Magical Retreat
2025 NKBA Excellence in Design Awards showcase
Photography: Kallan Macleod
WINNER, SUPREME KITCHEN DESIGN AWARD
This is a new, architecturally designed home for a professional couple craving a laidback retreat from the city. The interior designer’s philosophy was based on Japanese principles of wabi-sabi, using aged and rustic materials to evoke a sense of peace. The open plan kitchen needed to blend perfectly with this aesthetic, have impact but not dominate, be practical for family and guests, and have connection to the outdoors.
Kira Gray of Fyfe Kitchens in Auckland created a scullery to free up the main kitchen, where, above the bench, a mix of black-framed shelving and tinted-glass cabinets are a visual feature, as is the bar area.
Another highlight is the linear island bench that seemingly continuously flows through to a fully waterproof stone-clad servery on the exterior. Throughout, task and ambient lighting make this kitchen come alive at night for entertaining.
