Soothe by name, soothe by nature

When homeowners Caitlin and Matthew tackled the kitchen of their new-build dream home in Napier they wanted a balance of multiple different design influences in a space that was also practical.

“I wanted to bring together design elements from a number of different influences: Scandi, mid-century modern, Palm Springs and art deco; We are in Napier after all!

“But it also needed to be pretty and super functional as we both work and have two young kids,”  Caitlin says.

Working with Sol Atkinson from Atkinson Harwood Architecture, the couple created a space that feels like the heart of the home, with walls in dusky blush Resene Soothe, a ply ceiling in half strength Resene Colorwood Whitewash, both offset by an elegant fluted timber island and polished concrete floors.

Caitlin says Resene Soothe felt like the perfect comforting shade for a busy, family space.

“It’s a beautiful, calming and cosy colour. I love the warmth it brings into the space and how well it works with the white, the wood elements, and the natural stone.

“Then, on the ceiling I love how the wood grain of the plywood shows through but the half strength wash of Resene Colorwood Whitewash stops it from being too overpowering in a space that already has a lot of visual interest. I’m no minimalist!”

Caitlin’s non-negotiable in the finished kitchen was a scullery which sits behind the rear kitchen wall “to hide away all the appliances and some of the clutter”.

“We also have a breakfast station in there where the coffee machine, cereals, bread and spreads all live together.

“We also wanted a generously sized island bench that could develop with our family,” she says. Though the functional bench did cause some challenges in the initial design phase.

“I was stuck for a long time trying to work out how to avoid putting the sink in the island bench, as I kept reading advice that said to keep the island clear if possible. In the end it wasn’t possible because there wasn’t enough space on the back bench, but for our family it actually works perfectly having the sink where it is. It goes to show that these kinds of decisions are so individual.”

Top tip: 

For a barely-there look that protects and elevates timber finishes try Resene Aquaclear Natural

As its name suggests Resene Soothe adds a calming feel to the kitchen, while the ply ceiling panels in half-strength Resene Colorwood Whitewash add fresh visual interest. The view through to the media room also shows glimpses of walls in Resene Half Inside Back.

In Caitlin’s words...

Describe your cooking style: Very organised and systematic. I like to try and clean up as I go, so it was essential to have everything placed within easy reach to allow this.

What is your favourite part of this kitchen? The ‘Super White’ stone [on the benches and splashback] was a splurge, but I fell in love with it when I saw a slab of it in the factory. I love how all the different textures and finishes work together.

Which recipe from this issue of dish would you like to cook and why? I’m intrigued by the idea of the bean and fennel salad, and the boulangere potatoes. We eat mostly vegetarian and are hosting our families for Christmas this year, so I am definitely on the hunt for some meat-free but still decadent ideas.

What is your favourite Christmas food tradition? I think making a gingerbread house is such a fun activity which all ages can enjoy!