Trends New Zealand Volume 35 No 3 | Page 21

With open-plan living now pretty much the norm in our homes, we can no longer consider kitchen design in isolation. But it’s not just a case of making sure your new kitchen complements its adjacent living areas – a skilled designer can enhance the look and flow of the whole space. Designer Leonie Metge took the opportunity to do just that when she was asked to create the kitchen for this large contemporary rural home. Metge’s involvement in the project began at the concept stage, with the space for the kitchen and scullery having already been allocated. And at this early point, she was able to make key changes that would have a dramatic effect on the way the kitchen integrates with the wider open-plan interior. “The home is very architectural, with a high cathedral ceiling in the living areas, exposed black steel beams run- ning throughout, and epoxy concrete-look flooring,” says Metge. “To fit in, the owners wanted a con- temporary kitchen with a semi-industrial Previous pages: Total integration – this kitchen by designer Leonie Metge sits perfectly in the wider open-plan living areas of the contemporary family home. The kitchen achieves the owners request to make a statement, yet doesn’t over-dominate. These pages: While the kitchen needed to tie in with the semi-industrial aesthetic of the home, the designer’s extensive use of timber veneer softens the mix of the other materials – stainless steel, black Dekton countertops and soft matt acrylic black cabinetry. search | save | share at