Riverhead Home

• Featured in New Zealand House & Garden Magazine, Dec 2021
• Architecturally Designed by Hoxha Bailey Architects
• Interior Design by Abbey Lang Home
• Built by KCB Limited
• Cabinetry Manufactured by Sharp and Paige
• Completion Date End 2021

RENOVATION OVERVIEW 

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This Riverhead home was a passion project for the clients who engaged Jason Bailey to realise their architectural dream. The owners had definite ideas on the homes defining features which were Schist walls, board and batten cladding (inside and out), a black and white colour scheme and an internal garden as you walked in the front door. Plans had been submitted and consent was granted when the owner called Abbey Lang Home to consult on a selection of finishes which had already been short listed. From this meeting we were engaged to design the kitchen, ensuite and powder room as well as consulting on all facets of the interiors. The owners loved texture and natural materials, so these were a backbone to the design decisions made along the way.

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​KITCHEN

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The owners expressed their desire for a black kitchen and a marble bench. Black Meile appliances and a Fisher & Paykel fridge had already been purchased so these were to be integrated into the design. The kitchen is in the centre of the dining room and lounge and is orientated around the outdoor room which houses an outdoor BBQ/kitchen and a large table. To create balance in the kitchen we designed the back bench to be symmetrical around the island, with a bar being introduced on the left to service the dining room. A pivot door on the right-hand side completes the symmetry and conceals the scullery behind, hiding any mess or overflow whilst entertaining. The scullery provides a main space for food storage and houses all of the everyday appliances as well as integrating a sink and dishwasher. The kitchen focuses on cooking and entertaining with a large kitchen bench which can double as a servery. The cabinetry has been made in American Oak and stained a dark graphite/soft black to add texture and elegance to a dominant space. The shaker panelling brings in the board and batten profile seen in the interior walls and exterior cladding (and the clients love of this style). We wanted to keep the rear elevation about the texture and panelling so opted for push to open cupboards or fine black handles where necessary, so not to attract attention. The honed marble bench and splash-back is a main focal point and brings together the oak flooring, schist and dark cabinetry as well as complementing the warm white walls and ceiling. The island integrates the dishwasher, zenith tap, wine fridge and everyday essentials, as well as providing rear storage.​

EN-SUITE

The en-suite was conceptualised around the architectural parameters. The plan showed a large and extra deep shower, so we designed a bench seat and shelf the whole way across, down lit to enhance the texture of the tiles. Natural materials were selected to achieve a luxurious spa like aesthetic with a Travertine vanity top, American Oak cabinetry and stone floor/shower wall tiles. Tap-ware was selected in gunmetal which blended the deep cabinetry and smoky veins seen in the Travertine with the light undulating wall and floor tiles. Feature lighting was positioned either side of the custom made mirrors to provide functionality and visual balance.
 

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POWDER ROOM

A space to be enjoyed by guests, this room offers a sense of luxury. Handmade Moroccan tiles give depth and movement to the entrance wall, enhanced by hand blown pendant lights. The cabinetry design echoes the board and batten exterior and interior walls and creates cohesion with the open plan kitchen/living space.

Photos by Tessa Chrisp