Kitchen simplicity—more than meets the eye
Not just a beautiful design statement that always looks immaculate, this Poggenpohl kitchen proved its ability to multitask exceptionally well during lockdown.
The owners, a small family who live in the heart of Auckland city, sought an understated kitchen that would integrate into the rest of the living area and leave a lasting impression.
Poggenpohl designer Lara Farmilo says it had to be a multi-purpose space where they could cook, eat, entertain and do homework together as well.
“But when lockdown happened and schools closed, the open-plan area they created really came into its own as a place where everyone worked together with ease.”
No mess, no fuss: integration and precision are key
As part of the renovation, Lara reoriented the new kitchen at right-angles to the previous one, creating sufficient space for a fully working scullery. This L-shaped room adds versatility with a gas hob and a second integrated dishwasher, so all the hard work can be done behind doors.
Appliances in the outer kitchen are fully integrated, which imparts a sleek, sculptural effect as a backdrop to the living area—all except for the wine, which is visible through the long glass door of the Gaggenau wine conditioner.
Similarly, there is no bulky overhead extractor dominating the cooking area. Odours are whisked away through the low-profile downdraft unit built into the centre of the induction hob.
Full-height, matt-black cabinetry doors are coated in a special, new-generation, high-performance laminate, which shows no fingerprints. This space-age, multi-layer finish, created by nano-technology, is unique in its ability to thermo-repair or self-heal when it is scratched, restoring the surface to its original appearance. Dust and water simply slide off.
A lovely play of finishes and materials contrast and create interest. For example, the island benchtop and full-height splashback are high-gloss Dekton Sogne porcelain, while other benchtop surfaces, including the bench in the scullery, are in a matt finish, bead-blasted stainless steel.
Building in versatility and durability
Slim black drawer handles in both areas are subtle and the fridge door is on a handy push touch system. The black handles and Hans Grohe island sink mixer complement the fronts perfectly.
The porcelain benchtop is raised and floats over the black island breakfast bar where the girls sit to do their school work. For more comfortable use, the undermounted sink has been high set, making pre-rinsing dishes and washing wine glasses less of a chore.
Two LED strip lights above the bench are offset at an angle to mimic what’s happening below with the breakfast bar.
Extra large-format porcelain floor tiles complete the look, incorporating minimal grout lines so they’re easier to maintain.
The new kitchen is a hit with the whole family. They love having casual meals at the breakfast bar, leaving more formal dinners for the adjacent dining table. And since lockdown, one of the daughters has become mad keen on baking. This clever Poggenpohl kitchen is not just good looking but incredibly practical for a young family as well.
Learn more about including an inspirational kitchen in your next project.