Face of refinement

Designed by Luciana Borges, Borges DesignFrom the designer:

Forming part of a home nestled in an upmarket Auckland suburb, our recent renovation project epitomises the marriage of luxury and functionality. 

Commissioned by owners seeking to enhance the allure of their 5-bedroom residence, our mission was clear – to elevate the living experience by crafting a kitchen that blends practicality with eye-catching design. 

Our endeavour was not just to renovate but to infuse the residence with a renewed sense of charm.

Extent of renovation

The renovation involved extending both the kitchen and dining area into the outside veranda. 

By squaring off the two spaces, we were able to create a seamless, open-plan layout that connected the kitchen and dining areas more fluidly. 

This extension almost doubled the size of the dining room, opening up a world of possibilities for both design and functionality. 

As a result, we were able to incorporate a large, generous kitchen island that became the focal point of the space. 

Despite the addition of the island, the renovation still allowed room for a spacious 10-person dining table, making it perfect for family gatherings and entertaining.

Layout and connections to adjacent spaces

The kitchen layout was designed with both functionality and simplicity in mind. 

One notable feature is the hidden scullery, which is accessed through a discreet door next to the fridge.

The scullery provides ample pantry storage and houses essential appliances like the microwave and kettle; it also has a small sink, helping to keep the main kitchen area clean and clutter-free. 

The overall kitchen layout is streamlined, with cabinetry placed along the wall opposite the pantry, and the island positioned centrally in front, ideally balancing function and style.

The kitchen is surrounded by several key spaces that enhance its connection to the rest of the home. 

It is open to a formal living area and conveniently located next to a powder room. 

Large bifold doors lead directly from the kitchen to an alfresco area, offering easy access to outdoor living. 

When standing in the kitchen, you’re greeted by a beautiful view of the swimming pool, adding a sense of tranquility and natural light to the space.

Selection of materials 

In terms of material selection, we aimed for a balance of durability, aesthetics, and a nod to the property's original character. 

For the tall cabinetry and island, we chose custom-made thermoform panels from Dezignatek in 'Black Barn'.

The flat panels for the tall cabinetry give a sleek, modern look, while we opted for shaker-style doors on the upper cabinetry and the drawers and side panels of the island to bring in a classic touch. 

This combination of modern and traditional elements creates a striking visual contrast.

For the island countertop, we selected Marble Capraia in matte by Florim, from Archant – an Italian porcelain product that mimics the look of marble but is made from minerals, offering exceptional durability. 

This material is highly resistant to fading, scratching, and can withstand heat, making it perfect for a busy kitchen environment. 

The large 3200x1600x12mm slabs not only add an elegant and practical element to the space but also allowed us to create a seamless, joint-free surface on the island. 

Additionally, the material selection enabled us to mitre the edges, building up the thickness of the island and the waterfall to 80mm, creating a more luxurious and sophisticated look.

We also chose our handles from Archant and selected the Berkely collection in pewter. 

The refined pewter finish complements the overall design, adding a subtle touch of sophistication to the cabinetry and tying together the modern yet timeless aesthetic of the space.

For the lower cabinetry, we continued with the thermoform material, this time in Lana Grey satin finish, from Dezignatech. 

This softer tone helps balance the boldness of the black cabinetry, adding visual depth and interest. 

To complement this, we kept the shaker style for the doors and finished the countertops with a leather finish, which was sealed for durability. 

This brings a tactile feel to the kitchen, further enriching the overall design.

To add a touch of sophistication and link the kitchen with the original era of the home, we chose an old gold-tinted mirror for the splashback. 

The mirror’s reflective surface helps to amplify natural light, while the gold tint adds warmth and ties in beautifully with the modern yet timeless shaker style. 

This blend of materials, both classic and contemporary, ensures the kitchen feels connected to the home's history while still embracing modern design elements.

Use of colour

The colours for the kitchen were selected with the intention of creating harmony with other areas of the house that had already been renovated. 

Our palette was designed to seamlessly blend the kitchen into the overall aesthetic of the home, which is an old, modernised Victorian style. 

The tones of the cabinetry, countertops, and finishes were selected to complement the rich character of the home while also allowing the kitchen to feel fresh and contemporary. 

This balance was key in ensuring the kitchen didn’t feel out of place, but rather integrated with the rest of the space.

Story by: Trendsideas