Mt Albert Kitchen

Treatment of materials can be all-important in a kitchen remodel. Wood, for example, might evoke a home's classic origins, contrast crisply with contemporary elements, or with a different treatment, become a modern finish in its own right. Then there is the green, renewable side of wood. The owners of this remodelled kitchen asked the designer to transform their cramped galley workspace into a kitchen-living area that would preserve the integrity of their home. They wanted a contemporary look, but with a retro touch – and a green focus. To begin, a wall and window were removed, effectively doubling the available area. The kitchen was then reoriented and a central island introduced. Now on full show from the living areas, a new material palette was introduced that hints at the past but also looks to the future. The teak veneer that was chosen offers a modern twist, in terms of texture, in contrast to the smooth stainless steel benchtops and the black acrylic panels on the cabinetry and rangehood. The dedicated coffee centre, a prerequisite for the homeowners, adds an impressive finishing touch.