Heart of the home
Designer Ryan Twomey, of Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances, shares an insight into his creative process.
WHAT INFLUENCES DETERMINED THE DESIGN? Due to its position within an open-plan living area that opens out onto a large covered deck, the kitchen automatically becomes the focal point of the home and calls for multifunctional use. To accommodate the couple’s love of entertaining, we incorporated casual seating at one end of the island with a large serving area at the other where guests can congregate.
WHAT DEFINES THIS KITCHEN? The mix of concrete textured finishes and crisp white surfaces, combined with both dark and light oak finishes, creates a harmonious aesthetic, while the mirrored splashback harnesses the natural light, which floods in through the large sliding doors opposite.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECTS? The contemporary, clean lines achieved with negative detailing on cupboards and drawers, the multifaceted functionality of the kitchen island, and the large drum shade above it that is a modern, yet timeless finishing touch.
DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN APPROACH. By listening carefully to the clients’ practical needs and style ideas from the outset, and keeping the lines of communication open throughout, I am able to find the best solutions that suit the way they live.
Melissa and Josh were great to work with, and, with their implicit trust, not only in my abilities, but in the whole design process, the experience was thoroughly enjoyable and resulted in a stunning kitchen that is both stylish and functional.
A Q&A with homeowners, Melissa and Josh Lindsay
What was your design brief? We wanted a family-friendly contemporary kitchen with loads of storage that would form the central entertaining hub of the home. We loved the aesthetic beauty of concrete, but also wanted warmth; and favoured clean lines, so handles were a definite no-no.
Why did you engage Palazzo? The diversity of designs and styles on offer in the showroom encompassed just the look we were after.
What is your favourite aspect? The negative detailing that delivers the clean lines we were after, and the island. We love the contrast between thick and thin benchtops on our breakfast bar and get so many compliments on the design.
Describe your Palazzo experience. From the initial consultation right through to final installation, Palazzo were so easy to deal with. Our designer, Ryan Twomey, kept us informed through the entire process. By taking the time to understand our requirements from the outset, he minimised any stress – and the result is a fantastic kitchen that we absolutely love.
03 366 6948 | palazzokitchens.co.nz
Photography: Kate Claridge
