Reveal / White house Kitchen

I used to know this client way back when I was 18 - she was a friend of a friend and we crossed paths on snowboarding trips to Ohakune and surf missions to Pauanui. I haven’t seen her since but we always got on famously, so it was lovely to hear from her saying she needed an interior designer! Her house immediately appealed to me - it’s on a seaside street in Auckland and reminded me of a Colonial home with it’s sweeping exterior staircase and gorgeous dormer windows in a row on the second floor. She and her husband were planning a full renovation for their family of five so we got to work right away. The brief from her was ‘all white’, so the challenge was achieving this in a way that didn’t look too stark and minimalist. Both her and her husband love classic detailing so we were able to use traditional techniques to add texture and to the white palette.

Let’s take a look around the completed kitchen —a galley-style layout with a crisp white palette and thoughtful design elements that balances modern aesthetics and classic charm.

Creating the foundation

We started with a crisp white base, painting the walls, cabinetry, ceiling cornices, and architraves in a soft, fresh white tone. This cohesive palette creates a bright, airy environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The cabinetry features a negative detail framing each door—a subtle yet impactful design element that lends depth and interest to the space.

Paint Resene Alabaster. Handles Lo & Co. 

Finishing details

Where the kitchen cabinets finish is very visible, in an open plan space that you can see from the stairs, hallway and living room. To finish this space more elegantly we added a small curved cupboard with curved shelving above, creating more of a focal point and adding additional storage.

Accessories from House of Forbes.

The galley style layout

We did four space planning options for this kitchen before deciding on this galley-style one. We gave up a standalone island in favour of the bench return being attached to the far wall, which houses a hidden pantry behind it. The pros of a galley kitchen are that it naturally creates an efficient work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) that minimizes the distance between key areas, making cooking and food prep faster and easier. It means everything you need is within reach, there’s great storage, and you can use the ‘closed’ end to create an additional scullery or pantry as we did here. The hidden pantry ensures the kitchen remains clutter-free. The only con to a galley-style kitchen is that there’s only one way in and out, so you need to make sure your widths and design accommodate more than one person being able to move around within it.

Wall light from Nightworks Studio.

Softening the space

Curves play a central role in this design, softening the clean lines and adding a touch of fluidity. The cabinetry is adorned with crafted curved metal handles that feel as good in hand as they look, the end of the bar has a soft curve, and a ribbed detail follows on from the living room cabinetry. The return island is a centerpiece, with its ribbed curved ends serving as a tactile and visual delight. It anchors the space while offering ample room for meal prep, casual dining, and entertaining.

Classic detailing

I do love white, but it can look minimalist if interior detailing and layers are left out. This is family home so we wanted it to feel inviting. To achieve this we added ceiling cornices, skirtings and architraves that are very elegant and obvious rather than just a square-stopped approach. By painting these the same colour as the cabinetry everything reads as one, creating a timeless, elegant look that is still modern.

Pendant lights from Slow Store.

Meet you at the bar

Adjacent to the main workspace, the bar area stands out with a cabinetry profile that matches the island and feature round marble handles. Open shelves with mirrored backing elevate this corner, reflecting light and adding a luxurious touch. This space is perfect for mixing cocktails, serving coffee, or showcasing a collection of glassware.

A special spot

One of my favourite additions is the window seat. The architect’s design featured a bay window, and I love a ‘pop out’ in a straight wall because I can always use the space to create a special spot. We added cabinetry to match the main kitchen, topped with plush squabs and cushions to create an inviting nook for morning coffee or a cozy read. Drawers underneath provide hidden storage, making this feature a practical addition for a family home.

Practical and pretty

The marble-look stone benchtop is as practical as it is beautiful—durable and easy to clean. It’s engineered stone so is less porous than natural stone for this busy family kitchen. We also got the stone fabricator to router in a grooved section leading into the sink for easy draining of dishes.

Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo engineered stone benchtop.

A space to live in and love

Whether it’s a casual weekday dinner, homework on the bench with burgers, gathering with friends, or a quiet moment by the window seat, this space has been designed with little moments to elevate the everyday with elegance and ease. If you’re dreaming of your own kitchen transformation, let’s chat. Your perfect kitchen could be just a renovation away!