DESIGN EDIT ISSUE 35 | DESIGN TOUR

When this couple considered moving from their family home they built over 15 years ago, their children responded with a resounding no! So instead they decided to create a new living area and completely remodel their kitchen - and, of course, stay in the slice of rural paradise they call their own.  

THE BRIEF

Our client knew exactly what she liked - loved in fact - and that is warm, rich autumn tones. They wanted to create a home that was comfortable and stylish, but practical for family life and rural living. They sought our help to make the most of their new space and to select the finishes, furniture and furnishings to make it feel like it had always been part of their family home. 

COLLABORATORS

The kitchen was key to this renovation. The client is an amazing chef and entertainer who also has the good fortune to have talented kitchen designer Julie McCall Jenkins for a sister. Together they designed a contemporary kitchen with an industrial twist. Leathered granite, steel frame, warm oak timber veneer, brass finished handles and white subway tiles all combine for a look that is stylish but unpretentious and practical. We love the amazing open steel shelving which displays an ever-changing vignette of the client’s life and loves. With multiple clever cooks in the family this new kitchen has already served some amazing meals and is sure to host many more.

INSPIRATION

The forever views of rolling hillside and pasture are a magnet to the eye. For our clients, this is their sense of place and we wanted to ensure that the view they so love is reflected in all the materials, textures and finishes. 

DESIGN DETAILS

We worked to create a base of warm neutrals for the hard surfaces in the home - dark joinery, earthy exterior paint colours, smoked oak floors, milky white walls and ceilings. We then added layers of colour and texture, anchored with accents of black. Richly-toned fabrics in weaves, velvet, wools and jacquard, combined with blackened timber, aged oak and steel. Contemporary sleek styles sit alongside traditional designs - creating a home with a distinctive character, that’s comfortable in its rural setting, yet has a definite stylish edge - and very much reflective of our clients’ fun, warm and creative personalities.  

INSIDE EDGE

We always love pieces that have a story to them and one of our favourites in this home is the solid oak dining table - the timber sourced from old farm buildings and hand-crafted in Romania to create a parquet top, banded with iron. We also love the solid timber console with beautifully carved geometric detailing that adds subtle textural - as well as loads of space for storing everyday essentials.  

THE RESULT

We love that these clients were true to themselves - to their sense of place, to their love of good food, to the colours that refresh and inspire them. They have re-created their family home with distinctive character which in every way reflects their fun, warm and creative personalities.

See the entire project gallery here.

Contact Auckland Interior Designer Kirsten Ford for more information.

Images: Hanson & Daughters Photography

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