Cube Dentro, Yellow Fox and Hettich

This award-winning Kitchen is situated on Waiheke Island and the customer wanted to replicate a New York loft-like appearance. Ironically enough, both Manhattan and Waiheke are islands, which meant added considerations around budget, transportation and time. Designed by Cube Dentro and Yellow Fox featuring Hettich Arcitech Drawers, this is a great demonstration of functionality and design working together in an open plan area.

Kitchen designer Leonie Hamill of Cube Dentro and interior designer Peta Davy of Yellowfox had the task of producing a tailored kitchen that would support the owners needs rather than compete with them in this limited footprint.

The open plan area forced this kitchen space to have a lot of focus on functionality, whilst drawing heavily on design and allowing certain areas within this kitchen to speak for themselves. The space was an inspiration turned into a reality and is a prime example of maximising design within an open plan apartment kitchen.

Pulling cues from a super city like New York and translating those into a place like Waiheke Island reflect how well this space was designed. At first, you wouldn’t compare the likes of New York with Waiheke Island. However, the loft-like appeal uniquely works. The bold dark brown used on all the cabinetry is a great way to showcase a house that is situated amongst New Zealand native bush. Waiheke Island is covered with natural earthy tones, allowing the owners to bring these colours into their kitchen space. The earth conco coating used as a finish enhances the rich brown even more and completes the look. New York is known for its alternative and vibey look, which is seen in this area with large glass windows that separate the bedroom and living space. Aspects like this showcase how well two incomparable locations can actually inspire a look that would not necessarily be imagined to work.

The dark-toned veneer cabinetry extends throughout the apartment, while an antique mirror provides a splashback and added sense of space. Thanks to planning and savvy cabinet design the unit has plenty of hidden functionality.

Incorporating a small bar and dining area that separates the kitchen and TV space is another example of how well space has been utilised in this build. Something so simple as a 2 seater bench top really adds depth to this space and gives the area a much more welcoming feel. Meaning friends and family can congregate around this space, have a drink or simply enjoy a meal whilst not decreasing the limited space that apartments tend to have.