French accent

While French country kitchens can often be characterised by certain key features, there is also a wide variation in styles, depending on the era of the design in question.

Kitchen designer Sarah Quinlan says the owners of this property wanted the kitchen to continue the Provene§al theme, but not be too rustic. They also wanted a cafe-style seating area that was separate from the main part of the kitchen, and not the focal point of the design.

"We chose not to opt for too much worn timber, but instead went for simple, clean lines that are also typical of French country kitchens.

"The kitchen, built by Fyfe Kitchens, replicates the way traditional French kitchens would evolve they were often built around existing walls and within niches. Here, the island began as a built-in concrete structure, to which we added open timber shelving and a durable Quarella Beige Duna benchtop. The refrigerator also appears to have been positioned within the existing structure of the house."

Quinlan says the timber shelving is demolition kauri, which still features band-saw marks and raw nail holes. Deep shelving along the wall and a plastered chimney hood edged in mosaic tiles are other characteristic French country features. The smaller tiles match a larger tiled splashback.

The cabinetry has simple, five-panel framed doors and drawers, painted in a muddy yellow oxide, which complements the plastered concrete.

A walk-in scullery, and a separate bar and coffee-making area were included in the design. The bar area has a second refrigerator, sink and integrated dishwasher, and storage for glasses and crockery.

For details, contact Fyfe Kitchens, 225 Great South Rd, Greenlane, phone (09) 520 4752, fax (09) 520 4751. Website: www.fyfekitchens.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas