Fancy cooking like a master chef?

International master chef Josh Emmet’s own workspace was the inspiration for this hand-crafted kitchen with refined cabinetry and surfaces

This kitchen offers clean, uncluttered lines – but

The kitchen island allows for several to sit

Sensa Taj Mahal stone by Cosentino features on

The scullery disappears from sight behind a white

The white tiled splashback in the scullery echoes

Crafted banquette seating matches the look of the

Custom cabinetry further maximises storage with internal drawer

Layer upon layer – this kitchen is bursting

The scullery includes open display shelving and concealed

The double pocket door bar area includes a

Cabinetry doors open and then tuck back into

A great design is nothing without great craftsmanship bringing it to reality – which requires excellent teamwork between designer and cabinetmakers.

Curved doors with matching timber grain and curved custom handle details call for a special set of manufacturing skills.

The aim was to create a warm and functional kitchen for the owner’s family. First inspiration was drawn from master chef Josh Emmet’s kitchen, which features warm timbers and benchtops.

However, after visiting the house in central Auckland, it became clear, that the new kitchen would have to have a tongue and groove pattern somewhere, as the existing house has tongue and groove details in entrance and living areas. The owner said that a bar area would also be nice.

During the concept design phase, the owner and I discovered we both love natural timbers and the colour green, says designer Gunnar Friese.

“I also love clean lines and integrated appliances. One of the challenges I set myself was making the fridge visually disappear – we actually turned the fridge cabinet into one of the features of this kitchen.”

Where's the fridge? Oh, there it is. Fully

The integrated Fisher and Paykel fridge is hiding between two tall cabinets with curved doors and only one custom handle detail with brass inlay running through horizontally.

The bench seat bordering the kitchen on the living room side, flows elegantly around the corner. Olive green squabs match the green scullery fronts.

For a family kitchen only hard-wearing work surfaces should be considered. Sensa Taj Mahal stone from Cosentino was not only chosen for its beauty but because of its protective coating making the natural stone very hard wearing.

It also goes perfectly with the white and timber cabinetry.

“We were set on the stone choice from the very beginning of the project and it turned out to be an absolute stunner,” says Friese.