How best to accommodate a functional kitchen within a modest-sized, open-plan apartment? This design is a great example

The owners wanted this compact apartment kitchen to have a New York loft-like aesthetic. The slight irony is that while Manhattan is also an island, this kitchen is in a much more laid back off-shore setting – that is Waiheke Island.

The island location meant added overall considerations for kitchen designer Leonie Hamill of Cube Dentro and for interior designer Peta Davy of Yellowfox in terms of budget, transportation and time frames.

The owners, a professional couple, wanted a tailored kitchen that would support, rather than compete with its limited footprint, says Hamill.

“Essentially, to suit their busy lifestyle, the compact kitchen still had to perform with all the creativity and functionality of a larger space.”

On entry, much of the apartment is directly on show, so design solutions had to be cohesive across the entire space.

“Choosing the right finish was instrumental to achieving a seamless aesthetic throughout. We chose a warm wood veneer that would work well across many different areas, including the media area, bar setting and master suite wardrobe, as well as the kitchen. With the wood grain carefully selected for every panel, the resulting colour is welcoming, evocative and timeless.”

One of the hardest working features to offset the limited space is a beautiful antique mirror. Acting as a splashback, the mirror provides an artwork in its own right and, of course, it also tricks the eye, suggesting a much larger space.

The kitchen offers a wealth of storage and cooking options, along with rich visual detail.

“From the negative detailing, handle inserts, pops of metal and mirror, to the open shelves and customised lighting – the kitchen is infused with character and is a genuine reflection of the personalities who live here,” says Hamill.

Peta Davy says the apartment was also used as a showcase for local architects and designers – to show how the best of everything found in a modern New York unit could similarly be enjoyed in the sleepier Waiheke Island context.

“For example, in the kitchen the Dekton benchtop sets a dusky industrial tone reflected in the bronze mirror splashback, while the high-end veneer cabinetry is trimmed with copper accents,” says Davy. 

“Hettich inserts to drawers and cupboards get the most out of the modest space, and the kitchen also showcases the latest and best high-end appliances.”

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Stephanie Creagh