Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 12 New Zealand | Page 124

Preceding pages: It’s sleek, simple and all white – this new kitchen enhances the contemporary remodel of a 1950s house owned by architect Francesca Franchi of FCFranchi Architects. The kitchen was originally part of a showroom kitchen at Boffi Georgetown. Above: The island features a matte lacquered finish with a continuous stainless steel top, while the tall cabinets are a high-gloss polyester that helps to reflect light. Modern architecture is all about creating a seamless flow, and that was precisely what was missing in the former kitchen in this 1950s home. The owner of the house, architect Francesca Franchi of FCFranchi Architects, says the space was broken by a peninsula jutting out at right angles to the perimeter cabinets. “The kitchen, built in the ’50s and renovated in the ’70s, search | save | share at trendsideas.com was uncomfortable to work in. The circulation was interrupted and it had a poor relationship with the outdoors. We could see the continuity of the space could be greatly improved.” Franchi found the perfect solution by chance, in the kitchen showroom at Boffi Georgetown. An existing kitchen, built expressly for the showroom, caught her eye. “It had an extra-long island and tall modular cabinets with sliding doors that hid everything, even the large appliances,” she says. “It fitted with my desire for a very clean, white, minimalist space – and it was no longer needed for the showroom.” Serendipity also played a role when it came time to install the kitchen. “There was a low soffit right around the kitchen.