This recently finished client’s kitchen is in a new build, located in a seaside Auckland suburb. The owners wanted a calm, nature-inspired space that was open plan and practical for their busy family life. We started with tonal palette and soft textural details to create an inviting feel, including natural American oak, warm white paint, shaker-style cabinetry, matt subway tiles, and Venetian plaster. Come on in and check it out!

Pendant light from Slow Store. Cabinetry by Manolas Bros.

Shaker Style Cabinetry: A Classic Look that Never Fades

Shaker-style cabinetry was an easy decision for this project. It's a classic choice that pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern design elements. The simple, clean lines of the shaker doors create a timeless aesthetic, while their handcrafted look adds a touch of character to the kitchen.

With an open plan space, you want the materials to complement the wider space while still creating a special standalone area. In this design, the natural oak rear cabinets and island offer depth and richness, while the front white shaker island and cabinetry keep the space light. The combination is a blend of tradition and modernity. With an open plan space, you want the materials to complement the wider space while still creating a special standalone area.

Tapware from ABI Interiors, vase from NED Collections.

A Custom Plastered Rangehood

One of the highlights of this kitchen is the custom plastered rangehood, finished to match the fireplace in the living room. This feature adds a subtle texture and an artisanal feel to the space. The hand-applied plaster finish contrasts beautifully with the sleek lines of the cabinetry and tiles, adding a touch of Old World charm. The rangehood, in warm white to match the cabinets, seamlessly integrates with the kitchen, while the curved shape softens the sharp lines of the cabinetry, bringing an organic feel to the design.

“I wanted this kitchen to feature different design elements that elevate everyday living for this family, so they can create great memories from lots of small moments.” Shelley

The Perfect Balance: Natural American Oak and Warm White

The first thing that strikes you when entering this kitchen is the balance between natural American oak and warm white paint. These two elements create a harmonious blend of warmth and elegance, making the kitchen feel both modern and timeless. We chose natural American oak for the cabinetry and accents because of its beautiful grain and warm, golden hue. It’s a crown cut pattern, so you can see the woodgrain more. Oak adds a sense of organic, earthy charm, grounding the space and providing a subtle contrast to the clean white surfaces. The warm white paint on the upper cabinets, walls, and trim is Resene Blanc, and enhances the kitchen's brightness ensuring it feels open and airy.

The dining chairs are from Hunter Furniture, vase Ned Collections, and dining table bowls Bo Concept.

Subway Tiles: A Nod to Tradition

For the backsplash, we went with the perfect beige matt white subway tiles. There’s a reason why this design choice is a favourite—it’s simple, versatile, and provides just the right amount of texture without overwhelming the space. The grout color was a key detail as well. We opted for a soft natural, which helps define each tile without being too bold or stark. It’s a subtle but important decision that elevates the backsplash into a clean, cohesive element of the kitchen.

A Bar Area for Entertaining

On a wall leading to the main kitchen area we stole some depth and created a dedicated bar area. This space is equipped with warm white cabinetry, a mirrored splashback, open shelving, and a benchtop for mixing drinks or serving snacks. It adds an element of sophistication and provides an additional space for entertaining or making drinks that’s separate from the kitchen traffic flow.

KITCHEN ISLAND DETAILS

Ribbed ends on the island add a subtle texture to the space, lacquered in light paint. The benchtop is one of my favourite Caesarstone colours, Adamina. It has a beautiful soft natural pattern like drifting sand, and the surface is super practical for family living.

AN Open Pantry: Practical and Beautiful

One of the standout features of this kitchen is the open pantry. It’s a growing trend, and for good reason—it’s both functional and looks great so you don’t need to hide it away behind doors. One side of the pantry is American oak and the other side warm white paint lacquer, tying in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen’s design. The upper and lower cabinetry house everyday essentials and also small appliances and baking equipment, which can be used on the generous benchspace that’s separate from the main kitchen. The original design had a solid wall at the end, but a full height window was added so the space is now flooded with natural light.