Townhouse kitchen now a stunner
When Di and Gordon Whiteacre bought their waterfront townhouse at Mission Bay two years ago, it was ready for remodelling, especially the 21-year-old kitchen. Thanks to Caroline Charman from Jag Kitchens the kitchen has been transformed into a chic and timeless space.
The Whiteacres lived with the original kitchen for 12 months before calling Caroline, a Jag kitchen designer of many years experience.
“We wanted to use Jag Kitchens and, in particular, Caroline. We’d worked with her on a previous kitchen job and she was great,” explains Di.
“Before we pulled out the old kitchen, we had a meeting with her to discuss what we would do. Caroline is good at knowing what’s going to work and the best way to achieve it. She also knew we were very particular about detail.”
Caroline says she knew Gordon and Di had high standards and a vision to capture views from the kitchen.
“When it came to planning their dream kitchen and ensuring none of the location’s beauty, or panoramic outlook to Rangitoto, were lost, it made sense that the design should flow seamlessly into the living area.
The original kitchen had been closed off from the living which was three separate spaces – living, dining, lounge. By removing a central wall and fireplace, one large space was formed with the newly-designed kitchen now flowing into the living area.
Di describes the new kitchen as “top quality and timeless,” a kitchen, which works extremely well. “It should see us out,” she jokes.
In particular, she loves the minimal, no-fuss, contemporary lines and says the streamlined space works well. “Of course, I now have unobstructed views out to sea – perfect.”
As for Caroline, she is pleased with the well-defined seamless appeal of the kitchen’s open plan flow.
“What is most important to me is the fact that Di and Gordon are enjoying living and working in their kitchen and its function is perfect, especially as they entertain a lot.”
The new cabinets are lacquered satin Black White and are paired with Silestone Blanco Zeus Suede finish worktops. The Blanco Silgranite white sink is matched perfectly to the worktops which have the additional benefit of drainer grooves.
To achieve the desired minimalist look, aluminium extrusion handles were fitted under the benchtop enabling the Bosch integrated dishwasher to match the cabinets.
All doors are fitted with the Blum push touch hinge mechanisms and the drawers are fitted with Blum Servo Drive electric motion support systems for easy opening and silent closing.
To maximise storage, clever storage solutions have been used, such as a Hafele Le Mans system to fully utilise access to a corner cupboard.
All glasses and wine are stored on the reverse side of the island with LED lighting and glass shelves allowing the internal space to be lit. The internal cabinets are finished in a light Brushed Silver Meltica to complement aluminium accents and toe kicks.
Di and Gordon selected Bosch stainless appliances with an oven tower, containing a combination microwave oven and a second oven, allowing for catering flexibility.
The induction cooktop and the dishwasher are both fully integrated while a double-door Samsung fridge is plumbed with water and ice making.
Everything has its place in this kitchen. For example, platters are stored vertically in the cabinet above the fridge and appliances used on a daily basis are hidden behind aluminium roller doors.
“We didn’t want any clutter on show even to the point that the barstools can be neatly stacked away under the island bench,” Di says.
In addition, an elegant white and silver dining table from Bo Concept matches the kitchen’s white colour palette perfectly. And it all ties in with stylish French Oak flooring.
Di and Gordon, who have four adult children, formerly lived in a large home before downsizing to the townhouse. But, their move has been seamless and they are thrilled with the ease of living their contemporary new space affords.
They are particularly delighted with the help Caroline and Jag Kitchens have given them in creating an amazing workspace. “We’ve had many parties here with lots of people working in the kitchen. It really works well,” Di says.
– Article courtesy of H&P Times