Sum of parts

Material selection is crucial to a kitchen's overall appeal. A diverse palette of materials allows designers to highlight a space with both contrasting and complementary surfaces.

On two recent projects, kitchen designers Sian Gillanders and Fiona Havill, from Simply Kitchens, selected materials to complement the individuality of each site.

"My client was a builder who had a specific brief," says Gillanders. "The contemporary kitchen was to feature componentry on legs. It needed to be simple and stylish to complement the adjoining areas of the home."

Incorporating legs into the central island and the freestanding pantry creates a furniture-like appearance, she says.

"The altered cabinetry heights complement the sloping ceiling. Resene colours, Stark White and Sepia, were used as neutrals, with a Le Bons Bay' sea green splashback as feature."

"Integrated appliances, along with the in-wall downdraft above the cooktop, minimise the design and increase the feeling of space while emphasising the less-is-more concept."

The island includes on-bench cabinetry for appliance storage. Ample breakfast bar seating can be added as required.

Another Simply Kitchens design, by Fiona Havill, uses clean, contemporary lines to enhance a modern urban home.

"Due to the length and shape of the room, a 20mm thick benchtop was chosen to give a linear look, which is enhanced by the exclusion of handles. All appliances were integrated, and the colours kept light and airy. A freestanding buffet design was chosen in dark horizontal wood grain to add contrast to the otherwise neutral colour palette," she says.

Simply Kitchens' award-winning team designs and installs kitchens throughout New Zealand using a wide range of locally and internationally sourced products.

For more information, contact Simply Kitchens, 3/75 Blenheim Rd, Christchurch, phone (03) 341 1394, fax (03) 341 1395. Email: info@simplykitchens.co.nz, website: www.simplykitchens.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas