RENOVATION OVERVIEW 

​​

This family home, located in Oratia, Auckland, was much loved by its owners, though it originally featured a small kitchen tucked into the corner of the dining room. Passionate about gardening and cooking, the clients envisioned a space that would become the true heart of the home for their growing family.

To achieve this, the floorplan was reconfigured—transforming the former lounge into a generous new kitchen, while the existing living room became a comfortable lounge, complete with a newly built-in fireplace.

The home’s native timber floors were carefully stripped and reconditioned, creating a beautiful foundation that informed and anchored the kitchen’s overall colour palette.

​​

​​​​

KITCHEN 

​​​

The clients have a love for traditional and timeless interiors which complemented the architecture and surroundings of the home. Outside sits a beautiful wild garden, a green house and bountiful produce which they wanted to captivate and gather from.

​

The existing French arched doors became a key feature, with the fluted detailing in the architraves serving as a strong design cue for the kitchen. A bi-fold window was introduced to function as a servery and bar, seamlessly connecting the kitchen to the outdoor dining area. Positioned centrally beneath this window, the sink allows the island to remain an expansive and uninterrupted space for preparation, serving, and casual dining.

​

The clients had their hearts set on the exquisite deVOL kitchen lights, imported from the U.K., which became a defining element around which the kitchen was designed. The existing oven was retained as the focal point of the back bench elevation, with surrounding cabinetry carefully composed to create symmetry and balance.

​

Zellige tiles were selected for the splashback, adding texture and a gentle reflectivity that brings movement and life to the space. Integrated appliances, along with on-bench pantry pocket doors, play an essential role in maintaining a calm, uncluttered aesthetic.

​

The stone selection was thoughtfully considered in response to the refurbished timber floors, existing wall tones, and brass accents. Calacatta Gold marble was chosen for its warm palette and striking veining, pairing beautifully with the soft neutral cabinetry to bring the entire kitchen together in a cohesive and timeless way.

​

​

LOUNGE

​

The existing windows were kept to captivate the garden. A new built-in fireplace was designed as a focal point of the lounge, flanked by storage and display shelves designed for displaying the clients' art and book collection, along with treasured family mementos. The fire surround was custom-crafted in plaster, designed to echo traditional timber surrounds while being scaled and detailed to suit the specifications of the wood-burning fireplace. 

 

​

​​

​

CLIENT REVIEW

​​

 

"We engaged Abbey to design our new kitchen and lounge. We already had quite a strong idea of what we wanted but we knew we needed help bringing it to life and ensuring the technical details were covered whilst still being a beautiful space. Abbey delivered and then some! We are over the moon that we decided to get Abbey on board and we couldn’t be more in love with our new space. Abbey’s design had to differ a little from what we thought we wanted originally due to site constraints, but we are so glad we listened to her ideas as we’ve ended up with a much better result. Whenever we had questions or changes, she was the perfect partner to work with- she could give her strong and expert opinion on a decision (which always turned out to be correct) whilst always being so accommodating to take on board any ideas and requests we had. 

 

Abbey is so skilled at making sure the practical elements are so carefully thought through- her plans and measurements were meticulous and every detailed captured; as well as aesthetically stunning. 

​

To top it all off Abbey is just incredibly friendly and helpful- she was a joy to work with, we loved her site visits and can’t wait to work with her again on Stage 2!"

​​

​​