Country Pulse
Modern Country Kitchen Design for a Spacious Mangawhai Estate
For clients building a grand rural home on expansive acreage in Mangawhai, north of Auckland, Lara Farmilo Design crafted a show-stopping kitchen, bar, laundry, and four wardrobes, building on the success of their previous kitchen designed a decade earlier. With a blank canvas and stunning views of rolling countryside and a pool, this bespoke project embodies modern country style, blending natural timber, matt black finishes, and low-maintenance functionality to suit a busy family with three boys.
The kitchen features matt black cabinetry fronts with a nano-technology finish, repelling fingerprints for effortless upkeep. Heavily embossed, structured timber décor adorns tall and wall units, adding warmth and texture, while handleless designs maintain a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. A solid timber casual-dining top on the island complements the home’s timber flooring, dining, and coffee tables, creating a cohesive, inviting space. The 20mm Dekton Sirius benchtops, with their rippled matt black surface, introduce tactile sophistication, paired with a glass splashback that mirrors the pool and hills beyond.
Designed for sociability, the island houses induction hobs with a downdraft ventilation system, discreetly channelled through the floor slab, allowing the clients to cook while facing the picturesque landscape. Two integrated refrigerators and dishwashers ensure a clutter-free look, with only the elegant Gaggenau ovens visible, adding a touch of luxury. Minimalist LED lighting above the island and beneath wall units enhances both functionality and ambiance.
A concealed scullery, long and efficient, features its own sink, dishwasher, and boiling/chilled water tap, keeping the main kitchen pristine. The adjacent bar, finished in matching matt black tops and fronts, centres symmetrically around a glass-doored wine conditioner, perfect for entertaining. The laundry and wardrobes echo the kitchen’s modern country aesthetic, delivering a cohesive design throughout the home.
The clients rave about the kitchen’s ability to handle their bustling morning routine, with five family members preparing breakfast and lunches effortlessly. Lara Farmilo Design’s meticulous attention to detail and spacious layout have created a Mangawhai masterpiece that’s both a practical family hub and a luxurious retreat, perfectly tailored to their lifestyle.
