Designing the heart of your home

Whether your new kitchen comes with a new home or a renovation there are a lot of aspects to consider. When designing a kitchen, it’s important to balance form with function.

While gathering inspiration in magazines and online is a good starting point; a kitchen designer is key for considering the practical details. A designer interprets your unique style and creates a kitchen that quite literally caters to your needs.

Marlborough based kitchen designer Aimee Materoa says “The kitchen is the soul of the household. So first I really have to get to know the person and their story. Only then can I really put pen to paper and design something critical to who they are as human beings. Ergonomics and functionality first, and then we bring all the Aroha in. All the love.”

A designer will create a space that flows with considered spatial design, understanding exactly what is needed for various zones and storage.

It’s important to allow for a small work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator to make food preparation efficient. A storage plan is needed for cabinets, drawers, and pantry space to keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. Once the layout has been decided, it’s time to consider the fixtures and finishes to create your dream kitchen. Lighting also plays a crucial role, from pendants for ambiance to task lighting for cooking.

Materials and finishes should not only look good but also be durable and easy to clean, especially for benchtops and flooring. Finally, consider how the kitchen connects with the rest of the home.

Aimee has designed several award-winning kitchens in collaboration with joiners within the Marlborough region. “It’s all about authentic design. I am pushing constantly to create something timeless and elegant for my clients. That’s not just about looks, it’s also about the feel and functionality of the room.”

While Aimee says that trends can be inspiring and tempting, they ultimately come and go. Ask yourself how the kitchen will look in ten years. Aimee says, “Stick to your style, create a space for you, that you love. This is your home, your style, your whanau. Create a space that you love to come home to.

Contact details:

Aimee Materoa Design
021 501 964
aimee@materoadesign.co.nz
www.materoadesign.co.nz