Elegant warmth

This North Canterbury house was conceived by architect Gareth Ritchie (of Rangiora’s firm Archco) as his own family home.

Cabinetry in planked American Oak, complemented by white-quartz benchtops.

The overall form is a play on the traditional Scandinavian gable, with clipped eaves, a 40 degree roof pitch and a completely timber clad exterior. The kitchen, however was “designed to be the heart and focal point of an open-plan living area,” says Gareth, “white walls and polished concrete f loors are softened by the cabinetry in planked American Oak, complemented by white quartz benchtops, brushed nickel handles and a dark marbled splashback that complete the simple material palette.”

Part of the beauty of this space is its use of negatives forming the handles on cabinetry and seamlessly blending in with the integrated fridge face panels. The edges have been mitred to create a softer, more friendly aesthetic and brushed nickel pull handles (by Archant Furnipart) make sporadic appearances throughout. The custom made, linear lighting echoes the elegant and lightweight feel of the mixer tap and helps contrast the heavy, anchoring weight of the solid island.

Detail of cabinetry
Detail of cabinetry.
Project: Belmont Kitchen
Designer: Archco
Location: Rangiora

Related articles

The great outdoors

Heading into winter and missing those beautiful long summer evenings outdoors, it’s time to think about what alfresco dining will look like in 2024.

Cooking with fire

French private chef Arno Jullien began his culinary career in Provence after graduating from Paul Augier Culinary School in Nice. We talk to him about creating a local French cuisine in Auckland.

Culinary motifs

Design duo Kelly Gammie and Sean Monk, the creatives behind Rarebirds Interiors, produce work that is highly distinctive and individual, pushing the boundaries between a global outlook and a vibrant local design language.

Framed

Elegant frames and dividers for bespoke configurations define this new drawer insert by Blum.