenny, to end up with a fantastic product, one that will be an amazing home for many years and beyond.”

We visited Steve once the project was finished and Jenny’s influence is all around the gorgeous home. She created a truly beautiful and eclectic space. We would like to thank Jenny & Steve for being such amazing clients and for the privilege of being a part of their journey.