True to character new kitchen in older home

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New kitchen by Leanne Larking of Quattro Uno

Positioning the island in this new kitchen at ceiling, countertop, daylighting, dining room, floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, window, wood flooring, gray — Positioning the island in this new kitchen at right angles to the French doors ensures it doesnt block the natural light. Three Flos pendant lights were chosen for their soft, opaque quality, which complements the island benchtop. The bank of cabinets on the side conceal pantries and an integrated refrigerator and separate freezer.

Sharp contemporary elements sit alongside traditionally styled cabinetry countertop, cuisine classique, flooring, interior design, kitchen, gray

This renovated kitchen has two sinks, making it cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, laminate flooring, real estate, room, wood flooring, gray

Contemporary stainless steel accents in this new kitchen cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, white

This renovated kitchen has two sinks, making it cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, gray

Designing a new kitchen for a century-old house is all about respect respect for both the architectural character of the property and the owners' lifestyle.

The existing kitchen in this 100-year-old Hawke's Bay homestead neither respected the era of the house nor the lifestyle of the owners, says designer Leanne Larking of Quattro Uno.

"As well as being closed off from the rest of the house, the kitchen was dated and dark there was very little natural light. The owners wanted a light, bright, spacious kitchen with a direct connection to the garden. They also wanted a contemporary kitchen that would still retain some traditional elements."

Part of a large renovation of the whole house, the kitchen was enlarged by the removal of an internal wall. This created enough space for a long island set at right angles to new French doors to the garden.

"Positioning the island this way ensures sufficient light filters through to the floor and benchtops," says Larking. "It also improves the circulation through the kitchen to the outdoors."

The designer says painted cabinetry with inset panels fits with the era of the house.

"The overall design is quite contemporary, thanks to the symmetry of the cabinets, the depth of the benchtops and all the stainless steel accents."

Larking specified stainless steel for the perimeter benchtop, where it forms a practical surface either side of a new Ilve oven. There is also a stainless steel Katalog rail with hooks and shelving for kitchen accessories, and a stainless steel band along the bottom of the overhead cabinets.

"This strong band of stainless steel was designed to lengthen the space visually, while allowing the top cupboards to continue at the same height. It also ensures the ventilation and lighting are at a practical height. We wanted this to look like a working kitchen the stainless steel accentuates this."

The cabinetry on the side wall conceals an integrated refrigerator and freezer. Pocket doors open to a pantry with a benchtop for small appliances, and there is an additional pantry on the far right. The dishwasher is within the island.