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Areas of this open-plan space are delineated by different natural colours and textures

The living room and kitchen in this house architecture, interior design, kitchen, real estate, table, white, gray — The living room and kitchen in this house were combined to make an open-plan room, which incorporates a study.

Downstairs, a wall painted in Resene Bokara Grey floor, furniture, home, interior design, product design, shelf, shelving, table, gray, white

Downstairs, a wall painted in Resene Bokara Grey architecture, countertop, cuisine classique, home, house, interior design, kitchen, product design, table, white

Downstairs, a wall painted in Resene Bokara Grey art, exhibition, interior design, modern art, room, wall, gray, black

Creating zones within an open-plan space is a challenge faced by many modern designers. While shared light and ease of movement are always appreciated, homeowners often feel the need for separation between areas with different functions.

Originally, this 1970s house featured a wood-panelled kitchen with dining area and a separate living room. The homeowners requested that these social spaces be combined, and a study integrated into the communal space, says designer Andrea Burney from Yellowfox.

"A wall was removed between the kitchen and living room to open the space. Wing walls around the study give the impression that it is solid and built-in, rather than an afterthought. To reinforce this, a neutral grass-textured Vision Wallcoverings wallpaper features behind this area."

The homeowner wanted the colour scheme to be natural-looking, but not limited to beiges and browns. The base cabinetry units are Bestwood Melamine in Diesel, a dark tone which Burney says gives the kitchen some grounding.

Image of a bathroom designed by Yellow Fox Designers.

"The tall units are Bestwood Arctic White. This blends with the walls and prevents the cabinets from appearing too imposing. The walls are painted in Resene Half Thorndon Cream."

Hettich aluminium extrusion handles were chosen for their streamlined look, and because they are reminiscent of 1970s handles.

Along with a glass splashback by DecoGlaze, the chunky 60mm-thick island benchtop in a composite quartz adds an element of gloss. In keeping with the natural tones used elsewhere, there is also a fine flecked pattern in the benchtop.

Yellowfox is a one-stop shop for exterior and interior design requirements, says Burney.