Subtle blend

Incorporating a modern kitchen into a traditional-style home requires a certain degree of finesse and consideration to ensure the harmonious blend of styles.

Kitchen designer Marilyn Shaw frequently encounters such challenges, and this recent project on a renovated 1920s bungalow was no exception.

"The original kitchen was done up 18 years ago in the all-timber, U-shaped design popular at the time," says Shaw. "The owners wanted a brighter, more spacious kitchen that opened out onto the adjacent family room and outdoor area."

What was important, she says, was to devise a design that featured modern elements, while also maintaining some of the more traditional-style features found throughout the rest of the house.

Taupe walls and cabinetry create a light, open feel, while a Kings IV Generation benchtop in stained American oak visually anchors the space and ties it in with the oak furniture and timber panelling in adjacent rooms.

The central island, with its limestone benchtop, features detailing of stained oak.

The long lines of the specially ordered cabinetry handles and drawers ensure a clean, uncluttered look and complement the stainless steel appliances.

The owners cook a lot, so Shaw paid particular attention to designing practical storage solutions. These include drawers for oils and sauces, spices, knives and slide-out storage, as well as numerous pantries spread throughout the kitchen. Bulk food and crockery storage is housed in the wall units beside the fridge, while other frequently used items are stored in cupboards flanking the cooktop.

Marilyn Shaw designs and project manages kitchen installations for renovations and new homes. She is part of the Independent Designer Group a network of design professionals who meet to share their product knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of their clients.

For details, contact Marilyn Shaw CKDNZ, PO Box 26-387, Epsom, Auckland, phone (09) 638 8524, mobile (021) 978 464. Email: marilyn@softwareetc.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas