Let this modern rustic kitchen inspire your next makeover

The kitchen joinery was built using a mix of 2-pac in Dulux Natural White and Laminex veneer in Ashen Oak. The contrasting finishes add warmth and prevent the room from having a white-on-white starkness. The striking two-tone island, part reconstituted stone, part recycled kauri timber and home to a set of silver ‘Tolix’ stools (try Matt Blatt), gives the kitchen personality and a unique flavour. Task lighting comes courtesy of three ‘Aeon Nord’ pendant lights, found at Satelight.

The collection of open shelves breaks up the solid impact of a wall of cabinetry. As the owners pursued the research for their new kitchen, their storage choices became more tailored. They collected images of bin inserts, drawers with dedicated spaces and pull-out tea towel racks next to the oven. All great storage solutions.

Internal fittings are key to a well-functioning kitchen and it pays to invest in quality, as they have to endure years of constant use. Companies such as Blum, which supplied the internals for this kitchen, also have a plethora of
clever storage solutions that can help make the most of available space, such as extra-narrow drawer runners, corner cabinetry and organiser inserts.

The run of units at the back of the kitchen holds a practical double stainless-steel sink and integral drainer (try Renovation D), teamed with a pull-out kitchen spray tap (the Teknobili Oz T7 mixer from Reece is similar). The dishwasher is set handily nearby. The reconstituted stone benchtops came from Granite Planet – the homeowners were keen to have them in 60mm-thick slabs rather than the standard 40mm for a more luxurious look that chimes with the depth of the timber island breakfast bar. For a similar floor, look at Boralstone polished concrete in ‘Riverquartz’, Boral.