Dark & daring

The first thing you notice when walking into this commanding new kitchen is the space. The kitchen design, by Jes Gordon of Mastercraft Tauranga, is confident and creative. It needed this large canvas to express itself completely – the kitchen is both bold and classy, contemporary yet classical. It delicately balances a number of strong elements yet harmonises these beautifully. 

The kitchen sits in a brand new, architecturally designed house in Bethlehem, Tauranga, and forms the centrepiece of the living area for this family. 

The kitchen island benchtop, in Eternal Marquina Silestone from Pacific Stone, has strong white veins running its length and breadth cementing its role as the standout hero of the kitchen. Complementing the island’s powerful presence, a more delicate herringbone tiled splashback adorns both the main kitchen’s back wall and the scullery.

LED lighting under the overhead cabinets does a lovely job of dancing playfully across the tile contours. Supporting the kitchen at under-bench level, the lower cabinet doors are Laminex Acrylic in Resene Pitch Black. Classy Archant Edge Straight handles sit delicately at the top of doors and drawers. The overhead cabinets provide a wood grain texture in Laminex Aged Walnut – also used for the 38mm back-wall benchtop material.  The scullery continues this theme and introduces white cabinetry doors – Melteca Snowdrift Satin – to help expand the feeling of space. It also includes a large second sink, fridge and dishwasher along with plenty of storage both overhead and under-bench. This allows the main kitchen space to remain relatively uncluttered, even during the most industrious meal preparation.  With its rich and dark colour palette, its textures, and its layers, this kitchen showcases the value of an expert designer, backed by meticulous cabinetmakers.