Country fare

Timber cabinets, granite benchtops and simple, chunky forms make this kitchen fit with its rural environment

Dispaly shelves are placed above the cabinets next cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, flooring, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, brown, gray — Dispaly shelves are placed above the cabinets next to the door. This adds to the country style of the kitchen, as it references the look of the antique dresser.

The kitchen overlooks Akaroa Harbour in Christchurch. architecture, cabinetry, countertop, estate, home, house, interior design, kitchen, real estate, sink, window, brown, gray

Using the homeowners existing stock of timber, designer cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, property, real estate, room, brown, gray

When you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is little need for glamour. Likewise, the view can often take precedence over your home's interiors. Natural materials and a toned-down look may be just what's needed to fit with a rural landscape.

The owners of this home, overlooking the Akaroa Heads in Christchurch, required a highly functional kitchen. Using an existing stock of timber as a starting point, Sue Jackson of Jackson & Jackson Architectural Design created this visually warm, country-style kitchen.

"The oak and macrocarpa cabinetry lends a sense of cosiness and simplicity that reflects the clients' lifestyle. High-end appliances, such as the commercial-grade Ilve stove, are installed for ease of use, "

The kitchen is part of the living wing of this single-storey house. Consisting of an open-plan family, dining and kitchen space, this wing is angled to face the harbour view.

"The kitchen sink is set below the windows, so that food preparation and cleaning tasks can be carried out while enjoying a spectacular vista," says the designer.

To reduce clutter and mess, a walk-in pantry contains the refrigerator and food store, as well as an extra sink.

Crockery cupboards are fitted with frosted glass doors. This contemporary touch adds a sense of transparency to the look of the timber, and mirrors the windows on the opposite side of the room. Next to the windows is access to a sheltered garden patio, where meals can be enjoyed alfresco.