The Ridge Retreat | A stylish dark kitchen in the secret gardens of Waiheke

Design Brief:
Elegant dark wood with rustic charm with a visual connection to the gardens

Interior Design by Shane George
Photography by John Williams

In one of Auckland’s favourite and least populous suburbs, sits this stunning bach on Waiheke island.

Speaking to three-time award-winning Kitchen Designer of the Year, Shane George, this particular renovation was centered around large bench spaces and a visual connection to their prized garden and extensive greenery. The kitchen is connected to the dining room, and an outdoor internal courtyard, just down a few steps is the living room, and of course visually through the window to the garden.

As with many renovations, functionality and aesthetic are a key balance that the client wanted to ensure for their work and when they are entertaining. Bespoke, in-built design was necessary and luckily something Shane knows well.

“As always before starting, have a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve, both in function and aesthetically… To fold all 4 doors in one direction was pivotal to the success of the benchtop cupboard, as it allows easy access to small appliances.”
Shane George of Shane George Design

Renovations can be tricky with existing structures and . There were two particular challenges requiring customised design finesse and building expertise, one structural and one related to narrow hallways. The first challenge could be resolved by using structural streel to support the roof. To address the narrow hallways, the full height cupboards were deliberately stepped back from the rest of a cabinetry to allow more space. For a seamless effect, George had the post painted a similar colour as the bench and cabinetry.

Shane has used Wing 77 in the appliance station, a product from Hettich’s popular bi-folding door range. Wing 77 has a four door span which is unattached at both ends of the cabinet so it can be opened from either side and slid from end to end. This means a clean, easy glide to quickly conceal appliances and glassware. Keeping to the brief, the kitchen is dark and rustic. The cabinetry is finished with an ebony stain and is a brushed rustic oak veneer that surrounds a leathered black granite countertop to really give impact to the space. A soft contrast can be found inside the cabinets with a light beech woodgrain finish.