Trends New Zealand Volume 34 No 3 | Page 78

Above: While the island’s marble waterfall benchtop doesn’t dominate when the kitchen is viewed from the dining area, it has a dramatic impact as the first thing you notice when you enter this area from the adjacent hallway. White oiled oak flooring completes the emphasis on natural materials. Facing page: Large sliding doors connect the open- plan family-cum-entertainer’s space with the tree and water views. search | save | share at kitchen, while other wood elements in the interior and the pohutukawa trees connect with the oak-fronted cabinetry. “A feature of the kitchen is the slender marble benchtops on the island and side cabinetry. The richly veined stone links with the oak cabinetry and prominent use of wood and brass throughout the home.” To further assimilate the kitchen, Lloyd minimised visible hardware, with push catch and recessed handles used on much of the cabinetry. Some appliances are also integrated, such as the large double fridge set behind closed doors to the right of the wall ovens. On the other side of the kitchen, back from the prep counter, a timber bulkhead matching the cabinetry leads through to a walk-in scullery. This helps to keep the on show kitchen clutter-free in visual terms. As a social hub, the kitchen also had to be easy to use by more than one family member at a time. To this end, there are sev- eral work surfaces, while appliances such as the fridge and wine fridge are easy to reach without entering the kitchen proper.