One more time with feeling

When designing a kitchen with clean lines and sleek surfaces, the minimalist look should not be achieved at the expense of character.

For the kitchen shown above left, Josie Hodder of Trends Kitchens achieved this balance by using light grey with darker wood-grain features to complement the Rustenburg granite island benchtop.

"Using just the light grey could have made the space feel sterile. Introducing a second colour not only provides contrast, but has also created a homely feel."

Elsewhere in the kitchen is a scullery, providing extra storage and a secondary preparation area. Both features are useful additions in this large family home.

The kitchen above right was designed by Jude Porter, also of Trends Kitchens, for a new home above the Canterbury Plains.

Porter set out to establish the kitchen as the focal point of the home, introduce strong indoor-outdoor flow, and make use of available natural light. Visually, the kitchen's look was influenced by modern Italian design tenets, which are in accord with the architectural design of the home.

"Most of the cabinetry is finished with a white lacquer finish, which is offset by the timber cabinetry around the Gaggenau oven. This introduces textural interest and warmth," says Porter.

Trends Kitchens has eight in-house designers in Christchurch and two in its new Nelson branch. All Trends kitchens are custom made and manufactured in its Christchurch factory by experienced joiners, and installed by the company's in-house installation team. The company also produces its own thermal-pressed Proform doors, giving a seamless edge profile. Each job is overseen by a project manager, ensuring that the whole process runs smoothly.

For details, contact Trends Kitchens and Joinery; Christchurch head office and showroom, 34 Parkhouse Road, phone (03) 343 5242, fax (03) 343 5241; Nelson showroom, 21 Bolt Road, Tahunanui, phone (03) 546 5155, fax (03) 548 5155, freephone 0800 081 888. Visit the website: www.trendskitchens.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas