Relaxed kitchen celebrates traditional tones and minimalist cabinetry
Not sure what surface looks best where in your kitchen? Try looking to the surroundings. This kitchen with textured granite countertops is an exercise in making great material connections.
Designed by Rachele Simmons-Taling, Berloni New Zealand
Design challenges:
The clients are not formal entertainers but host casual get-togethers frequently meaning the new space had to suit both their calm personal lifestyle as well as large gatherings of friends/ family.
They needed to feel comfortable, relaxed, and “at home” for both needs.
Design solutions:
For a serene, relaxed atmosphere and traditional tonal look, we chose the soft colour palette of a pale, warm beige for the minimal styled cabinetry and light oak flooring.
Their adjacent furnishings were dark chocolate leather, so we mimicked that colour on the wall cabinetry, plinth, island pendant and legs, tying those spaces together.
We married the stainless appliances with the grey concrete block wall of the lounge fireplace tying those cool tones together.

This coupled nicely with the metal patinated hood, which has the same beige matt lacquer as cabinetry then a dark grey wire-brushing effect on top.
Finally, the Matarrzo stone tied all the coloured elements together with its cream base, beige and grey veining throughout.
We chose the leathered rough finish to the stone for textural interest and a closer-to-nature feel.
Credit list
Designer
Benchtops
Lighting
Taps
Cooktop
Refrigeration
Awards
Cabinetry
Flooring
Kitchen sink
Ovens
Rangehood
Dishwasher
Story by: New Zealand TIDA Kitchens
Photography by: Wayne Tait
For more than 30 years, Trends has promoted great home design ideas through its print, digital and online media.The Trends International Design Awards – TIDAs – take that involvement to the next level with the search for the best kitchens, bathrooms and homes across a number of the countries where Trends has a presence.
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