Waterway Glow
Scenic Coastal Kitchen Design for a Whitianga Waterfront Retreat
Perched along the vibrant Whitianga waterways, this reimagined kitchen by Lara Farmilo Design transforms a large square room into a breathtaking space that captures stunning waterfront views. Having previously designed a kitchen for the home years earlier, we were tasked by new owners to reorient the layout to fully embrace the scenery just beyond their doorstep. This bespoke kitchen design in Whitianga delivers both functionality and elegance, tailored to the clients’ love for outdoor entertaining.
A key challenge was integrating a scullery within the open-plan space. After exploring multiple layouts, we introduced a dividing wall to create a fully functional scullery discreetly tucked behind back-to-back cabinetry. This solution maintains an airy feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors flooding the room with light. The scullery works seamlessly with the main kitchen, featuring a wine cooler strategically placed under the benchtop for easy access during gatherings just outside the main doors.
The kitchen’s minimalist design exudes sophistication while adding visual interest day and night. An inverted bulkhead with recessed LED light strips creates a warm, inviting ambiance for evening entertaining, while back-lit glass shelves with sensor controls draw guests toward the scullery, enhancing both form and function. Timber veneer frames the sleek matt black base cabinetry, which extends into the scullery with subtle veneer accents, linking the spaces harmoniously.
Premium Neff appliances, including a built-in recirculation downdraft ventilation system, ensure unobstructed views and full use of overhead storage, maintaining the kitchen’s clean lines. The design prioritizes accessibility to the fridge and outdoor entertaining area, aligning with the clients’ lifestyle. This Whitianga kitchen exemplifies Lara Farmilo Design’s expertise in crafting tailored, high-end spaces that blend practicality with coastal charm, delivering a waterfront masterpiece that elevates every moment spent in the home.
