Greytown Cottage
Built in 1915, this Greytown character cottage had grown through a series of smaller additions. When the owners began a major renovation, part of an earlier extension was removed to make way for a contemporary open-plan living space overlooking the large, sheltered garden.
The clients wanted the new addition to feel organic and unfussy, while bringing the century-old cottage into the present. Carrolls designed the kitchen and adjoining laundry to sit naturally within the new architecture, balancing the warmth of timber with clean lines and hard-wearing materials.
European birch plywood cabinetry continues the timber used across the ceiling, creating a strong connection through the space. Streamlined anodised handles preserve the clean horizontal lines, while stainless-steel benchtops and appliances introduce a practical, industrial edge. A deep green tiled splashback adds colour and depth against the pale timber.
The island provides a generous place to prepare food, sit and spend time together. Its stainless-steel benchtop and supporting frame carry the material language of the kitchen into the centre of the room. Large sliding doors connect the polished concrete floor with the timber deck and garden beyond, filling the space with light and opening the kitchen to outdoor living.
Discreetly positioned around the corner, the laundry remains close at hand without interrupting the open-plan kitchen. Together, the two spaces give the owners the modern functionality they needed while retaining the relaxed character of the original cottage.
Project details
Location
Greytown, Wairarapa
Cabinetry
Plymasters European Birch Multiply with a clear matt finish
Benchtops
Brushed stainless steel with a full anti-spill edge
Appliances
Smeg, Schweigen, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung and AEG
Features
Birch plywood cabinetry
Stainless-steel island with matching support frame
Anodised Ezi-Venice handles
Double bins and dedicated oil and spice pull-outs
Discreet adjoining laundry
Design, manufacture and installation
Carrolls Joinery
Photography
Lucia Zanmonti
