Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 2 New Zealand | Page 54

Fresh face This spacious, airy kitchen is full of New England cottage-style charm, with functionality built into every nook and corner Above: A new bar and hutch were added to the dining room as part of this major kitchen renovation by designer Susan Templer. The two cabinets finish short of the ceiling and walls, and were designed with crown cornices to give them the look of furniture. The pale blue colour complements the white New England cottage-style kitchen behind. Italian pendant lights chosen by the owners add a contemporary touch to the old-world design. 50 It’s a common problem for kitchen designers – what’s the best way to improve presence and functionality when limited by the size of the space? This project by designer Susan Templer resolved just such an issue in several ways. The new kitchen was created in a classic New England cottage style, ideally suited to the 1930s villa. A subway tile splashback, panelled cabinet search | save | share at trendsideas.com doors, butler’s sinks and a custom hood designed by Templer all add to the look, requested by the owners – one of whom is American. The couple also wanted the design to offer plenty of storage and display space. “However, the kitchen had to sit within the same footprint as the existing design, which was itself a refit,” the designer says. “To gain a little more space, we repurposed the laundry as a walk-in scullery. This light, spacious room continues the look of the main kitchen, except the cabinets here have simple flat doors.” Templer also added corner cabinets in the kitchen proper and maximised internal space within all the new cabinetry. “To conform to a classic look, some cupboards and drawers have double doors