Refined functionality

When the owners of this 1980s rural lifestyle property approached Chelsey Mathieson of Niche Design Co, they were undergoing a full home renovation. “As busy professionals with young children, they wanted a kitchen and scullery that were both functional and familyfriendly,” says Chelsey. “The clients were drawn to a timber aesthetic with clean lines and the new spaces needed to complement the large format tiles they had already chosen, as well as the dark brickwork on the existing exterior.” Chelsey’s brief called for multi-use areas with the scullery containing the bulk of the kitchen cleanup, allowing the main kitchen to remain functional without letting mess dominate the island. The homeowners wanted the island to be a feature and standout design element, creating a striking focal point in the heart of the home.

As a Certified Kitchen Designer and member of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA), Chelsey brings a unique approach with nearly 20 years of experience and expertise to every project. Chelsey is a multi-award-winning kitchen and spatial designer. Her work is defined by a curiosity to explore the unexpected. It’s refined and thoughtful, combined with a deep understanding of the unique traits that make a house a home.

Chelsey loves making a real difference for her clients and to design extraordinary spaces that are not only highly functional but that also perfectly fit her clients’ lifestyle and personalities. For Chelsey, it’s all about attention to detail. She works closely with clients from the architectural concept stage right through to completion.

In this home, Chelsey worked alongside builder, DNB Homes on the kitchen renovation. “I hadn’t worked with DNB Homes before, so it was important to have all details documented and information clearly communicated to ensure a smooth collaboration. The team was fantastic. They were always one step ahead and well-organised, which meant I didn’t need to be overly involved in day-to-day decisions. It was a seamless experience and their professionalism really helped the project run efficiently,” says Chelsey.

For Chelsey, the scope of this project involved reviewing the overall spatial planning. “Early on I suggested a more effective connection between the kitchen and scullery and ways to incorporate the linen cupboard. I also designed and specified functional spaces for the whole family, including the laundry and vanities throughout the home.”

Specialising in kitchen and spatial design from concept through to plans that are ready for manufacture, Niche Design Co works with clients throughout the Bay of Plenty and loves helping them create the space of their dreams. Realistic renders offer a preview of the finished space. With this 3D technology, Chelsey and her team add to the conceptual strength by combining photorealism and graphics for detailed visualisation.

The owners of this renovation project worked with Chelsey selecting materials and colours. “We chose a dark, moody veneer for the kitchen, paired with durable Dekton benchtops from Pacific Stone” says Chelsey. “We selected VidaSpace Shinnoki veneer panels on the cabinetry, island, open shelves and daybed that aligned with the VidaSpace VidaGroove Slats in Black Walnut for consistency. These were used around the linen cupboard and curved wall into the family room. This softened the acoustics in the large, tiled space while also allowing for hidden doors.” Chelsey and the homeowners selected Dekton Rem for the island and splashbacks as a feature and Dekton Aeris for the sink, hob and scullery surfaces for a more understated look with brushed gunmetal steel tapware from ABI Interiors. “My client has a fantastic eye for design and we worked closely together to ensure the kitchen materials flowed seamlessly with the rest of the home.”

One of the original design solutions was wrapping the bench and cabinetry from the kitchen into the scullery, which visually and functionally connects the two spaces. Removing the cavity slider door and positioning the fridge between the areas created a natural flow and eliminated the need for a second fridge in the scullery. This was a practical solution for daily use. Chelsey also wanted the daybed to feel integrated with the kitchen and the linen cupboard to feel intentional rather than just a box in the corner. Using the batten panels achieved this and creating a hidden door within them works beautifully.

“There weren’t any major challenges on this project, but one detail that required careful consideration was the placement of new skylights,” says Chelsey. “Being a renovation, we were lucky with the existing truss layout, which allowed us to position the skylights exactly where we wanted them over the island, bringing in plenty of natural light without compromising the structure.”

“I work on many projects with Inspace Cabinetry and this one was no exception,” says Chelsey. “Their systems and communication throughout the project ensured everything was completed exactly as intended. Even with the project being in the Waikato and their workshop in Mount Maunganui. All logistical aspects were handled smoothly and the installation ran without a hitch. Their attention to detail really helped bring the design to life and ensured a seamless finish.”

“The standout request was the hidden linen cupboard door,” says Chelsey. “Using the batten panels allowed it to blend seamlessly into the space, creating a practical feature that also feels intentional and visually striking. Ergonomics and workflow were key, especially the connection between the kitchen and scullery. Positioning the fridge between the two areas allows easy access from both sides, keeping the space functional and efficient for daily use.”

Chelsey enjoyed collaborating with her clients on this project. “The clients’ openness to ideas and attention to detail made it a really rewarding process and I’m so pleased with how the spaces came together,” says Chelsey.

Contact details:

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