Designed by: Morgan Cronin, Cronin Kitchens
Photography by: Kallan MacLeod
Design brief
The owners had demolished their existing family home, allowing them to design and build the home of their dreams.
The couple, an absolute perfectionist builder and his luxury fashion curator wife, worked tirelessly to ensure every detail of their home was closely considered.
I was engaged early on – the architect had already developed the house plan but the owners wanted me to ensure the space allocated for the kitchen was suitable to fit everything they envisioned.
They required two kitchens within one space, one being the home’s luxurious centrepiece, the other being more practical, suitable for cooking Asian style.
They wanted the centrepiece kitchen to be minimal in its aesthetic with warm tones, dramatic benchtops and seating for five while the concealed kitchen required a gas wok hob combined with a high quality extractor and space for a coffee machine.
Both kitchens required sinks, hobs, extractors, dishwashers and rubbish bins.
Main challenge – addressing the two kitchens within one space
The main challenge was designing the two kitchens within one space while allowed practical sharing of major appliances between them.
How we approached this
The island has been positioned to function within the various living zones.
Entry to the living room is at the formal end of the island, where it appears as a solid, minimal block, while the other more relaxed end is where the seating is situated – this is the family lounge, beyond which the room flows out to the pool and garden.
Adjustments were made to the walls to allow the fridge to be located in immediate proximity to both kitchens as well as to the seating end of the island, which is the busy end of the room and outdoor area.
In addition, the door to the second, working kitchen was replaced with a secret cabinet style door.
This design move expanded the visual width of the luxury entertainers kitchen and also gained 220mm of width by removing the walls required either side.
Achieving a minimal look for the entertainers kitchen
Several factors contributed to the parred back aesthetic.
“No handles were required – the dishwasher is Knock-to-Open while doors and drawers are opened using Blum Servo-Drive or Blum Tip-On,” says Morgan Cronin.
No handles were required – the dishwasher is Knock-to-Open while doors and drawers are opened using Blum Servo-Drive or Blum Tip-On.
Plus the cabinetry kickboard heights are a minimalist 50mm – this was the minimum height that the fridge requiresd for venting.
And there are no exposed end panels – the doors on the four corners of the island are mitred so no edges are seen.
In a similar way, the edges of the doors and the oven that surround the hob bench are all concealed by the four sided ceramic box.
Achieving a sense of luxury for the entertainers kitchen
The sense of luxury achieved for the entertainers/on-show kitchen was achieved in a few ways.
Dark stained, wire brushed oak was specified for all cabinetry while a large, chunky 87mm thick dark ceramic island benchtop has been combined with gold tapware.
Height also played a part – the flush-fitting cabinetry is built up to a generous 2700mm.
Setting up the behind-the-scenes kitchen for Asian style cooking
Elements included a gas hob with wok burner along with a built-in extractor with 1600m³/hr external motor.
All storage is behind doors so any cooking residue does not settle on contents.
Lastly, we maximised the practical kitchen’s available bench space with seamless Corian surfaces/splashbacks for easy cleaning.
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
Credit List
DesignerMorgan Cronin, Cronin Kitchens | Cabinetry – working kitchenDoors/panels: 18mm thick MREO board, from Mulford Plastics; all painted with a Satin Finish Polyurethane to match Resene Black/White; handles – recessed aluminium handle rails Ex Ullrich, etch primed and painted to match the doors/panels; kicks – solid pine; painted to match the doors/panels; carcasses – black melamine on MREO board, from Mulford Plastics |
Cabinetry – main kitchenDoors/panels/wall cladding: Planked Oak, wire brushed veneer on MREO board, 19mm thick from Prime Panels. All Oak Stained and coated with a clear matte finish polyurethane by Wallace Furniture Finishers; kicks – solid oak; carcasses – black melamine on MREO board, from Mulford Plastics | Cabinetry hardwareBlum Carbon Black Legra Box drawers opening on Servo-Drive electric openers with Walnut cutlery trays and utensil dividers, Knife block and bottle tray set; Blum black hinges with Tip-On. Secret door fitted with black piano hinge and concealed magnets. Hafele- Ninka One2Four anthracite bin frame with 2 x 26L and 2 x 8L anthracite bins; opening on Blum Uno single Servo Drive opener; Kessebohmer Chrome vegetable basket drawer |
Benchtops/splashbacksMain kitchen – Storm Nero I Stone, fabricated by Architectural Stone; working kitchen – Corian Glacier White by Designer Bench Tops. | Kitchen sinkMain kitchen – Acero DG175-Black Genoa 400 x 720mm; working kitchen – Acero DG140-White 400 x 540mm |
TapsMain kitchen – Vola KV1 Kitchen mixer, Gold, from Metrix; working kitchen – Buddy Kitchen Mixer Straight Spout With Pull Out Spray CB044 | OvensMiele, black; Miele, black, combi/steam |
CooktopMain kitchen – Miele 80cm full-surface Induction, frameless; working kitchen – Wolf 762mm Transitional 4-Burner Gas | VentilationMain kitchen – Schweigen built-in powerpack, black glass, LED – 1600m3/hr external motor; working kitchen – Schweigen built-in powerpack, white glass, LED - 1600m3/hr external motor |
RefrigerationMain kitchen: Sub Zero 762mm Integrated Full Fridge Column, Water Dispenser; working kitchen – Liebherr 600mm Integrated full height freezer, automatic ice-maker | DishwasherMain kitchen: Miele 850-910mm Fully-Integrated Dishwasher, Knock2Open, AutoDos; working kitchen – Miele 850-910mm Fully-Integrated Dishwasher, Knock2Open, AutoDos |
Water dispenserMain kitchen – Insinkerator + Matte Black sink flange, plug and air-switch; working kitchen – Insinkerator + White sink flange, plug and air-switch | LightingBrightlight LED, Warm white COB fitted within Lowline 01 matte black channel |
FlooringFloor tile, from Global Tiles | AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended |
Design brief
The owners had demolished their existing family home, allowing them to design and build the home of their dreams.
The couple, an absolute perfectionist builder and his luxury fashion curator wife, worked tirelessly to ensure every detail of their home was closely considered.
I was engaged early on – the architect had already developed the house plan but the owners wanted me to ensure the space allocated for the kitchen was suitable to fit everything they envisioned.
They required two kitchens within one space, one being the home’s luxurious centrepiece, the other being more practical, suitable for cooking Asian style.
They wanted the centrepiece kitchen to be minimal in its aesthetic with warm tones, dramatic benchtops and seating for five while the concealed kitchen required a gas wok hob combined with a high quality extractor and space for a coffee machine.
Both kitchens required sinks, hobs, extractors, dishwashers and rubbish bins.
Main challenge – addressing the two kitchens within one space
The main challenge was designing the two kitchens within one space while allowed practical sharing of major appliances between them.
How we approached this
The island has been positioned to function within the various living zones.
Entry to the living room is at the formal end of the island, where it appears as a solid, minimal block, while the other more relaxed end is where the seating is situated – this is the family lounge, beyond which the room flows out to the pool and garden.
Adjustments were made to the walls to allow the fridge to be located in immediate proximity to both kitchens as well as to the seating end of the island, which is the busy end of the room and outdoor area.
In addition, the door to the second, working kitchen was replaced with a secret cabinet style door.
This design move expanded the visual width of the luxury entertainers kitchen and also gained 220mm of width by removing the walls required either side.
Achieving a minimal look for the entertainers kitchen
Several factors contributed to the parred back aesthetic.
“No handles were required – the dishwasher is Knock-to-Open while doors and drawers are opened using Blum Servo-Drive or Blum Tip-On,” says Morgan Cronin.
No handles were required – the dishwasher is Knock-to-Open while doors and drawers are opened using Blum Servo-Drive or Blum Tip-On.
Plus the cabinetry kickboard heights are a minimalist 50mm – this was the minimum height that the fridge requiresd for venting.
And there are no exposed end panels – the doors on the four corners of the island are mitred so no edges are seen.
In a similar way, the edges of the doors and the oven that surround the hob bench are all concealed by the four sided ceramic box.
Achieving a sense of luxury for the entertainers kitchen
The sense of luxury achieved for the entertainers/on-show kitchen was achieved in a few ways.
Dark stained, wire brushed oak was specified for all cabinetry while a large, chunky 87mm thick dark ceramic island benchtop has been combined with gold tapware.
Height also played a part – the flush-fitting cabinetry is built up to a generous 2700mm.
Setting up the behind-the-scenes kitchen for Asian style cooking
Elements included a gas hob with wok burner along with a built-in extractor with 1600m³/hr external motor.
All storage is behind doors so any cooking residue does not settle on contents.
Lastly, we maximised the practical kitchen’s available bench space with seamless Corian surfaces/splashbacks for easy cleaning.
Find more design ideas and inspiration at trendsideas.com
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Credit List
DesignerMorgan Cronin, Cronin Kitchens | Cabinetry – working kitchenDoors/panels: 18mm thick MREO board, from Mulford Plastics; all painted with a Satin Finish Polyurethane to match Resene Black/White; handles – recessed aluminium handle rails Ex Ullrich, etch primed and painted to match the doors/panels; kicks – solid pine; painted to match the doors/panels; carcasses – black melamine on MREO board, from Mulford Plastics |
Cabinetry – main kitchenDoors/panels/wall cladding: Planked Oak, wire brushed veneer on MREO board, 19mm thick from Prime Panels. All Oak Stained and coated with a clear matte finish polyurethane by Wallace Furniture Finishers; kicks – solid oak; carcasses – black melamine on MREO board, from Mulford Plastics | Cabinetry hardwareBlum Carbon Black Legra Box drawers opening on Servo-Drive electric openers with Walnut cutlery trays and utensil dividers, Knife block and bottle tray set; Blum black hinges with Tip-On. Secret door fitted with black piano hinge and concealed magnets. Hafele- Ninka One2Four anthracite bin frame with 2 x 26L and 2 x 8L anthracite bins; opening on Blum Uno single Servo Drive opener; Kessebohmer Chrome vegetable basket drawer |
Benchtops/splashbacksMain kitchen – Storm Nero I Stone, fabricated by Architectural Stone; working kitchen – Corian Glacier White by Designer Bench Tops. | Kitchen sinkMain kitchen – Acero DG175-Black Genoa 400 x 720mm; working kitchen – Acero DG140-White 400 x 540mm |
TapsMain kitchen – Vola KV1 Kitchen mixer, Gold, from Metrix; working kitchen – Buddy Kitchen Mixer Straight Spout With Pull Out Spray CB044 | OvensMiele, black; Miele, black, combi/steam |
CooktopMain kitchen – Miele 80cm full-surface Induction, frameless; working kitchen – Wolf 762mm Transitional 4-Burner Gas | VentilationMain kitchen – Schweigen built-in powerpack, black glass, LED – 1600m3/hr external motor; working kitchen – Schweigen built-in powerpack, white glass, LED - 1600m3/hr external motor |
RefrigerationMain kitchen: Sub Zero 762mm Integrated Full Fridge Column, Water Dispenser; working kitchen – Liebherr 600mm Integrated full height freezer, automatic ice-maker | DishwasherMain kitchen: Miele 850-910mm Fully-Integrated Dishwasher, Knock2Open, AutoDos; working kitchen – Miele 850-910mm Fully-Integrated Dishwasher, Knock2Open, AutoDos |
Water dispenserMain kitchen – Insinkerator + Matte Black sink flange, plug and air-switch; working kitchen – Insinkerator + White sink flange, plug and air-switch | LightingBrightlight LED, Warm white COB fitted within Lowline 01 matte black channel |
FlooringFloor tile, from Global Tiles | AwardsTrends International Design Awards (TIDA) Kitchens – Highly Commended |
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