From ideas to reality

Sometimes the best way to achieve the look you want is to break the rules but it helps to have expert advice if you're planning something out of the ordinary.

Matthew Murphy of The Cabinet Collection, a designer and manufacturer of custom-built kitchens, believes in guiding all his customers through this process.

"We want everyone to have exactly what they want and if that means we have to modify a design or break the rules, we'll do it," he says.

In the period kitchen shown right, the owners wanted an authentic country look in their 80-year-old home.

"Matthew listened to my ideas right from my first phone call," says one of the owners. "He was also happy to make alterations late in the day, such as adding an arch over the red tiles behind the stove."

Features such as the tongue and groove rimu panels on the island unit, rich colours and the period stove surround all help to create a warm country feel.

The contemporary kitchen shown above left incorporates Italian veneer on the full-length cabinet and island end panels, discreet handles and cupboards built to look like drawers. Designers Matthew Murphy and Brenda Hrstich from The Cabinet Collection worked with the owners to create their new look.

"We created a dramatic kitchen that incorporates lighting as a strong design feature, which was part of the owner's brief," says Matthew Murphy.

The owners of another modern kitchen, shown left, wanted a strong linear look.

"For this kitchen we used high gloss white lacquer cabinetry with recessed handles to create a clean European look," says Brenda Hrstich.

The Cabinet Collection works directly with designers, architects and homeowners on kitchens and bathrooms. The company also specialises in cabinetry for entertainment centres and wardrobes.

For more details, contact The Cabinet Collection, C-3 29 Keeling Road, Henderson, Auckland, phone (09) 838 8306, 027 430 8815 or 027 430 8825.

Story by: Trendsideas