Kitchen renovation all in the detail

 

A total modification of their 1980’s house inevitably resulted in a new Jag kitchen for Howick couple Mike and Cathy Barnes.

Buying an ex-rental six years ago with the intention of transforming it into a long-term, liveable home for themselves, Mike and Cathy had a long journey ahead of them.

Mike says the house was in dire straits. “It had worn carpets, the wallpaper was falling off – it was as if we had gone back to flatting! Our teenage children loved it because they were never told off for anything.”

And the kitchen was especially depressing, he says. “Everything was pink – it was definitely that ‘80’s era.”

Four years down the track and the landscaping complete, the Barnes’ set about their next project: the kitchen.

Browsing at the Danske Mobler Home Centre in Botany one day, they bumped into old acquaintance and kitchen designer, Caroline Charman, and knew she was just the person for the job.

“We knew Caroline was in the kitchen industry but we weren’t sure where. And then, while shopping one day, we saw her at Jag Kitchens!”

Caroline, whose son used to work for Mike, says it was a pleasure to work with the couple.

“Mike and Cathy had good ideas. They had a really clear perception of space and colours and were more adventurous than others in choosing the colours and details they liked.”

She adds that their attention to detail was exceptional, largely due to Mike and Cathy owning a sign writing business.

And the beauty of the kitchen certainly lies in the detail. Boasting brand new stainless steel appliances from the Fisher and Paykel ‘Designer Series’, with cabinetry handles to match, there is nothing average about this kitchen.

The height of the handles is aligned perfectly and there is negative detail running between the white, Ceasarstone bench top with a subtle pattern of delicate watermarks and the Melteca cabinetry.

Keeping to a palette of neutral, earthy colours for the cabinetry, Mike and Cathy chose Melteca husk in a natural finish to contrast with Melteca mist. The colours complement the darker, woodgrain linea flooring.

At the bottom of the dish drawers, a timber panel has been attached to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the kickboard – more attention to detail – and in one corner a large bin is completely hidden from view.

Still more impressive is a secret cupboard in the central island – “every bit of space is utilised!”

A large oven is now the centrepiece of the kitchen and the microwave, once painfully visible, has been relegated to a less conspicuous space within the island but under eye level.

“We didn’t want the microwave ruining the look of our kitchen – that was the main thing,” Mike says. “And the big oven is absolutely brilliant!”

All of this is thanks to Caroline. “She’s been excellent,” Mike says. “We’re very glad we found her because she has worked with us, listened to our ideas and incorporated her own ideas.

We have ended up with a perfect result!”

And not forgetting the Jag kitchen installers, he adds: “We were really impressed with how professional and detailed they were – they were a pleasure to deal with.”

Mike and Cathy, who both work from home, say the kitchen has made a huge difference to the atmosphere of their home. “We can see the kitchen from the office and it’s such a treat to come into at the end of the day.

“We love the whole kitchen. There’s nothing we would change – nothing at all.”

– Article courtesy of H&P Times