Kohimarama

A contemporary dark veneer kitchen defined by proportion, material continuity and crafted detailing.

This project began with an existing design that didn’t fully align with how the homeowners wanted the space to feel or function. Together, we stepped back and redefined the brief, replacing a more traditional direction with a contemporary dark veneer kitchen that better suited the scale of the room and its connection to the landscape beyond.

The design places strong emphasis on proportion and restraint. Long, uninterrupted veneer panels were used to minimise visual breaks, while careful consideration was given to join locations — particularly on the island — to preserve clean lines and material integrity.

A key architectural moment is the integrated window, where materials flow seamlessly through the opening. Honed Super White quartzite forms the left jamb, textured Dekton creates the sill, and veneer panels complete the right jamb and upper section, allowing the kitchen to visually extend into the planting outside.

The island anchors the space with a refined slab-like expression, using solid stone to the breakfast bar to reinforce its scale and presence. A dedicated coffee bar sits to the left, designed to operate independently from the main kitchen with integrated refrigeration and stone shelving — ideal for both daily use and entertaining around the adjacent pool and outdoor fireplace.

In the scullery, the same moody material palette was carried through after lighting was carefully layered to ensure practicality. Internally, storage and functionality differ from side to side, while externally the elevation remains intentionally balanced to avoid competing with the kitchen.

Veneer selection was critical to the success of the project. A mismatched crown-cut American White Oak veneer was wire-brushed and custom stained through multiple samples to achieve a finish that reads almost black, while still allowing natural variation in the grain — adding depth, texture and warmth to the overall composition.

The scope of work also extended beyond the kitchen to include bespoke cabinetry throughout the home, including vanities, bookcases and the laundry, all designed with the same attention to proportion and detailing.

Key Materials & Features

Blum Legrabox Orion Grey Drawers
40mm mitred Super White honed natural stone island and feature splashback
Dekton Sirius hob bench with integrated veneer rail detailing
American White Oak crown-cut veneer, wire-brushed and custom stained
Integrated coffee bar with dedicated refrigeration
LED task and ambient lighting throughout

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