Ebony elegance

Winner of the 2025 Joinery & Design Awards Best Kitchen and Best Kitchen Design category, this striking kitchen, designed and created by Bays Joinery, is the centrepiece of a newly built coastal home perched atop a ridgeline with sweeping views of Tasman Bay and the Nelson Ranges.

Bays Joinery managing director George Molnar says the clients sought a sleek, industrial-inspired kitchen that balanced robust functionality with contemporary aesthetics. “As hosts who frequently entertain, their wish list included a walk-in chiller, a designated coffee station, expansive granite benchtops, integrated appliances, and ample storage,” he says. As lead designer and project manager, George oversaw the entire process, ensuring every detail enhanced the home’s architecture and the client’s lifestyle.

“One of the key design challenges was integrating the cabinetry within a room defined by a strong steel datum line,” he says. This was resolved using 19mm Crown Cut American Oak veneer in a dark matte stain, with a negative detail that aligned seamlessly with the ceiling line, creating both distinction and flow.

A bespoke steel-framed trio of ovens – including a Miele combi oven, steam oven, and warming drawer in obsidian black – anchors the back wall. “The hob was repositioned to the island, allowing for better interaction during social gatherings, while the rear scullery and walk-in chiller were discreetly integrated for convenience.”

“As the design evolved, our focus shifted towards optimising functionality and fostering connectivity,” George says. “Relocating the hob and cooking zone to the island encouraged seamless interaction during social gatherings. This freed the back wall, allowing for integration of appliances and the creation of a striking trio of ovens framed by a bespoke steel surround”

Granite Titanium Gold benchtops, mitred to 60mm, were meticulously book-matched, extending into timber flooring for a cohesive look. Other standout elements include Häfele Concepta bi-fold pocket doors, Archant woven panels in aluminium frames, and a custom-finished Whispair Paris 36 rangehood.

Blum’s hardware in Terra Black introduced a rich, matt-toned finish, which is ideal for contemporary cabinetry as it combines sleek aesthetics, subdued elegance, and seamless integration with motion technology- driven fittings.

“An intended office space was reimagined as a luxurious bar, adding symmetry and enhancing the kitchen’s multifunctional appeal. Overcoming architectural challenges like the absence of gib walls and multiple entry points, the final result is a sophisticated, award-winning space that reflects both precision and personality.”

The master ensuite was envisioned as a private retreat, integral to the spatial flow of the bedroom and reserved exclusively for the homeowners. Their brief called for a spacious layout with architectural fittings, a calming colour palette, and a design that complemented the rest of the home’s interior.

At the heart of their wishlist was a generously sized vanity offering ample bench space, practical internal storage, and open shelving. The inclusion of a freestanding bathtub was also essential, adding both luxury and relaxation to their daily routine.

“The final design delivers a serene, light-filled space with a breezy, tranquil ambience. A key design challenge, maximising bench space within an angled layout, was elegantly resolved. The bathtub was positioned to capture natural light through a striking picture window, blending function with aesthetics,” George says

Dark-stained American oak elements ensure design continuity from the rest of the home, complemented by a Corian vanity top and textured figure tiles. Corian® Solid Surface basins from the APT Basin Collection are easy to clean, repairable, and stylish, with both the EOS and PURE ranges offering elegant, modern integrated or on-bench designs.

Aged copper tapware adds a subtle industrial elegance, while an open shelf above the bath offers stylish, functional storage. Two dark-tinted glass doors define the ensuite’s zones, enhancing privacy while maintaining visual flow.

Practicality is seamlessly integrated with aesthetics through clever storage solutions, including an open shelf extending over the bath. This ensuite is a perfect union of form and function, delivering more than simply a bathroom, but rather a sanctuary for the senses.

Contact details:

Bays Joinery
03 544 0087
info@baysjoinery.co.nz
www.baysjoinery.co.nz