Natural beauty
Designer Sarah Van der Kley, of Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances, illustrates how clever kitchen design can enhance your home’s existing elements.
WHAT DEFINES THIS KITCHEN?
The kitchen called for an alpine feel to complement the open-plan living space that opens out onto an outdoor living area with stunning views of Lake Pegasus. Drawing on the home’s immediate natural environment, the striking combination of Nobilia Sanremo Oak and Terra Black is reminiscent of driftwood and smoky schist fireplaces.
HOW HAVE ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS INFLUENCED THE DESIGN?
Our specific choices of materials and their applications were largely governed by the home’s architectural details: we’ve paired blonde timber finish cabinets with the raked wooden ceiling, while the smooth Caesarstone benchtops work in perfect harmony with the glossy tiled floors.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
Keeping the kitchen area free of clutter was a must for the clients, so many of the appliances were relegated to the walk-in butler’s pantry. Through careful planning and design of the pantry, we managed to create ample bench space and storage areas, while still allowing enough room to accommodate the fridge, second dishwasher, wine chiller and microwave.
WHAT CLEVER DETAILS GIVE THIS KITCHEN THE X FACTOR?
Due to the scale of the room and height of the ceiling, the kitchen demanded a similar sense of spaciousness. Using highly reflective materials‚ such as thin stone for the benchtops, toekicks and wall hung units – with space above and below – we created the desired ‘floating’ effect.
HOMEOWNER Q&A - Mary Connelly & Tony Andersen
WHAT WAS YOUR DESIGN BRIEF?
Our priorities included having ample storage for all our bulky appliances, lots of bench space, joinery with a wooden finish, and high spec drawers and cupboards that not only looked good, but functioned well.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT?
We particularly love the fit out of the butler s pantry. The blonde timber joinery is beautifully offset by a handsome black glass splashback, which is illuminated by LED lighting; while a bar style wine rack has been incorporated into the wall hung cabinetry just above the integrated wine fridge.
WHY DID YOU ENGAGE PALAZZO?
Sarah had designed a standout kitchen in our previous award winning home, so there was no question as to who to employ this time around.
DESCRIBE YOUR PALAZZO EXPERIENCE.
Like last time, we received impeccable design and service, and Sarah was always available to answer our questions. She listened carefully to our ideas and wishes, and delivered an excellent result. Our visitors always comment on what a lovely kitchen we have.
03 366 6948 | palazzokitchens.co.nz
