Artistic Vibe

By Kitchen Architecture

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Project by
Kitchen Architecture
Year of completion
2023
Project cost
$0 - $0.25m
Building style
Contemporary

Kitchen Architecture based in Auckland, New Zealand was engaged to design, specify and install a statement kitchen for this cliff-edge renovated 1950’s home.

With rooms full of colourful sculptures, luxurious artworks and a love for designers like Versace and Louis Vuitton, the homeowners wanted an artistic design that was quirky and ‘out there’ to inspire their everyday cooking and entertaining.

This kitchen delivers a bold and rich yet sophisticated aesthetic with confident blocks of interwoven playful quartzites designed to delight. Through a strong functional layout, elements of surprise and impeccable detailing the design celebrates its own luxurious and unique personality.

Awards and
recognition

2023
SBID
KBB Design - International Finalist
Kitchen Architecture
Auckland
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The design evolved around the discovery of a spectacular statement quartzite stone, an art piece in its own right. It features brushstrokes of jade green veining and shimmering golden highlights on a chalky crystalline bed.
This Viridian stone is formed into a bold island block then bravely encapsulated with yet another equally artistic dark stone frame to create a breakfast bar. Its textural pattern echoes Heather Straka Maori portraits adjacent while its monochromatic expression allows the jade Viridian stone centre stage. Together the two ancient materials interlock to create a distinctive sculpture of richness and colour.
The same stormy charcoal stone is used on the sink bench and walls for a moody textural backdrop to everchanging harbour views. A metal-infused black lacquer is specified for the kitchen’s joinery while black and brass tapware and soft oyster floor tiles complete the rich palette. The double sinks, fridge, three ovens including a sous vide, and pantry storage are perfectly arranged within the hob-centred zone to allow the home chef efficient flow and access.
The layout is practical and centers around the hob shifting to the island. This facilitates the cook’s visual engagement with guests yet is defined by a measured separation through changing levels.
Beyond the integrated fridge, continues a freezer, wine chiller and hidden wine bar each embellished with black snake-skinned handles with polished brass-tip detailing; a nod to gold-leafed furniture collections. Amongst this tall charcoal block, the displayed backlit wine collection is a welcome golden glowing interruption.
Opening the wine bar door reveals a treasure box of magic. A splash of “Jalapeno” nail-polish red is rendered in a glamorous gloss finish to emphasize its sophistication and delight the senses. With the door pocketed away, a compilation of glass shelving, a stone bench top, drawers for spirits, bar snacks and black felt-lined drawers are all beautifully detailed, fittingly enough to remain open.
A daytime drinks area is centered around a brass-rendered tap dispensing chilled, sparkling and boiling water on the island. Related coffee cups, teas boxes and glasses are stored in touch-motion drawers opposite. Several custom-dimensioned drawers hosting the owners’ extensive dinnerware and serveware collections, are positioned conveniently beside the dishwasher.
A simple L-shaped shelf is a refined design evolved from Versace’s signature border motif. This quietly interrupts the textured stone-clad wall to provide opportunity to display playful sculptures, just for fun.

Professionals used in
Artistic Vibe

Kitchen Architecture
Kitchen Architecture
Interior Designers

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Kitchen Architecture

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About the
Professional

Toni Roberts CKDNZ BArch is an award-winning independent kitchen designer who works directly with homeowners to establish a design that performs and looks fantastic. With in-depth know-how about materials and their properties and an architectural eye for detail, the design solution is made to last both in durability and style-wise.

Toni’s 25+ years design management expertise means the logistics run to plan, with frustrations and costly mistakes avoided. She is said to have an intuitive and pragmatic understanding of how spaces work for the people who use them. This, combined with her architectural training, has imparted the skills to help many homeowners achieve their very own unique and satisfying new kitchen: experiencing the day to day enjoyment of living in and around their kitchen space.