Trends New Zealand Volume 35 No 1 | Page 27

Kitchens often achieve prominence within an open-plan living zone but less often command attention at the heart of the home itself. When this is the case, a design is likely be seen from all angles and so has to look great from all sides – as with this kitchen by Iris Lev of IL Design. “Both owners love to cook and entertain and, as part of this, required a large kitchen that would be at the heart of their home,” says Lev. “Given the central positioning, the design had to work hard aesthetically as well as functionally.” To achieve the former, Lev designed the kitchen in a crisp, two-tone colour scheme that creates a sense of calm and elegance, and also ties in with the look of the wider interior. “To maximise functionality in the kitchen, we added a substantial central island. This accommodates everyday meals for the family, provides an extra benchtop for prepping and a place for the children to do their homework.” For discreet, to-hand storage, the kitchen designer introduced a tall black pantry cabinet with pocket doors. This holds small appliances and also houses the star, on-display wine fridge. “The pantry doors can be left open to access bench space or closed to keep the kitchen tidy.” Above left: When doors open to your kitchen from all angles – as with this IL Design kitchen – the aesthetic has to connnect with the wider interior. Here, a dresser-like end cabinet has a furniture feel, in keeping with the central, through nature of the design. Top and above: The black pantry on one side of the kitchen is balanced by white cupboard and drawer cabinets positioned on the wall opposite. search | save | share at