A timeless kitchen and laundry designed for rural family living – blending classic style, durable finishes and thoughtful details for people and pets alike.

The Brief

Our clients, a couple with grown-up children, live on a rural property complete with stables and a full equestrian set-up for their daughter. Their 30-year-old kitchen and laundry were tired and no longer functional, with most appliances broken.

They wanted a timeless kitchen that would sit comfortably in the rural landscape while feeling fresh, easy to use,and enjoyable to spend time in. Retaining their existing dining table was important and with three much-loved dogs in the household, a built-in dog water station was also a key requirement.

The Design

As lead designer we oversaw every detail of the renovation, coordinating trades to bring the design to life. Removing an angled wall and bulkheads opened up the room, allowing for a more streamlined layout and improved storage.

The house has a classic but not overtly traditional style, so we selected a slim-framed door profile to achieve a refined, enduring look. The cabinetry in Kombu Green complements the rural outlook and poolside landscaping, while soft Dekton Laguna benchtops add subtle texture.

A central island now anchors the kitchen, with the cooktop and custom Ambitec-clad shroud rangehood forming a sculptural feature beneath the ceiling apex. A large pantry with pocket doors spans the back wall, providing generous storage and benchtop space for small appliances.

Durability was a priority. A basalt-like tiled floor gives a robust surface for the dogs, while also visually grounding the kitchen and tying in with the outdoor finishes. A textured butler’s sink enhances the timeless character and floating rimu shelves add warmth by linking to the home’s existing joinery.

The dedicated dog water station,with tiled and stone finishes, ensures a practical and stylish solution for this pet-friendly household.

The Result

The new kitchen and laundry are elegant yet robust, perfectly suited to rural family life. Thoughtful storage, durable finishes and timeless detailing have created a space that feels fresh, welcoming and practical. With its sculptural island feature and unique dog water station, this kitchen is as tailored to daily life as it is to entertaining.

Services: Residential Renovation, Full Interior Design

Builder: 360 Project Management and Construction

Photography: Mark Scowen