Beautifully balanced

his kitchen is positioned in the heart of a new dwelling built for the owners of boutique building company Langsford and Ogle Homes and their two young children. Real estate agent Mel Langsford and her husband Mitch, have built and renovated five of their own properties and bring a high level of experience and discernment to every project. “We wanted a home that would feel calm, beautifully composed, and deeply functional,” says Mel.

Chelsey Mathieson from Niche Design Co designed the kitchen to flow seamlessly with the rest of the home: “As it was the builder’s own home, we worked very closely together throughout the project,” says Chelsey. “I worked with Mel and interior designer Belinda Wolland and also designed a beautiful, functional laundry to complement the space,” says Chelsey.

“We designed the home with 3.2 metre ceilings and detailed scotia to give the spaces presence and lightness and we wanted the kitchen to feel anchored within that scale,” says Mel. “Our travels through France and Italy also shaped the aesthetic. We wanted timeless materials, soft tonal palettes and beautifully balanced spaces to bring a touch of understated European elegance into our home.”

“Chelsey immediately understood the atmosphere we wanted to create, a kitchen that feels sculptural, refined and quietly luxurious,” says Mel. The brief was to create something striking, so a dark veneer was chosen to contrast the light walls and high ceilings. Mel and Mitch wanted a kitchen that was bold but still flowed with the rest of the home. “Durability was also a priority, which led us to the Dekton range for the benchtops,” says Chelsey. “We used the subtly veined Dekton Morpheus as a feature on the island and splashbacks, then paired it with the softer, more understated Dekton Aeris for the remaining work surfaces around the hob, sink and in the scullery.”

Both interior designer Belinda Wolland and Mel, had a clear vision for the overall aesthetic, with flooring and wall colours already selected. “With my clients’ full trust, I was able to bring to life some design ideas I’d been envisioning for a while. Having the confidence to push boundaries really paid off,” says Chelsey.

One standout feature is the dropped stone detail under the breakfast bar. “Rather than full panels to the floor, I introduced a negative detail with fluted panels below, creating a striking feature on the island. Another unique element is the scullery upstand, where the stone rises to two-thirds height with veneer panelling above, blending practicality with a beautifully balanced aesthetic.”

Working on a live-build site with the builder’s own home meant timelines and expectations were especially high. One challenge was coordinating the kitchen and scullery layout to align perfectly with the architectural features and interior finishes already chosen. Close collaboration with both the client and interior designer, along with careful planning of materials and detailing, allowed them to resolve these points efficiently. The result was a cohesive, functional space that didn’t compromise on design. Chelsey collaborated with Keith Paton Joinery for the first time on this project. The joinery team gave clear communication and highquality results to bring the designs to fruition as intended.

This kitchen was awarded top honours at the NKBA Awards, which was a proud moment for Chelsey and Niche Design Co.

“It’s always rewarding when a design that combines functionality, aesthetic and attention to detail is recognised by industry peers. It’s a real validation of the collaborative work with my clients and the team. I’d just like to thank my clients for trusting me with their home,” says Chelsey. “Their confidence allowed me to bring my design vision to life. I’m thrilled with how the space turned out and hope it inspires others to be bold with their own kitchens.”

For Mel, the hero of the kitchen space is the island: “Its scale, the calm veining of the stone and the sculptural detailing, give it presence without overwhelming the room. I also love the balance of the deep matte cabinetry against the soft light tones, creating depth without heaviness. Above everything else, it is the way the kitchen sits within the volume of the home that I enjoy most. The height, the natural light and the clean lines give it a sense of serenity and elegance that sets the tone for the entire house.”

Mel, Mitch and their family love their new kitchen. “Entertaining is a huge part of our lifestyle,” says Mel. “We love that our children, their friends and our own guests all naturally gather in and around the kitchen. The island becomes a natural hub and the connection to the living areas and the pool creates an easy flow between inside and out. Whether it is a long summer afternoon with people drifting between the pool and the kitchen or a cosy evening with friends, the space adapts and holds energy beautifully. It is a home that truly comes alive when it is full of people.”

Contact details:

Niche Design Co
021 146 8455
chelsey@nichedesignco.nz
www.nichedesignco.nz