Streamlined beauty
Designed by Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances, this award-winning kitchen is the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics
Q. Handleless cabinetry is a feature in this design – tell us about this.
A. To get the look the clients were after and achieve a modern, streamlined look, we opted for Nobilia Pura, a high-gloss white lacquer handleless door. This has been teamed with Rio Oak Provence Reproduction feature units to add interest.
The Rio Oak cupboards on the back of the island are fitted with push-catch mechanisms, rather than handles – to allow for easy-opening, and so that they look like panels.
Above the fridge, we were unable to get the handleless doors in the size needed. Instead the solution was found in the use of the Nobilia Focus door front. Again this was fitted with a push-catch mechanism to enable opening without a handle.
Q. Has this dedication to a streamlined finish impacted on functionality?
A. Despite its elegant and simple lines, the kitchen is incredibly practical. This balance between aesthetics and functionality is integral to the success of this design.
A carousel unit in one corner and a blind corner unit in the other offer accessible corner storage, while drawers for crockery and cutlery are situated on the island, and under the cooktop to house cooking equipment. A pantry unit was added, with drawers at base level to align with the drawers below the oven. The tall units along one wall have been taken to the ceiling to retain the streamlined look.
Hidden away are a fully integrated dishwasher, built-in rangehood and rubbish bin.
Q. The kitchen is framed by a steel beam – what challenges did this raise?
A. The beam is structural, so it had to stay; hence the joinery was designed to work around it, and an acrylic benchtop recommended so that it could be shaped around the beam. Without any visible joins, this was an economical way to have a chunky benchtop and meet the brief.
The beam frames the kitchen and outside views beautifully.
Q. Tell us a bit about the award that this kitchen won?
A. The kitchen won the New Zealand German Kitchen Design of the Year award, which was judged by Sabine Trossehl and Jorg Arndt, from Nobilia in Germany. Of the kitchen, they said: ‘It is like an outdoor one. The surface of the doors is nearly invisible and the integration in the existing room makes it a part of the building. One is forced to look through the window. Nevertheless it is a functional working place. And the wood grain accent builds a bridge from the nice flooring to the kitchen cabinets.’
THE BRIEF: Wanting to achieve a streamlined modern kitchen with a difference, the homeowners worked with Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances to achieve a kitchen that is both practical and beautiful. Handleless cabinetry combined with push-catch mechanisms, hide an abundance of storage, appliances and all that is required for kitchen functionality.
Working around an existing structural steel beam, the harmonious combination of timber accents, open shelving and a light, yet chunky benchtop achieves the desired aesthetic.
0800 PALAZZO (725 2996) | palazzokitchens.co.nz
Photography: Kate Claridge
