Areas of operation – this modern kitchen is zoned for convenience

Designed by Michelle Gillbanks, Kitchens by Design

From the designer:

This kitchen was designed for a busy family, as part of a large renovation of their large classic-style home in Auckland, says designer Michelle Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design. 

One of the homeowner's requirements was for a multi-zoned space where individual members of the family could work independently, or come together as a group for entertaining or events. So as well as the normal kitchen functions, the owners wanted a breakfast/snack station for the teenagers; a coffee-prep area for the husband; and an integrated laundry/wet area. 

Other requirements were an entertainment area for grown-ups and excellent flow to the open-plan living area and the internal access garaging.

"Accommodating all these needs required some intricate space planning and lateral thinking – not least was the design of the large kitchen island that cleverly steps down into the lounge, extending the bench space and creating a ‘leaner’ area which contains a drinks fridge and storage for glasses," says Gillbanks. 

"Adjacent to the other end of the island is the teenagers’ snack area, concealed behind full-height, bifold cabinetry. And around the corner is the walk-in scullery that contains the coffee-making centre, laundry and access to the garage.”

"Budget was also important to my clients. Keeping to it, with such a large space, required careful and selective material choices. 

"Part of this was reserving the more expensive finishes for the areas directly on show – the splashback and island front are in a marbled porcelain, the overhead cabinetry is in stained oak veneer, and the island benchtop is Corian."

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobel