Best dressed

These days, even an older, traditional home is likely to feature a sleek streamlined kitchen that is part of a lively, open-plan family living area. For the owners of this gracious home, a modern kitchen was essential, but it couldn't be at the expense of the more classic elements of the interior.

Designer Morgan Cronin says some of the home's original features, such as the decorative scotia around the ceiling, were retained in the kitchen renovation. But the overall aesthetics and functionality were improved by a new material palette, which includes dark-stained oak cabinetry, lacquered cabinets and a CaesarStone benchtop.

"The horizontal grain of the oak used for the cabinetry provides a modern take on a traditional design, while the CaesarStone Snow benchtop creates a strong contrast to both the cabinets and the dark oak bar top."

Cronin says CaesarStone, from The Laminex Group, was specified for several reasons.

"Being a man-made stone, it offers a number of advantages. Aesthetically, it provides a very flat, crisp benchtop with joins that are virtually invisible. The neutral colour of the CaesarStone Snow was also critical. Its simple, clean-lined look is more subtle than a patterned natural stone benchtop."

Cronin says the functionality of the surfacing material was another reason for his choice.

"Its durability was an important consideration CaesarStone is highly stain and scratch resistant. And its ease of maintenance makes it an ideal option for a busy household."

CaesarStone, which is made from 94% natural quartz aggregates, comes in a wide colour range.

For further information, contact The Laminex Group, freephone 0800 303 606. Or visit the website: www.thelaminexgroup.co.nz.

To contact Cronin Kitchens, phone (09) 813 6192. Website: www.croninkitchens.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas