Entertainer’s home benefits from custom cabinetry and a one-off kitchen-bar design

The architecture sets the initial scene for any home environment and the good bones of this resort-style home with its exposed wood rafters and flowing spaces does just that. From there, the interior design and life-of-the-party kitchen zone in particular let the tropical feel take flight.

Respected build company Probuilt Projects constructed the high-ceilinged, indoor-outdoor masonry home. The firm also worked closely with award-winning designer Kira Gray of Fyfe Kitchens on the dramatic bar-kitchen that’s at the very heart of the home.

Kira Gray also created the evocative interior design, along with key pieces throughout.

“Take me to a tropical island resort! That was the required aesthetic for this home, oozing island influence and set beside its own natural lagoon, surrounded by lush tropical plantings,” she says. 

Based on this concept, which was driven by the owner and typical of a resort, Kira Gray designed a feature ‘bar-kitchen’ as the focal point of the open-plan, indoor-outdoor living- entertaining zone at the rear of the home. 

Behind this space, she introduced a full kitchen workzone, which with slatted ceiling-mounted screen drawn all but disappears from sight.

“To front the combined bar-family kitchen, we designed a sculptural island that serves both areas,” says Gray.

However, there are demarcations between the bar zone and front-of-kitchen hangout area.

The long island is in American white oak with negative detailing. But while the chunky, raised bar counter is in the same warm wood, the kitchen benchtop is in slender engineered stone.

On the bar side, an ice maker, kegorator, beverage fridges, and ample bottle and glasses storage is all to hand along the back wall. On the kitchen side, there are small appliances, plate storage, a dishwasher, sink and servery.

“We introduced textural tiles and a mirrored splashback for added depth and reflection, while the American white oak cabinetry veneers blend with the floor and striking timber beams,” says Gray. 

“The light-toned paint and stone benchtop add a softening aspect to the design.”

The spacious, fully equipped, cooking and storage kitchen to the rear is simple, light and mainly white, with wood accents and tiling for continuity. The kitchen includes everything a busy family of six requires, including a pantry.

As interior designer on the home, Kira Gray has continued the relaxed feel right through the rest of the interior. As part of this, she designed a feature stained-oak headboard in the master bedroom that doubles as a generous his-and-hers walk-through dressing room on the bathroom side.

The wardrobe/bedhead also provides an easy separation between bedroom and ensuite and gained valuable usable space, a fact reflected by it winning Master Bedroom Suite  – Spatial Innovation at the 2019 NKBA awards.

“The custom wood bathroom vanity and powder room table with their slatted towel racks are part of this. All  wood elements connect with the solid wood floors that run throughout the airy home.”

Relaxed and welcoming, with natural wall tones and informal furniture in almost every room, this home’s carefully considered interiors really do transport you to a sunnier clime.

www.fyfekitchens.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas