New Zealand kitchen gets storage makeover

Raimana Jones, founder of Atelier Jones, is a skilled kitchen designer who thinks like a chef, using ingredients like wood, stone, and metal to create a balanced space. Her design for a New Zealand duplex’s kitchen features a wall of brass cabinets, green marble, and a central island with a smooth curve.

The kitchen was initially in disarray, with poorly planned storage and a non-compliant stove. However, Jones saw potential in the northwest-facing windows and the old solid wood door connecting the kitchen to the rest of the home.

Jones kept her updates within the confines of the room, but practically everything else changed. She removed the bulky cabinetry, shifted the primary cooking zone, added a central island, and incorporated a dining booth.

The new walnut cabinetry in the cooking area features a series of raised profiles inspired by the home’s original solid wood doors. This design element adds architectural interest without feeling overly loud, according to Jones.

A unique feature of the kitchen is a drawer inside a drawer, which provides a dedicated home for cherished cooking tools. The hidden drawer is detailed with exposed finger joints, making it feel like uncovering a delightful surprise.

Jones envisioned a recurring motif in the kitchen as a subtle nod to New Zealand. She chose the Kōwhai tree, known for its yellow springtime blooms and distinctive seedpods, and incorporated it into the design. An inlaid small brass blossom appears on the face of the hidden drawer, while the glass panels on the upper cabinets feature a more abstract take on the seedpod and flower.

The kitchen’s appliances were previously overwhelming the layout, but Jones concealed them in floor-to-ceiling cabinetry made of hand-patinated brass. They used a custom mix of vinegar and salt to achieve an organic, aged finish.

Behind the brass cabinetry is a broom and utility cupboard, a washing machine and linen cupboard, a full pantry, and the refrigerator. The fronts are sealed with a wax to ensure they’ll stand up to lots of use.

To balance out the shine of the brass, Jones brought in humble terracotta tiles, including a sliver of wall with a built-in display shelf and a side table integrated into the new dining bench. The surface features the kōwhai motif and is an ideal spot to rest a cup of coffee, much like a Mediterranean-style home would have a cozy nook.

The use of natural materials and thoughtful design elements has resulted in a kitchen that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. As Jones notes, the key to a successful design is achieving a balance of flavors and textures, much like a well-crafted dish.

In this kitchen, Jones’s approach has paid off, creating a space that is not only beautiful but also highly functional. The attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality materials have resulted in a kitchen that will stand the test of time.

It is a space.