New Kitchen Project Showcase: "Going with the Grain"

13 August 2024

As part of a long-awaited earthquake repair, this 1970s kitchen was transformed into a modern, light-filled space. The redesign honors the home's original architecture while accommodating the couple's love for entertaining. The kitchen features a deeper peninsula for additional storage, tall cabinetry that expands pantry space, and open shelving perfect for displaying artwork. The Scandinavian-inspired color scheme, warm wood grains, and crisp white finishes create a cohesive and inviting environment.


Specifications

  • Benchtops: 30mm Silestone ‘White Storm 14’ polished


  • Cabinetry: 18mm Melteca ‘Malibu’ satin finish, Bestwood ‘Simply Eucalyptus’ timber-land finish for cabinetry and floating shelves


  • Handles: Elite Hardware ‘Apollo’ extrusion handle, anodized finish, Archant ‘Hide’ flush handles, inox look


  • Sink: IKON IK8550 Small Sink Station


  • Hardware: Blum ‘Antaro’ drawers with a 5-drawer Space Tower, Blum soft-closing hinges, Blum ‘Wesco’ 15-litre wastebins


There is a large wooden table in the middle of the room.

Warm Scandinavian Design

The kitchen’s design embraces Scandinavian aesthetics, blending warm wood grains with crisp white finishes. The natural textures of the ‘Simply Eucalyptus’ timber and the fresh ‘White Storm’ benchtops create a cozy yet modern space that is both inviting and timeless. This design complements the home’s 1970s architecture, enhancing the light and airy feel provided by the skylight windows and high ceilings.



A kitchen with wooden cabinets and shelves and a bar.

Enhanced Functionality

The kitchen layout was reimagined for maximum efficiency, with a deeper peninsula that offers additional under-bench storage and a spacious breakfast bar. Tall cabinetry on the side wall expands pantry storage, while open shelving adds both practicality and style. These elements were thoughtfully designed to accommodate two users comfortably, making the kitchen ideal for both daily use and entertaining guests.


A kitchen with white cabinets , stainless steel appliances , and wooden shelves.

Artistic Touches

Given the homeowner’s passion for art and sculpture, the kitchen design thoughtfully incorporates spaces for displaying artwork. The open shelving and strategic placement of accessories allow for personal expression, turning the kitchen into a gallery-like space that reflects the homeowner’s creative spirit. These artistic touches add a unique character to the kitchen, making it not just a functional area but a true centerpiece of the home.



A kitchen with a table and chairs in it

Inspired by this project? Visit our showroom at 423 Main North Road, Christchurch, or call 03 352 3457 to start planning your dream kitchen with Finesse Joinery.

A kitchen with a sink , stove and refrigerator

A tall order: are floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets right for your kitchen?

23 May 2025
In the world of kitchen design, floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets, also known as wall-to-wall or full height cabinets have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. As kitchen joinery specialists in Christchurch , we thoroughly enjoy seeing firsthand how this kitchen design choice transforms and liberates a space’s functionality. But is this towering storage solution right for you and your home? The compelling case for ceiling height kitchen cabinets Floor-to-ceiling cabinets work best when: Storage is a priority in your kitchen design. You have adequate counter space elsewhere ( kitchen island , peninsula). The kitchen layout allows for one dedicated storage wall. You appreciate a clean, contemporary kitchen design aesthetic. You're willing to incorporate accessibility solutions. 1. Cleaner aesthetic lines Floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets create a sleek, cohesive look that instantly makes a kitchen appear bespoke and luxuriously high-end. As well as preventing the top of the wall units becoming a dumping ground, eliminating the gap above standard-height cabinets and replacing with full height kitchen cabinets implies a more intentional kitchen design with every spare inch considered . The vertical lines also make the ceiling appear higher, lending a sense of grandeur to the space. 2. Integrated appliance opportunities One of the most practical advantages of a full-height cabinet wall is the ability to incorporate integrated appliances at ergonomic heights. Our kitchen designers in Christchurch recommend this approach for a seamless look, but also for convenient access to ovens, microwaves, and warming drawers, ideal for seniors or clients with impaired mobility. Custom kitchen joinery enables appliances to be positioned exactly where you want them, surrounded by bespoke kitchen cabinets that perfectly match the rest of the kitchen design. This reduces the risk of freestanding appliances looking disjointed and creates a cohesive, designer kitchen look. 
A kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a sink.

Undermount or overmount sink: which is best for your kitchen renovation?

28 April 2025
Discover which sink type suits your lifestyle, kitchen layout, and maintenance preferences, undermount or overmount? We guide you through both.
A kitchen with a large island and stools

Various Recent Kitchen Projects

8 April 2025
Explore our latest kitchen renovation projects for design ideas, layouts, and modern finishes that blend style, function, and practicality.
Show More