My clients, a young couple in their late twenties with a passion for art, recently moved into a flat with a quirky U-shaped kitchen. The existing oak-coloured door fronts and green walls were features they loved and wanted to preserve in the renovation.
As part of an open-plan dining and living area, the kitchen needed to feel seamless, sophisticated, and inviting. They chose dark green tiles for the splashback, making colour matching a key design focus. Their wish list included fully integrated appliances, a sleek aesthetic, and a balance of warmth and contemporary style, with oak playing a central role.
To enhance flow and functionality, they planned to remove the small side walls and replace the breakfast bar with a walk-around island, creating a more open and social space.
Throughout the design process, we were mindful of the budget, as this project was part of a larger renovation. Careful material selections and thoughtful design choices ensured we achieved their desired aesthetic while maintaining cost efficiency.
My clients, a young couple in their late twenties with a passion for art, recently moved into a flat with a quirky U-shaped kitchen. The existing oak-coloured door fronts and green walls were features they loved and wanted to preserve in the renovation.
As part of an open-plan dining and living area, the kitchen needed to feel seamless, sophisticated, and inviting. They chose dark green tiles for the splashback, making colour matching a key design focus. Their wish list included fully integrated appliances, a sleek aesthetic, and a balance of warmth and contemporary style, with oak playing a central role.
To enhance flow and functionality, they planned to remove the small side walls and replace the breakfast bar with a walk-around island, creating a more open and social space.
Throughout the design process, we were mindful of the budget, as this project was part of a larger renovation. Careful material selections and thoughtful design choices ensured we achieved their desired aesthetic while maintaining cost efficiency.
Related Articles
Botanica Kitchen
The original kitchen felt dated and enclosed. The curved island and overhead bulkhead contributed to a sense of heaviness in the space, and the bulky fridge obstructed the main walkway.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Kitchen Things
Kitchen Things is a 100% locally owned and operated family business that pioneered European cooking in 1986. We specialise in high quality, premium European cooking appliances and our cooking range is complemented with dishwashing, refrigeration, laundry, sinks, taps and small appliances.
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Founded in 1985, we are the largest group of independently owned and operated kitchen businesses in New Zealand, operating under a national banner. Our licensees have been carefully selected and are experts in their craft. We share an absolute passion for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, well designed kitchens and other household cabinetry provided with personalised, friendly local service. Think national - be local.
Kitchen Studio
At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Kitchen Things
Kitchen Things is a 100% locally owned and operated family business that pioneered European cooking in 1986. We specialise in high quality, premium European cooking appliances and our cooking range is complemented with dishwashing, refrigeration, laundry, sinks, taps and small appliances.