Farm-fresh goodness

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Traditional country charm welcomes family and friends in this practical and spacious farm-style kitchen

View of Kitchen designed by Delorenzo Design, Resene countertop, dining room, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, interior design, kitchen, living room, property, real estate, room, table, white — View of Kitchen designed by Delorenzo Design, Resene white walls, white cabinetry, NZ Blackwood and granite benchtops, Butlers sink, country wall tiles, stainless steel appliances, wooden floor, various accessories and furniture.

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View of Kitchen designed by Delorenzo Design, Resene countertop, home, interior design, kitchen, living room, room, table, white

View of Kitchen designed by Delorenzo Design, Resene furniture, table, brown, white

Tradition is a quality prized by many decorators, and for good reason it can extend the life of a renovation by ensuring a look that doesn't date.

The owners of this mid-20th century rural home opted for just such a solution when briefing designer Debra DeLorenzo to renovate and enlarge their kitchen. With a busy farming lifestyle and a growing family, they wanted a room that was practical and welcoming, too.

A traditional country style was the obvious choice. This gave the designer flexibility to draw on a variety of influences to create a bright, fresh kitchen, with ample opportunity for adding decorative touches.

"The original kitchen was small, but had a pleasant garden outlook. The first thing we did was open up the space by removing a wall between it and the old family room," says DeLorenzo.

However, windows on both sides of the room presented the designer with a challenge when deciding where to place a large Paul Bocuse Rosiéres freestanding cooker. The solution was to remove one window and construct a large painted mantel, to give the appearance of a chimney in a classic French Provincial kitchen.

The island is another new feature created especially for the updated kitchen. Topped with New Zealand blackwood, it has handcrafted details.

Painted cabinetry fits with the country style and conceals major appliances, contributing to the streamlined effect the owner wanted.

Two butler's sinks were fitted, and pewter tapware completes the traditional look.

Several decorative touches, such as the wrought iron chairs, were sourced by the owner, who brought a long-standing enthusiasm for design to the project.

The owner's blue-and-white chandelier also draws on the French Provincial style, and picks up the colours of her collection of Burleigh china, which is displayed in several glass cabinets.

The finished result is a fresh and airy kitchen and family room, which is both practical and attractive.

A small home office has even been included, neatly tucked into an alcove.

"This clean-lined interpretation of traditional country styles works well for all the family, and forms a welcoming hub to this large rural home," says the designer.