Character and conviviality

Clean lines, integrated appliances and dark joinery; gold accents, stone benchtops, a wealth of seating, and the list goes on – this pared back kitchen also reflects an emphasis on sustainability

A slender waterfall benchtop adds to the kitchen's

Black cabinetry plays against stone-look splashback and perimeter

The existing timber floor continues into the scullery.

Scullery entrance. - Character and conviviality -

But wait, there's more – additional seating is

The kitchen boasts an L-shaped perimeter workspace.

Designed by Pieta Fletcher, Palazzo Kitchens Christchurch

From the designer:

Renovating their kitchen in a modern architectural style home, my homeowners wanted something a little different and said any ideas were very welcome!

The space included a kitchen and scullery, with timber flooring that was to remain.

We needed to keep the layout similar to the current kitchen but with an updated look completely different from the existing black, white and stainless steel.

They also wanted integrated appliances for a clean, modern feel and darker colours to provide some drama.

We worked together to get the perfect balance with dark textural joinery, gold highlights and a striking benchtop – Nobilia’s Stone Art Slate Grey, Gold LineN Handle Profile and Consentino’s Dekton Entzo worked together well.

Another request was for an area for entertaining, including wine storage.

I designed the island to have seating on both the front and back, for up to six people, with a tall wine fridge and storage for glassware, spirits and serve ware close at hand.

This balanced the design – with the integrated fridge and freezer on the other end of the kitchen – and created a large L shaped work area for preparation and cooking.

The mix of cupboards and floating shelves above the benchtops with inbuilt LED lighting allowed for practical task lighting, while enhancing the overall look.

The scullery needed plenty of accessible storage while housing a broom cupboard and microwave.

I included three pantry storage types with shelving, pull out drawers and a pullout larder unit – allowing various items to be stored in the most practical way.

The microwave is above the benchtop at an easily accessible height while maximising bench space.

Floating shelving with inbuilt LED lighting keeps the space light and bright.

We had limited space in this area, so we opted for a screw on gold handle instead of the vertical channel, for maximum storage.

Where possible, we have used sustainably sourced products.

Nobilia is certified to the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes), guaranteeing the wood they use is from sustainably managed forests.

Overall, the design met the brief using sustainably sourced products to create a striking area that works well within the existing home.

With plenty of accessible storage and well-lit working areas, this is a practical and attractive working and entertaining area.