Island attraction

Designed by Lara Farmilo, Akzente, Poggenpohl

From the designer:

As a young family set to start their schooling life, our owners built their long-term home nestled amongst the beautiful Titirangi bush, elevated over several storeys to take in the city views.

The living space was to encompass not only the kitchen but the entry-way and scullery, creating a flow-on effect into the main living area.

Although there is cabinetry on both sides of the entrance, we used a combination of benchtop height and floor-to-ceiling panelling. 

This provided additional storage, a cleaning cupboard and a hidden door into the scullery tucked in behind the kitchen.

'The island needs to be large and clad in stone' was our brief for the main kitchen island. 

This is the centrepiece of the room and needed to be striking, hence the use of the stunning Super White leathered granite. 

To help emphasise this, we mirrored the island shape to the ceiling with a suspended ‘cloud’, clad in timber panelling – recessed LED strip lighting has been used on the inside of the cloud.

The scullery is not only concealed behind a hidden door but is a home for all of the owners’ baking needs and a platform for other appliances – the convenience of shutting the door and walking away works a treat!

The selection of Neff appliances allowed for a comprehensive cooking combination. 

The use of the Neff downdraft meant that cooking on the island was possible without the distraction of an overhead rangehood.

If the children aren’t swimming pool nearby, then they are often sitting at the island while meals are being prepared.

We avoided space-hogging protruding handles by selecting a horizontal negative for all of the drawers and pull-outs while maintaining a functional vertical negative for the tall cupboards and integrated fridges

Designed by: Akzente, Poggenpohl

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobel