Annika & Brad's Moody Art Deco Delight
There’s nothing quite like tackling a period property that had a makeover in the eighties. If there was a team to do it, a kitchen designer and a qualified joiner would be a handy duo. Three years ago, Annika and Brad Rowson rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. The interior of their 1940s New Plymouth villa has been restored to its former glory, albeit with a modern touch.
We couldn’t help but ask Annika what kitchen trends she forecasts for the year ahead. “I think curves will continue to feature and solid timber will continue to gain momentum,” Annika explains. “We are seeing a strong trend towards timber veneer and painted kitchens with pops of colour. That said, you can’t beat a fresh white kitchen in the right application.” Despite trend-led designs, plenty of choice can impede decision making.
For homeowners embarking on a kitchen makeover, Annika has four key pieces of advice:
1. If you're in a new home, live in the space for at least 12 months before undergoing renovations. You can experience the kitchen and dining area in all seasons and it will help you identify what you like and dislike about the current set up.
2. Do your research and find a designer whose work you admire.
3. Have an honest conversation about your budget early in the process. It will minimise headaches in the long run and will put your designer on the right path.
4. And when it comes to the detail, invest as best as you can into your benchtop and cabinetry hardware; they take the most wear and tear and deserve suitable investment!
“It was important that our home felt natural and inviting. The large ceiling roses and wall panelling throughout the house make the home feel traditional and solid.”
When they began planning the home’s transformation, Annika and Brad sought a light and airy feel with a nod to the Art Deco era of the home. A simple palette of white walls and dark steel accents allows the ultra-modern kitchen design to shine. The low maintenance flooring, replicating a herringbone look by way of a LVT (luxury vinyl tile/plank), offers added opulence without the price tag. For the stairwell and upstairs bedrooms, the couple chose Bremworth Samurai Wool Carpet in Kawa, the perfect colour to balance the dark walnut hues of the Moduleo Moods Chevron LVT.
