Designed by: Melanie Sa'u, Melanie Sa'u Design Studio
Photography by: Studio Weir
Design brief
The homeowners – busy professional business owners with two adult children, one living at home – were tired of their dated interior and embarked on an overhaul of their family home, nestled in a quaint beachside suburb with stunning coastal views.
Being busy with their local business, and spending down time out and about in their quaint beachside suburb, the renovation needed to both reflect their busy lifestyle and take aesthetic inspiration from the coastal surroundings.
The owners’ brief to the designer was minimal – the couple choosing to trust in their designer’s expertise.
Key requests:
- Minimal colour palette with little timber, reflect the surroundings of the home – must be light & bright
- More storage, including dedicated appliance storage
- Modern integrated appliances including larger & separate fridge & freezer, beverage fridge and induction cooktop
- Maximise the view from main working centres
- Incorporate hardwearing, contemporary finishes
- No requirement for dining area, mainly dine outside or on kitchen island
Kitchen design statement
Being the owners’ forever home, they wanted to transform the space into something they could enjoy and entertain in for years to come.
Our design harmoniously blends contemporary coastal aesthetics with functionality, inspired by the serene beachside surroundings.
We crafted a versatile, light-filled sanctuary, complete with a serene white and bright colour palette, evoking tranquillity and openness.
Warm white cabinetry in White Pointer provided a basis to work from.
With such a minimal palette, texture in the form of custom milled wave panelling was incorporated to add interest to the space.
The star of the show
The star of the show is the beautiful Dekton Trance.
Offering a limited colour palette, Trance reflected the essence of beachside serenity with its striking blue and bronze veining.
Paired with Taupe timber flooring & aged brass pendant, the tones were curated to create an element of warmth within an otherwise white and stark space.
To optimise functionality and efficiency, we incorporated a hidden appliance pantry space that seamlessly integrates into the design, offering ample storage for the busy homeowners while maintaining a clutter-free open living space.
Additionally, we’ve catered to their specific needs with accommodations for larger storage spaces & appliances.
These included a double door internal drawer pantry, integrated fridge and separate integrated freezer, and beverage fridge – ensuring that the kitchen remains both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Central to our design concept is the integration of the kitchen island as the heart of the space, strategically positioned to maximise both ocean views and connectivity to the wider living space.
By housing both the flush-mounted cooktop and sink station within the island, we’ve created a dynamic focal point that encourages interaction and effortless flow between cooking and socialising.
In essence, our kitchen design for this home reflects a modern interpretation of coastal living, providing a sanctuary for the homeowners to enjoy and entertain in for years to come.
Search similar articles
Credit List
Kitchen designerMelanie Sa'u, Melanie Sa'u Design Studio | CabinetryPrime Melamine, Resene White Pointer; custom wave MDF, lacquered Resene White Pointer |
Cabinetry hardwareHettich Avantech You Drawers; Hettich Sensys Hinges; Hafele Bifold Concepta Pocket Door | Benchtops/splashbackCosentino Dekton Trance |
FlooringVienna Woods | LightingPowersurge |
Kitchen sinkFranke Box Centre | TapsPlumbline Tube |
OvenFisher & Paykel | Cooktop, dishwasherMiele, from Kitchen Things |
RefrigerationLiebherr, from Kitchen Things | Wine fridgeBaumatic, from Kitchen Things |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended |
Design brief
The homeowners – busy professional business owners with two adult children, one living at home – were tired of their dated interior and embarked on an overhaul of their family home, nestled in a quaint beachside suburb with stunning coastal views.
Being busy with their local business, and spending down time out and about in their quaint beachside suburb, the renovation needed to both reflect their busy lifestyle and take aesthetic inspiration from the coastal surroundings.
The owners’ brief to the designer was minimal – the couple choosing to trust in their designer’s expertise.
Key requests:
- Minimal colour palette with little timber, reflect the surroundings of the home – must be light & bright
- More storage, including dedicated appliance storage
- Modern integrated appliances including larger & separate fridge & freezer, beverage fridge and induction cooktop
- Maximise the view from main working centres
- Incorporate hardwearing, contemporary finishes
- No requirement for dining area, mainly dine outside or on kitchen island
Kitchen design statement
Being the owners’ forever home, they wanted to transform the space into something they could enjoy and entertain in for years to come.
Our design harmoniously blends contemporary coastal aesthetics with functionality, inspired by the serene beachside surroundings.
We crafted a versatile, light-filled sanctuary, complete with a serene white and bright colour palette, evoking tranquillity and openness.
Warm white cabinetry in White Pointer provided a basis to work from.
With such a minimal palette, texture in the form of custom milled wave panelling was incorporated to add interest to the space.
The star of the show
The star of the show is the beautiful Dekton Trance.
Offering a limited colour palette, Trance reflected the essence of beachside serenity with its striking blue and bronze veining.
Paired with Taupe timber flooring & aged brass pendant, the tones were curated to create an element of warmth within an otherwise white and stark space.
To optimise functionality and efficiency, we incorporated a hidden appliance pantry space that seamlessly integrates into the design, offering ample storage for the busy homeowners while maintaining a clutter-free open living space.
Additionally, we’ve catered to their specific needs with accommodations for larger storage spaces & appliances.
These included a double door internal drawer pantry, integrated fridge and separate integrated freezer, and beverage fridge – ensuring that the kitchen remains both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Central to our design concept is the integration of the kitchen island as the heart of the space, strategically positioned to maximise both ocean views and connectivity to the wider living space.
By housing both the flush-mounted cooktop and sink station within the island, we’ve created a dynamic focal point that encourages interaction and effortless flow between cooking and socialising.
In essence, our kitchen design for this home reflects a modern interpretation of coastal living, providing a sanctuary for the homeowners to enjoy and entertain in for years to come.
Search similar articles
Credit List
Kitchen designerMelanie Sa'u, Melanie Sa'u Design Studio | CabinetryPrime Melamine, Resene White Pointer; custom wave MDF, lacquered Resene White Pointer |
Cabinetry hardwareHettich Avantech You Drawers; Hettich Sensys Hinges; Hafele Bifold Concepta Pocket Door | Benchtops/splashbackCosentino Dekton Trance |
FlooringVienna Woods | LightingPowersurge |
Kitchen sinkFranke Box Centre | TapsPlumbline Tube |
OvenFisher & Paykel | Cooktop, dishwasherMiele, from Kitchen Things |
RefrigerationLiebherr, from Kitchen Things | Wine fridgeBaumatic, from Kitchen Things |
AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended |
Related Articles
Eye-catching contemporary kitchen design by Mastercraft Kitchens
Sleek white lacquered cabinets teamed with Inifinity solid surface benchtops in this contemporary kitchen with scullery in family home
Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
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.
Box™.
Box isn’t like other New Zealand architecture firms; we’re a building design company responsible for every part of the process, from design to construction. If you’re looking for a team of designers or builders in Auckland, we can help.
The best architects know what it means to design both beautifully and practically, ensuring the best builders can, in turn, build more efficiently and collaboratively with you and the designer or architect.
Our consistent and attentive involvement of each team throughout the entire design-build process includes our in-house cost estimation team, who value-engineer projects to ensure the highest quality and value, while respecting your vision as our client.