Country Kitchens - Gallic Charm
Photography by Johan Palsson
Styling by Justine Wilson
Lynn has always loved the French-provincial style, and now she has a kitchen to match. "It's something I've just always admired and I thought it suited our house." It's certainly influenced by the French-provincial style, particularly with the elegant nickel tap set in the island bench. "It's by a French company called Lanache," she remarks, "and the way the bench is positioned, the tap is a great focal point. I wanted something that was very special and this one really appealed to me."
The bench itself dominates the room and provides a place for visitors to gather, as well as more drawers and cabinets for storage." I actually extended the space between the island bench and the corridor to make more room for people," she adds. The kitchen's formal look is enhanced by the elegant white marble benchtops which Lynn had used in other renovations. "I love working with marble ones, but this time I chose a different edging."
Though Lynn usually keeps the bench clear of clutter, she does like to add a few small homey touches. "I like to have a coffeepot on show," she declares. "I've also got a big Le Creuset enamel cooking pot and I like to have some cookbooks about too." Indeed, her favourite recipes are also close at hand as the kitchen features a built-in bookcase. The large built-in plate rack means she doesn't have to go far for crockery when guests arrive. "I had it designed to hold a 12-piece dinner set and it's ideal," she points out.
"Finally, to add a splash of colour, Lynn selected an Ilve stove in a deep burgundy." I knew I wanted a large oven and I enjoy having the colour around," she says. Lynn says guests love the kitchen's warm and welcoming feel "and I feel really happy because there's nothing I would change!" But, she admits there's one thing left on her list for the perfect French-provincial 'heart of the home' – "we're still looking for a dining suite to seat 12."
Kitchen Essentials
Kitchen - Malcolm St. James
Oven - Ilve
Bench tops - Carrera marble
Fridge - Westinghouse
Dish drawer - Fisher & Paykel
Tap - Lanache
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