Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 32 No 6 New Zealand | Page 82

Interior design and kitchen design:
Chad James, Chad James Group
Builder: Harold O Schulz
Cabinetry: Painted birch in White Dove
by Benjamin Moore and blue-flamed
steel, and painted steel – customdesigned by Chad James Group
Countertops and splashback:
Calacatta Gold
Kitchen sink: Blanco
Taps: California Faucets
Oven, microwave: Wolf
Refrigeration: Sub-Zero
Flooring: Expresso Stained Walnut
from American Flooring
Dining furniture: Banquette and
chair by Hickory Chair; tables from
Restoration Hardware
Wall mirror: Hand-blown glass with
traditional mercury backing
Story by Charles Moxham
Photography by Alyssa Rosenheck

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Above: H is for – the end supports
on the kitchen island are in blued
steel and represent the initial of the
owners’ last name. The lustrous
steelwork also subtly calls to mind
the construction beams that are such
a signature element of Chicago. Rich,
coffee-stained walnut floors help to
ground the entire cityscape design
and this is repeated as trim on the
bottom of the kitchen island.

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in total – that crisscross the Chicago River.
Rising above this shelf, a hand-made mirror
– created using the traditional mercury-backed
method – throws an elegant, rippled reflection.
Virtually a piece of art in its own right, this adds
to the modest-sized apartment’s sense of space.
However, while the design has a refined feel,
James balanced this with a few rustic touches.
“Some of the cabinet fronts have a hand-built
quality. These were created with glued-together
timber battens which are sanded back – evoking
the sense of craftsmanship at a glance.”
As is typical in big city apartments, space

was at a premium. In response, the kitchen has an
interwoven connection with the living areas.
For example, the steel shelf on the kitchen’s rear
wall carries objects and photographs that would
more typically be seen in a living space.
“In addition, I wanted a comfortable, cosy,
and convenient setting for the family to gather
in and take in the city views while meals are
being prepared – hence the relaxed living space
furniture to the side below the window.”
James also added two sconces in front of the
mirror in the kitchen to bring a level of ambient
light that wouldn’t overwhelm the wider space.