Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 2 New Zealand | Page 70

Above: The reflective cabinetry
surfaces and full-height glass
splashback optimise a light, airy
aesthetic in the reinvented kitchen.
Together with the surrounding living
spaces, it now provides panoramic
views to the botanic gardens and
river below. Although the apartment
is on the 15th floor, shutters were
introduced on one side to provide
privacy from adjacent high-rises.

66

At the same time, both colours work with the
wood floors and metal appliances. The painted
surfaces also offer a play of contrasting finishes;
one being a lustrous metallic, the other matt.
A slender aluminium detail line runs across
the top of the splashback and through the side
wall of cabinetry above the refrigerator, offering
another linear linking element.
These clean, crisp architectural details are
echoed in the brushed stainless steel toekick.
“In terms of functionality, the galley-style
layout allows the island to be used as a buffet
for the nearby living spaces,” says Duffin. “ The

search | save | share at trendsideas.com

long island has a conveniently located wine
cabinet at one end, and the raised front cabinet
is home to plates and glassware.
“One of the owners has restricted movement, so we were asked to set the oversized
oven high on the side wall, with an integrated
microwave directly above. Everything is in easy
reach. In addition, all the cabinetry latches are
touch-to-open or electronic, again for ease of
use by the owner. The handleless look perfectly
suits the contemporary aesthetic.”
A new dropped ceiling was an integral part
of the project. Custom designed by Duffin, this