Sep 1

Sep 1 From concept  to completion

Expert Advice, Food & Drink, Joinery, Kitchen, Renovation, New Build, Storage

There are many things to consider when planning a new kitchen. Award-winning kitchen designer Larissa Breukelaar from Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery shows us how to go from inspiration to dream kitchen without the overwhelm in between.

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in any home. It’s a busy hub requiring functional features such as storage, surfaces and appliances, as well as design considerations such as layout, materials and connection to dining and living areas for entertaining.

“There are so many things to think of with a kitchen, and it’s a large investment, so it’s important to get things right,” says Larissa Breukelaar, designer at Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery. “A kitchen designer takes the stress out of it all, especially the material selections and project management.”

Larissa recommends taking your kitchen inspiration to a designer to help them understand your style and what is essential for you, allowing plenty of time for the project due to high demand in the industry. “Give your designer and trades at least eight to nine months from when you start the design process. This will give them more time to spend on your project, allowing you time to consider the details to make sure they work for you,” says Larissa.

“My passion is for creating a kitchen that the client loves. When I present a concept and 3D renders with everything clients have talked about, seeing their reaction is definitely a highlight,” says Larissa, who loves attention to detail and creating a cohesive space. “Renovations are great for this because you can come into the home, see the space and surrounding areas,” says Larissa.

This recent cottage kitchen project pictured here was designed by Larissa, and awarded Best Character Kitchen, First Time Entrant Runner Up and the DNKBA Kitchen Design Gold Award this year at the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association awards. This West Melton kitchen was designed for the guest house of a busy young family who invite guests to stay in their Christchurch cottage for skiing and horse-riding holidays.

The client in this project has a background in interior design and wanted to create a luxurious, relaxed and comfortable space with symmetry. “My clients’ choice of flooring and interior details such as the battened and tongue and groove walls brought in a variety of textures. Creating a light kitchen and keeping the colour palette similar throughout meant a relaxed space was achievable,” says Larissa. A continuous waterfall end and splashback, paired with brass handles, creates a luxurious feel in this cottage kitchen, and the neutral Dekton benchtop was chosen for durability.

Larissa says that if you’re wanting to create a light, neutral space like this one – go big on texture and keep everything in one tone. “Bring in texture with a tiled splashback, maybe add in some vertical panelling and organic curved shapes. Select a benchtop with subtle patterning and movement that suits tonally.” Larissa recommends pairing linen soft furnishings with a rich timber floor for a little bit of warmth. “Adding in these textures takes a white kitchen from being quite clinical to a soft relaxing space,” she says.

“I am very fortunate at Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery to have an amazing team from design, all the way to installation,” says Larissa. “3D renders are given for each design, and with a vast array of samples, you can choose the right colours and materials for any project. We quote your project, finalise and get it to a project manager who then takes your project through to completion.”

Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery has two in-house designers who can meet with clients for a free consultation in the Christchurch showroom or on-site to discuss kitchens as well as custom joinery for any space.

03 365 1675 | modernagekitchens.co.nz