A Kitchen Crafted from Home

Projects
Written By Kim Manunui
 

THE BRIEF

Some projects begin with a design inspiration. This one began with a tree.

Our clients came to us with architectural plans for their new home and a unique vision.

They had milled a black walnut tree from the centre of their section and wanted to incorporate this timber into the heart of their home. The goal was to create a kitchen that honoured the story behind the timber while delivering a timeless, highly functional space designed for modern family living.

 

THE SOLUTION

Working with sentimental timber always adds an extra layer of responsibility. The supplied black walnut wasn't milled into particularly user-friendly sizes, and there wasn't enough material to complete every feature as originally envisioned. Careful planning, creative thinking and precise craftsmanship allowed our team to maximise every usable piece while preserving the character and beauty of the timber.

Custom walnut shelving became a standout feature, with a negative detail incorporated into the back panel to create continuity with other design elements throughout the home. A tall open shelving unit was also designed to cleverly conceal a structural steel support behind the refrigerator, transforming what could have been an obstacle into a seamless part of the overall design.

Behind the scenes, multiple integrated LED strip lights required careful routing and accessible connection points, while the extensive use of negative detailing demanded exceptional accuracy during both manufacture and installation.

 

THE RESULT

The finished kitchen is warm, timeless and deeply personal. Rich black walnut timber sits beautifully alongside crisp shaker cabinetry and elegant stone benchtops, creating a space that feels both refined and welcoming.

Every element has been carefully considered, from the hidden structural steel support and discreetly positioned fridge to the practical scullery that keeps the kitchen working effortlessly every day. Most importantly, the timber that once stood proudly at the centre of the property now lives on as the centrepiece of the home itself.

It's a kitchen that reflects not only exceptional craftsmanship but also the stories and memories that make a home truly unique.

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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A Kitchen Designed for Connection