Ebony & Ivory
2026 NKBA Excellence in Design Awards showcase
Photography John Williams
Runner-Up, Supreme Kitchen Design Award
The existing kitchen in a large Auckland villa was dated and disconnected. The homeowners wanted something bold: darker, richer and in keeping with the home’s traditional bones.
There was more than enough light in the room, says Katie Scott of Sticks+Stones Design, so she added contrast, depth and drama with rich timber cabinetry, aged brass hardware, Dekton porcelain on the back bench and Mont Blanc quartzite on the island. Fluted marble mosaic tiles deliver texture and visual complexity for a fraction of the cost of full stone, while carefully considered lighting means the elegant, moody atmosphere shifts beautifully from day to night.
A distinct arched glass-fronted cabinet was incorporated as a coffee and drinks zone, and a workspace provides a cosy spot for the dog’s bed to be tucked under in exactly the same place as in the old layout.
