This beautiful villa in Mt Eden is a statement house that has been immaculately renovated, and the owners wanted a kitchen that would fit right in, both interms of style and quality. They didn’t want anything too fussy, however.

I would describe it as being a simple English country kitchen that has a galley-style layout, with a long island work bench.. In keeping with this style, the cabinetry features frame-and-flat-panel doors and drawers. And to maintain the classic feel, appliances are integrated within the cabinetry wherever possible.

The choice of colour was very important. We didn't want it to look too stark, as white kitchens sometimes do. So the palette is soft greys and whites. The island is a slightly darker grey and the Caesarstone engineered stone benchtops are white, with subtle grey veining.

To introduce a little texture into the mix, the splashback features glossy, textural brick tiles.

Zones were designed into the layout to help simplify food preparation and clean-up. Breakfast foods, for example, are kept within the perimeter cabinets under the large picturewindow, so the family doesn't need to go into the scullery where most of the grocery items are stored.

The scullery, which is directly behind the kitchen, is like a mini kitchen, complete with second sink, dishwasher and plenty of bench space and storage for small appliances, cookbooks, wine, food and baking equipment. The cut-outs in the open drawers emulate traditional pantry drawers.