Stepping back in time

While we may admire a particular design aesthetic from the past, often the practical detailing doesn't really measure up to the needs of a more contemporary lifestyle.

The owners of this home, designed in 1948 by Wellington architects Plischke and Firth, loved the 1950s-era styling of the kitchen, but needed more space for a growing family. The old kitchen was small and dark, so designer Daniel Woolley suggested opening up two rooms to create one larger space for a kitchen, dining area and homework or study space. Windows and doors now link this area to the garden.

The owners wanted to re-use some of the existing cabinetry in the new kitchen, but with more practical features. Part of the old cabinetry was carefully removed, restored and refitted along one wall of the new kitchen, with pull-out flour bins installed behind the original doors. New cabinets were finished to match a hand-painted finish mimics the original joinery, and handles are in a 1950s style. For convenience, doors and drawers feature modern soft-close runners.

Booth seating has a 1950s look, as do the hanging cabinets with glass sliding doors over the peninsula bench. These are positioned higher than the originals, and used for display rather than storage. A freestanding stove has a retro feel and the refrigerator and freezer are integrated into cabinetry. Behind the clear glass splashback, the wall is finished in a brightly coloured 1950s-style wallpaper.

Story by: Mary Webb