Coastal simplicity

A simple shell sparked the inspiration for this waterside kitchen

Layered Resene neutrals and clean wood finishes help this Whitianga kitchen blend beautifully with the home’s coastal location. Located on a street named for the Māori translation of ‘flowing sands’ homeowner Wendy opted for walls throughout the home in the soft, creamy beige of Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown from the Resene Karen Walker Paints collection, and turned to the fresh, crisp white of Resene Alabaster on the kitchen cabinetry and ceiling.

“The inspiration for this handpicked colour scheme came from the magnificent surroundings of a nearby beach,” says Wendy. “A shell stood out, and with its beautiful colours, became the focal point for the home interior. “Nothing goes amiss when you blend the natural habitat from the outside in, it flows flawlessly.”


Wendy says she’s a fan of Resene Alabaster because of the subtle hint of black in the white which gives the finish more depth and interest. While Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown offers a subtle softness. “Overall Resene Sandspit Brown is very delicate and grounding. You can intensify that look more with Resene Double Sandspit Brown if you want more drama, or go for the quieter fresher look with Resene Quarter Sandspit Brown.”

When it came to the kitchen Wendy wanted the whole space to look and feel like a piece of furniture as it sits within the open plan dining and family room area which is why she opted for the crisp functional whites paired with natural wood in some cabinetry and on the floor.

“My other must-have were the double ovens so I can cook my main meal and still have a warm, freshly baked cake on the side!”

The toughest part of bringing the finished kitchen together was getting the large fridge to sit flush within its designated nook. “I really wanted it to be sitting flush when the doors were wide open so there was nothing sticking out to knock your toes on! Thanks to Lance Deane, my project manager who sorted that and designed the fridge space perfectly flush with bespoked fitted wood paneling down the side.

When it comes to putting together a kitchen colour scheme that works well, on its own, and with surrounding open plan areas Wendy suggests starting with a benchtop you love. “Choose your benchtop and pick your kitchen colours based on what blends in with that. Then use complementary colour choices that also blend in with your design choice for the benchtop. Expand from there … easy!”

In Wendy’s words:

My favourite part of this kitchen is… practical things like the wide open space between the bulkhead and the bench buffet, that you can walk past the dishwasher when it’s fully open and a quiet range hood. The list goes on!

My cooking style is… Mediterranean based. All things bright, fresh and tasty. In season with reason!

The recipe I’d like to cook from this issue of dish and why is …Crisp greens and avocado goodness-dressing with pan fried fish because lettuce grows in abundance in my garden, avocados are available on roadside stalls and fresh fish is always available thanks to the surrounding sea.

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