By Abbey Lang Home
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, en-suite 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.
RENOVATION OVERVIEW
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.
KITCHEN
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.
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
Abbey Lang Home is a Spatial and Interior Design business based in Auckland, New Zealand, focusing on new builds and renovations. Abbey is passionate about being involved from the early stages of the architectural design, working alongside you and the architect to focus on the details of the home and ensuring the space comes together as a whole. Built on the fundamental that a house becomes a home when it is tailor-made for you - her personal ethos is to create homes that enhance life and everyday moments; homes that are timeless, functional and beautiful, while honouring the identity of the building and the needs of the client.
Abbey, designer and founder of Abbey Lang Home, has a Bachelor of Design majoring in fashion. A love of textiles led her into a head role in sales and procurement for a New Zealand based textile and trimmings wholesaler. An eye for detail and appreciation for quality was developed after working with some of the most prestigious mills and design houses from around the world. After working in the industry for 10 years she started a family and her focus shifted to raising her 2 children. Embarking on a full renovation in 2017 on their Villa in Auckland, led Abbey into a new creative realm, which she relished in, and the love of interior design was born - as was the drive to create Abbey Lang Home.
Abbey’s home (and first full-scale project) was entered into the ADNZ (Architectural Designers NZ) awards for 2018 and won the Interior Design category for Auckland and Northland and featured in the May 2019 issue of New Zealand House & Garden magazine.