With a prize pack of $35,000 for a new kitchen
these homeowners got more than they bargained
for at the Auckland Homeshow last year.

The Dream Kitchen Giveaway team helped make an Auckland
couple's dream kitchen become a reality. Project managed and
designed by My Kitchen Ltd, designer Marianne Gailer is quick
to credit all the suppliers and contributors as being fantastic
to work with, “they made it easy for myself and the client to
achieve the best possible result.”

What was the client brief for this design?
The homeowners wanted their new kitchen to blend in
with their compact open plan living and dining space while
incorporating casual breakfast seating.

Did you encounter any design restrictions?
As the footprint of the kitchen was already determined there
was little movement in options for the layout.

What was the biggest challenge?
To create an agreeable solution and location for the dining
room table and still incorporate the space for a casual
breakfast bar. To achieve this I tapered the island benchtop
so that the wider end has space for the bar stools and the
narrower end allows the dining table to be tucked underneath.
This gives ample clearance for two, but allows the table to
be pulled out when entertaining. The stoneclad fireplace
is tapered all the way to the ceiling which is where the
inspiration for this came from.

What is the most novel aspect of the kitchen?
Provided by Graphic Glass, the dynamic glass picture
splashback contrasts the balanced design of the cabinetry
while bringing an interesting and personal element to
the space. Also, the Innotech soft close draw runners from
Hettich are a must in every new kitchen design. The long
high gloss lacquered timber box has no vertical dividers
which allows it to be used as an aesthetic storage unit in an
otherwise impractical space.

From the $35,000 prize package, $13,500 was allocated to
aid the price of appliances which was added to by the
homeowners. The fridge was supplied by Fisher & Paykel; the
Smeg oven, microwave and extractor fan were sourced from
the Applico Group. Parex Industries came on board with the
waste disposal unit and Plumbing World supplied the sink
by Burns & Ferrall. The Quarella benchtop was provided by
the Tile Warehouse and enhances the cabinetry which was
manufactured by Mastercraft kitchens in Tauranga, from
Bestwood Board provided by Carter Holt Harvey.

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Story by - Homestyle | June/July 09