WAINUI KITCHEN: NATURAL TEXTURE, FLOWING FORMS, FUNCTIONAL LIVING

This new home, designed for a social family, called for open, flowing spaces that reflected both the home’s exterior and the clients’ sophisticated interior style. The kitchen sits at the centre of it all, designed to feel connected to the surrounding living and dining areas, with a strong focus on natural materials and thoughtful detailing.

The curved island—finished in Genia architectural panelling—creates a soft, sculptural form that carries through to the booth-style dining nook, helping the two spaces flow as one. A seamless transition from the benchtop and window to the outdoor deck makes entertaining easy, whether it’s summer BBQs or casual family catch-ups.

The clients wanted a light, natural look with layered textures, and this came together through a combination of oak melamine cabinetry, white curved panelling, and Marble SaSaab benchtops. The palette is warm and tactile, with a relaxed elegance that feels both timeless and grounded.

Functionally, the space works just as hard as it looks. The layout allows multiple people to cook and prep at the same time, while kids can perch at the island or stay within view from the dining area, living room, or outside. The clients didn’t want a visible extractor or tall cabinetry interrupting the kitchen’s clean lines, so storage is tucked away in the pantry, and a rear riser was used behind the hob—its motor cleverly hidden in a corner pantry cupboard. Häfele oil inserts beside the oven keep everyday cooking essentials close at hand without adding visual clutter.

An arched walkway connects the kitchen to the pantry, creating a smooth, clutter-free transition. Inside, the finishes mirror the main kitchen, with floating shelves, bench space for the coffee machine and small appliances, and a Sage-toned roller door to keep everything out of sight but easy to reach.

This home is beautifully resolved from the moment you arrive, and the kitchen plays a key role in that. Designed to support daily living, social occasions, and everything in between, it’s a space that feels warm, refined, and truly lived in.

A KITCHEN DESIGNED TO FRAME THE VIEW – CUSTOM CABINETRY BY FLUID INTERIORS

Set in the hills of Mangawhai, this beautiful home by Jeremy Chapman Architecture (JCA) was designed around the view — and the kitchen was no exception. The client’s vision was to create a generous, welcoming space to host friends and family, while keeping the design calm and understated to let the landscape speak for itself.

Working closely with the client and architect, Fluid Interiors designed, manufactured, and installed the kitchen and scullery cabinetry, focusing on simplicity, natural materials, and lasting quality. The four-metre cantilevered island provides a sculptural focal point and a place to sit and take in the surrounds. A palette of Marlin Grey quartzite, stainless steel, and white American oak in a vertical crown cut was chosen for its warmth and timelessness.

Every detail was thoughtfully resolved — from integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into the cabinetry, to the pocket door that conceals the scullery, adding function without interrupting the space. Soft lighting and natural textures keep the space feeling warm and grounded.

This kitchen is a quiet, elegant response to its location — one that feels effortless, yet every element has been deeply considered.

HERNE BAY VILLA RENOVATION WITH HIGH-END BESPOKE CABINETRY

In collaboration with the talented team at at.space, architectural expertise from Jones Architect, and the skilled builders at The Building Co, Fluid Interiors detailed, manufactured, and installed the custom cabinetry throughout this stunning Herne Bay villa renovation.

Balancing the home’s classic character with contemporary flair, the interiors showcase a thoughtfully curated palette of natural American oak veneer, soft greys, warm pinks, rich navy, and sleek black. From the kitchen and scullery to the living room, vanities, and custom study areas, each space has been carefully considered to suit both function and refined everyday living.

The kitchen features honed Super White granite benchtops and custom cabinetry in a blend of Acrymatte, 2-pot urethane (Dulux Western Myall G10), and American Oak quarter cut veneer. In the scullery, Corian Silver Birch benchtops are paired with Prime Melamine and hand-finished 2-pot lacquer in Dulux Titahi Bay G10 for a clean, modern contrast.

This home is a seamless blend of bespoke craftsmanship, modern design, and enduring materials—brought together with precision and care by the Fluid Interiors team.