Gloss over

At first glance, a sleek ultra-contemporary kitchen may not appear to be user-friendly, especially if you have a young family. However, advances in kitchen surface technology mean you needn't compromise on durability.

Designer Shane George combined design and practical requirements in this remodelled kitchen, through careful placement of facilities and material selection.

"The owners wanted a sleek minimalist kitchen, that was functional as well as easy to keep clean," George says.

The large, multi-purpose island is central to the kitchen's success. It serves as a casual dining area, provides preparation space and allows for plenty of storage. It also has slide away drawers that contain a mini office.

To one side of the island are frosted glass-fronted cupboards for crockery. On the other side, full-height cupboards conceal the pantry and small appliances.

The island, full-height cupboards and under-bench cabinetry are finished in light shades for a monochromatic look. George says this was an important factor in enlarging the space and ensuring the view took centrestage.

To achieve this, he specified Black Haze in semi-gloss from Ameron Coatings for all cabinetry. A slightly darker shade than the walls, it provides definition to functional spaces and enhances the warmth of the wooden floors.

"Ameron Coatings' finishes allowed us to achieve exactly the colour we wanted. It is consistent, batch to batch and provides a reliable finish. That is why it is favoured by many painters."

George says the paint finish is suitable for family kitchens as it is durable, and easy to maintain and clean.

Ameron Coatings' products can be used in kitchens, bathrooms and on furniture, and come in many finishes, from sleek high gloss to low sheen naturals. There are more than 40,000 shades to choose from.

For more information, contact Ameron Coatings, PO Box 22-122, Otahuhu, Auckland, phone 0800 263 766, fax (09) 573 1201. Email: marketing@ameron.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas