Head of the family

Designed by Kitchen Vision and Durrant Design

From the kitchen designer:

The brief was to create a highly resolved, upmarket kitchen that balanced refined aesthetics with everyday functionality for a busy family. 

Located in the coastal enclave of Castor Bay, with uninterrupted views to Rangitoto Island, the home called for a design response that felt both sophisticated and effortless – anchored in durability while elevating the overall living experience.

Positioned on the 3rd level within an open-plan living environment, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the lounge, fireplace setting, and dining area. 

Connecting to the wider space

It was essential that the kitchen sit harmoniously within this wider spatial narrative, contributing to a cohesive material palette while still holding its own as a key architectural feature.

Materiality played a central role in achieving this balance. 

The use of Boarders Oak cabinetry introduced a rich, chocolate-toned warmth, grounding the space and creating contrast against the lighter Forte engineered timber flooring. 

This interplay of tones establishes depth while maintaining a calm, cohesive backdrop to the surrounding interiors.

Dekton was specified across the benchtops and bar splashback for both its durability and refined, ultra-compact profile. 

Its ability to achieve a slimline edge detail allowed for a more contemporary expression, enhanced further through negative detailing to create a subtle floating effect. 

A dual-surface application – pairing Dekton Donoos with the Dekton Morpheus finish to the island –introduces visual hierarchy and defines the island as a sculptural centrepiece within the space.

Enhancing spacial perception

The two-tone kitchen approach enhances spatial perception and elevates the overall design. 

The introduction of warm white Melteca alongside the darker timber and stone elements softens the palette, preventing visual heaviness while adding a layer of sophistication and tonal balance. 

This contrast allows the kitchen to feel expansive, light-responsive, and inherently luxurious.

A bespoke detail at the island waterfall – where Dekton and Melteca are juxtaposed – adds a refined layer of craftsmanship and depth, reinforcing the considered nature of the design.

Optimising function through layout

Functionality was equally prioritised through thoughtful spatial planning.

A concealed butler pantry, discreetly positioned behind the integrated refrigeration wall, provides a secondary workspace complete with an additional sink. 

This allows for effective appliance storage and preparation zones, ensuring the primary kitchen remains uncluttered and visually streamlined.

The integration of a fully concealed Bosch refrigeration system and full-height cabinetry enhances verticality, drawing the eye upward and reinforcing the architectural scale of the space. 

Maintaining a clean look

The inclusion of the Blum Revego pocket system to the bar area allows cabinetry doors to retract seamlessly into the joinery, maintaining clean sightlines, uninterrupted circulation, and a refined, minimal aesthetic whether open or closed.

The result is a kitchen that embodies modern refinement – timeless in its materiality, highly functional in its planning, and connected to its coastal setting.

Story by: Trendsideas