One Onehunga kitchen, three distinct looks

24 Jan 2019

Advertising executive Marcelle Baker’s home in Onehunga, Auckland, which was featured in our Spring/Summer 2018 issue (read it here), was redecorated as a passion project. While we think her original bright white scheme is gorgeous, we asked two of our interior decorating experts to each suggest an alternative solution that could also work in the same space.

The original scheme – light and airy

The open plan kitchen is decked head to toe in Resene Alabaster with pops of colour brought in through fresh foliage and the replica Eames kitchen chairs.

Alternative Solution #1 - Cooking up cool

This new-look for the kitchen and dining space, designed by Deanna Hills, is a sophisticated take on the original using rich, moody tones, a mixture of timbers and a touch of brass. A key feature of the room is the two different ceiling heights, which Deanna used to create a stunning focal point. By using Resene Porter on the stepped-down area of ceiling, it creates an interesting colour-blocking style, and gives the illusion of a room within a room.

Styled by Deanna Hills (Mob: 027 845 3149, Web: www.thedesigneryroom.co.nz)

The stepped ceiling, bulk-head and high cabinetry are in Resene Porter with Resene Merino on the rest of the ceiling. Resene Truffle is used for all lower cabinetry including the island bench. The timber floor and timber detailing on the island bench are finished in Resene Colorwood Dark Ebony.

Other Props: MT1393 Blue Gloss Concave Hex M tiles from Tile Space for the splashback; benchtop in Cloudburst Concrete from Caesarstone; Titanium Surface Mounted Downlights from Coombes & Gabbie; Elm Wood Antique Round Stools from Citta Design; Celestial Vintage Glass Pendant from Early Settler; Bobble Vase from Crave Home; and Wharf Dining Table and Atelier Dining Chairs from Freedom Furniture.

Alternative Solution #2 - Timeless and textured

Kitchen designer Leanne Clifton-Harley wanted to create a timeless design that blended modern conveniences with classical elements. The custom cabinetry is finished in Resene Grey Area as the room’s primary colour – a shade that really jumped out for Leanne for its earthy feel. She also chose Resene Charcoal as a bold accent for the patterned and pressed metal on both the splashback and island façade. Black accessories complement and finish the look while the timber-look flooring adds to the warmth.

Styling by Leanne Clifton-Harley (mob: 021 610 027, web: www.swpinteriors.co.nz)

The cabinetry is in Resene Grey Area, walls are in Resene Barely There, and the ceiling is in Resene Alabaster. Bold accents in Resene Charcoal were added to the lattice pattern metal splashback and island façade by Stamp Pressed Metal.

Other props: Glass Cloche Pendant Lights from Mr Ralph, Dekton by Cosentino benchtop in Aura 15, Heritage Burlington 4009 and Heritage Rewa cabinet handles 6021 from Archant, Nobilo New Road RD00137 black tapware from Burns Ferrall, a Trestle Dining Table from Corso de’Fiori, Tolix replica chairs from Cintesi and Clifton Indoor Saddle Bar Stools from Early Settler.

Published: 24 Jan 2019