Touch of warmth

Pairing rich tones and textures withsleek contemporary cabinetry can result in a modern, functional space that captures the cosy feel of a farmhouse kitchen.

Kitchen designer Marianne Gailer has taken this approach with the redesign of this kitchen. The 20-year-old kitchen was dark dominated by kauri and the same deep-blue patterned wallpaper on the living room walls and badly in need of a makeover, says Gailer.

"The owner still wanted kauri and blue in her new kitchen, but didn't want such a dark look," she says. "So I chose a shade of blue for the walls that complemented the blue-grey granite benchtops and a chocolate-brown carpet in the living area. I lightened the space with creamy-white cabinetry, which has a warmer feel than pure white. The result is a fresh, modern look, but I've kept it simple and ensured that the kitchen works with the rest of the home."

Gailer has a mobile showroom equipped with a large selection of kitchen cabinetry, accessories and finishes.

"This allows homeowners to see how the design might work in their own homes," she says. "For this project, the homeowner found it helpful to check the different options in her kitchen, and to discuss her choices with her husband."

The mobile showroom also allows Gailer to see how her design will complement the decor, colour scheme and natural lighting in the rest of the home.

For details, contact Mobile Kitchen Design Company, phone 0800 My Kitchen (695 482). Website: www.mykitchen.co.nz. Email: marianne@mykitchen.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas