'Longing to return'

Part of a home seen on television show Moving Houses, this kitchen's bespoke cabinetry aligns with the character of a bygone era

The elegant curved marble countertop and base breaks

Original hardwood flooring was retained, while bespoke cabinetry

The expansive scullery is long on functionality and

The scullery looking out – two-tone harmony.

The kitchen's relationship to the as-seen-on-tv wider interior.

The veining in the marble splashback connects with

The sculptural base to the secondary island benchtop.

Now you see the functionality, now you don't.

Designed by Leonie Hamill, Cube Dentro

From the designer:

The setting

As featured in Moving Houses on TV1, Clonbern Estate is a beautifully restored villa positioned on the Awhitu Peninsula.

The site provides all the merits of a coastal & country lifestyle.

Awhitu means ‘longing to return’ and formed the owner’s brief: “indulge family and friends with an exciting kitchen – a space where everyone will long to return time & time again.”

Design points

Preserve the villa vibe – original hardwood flooring was retained, while bespoke cabinetry aligns with the character of a bygone era and also ties in with new French door joinery.
Acknowledge its setting – the veining in the marble connects with the ocean, providing a sense of movement and waves.
Add a twist – the elegant curved marble countertop and base breaks up the large island & provides visual impact and a sense of lightness – the sink and wall mounted tapware are discreet but part of the design story, keeping the countertop linear/crisp – a marble splashback contrasts with the island countertop – a bold use of colour and mixed textures (wood and marble) creates interest.

Redefine an awkward layout – creating just one kitchen wall resolved this issue & works with the open-plan vibe.
Create an innovative space entertaining – pendant lighting is practical & aesthetically pleasing for taking photographs and capturing special occasions – the entire space flows and is easy to food & party prep.
Inject functionality – the central island is a practical dining arrangement – the scullery offers shelving, extra bench space and storage – integrated appliances are cutting-edge.

Credit list

Designer

Leonie Hamill, Cube Dentro

Cabinetry hardware

Drawers – Blum Legrabox; hinges – Blum Blumotion soft close, black onyx; drawer inserts – Blum Amberline

Splashback

Hob splashback – tiles by Quantum; scullery upstand – Istone, Touche Ice Blanco; Gris, natural finish

Awards

Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended

Hob wall cabinetry – satin polyurathrane finish, colour Aalto Arthouse; hob overheads cabinetry – satin polyurathrane finish, colour antique brass, custom colour; island cabinetry – satin polyurathrane finish, colour Aalto Gunsmoke; scullery cabinetry – Bestwood melamine, colour Arctic White, velvet finish; scullery open shelf – Bestwood melamine, colour Methven oak, Wilderness finish

Benchtops

Hob – Cosentino, Silestone Blanco Zeus, suede finish; island 1 – Istone, Touche Ice Blanco – Gris, natural finish; island 2 – Cosentino, Dekton, Eter; scullery – Istone, Touche Ice Blanco – Gris, natural finish