Kitchen Designer: Emma Wall

Interior Designer: Jordyn Baldwin

Concept: A cohesive kitchen that made a statement using plank finish with a veneer of the homeowner’s choice.

Result: Organised living with purposefully selected floor to ceiling wooden design for homey luxury.

Escaping the work-from-home conundrum was resolute in the design reflected in the warm and inviting sections of this cosy home. An admiration of wood and stripes is a must, with entertainment at the heart of the open plan kitchen and living areas to reflect the homeowners’ personality.

Are you renovating your kitchen and looking for inspiration? Look no further than this stunning wooden kitchen by Emma Wall from Trends Kitchen and Interior Designer Jordyn Baldwin. They both love working closely with their clients, ensuring that personal style is kept without skimping on functional luxuries. Here’s what we learnt after speaking to her about this stunning design.

Choose one focal material or feature

One of the standout features of this kitchen is the planked veneer finish, which adds texture and visual interest to the space while maintaining cohesiveness. Even without a walk-in pantry, the kitchen has ample storage space thanks to clever design choices like the on-bench pantry and folding doors, which seamlessly integrate with the rest of the cabinetry.

Spatial Stripes

The vertical stripe from the planked veneer creates spatial manipulation – it makes the ceilings seem higher, creating a sense of spaciousness*. The 3.5m unit floor-to-ceiling storage hides away the mess, while adding the illusion of extra space to this modern cabin-like kitchen. This is a smart way to trick to eye into feeling like there is more space for smaller homes / areas. The more vertical stripes the better*.

Texture Play

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures and depths. For example, pairing a planked veneer finish with a Liquid Shell bench top can create a stunning contrast that adds a touch of luxury to the space. There is a fine line to making sure it’s right, having the right design eye is important because composition is everything.

Storage Flow

Incorporating tall storage units can also add visual interest and functionality to your kitchen. An on-bench pantry creates effortless flow in the kitchen, and is especially great for typical household items like the toaster and kettle. This means a quick extension of bench space when you need, for easy access and easy living. Consider adding boxed ends to your island as a design feature to create another cohesive piece that will make the prep work easier and to double a casual dining table. It’s also another chance to create storage that works for you with drawers that hide away things we don’t want to see.

Key Takeaways

• Choose one main feature so you can create focus. Like a feature wall or island bench top.
• Mix materials to create visual interest (but as an accent to your focus)
• Don’t forget about designing for the entire length of the wall. Or all four walls for that matter.

Use it in your next home or project

Hettich Sensys Hinges
Hettich Wingline Bi-folding Door
Hettich InnoTech Atira Drawers
VidaSpace Vintage Harlem Oak specifically chosen by client for key design feature of planked veneer look.
LAZIO sinks
Consentino Dekton Liquid Shell bench top

Trends Kitchen

With over 20 years of experience, trust Trends Kitchens to get the details right to design, manufacture and install your kitchen. There is no project too big or small, everything is designed bespoke. Founded in Christchurch they have now expanded to Nelson, Blenheim, Auckland and Cromwell.  
Find out about the Trends difference here.
Click to get in contact with Trends here.

References
* von Castell, C., Hecht, H., & Oberfeld, D. (2020). Wall patterns influence the perception of interior space. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 73(1), 29–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747021819876637