Conversation piece functional kitchen renovation supported by Westpac

It is often said that a great kitchen can sell a house, and it's easy to see why. Modern kitchens are all about streamlined, uncluttered surfaces, ample storage and high functionality. In other words, they are perfect for busy families.

But before you embark on a new kitchen project, you need to do a little research. A good designer, for example, is essential to advise on new materials and technology, and the best way to maximise the available space.

The owners of this traditional bungalow contacted Auckland kitchen designer Anna Welsh, to design a kitchen in a new extension. While the traditional features were retained at the front of the bungalow, the rear needed to reflect a much more contemporary architectural design influence.

"The kitchen consequently needed to have a very modern look, but it also had to work in with the older part of the house," she says.

To provide visual continuity, Welsh says she chose to paint the entire interior in Resene Quarter Parchment. The kitchen cabinets are lacquered in a similar colour, and a low-iron glass splashback was also painted to match.

"Keeping everything streamlined and uncluttered was essential," says Welsh. "For this reason, the cabinets are all flush and the drawers have shadow gap handles."

The main bank of cabinetry has a secondary food preparation area and coffee machine hidden behind pocket doors.

When you are looking at tackling your own kitchen project, you will also need to consider how you will fund it. Westpac has a number of options to help you with this. If you have an existing home loan you could apply for a top-up to extend the credit limit. If approved, you can top up an existing floating loan account or create a new account for the top up. If preferred, you can have the top up in a new account that is paid off faster than the rest of your home loan. And don't forget, any renovations you undertake may increase the value of your home so you need to ensure you have adequate insurance cover.

For more details on these or the other options, visit your local Westpac branch or phone 0800 177 277. Web: www.westpac.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas