Saying it with character

This textural, personality plus kitchen occupies a corner of a reworked mid-century industrial warehouse – the architect had a free hand to be bold

Banks of skylights and splashes of coloured glass imbue

A large warehouse was the perfect canvas for

The kitchen occupies a corner of the restructured

Stained larch on the island storage cupboards providing

"Classico Ora" cabinetry was turned inside-out to achieve

The 60mm Tasmanian Blackwood top has a seductive

Touching aesthetic – it may look like this

Designed by John Mills Architects

From the architect:

The setting

A large warehouse in the heart of downtown Wellington was the perfect canvas for the owners to create their new urban retreat/home, including an art studio and a generous garage.

The architecture celebrates the buildings' history, strong form and generous volumes.

A hand textured natural plaster was selected for finishes to the insulated interior walls, along with cool colours and complementary timber features.

Banks of skylights and splashes of coloured glass imbue the interior with ever changing light patterns.

The kitchen

Unfashioned and textured, this kitchen occupies a corner of the restructured mid-century industrial warehouse.

We had worked with the owners before and had a free hand to be bold.

"Classico Ora" cabinetry was turned inside-out to achieve the easy care matte finish required, complementing the refurbished Tawa flooring with all its dings and scrapes.

The 60mm Tasmanian-Blackwood top has a seductive heart shape that invites and gets close contact.

Stained larch fronts the island storage cupboards, providing a cohesive link with larch used on other interior and exterior walls.

An aged brass mixer, hand plastered walls and industrial lamps complete the handsome suite of timeless, real and lovely elements which imbue and enliven the working heart of this home.