In touch with tradition - 1930s character bungalow remodel by Debra DeLorenzo

With open-plan layouts so much a part of modern living, there is a greater need to co-ordinate spaces within an interior, and this extends to the kitchen.

This new kitchen, in a traditional 1930s bungalow, was designed to complement the era of the house without being overly detailed or fussy.

Designer Debra DeLorenzo CKD, CBDNZ, says the existing 1980s kitchen was much smaller and not well suited to the needs of a growing family with four children. It was also very dated and didn't reflect the grandeur evident in the rest of the house.

To make the space larger, a wall was removed between the kitchen and the former pantry and laundry. The pantry was absorbed into the new space, and the laundry moved elsewhere.

"The design influence was two-fold," says DeLorenzo. "The client had her heart set on a warm red Falcon stove, so this needed to be accommodated. The design was also influenced by the original curved panelling in the entry hallway. This helped determine the look of the painted cabinets, which have a simple, almost Shaker look. We echoed the curve of the panelling in the cabinetry at the entry to the kitchen, which functions as a phone and notice board area for the family."

Most of the benchtops feature Kashmir white granite, but the breakfast bar is in black totara, and was designed to resemble an old-style table with turned legs.

The Falcon 110 stove was placed on the rear wall, in a traditional hearth setting with a mantel and large-scale subway tile splashback. The warm red colour of the range is matched by a new handpainted wallpaper in the dining room.

DeLorenzo also maximised an existing bay window, wrapping the cabinetry around the bay and ensuring the owners could still reach the window latches.

Another major change for the owners is the open pantry. In lieu of a walk-in scullery, dark Melteca open shelves create a store-like backdrop for the dry goods storage. With a sink below, this area is also a place for children to prepare snacks.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes