WE WON!! I’m thrilled to announce that we have taken out the 2024 TIDA New Zealand Designer Kitchen Award with our clients' Artistic Vibe kitchen!
“The TIDA judges were impressed with how the designer has handled the combination of such strong patterns and colours to produce a cohesive and opulent design that’s perfectly in tune with the owner’s tastes.”
It sure was a privilege and joy to help my clients bring their daring, artistic vision to life.
This Viridian stone is formed into a bold island block then bravely encapsulated with yet another equally artistic dark stone frame to create a breakfast bar. Its textural pattern echoes Heather Straka Maori portraits adjacent while its monochromatic expression allows the jade Viridian stone centre stage. Together the two ancient materials interlock to create a distinctive sculpture of richness and colour.
This kitchen was also a FINALIST in the prestigious 2023 Society of British Interior Design international awards held in London. View here: https://www.sbidawards.com/finalist/artistic-vibe/
Located on the cliff edge of an Auckland eastern beach, this luxurious and bold kitchen in a 1950’s renovated family home, is an artistic reflection of the owners’ love of quirky sculptures, inspirational paintings and international designer collections. The design evolved around the discovery of a spectacular statement quartzite stone, an art piece in its own right. It features brushstrokes of jade green veining and shimmering golden highlights on a chalky crystalline bed.
The same stormy charcoal stone is used on the sink bench and walls for a moody textural backdrop to ever changing harbour views. A metal-infused black lacquer is specified for the kitchen’s joinery while black and brass tap-ware and soft oyster floor tiles complete the rich palette. The double sinks, fridge, three ovens including a sous vide, and pantry storage are perfectly arranged within the hob-centred zone to allow the home chef efficient flow and access.
The layout is practical and centres around the hob shifting to the island. This facilitates the cook’s visual engagement with guests yet is defined by a measured separation through changing levels.
Beyond the integrated fridge, continues a freezer, wine chiller and hidden wine bar each embellished with black snake-skinned handles with polished brass-tip detailing; a nod to gold-leafed furniture collections. Amongst this tall charcoal block, the displayed backlit wine collection is a welcome golden glowing interruption.
Opening the wine bar door reveals a treasure box of magic. A splash of “Jalapeno” nail-polish red is rendered in a glamorous gloss finish to emphasise its sophistication and delight the senses. With the door pocketed away, a compilation of glass shelving, a stone bench top, drawers for spirits, bar snacks and black felt-lined drawers are all beautifully detailed, fittingly enough to remain open.
A daytime drinks area is centred around a brass-rendered tap dispensing chilled, sparkling and boiling water on the island. Related coffee cups, teas boxes and glasses are stored in touch-motion drawers opposite. Several custom-dimensioned drawers hosting the owners’ extensive dinnerware and serve-ware collections, are positioned conveniently beside the dishwasher.
A flush fitting rising glass ventilation unit is integrated seamlessly with the hob and boasts a state-of-the-art automatic splash guard. Challenging ducting and venting requirements are resolved with collaborative solutions.
A simple L-shaped shelf is a refined design evolved from Versace’s signature border motif. This quietly interrupts the textured stone-clad wall to provide opportunity to display playful sculptures, just for fun.
This kitchen delivers a bold and rich yet sophisticated aesthetic with confident blocks of interwoven playful quartzites designed to delight. Through a strong functional layout, elements of surprise and impeccable detailing the design celebrates its own luxurious and unique personality.
