WAINUI, AUCKLAND

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.

DESIGNER: Lauren Edwards, in collaboration with the client.
CABINETRY BY FLUID INTERIORS: KITCHEN, SCULLERY, LAUNDRY, DINING ROOM BANQUETTE SEATING, TV UNIT, BATHROOM VANITIES + WARDROBES
KITCHEN BENCHTOP: Honed Marble SaSaab – European Ceramics
CABINETRY: Aged Ash Melteca Puregrain, brass handle details
SPECIAL DETAILS: FLUID CUSTOM FLUTED CURVED ISLAND constructed with Genia architectural panelling
LOCATION: MILLDALE/WAINUI AUCKLAND
DATE: 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jo Lanham

Full view of bespoke Wainui kitchen featuring curved Genia architectural panelling island, arched entryway to scullery, and custom dining banquette with aged ash Melteca Puregrain cabinetry and honed Marble SaSaab benchtops.

Portrait view of Wainui kitchen with curved Genia panelling island, oak-toned Melteca Puregrain cabinetry, and arched scullery entry framed by soft natural textures and Marble SaSaab benchtops.

Close-up of running tap in bespoke Wainui kitchen by Fluid Interiors, with curved scullery entrance and integrated fridge visible in background. Features aged ash Melteca Puregrain cabinetry and Marble SaSaab benchtops.

Close-up of curved scullery entry in custom Wainui kitchen by Fluid Interiors, featuring LED-lit open shelves and warm-toned cabinetry.

Close-up of curved kitchen island in Wainui home by Fluid Interiors, showing under-bar LED lighting, fluted Genia panelling, and honed Marble SaSaab benchtop.

Interior view of walk-in pantry in Wainui kitchen by Fluid Interiors, featuring appliance garage with Sage roller door, floating shelves, and bench space.

Interior scullery view in custom Wainui kitchen by Fluid Interiors, showing corner cabinetry, open shelving, and consistent aged ash Melteca Puregrain finishes.

Straight-on view of scullery in Wainui kitchen by Fluid Interiors, featuring coffee station with appliance storage, jug, and open shelving in aged ash Melteca Puregrain cabinetry.

Custom built-in dining bench seat clad in Genia architectural panelling in Wainui home by Fluid Interiors, matching the curved kitchen island design.

Angled view of custom built-in dining bench seat clad in Genia architectural panelling, coordinating with curved kitchen island in Wainui home by Fluid Interiors.

Custom TV cabinet in Wainui home by Fluid Interiors, featuring aged ash Melteca Puregrain cabinetry and clean, modern design.

View through glass bedroom door showing custom ensuite vanity with aged ash Melteca Puregrain cabinetry in Wainui home by Fluid Interiors.

DRH SHOWHOME, WARKWORTH

Taking cues from the sun-soaked elegance of Palm Springs, this David Reid Homes Warkworth showhome, with the kitchen—designed, manufactured, and installed by Fluid Interiors—delivers relaxed luxury with a mid-century modern twist.

The hero piece, a curved island clad in Colosseum Crystal White finger tiles, evokes poolside glamour while providing everyday functionality. The benchtops, in 30mm Trendstone Cala Eleganza, are softened at one end to enhance the kitchen’s flowing layout.

Cabinetry throughout features Berlin-profile Thermoform fronts in a fresh, matte white, offset with sleek negative detail handles. A warm copper penny round mosaic splashback curves seamlessly up the wall, providing a nod to retro design while staying grounded in modern materials.

Touches of brushed brass—including lip handles on tall units, a Waterware gold tap, and a Mercer brass sink—bring warmth and cohesion to the palette. Hettich soft-close drawer runners ensure the kitchen functions as beautifully as it looks.

This space is a celebration of form, texture, and timeless style—inviting you to slow down and soak up the sunshine, even indoors.

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KAUKAPAKAPA, AUCKLAND

RUSTIC MODERN KITCHEN WITH AGED ASH CABINETRY AND CAESARSTONE BENCHTOPS

Nestled within a stunning home featuring light reclaimed brick cladding, this kitchen perfectly marries rustic warmth with contemporary style. Crafted with Aged Ash Melteca cabinetry and topped with sleek Caesarstone Snow benchtops, the space exudes an inviting and timeless appeal.

A discreet bifold door reveals a hidden bar area, adding a touch of elegance and functionality. Bright natural light floods the airy scullery through adjacent windows, creating a seamless flow between the kitchen and outdoor spaces. The kitchen island’s back features delicate thin V-groove detailing, adding subtle texture and visual interest.

Accents of brass hardware and natural materials enrich the kitchen’s design, balancing rural charm with modern sophistication. As the heart of this beautifully styled home, the kitchen embodies the perfect rural lifestyle kitchen—warm, practical, and effortlessly stylish.

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View from kitchen towards outside featuring custom Aged Ash Melteca island with Caesarstone Snow benchtop and built-in window seat in Kaukapakapa home by Fluid Interiors.

OREWA, AUCKLAND

Warm Modern Family Kitchen Renovation

This warm and welcoming family kitchen renovation blends natural texture with modern simplicity. Designed, manufactured, and installed by Fluid Interiors, the space was transformed to feel calm, personal, and highly functional for everyday living.

Crisp White Melteca cabinetry creates a fresh foundation, balanced by the rich warmth of Rustica Knotty Oak Veneer, bringing natural character and depth to the design. The Trendstone Neve Quartz benchtop offers a refined finish with long-lasting durability — perfect for a busy family home.

Thoughtful details make this kitchen truly unique, including curved island legs and a custom arched display wall that add softness, personality, and a place for meaningful styling moments.

A joyful renovation — and a space where this young family can express their individuality, gather together, and enjoy a sense of everyday serenity.

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