When we came to the Takapuna property for the first time, the kitchen was cramped into the middle of the three small rooms facing the pool and the deck. From the entry you would follow a curved hallway in behind a formal lounge, formal dining, kitchen and lounge which connected to all these spaces as well as the stairs going to bedrooms upstairs. The owners were only using the kitchen and the lounge to live in. The lounge was at the wrong end of the house with the formal dining room and formal lounge opening out to a new outdoor living area with an outdoor fireplace, that had been done in the year before.

Without getting a brief from the client, we imagined a more open plan which connected the kitchen to the lounge and formal dining while still connecting to the pool and new outdoor living area.

After creating a few 3D visuals of the space and working with Geordie Davison from Coastal builders, we were able to create a great flow within one large open plan space, looking out over the pool and outdoor living area. The clients were sold. We felt the Kitchen needed to have an elongated look to tie the spaces together. We were able to hide a scullery behind the kitchen and tucked into the stairs. This was accessed through a door that matched the kitchen cabinetry and concealed the scullery nicely. We then added in an informal dining table off the island which flowed into the living area.

We then worked with Annie Oxborough, from Annie O Limited, who worked on the finishes to make everything read together beautifully.

The clients love how the new Kitchen connects everything together and creates great flow through all the living areas. The concealed scullery and table extension off the island are both regularly used. They also love how adaptable the kitchen is. Whether it be cooking a big family meal, grabbing a quick coffee and bite to eat before heading out or having a few friends over for a social get together. This kitchen caters for any lifestyle.

Design: Gunnar Friese & Craig Hewetson
Photo: Jamie Cobel