A partnership in perfection
Highlights
Dekton Zenith 12mm and Laminam Luna White 12mm benchtops, Melteca Melamine Blackened Legno and Laminex Melamine White cabinetry, Archant Back and Edge Straight Brushed Anthracite handles
Experienced architect engages Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington with detailed, multi-room upgrade plans
In partnership, designer Katie refines elements of the design while bringing valued input on a number of operational solutions
“Atmosphere” of 1944-built house retained, within a modern renovation
Engaging Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington with well-developed renovation plans, experienced architect Gary Doddrell received the expert joinery advice sought to realise a contemporary but complementary vision for his family’s two-storey character home.
Impressed by the quality of workmanship and aesthetic of a neighbour’s kitchen renovation – friends who also strongly endorsed the business – Gary brought detailed, multi-room upgrade plans to designer Katie.
“I had already developed CAD drawings, plans and elevations and had a very clear idea of what I wanted with the overall concept – the joinery was to pay an integral part in a modernised architecture throughout our home,” he says.
“Katie’s role in this project was to essentially refine elements of my design and translate the information into working production drawings, while also of course bringing her welcomed expertise to a number of valuable operational solutions.”
Overall theme
Gary says it was important to himself and wife Fiona that the “atmosphere” of the 1944-built house was retained, particularly given its rich history which has included featuring in architectural publications.
“It has a certain atmosphere and feel to it. We wanted to respect that character, while putting a modern twist on the renovation.”
Consequently staying within the existing footprint, the couple’s vision for the multi-room upgrade included stripping back clutter, simplifying detail and achieving consistency in alignment – while also leaving room for inclusion of “unique” features.
“We played with different colours – I’d never used a dark before – and it's quite welcoming, without feeling claustrophobic.
“Remnants of art deco curves are a bit of a theme in the house and I wanted to continue that in a couple of spaces – that presented a bit of a challenge for the team which I think they quite enjoyed!
“We sought connectivity throughout with the cabinetry and went for chunkier 25mm size shelves and panels to create a built-in furniture feel. Originally, I wanted solid wood battens on the cabinetry, but in fact the Melteca Melamine solution was more realistic as well as being harder wearing.
“Because we’ve got many small spaces in our home it was important to remove clutter, create a place for everything and be able to close things off and away. This has made the different rooms now feel quite open and calm spaces.”
Gravitating to the kitchen
With the couple both enjoying cooking as well as entertaining, a highlight of the project has been opening up the kitchen to create warm connection with the rest of the ground floor.
“We wanted an L-shaped kitchen with a feature centre island and with just the right galley width – where we could work together in the space without feeling like we were on top of each other, but also not have the galley too wide.
“Our kitchen now connects with the rest of the floor and enables you to be part of whatever's going on in the house while enjoying the views out in every direction. We have had 50 people here for a party, everyone was gravitating to the kitchen, and it didn't feel crowded – it is a really enjoyable space to be in.”
Katie’s understanding of how to best-position appliances and other key kitchen items from a functional perspective was very much appreciated.
“We had an idea of where we wanted things to go, but taking advantage of Katie’s experience just enhanced the design.
“For example, having the oven directly opposite the hob and located centrally in the island means you can come at it from both sides. It is no longer in the way of the dishwasher and when taking things out of the oven, they can be readily placed on the large island bench space above.
“The sink was moved 90 degrees from the original design and that gave us a nice length of bench and was also an aesthetic improvement.
“Additionally, Katie had many good suggestions for the ‘little things’ that make life easier. For example, the inner drawers, tea towel holders, knife holders and bins – she knew which models would work and would urge ‘this is what you need’.
“It’s just all the practicalities of how to best use a kitchen really.”
Finishing touches
Alongside the pursuit of stylish simplification, Gary praises other finishing touches brought to the kitchen.
“Almost everything is neatly concealed within the cabinetry, such as the dishwasher, tea towel holders and fridge.
“Being a farmhouse-style fridge, it has four doors and two freezers, and comes with a magnetic powder-coated panel system. I wanted a laminate finish on the panels to match the rest of the joinery, so the team experimented and adapted a 6mm laminated ply which works perfectly.
“There were also certain limitations with the fridge in terms of the surrounds – you've got to allow enough space for the door to fully open – so it was the logistics of those things that Katie had to make work.
“With the kitchen island, I wanted it to feel like a piece of furniture in the room as opposed to just a cabinet. It is completely open underneath and the cables are neatly hidden by being fed down one of the legs.
“And with the hob/extractor, we didn't want the visual clutter of a traditional extractor, so instead opted for a discrete downdraft model which works really well.”
Walk-in pantry
Furthermore, a small alcove adjoining the kitchen, that previously served to house some basic cupboards, has been transformed into an attractive walk-in pantry.
“Now it's quite a handy storage space, including a little fridge, and is enclosed within a glass door so we’ve got both that separation but connection.
“We explored different types of LEDs and went with a cavity-inlaid product, which I hadn't seen before. That theme is also used further around the house, so again, this proved a welcome opportunity to try new things.”
“Not just a slogan!”
Reflecting on the end result, Gary describes the couple’s kitchen as “durable, functional and stylish – but without any fuss”.
“I was very sure of what I was trying to achieve, but it’s the detailing that makes a job. Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington helped us to get there – it’s exceeded my expectations in terms of quality. I'm very pleased with it.
“It was excellent to work alongside Katie. We were on the same page, she understood what I wanted to achieve, came up with many valuable suggestions and we complemented each other which was important to me.
“Just for another example, with the cabinet doors I had a profile for a solid batten, but she said ‘why don't we rout out a little handle just underneath that does the same job and is probably more cost effective’. She was able to add practical details that worked with the design, as well as make design suggestions that improved the end result.
“And they are a nice bunch. I've got to know everyone, from the people that have dropped off the initial packages to the installation team and all of the other different people involved – it's been quite enjoyable for me.
“The success of a job is really as a result of the people. They are family owned and operated – it is not just a slogan!”
Mastercraft Kitchens Wellington also completed renovations to the couple’s master bedroom, laundry and two vanities and has submitted plans to develop a complementary sideboard. Content on those developments is imminently pending.