Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 5 New Zealand | Page 12

From behind
closed doors
Tall cabinetry in this sculptural kitchen conceals
appliances, a pantry, and a laundry entrance
A new kitchen in a modern extension to
a heritage home often has to respond to
two aesthetics – furthering the clean-lined
appeal of the addition while linking with
the residence’s classic origins. Here, a wellchosen tile helped bridge the generations.
The minimalist kitchen forms part of a
clean-lined addition to an historic cottage.
Lead designer Darren Genner and the
team at Minosa undertook the kitchen
together with the house renovation, and
had already used an unusual Italian 3m x
1.2mm, lace-patterned tile to add a touch

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of modernity to existing bathrooms at the
front of the cottage. The tile comes in eight
harmonising patterns. And Genner was
also able to use the same tile as a backdrop
for the kitchen – to converse effect. Here,
its delicate pattern offered a classic accent
in the context of the modern spaces.
Besides playing to the old and the new,
the kitchen had to achieve impact, be well
organised, have a long island and include
a discreet entry to the laundry behind.
Genner says other owner requirements
were the use of high-quality materials and

fittings, working with immovable plumbing, and incorporating a breakfast area.
“To address the organisation of the
galley kitchen and provide a hidden entry
to the laundry, the tall pantry, refrigerator
and oven towers were positioned next to
the laundry access,” says Genner. “All
these elements – the cabinetry, the laundry
wall and laundry door – were finished in
the same veneer, concealing not only the
laundry but also the pantry and fridge.”
The remaining wall space was utilised
for the cooktop and prep bench. Ample