This Takapuna kitchen brings new meaning to the heart of the home with a striking three-metre kitchen island crafted in a statement Negresco quartzite.
Sitting beneath a dramatic double-height void, the expansive stone island is undoubtedly the hero in this space, which elegantly combines a coastal feel with a dose of urban opulence.
Negresco quartzite is a dramatic yet classic stone, sought after for its consistent black undertone that accentuates delicate veins of gold and white. Here, the same stone is used for the rear bench and splashback and for the fireplace hearth in the adjoining living space.
“We selected this slab from CDK Stone with the wider material palette in mind — cedar, concrete, and blackened steel. With both clients enjoying cooking and entertaining, and this being a family home, we also wanted something that was durable and practical,” explains interior designer Jayne Tolley of Trinity Interior Design.
“We decided to carry the same stone through to the hearth to create consistency in the open-plan space. It’s the kitchen that is the hero, though — where the architectural features converge. The void above the kitchen is a dramatic space and it lent itself to a dramatic stone — it needed to be a strong stand-alone feature that wouldn’t get lost in the volume. Because the Negresco quartzite is black, we opted for a leathered finish, which softens the colour slightly and creates a more organic texture.
“It was always envisioned as a minimal space; a beautiful place to entertain, with the scullery behind acting as the primary workspace. The size of the island meant the drama of the beautiful white and gold veining was accentuated, and I think what we’ve created with this piece is something quite spectacular.”
Negresco quartzite is one of CDK Stone’s most sought-after stones. Sourced from Brazil, it sits seamlessly in both traditional and bold contemporary architectural settings. Negresco is known for its durability, with a marble-like appearance. A similar version of the same stone, known as Palmas quartzite, offers a warmer hue in its rich brown-black undertones. Both Negresco and Palmas quartzite are suited to myriad applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and walls, as well as for outdoor uses, and are available in polished, honed, and leathered finishes.
