Designed by Jes Gordon, Mastercraft BOP, for G.J. Gardner Homes

Photography: Jahl Marshall, Media Masters

The Vision

Located within one of Papamoa’s premium residential communities, this stunning show home combines modern functionality with relaxed coastal styling. Inspired by the theme Desert Romance, the home embraces warm sandy tones, soft curves, natural textures, and carefully repeated design elements to create a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The result is a home that feels relaxed and inviting while maintaining the level of finish expected in a high-end executive residence.

The Design Brief

The kitchen needed to reflect current interior design trends while remaining achievable for homeowners building with a group home builder.

Key objectives included:

• Incorporating curved design elements and contemporary colour palettes
• Introducing timber and brass accents for warmth and texture
• Creating a highly functional entertaining space within an open-plan layout
• Avoiding a closed-off scullery to maintain flow and connection
• Delivering strong visual impact while remaining conscious of budget considerations

Situated in a sought-after coastal subdivision in Papamoa, the home was designed to showcase what is possible when thoughtful design meets practical living.

A Kitchen Designed for Entertaining

At the heart of the home sits a generous kitchen designed to bring people together. The large central island provides ample preparation space while also creating a natural gathering point for family and guests.

Because the kitchen sits within a fully open-plan environment and forms part of the main circulation route to the home’s media room, it was important that the design looked impressive from every angle.

The space feels light, open, and welcoming, enhanced by the home’s wider architectural layout and carefully considered material selections.

Curves as a Defining Feature

One of the standout elements of this project is the use of soft curves throughout the design. Early in the planning process it became clear that curved forms would play a central role in expressing the home’s personality and contemporary style.

While incorporating curves into cabinetry and construction can add complexity, the design team carefully integrated these features into key focal areas, allowing them to make a strong visual statement without unnecessarily increasing costs.

The curved island became the anchor point of the design and inspired similar detailing throughout other areas of the home, creating a consistent and cohesive interior aesthetic.

Balancing Style and Practicality

Large kitchens often present a challenge when balancing visual impact with budget requirements. In this project, attention was focused on the areas homeowners and visitors would notice most, allowing resources to be invested where they would have the greatest effect.

The result is a kitchen that offers generous storage, extensive bench space, and everyday practicality while still delivering the premium appearance expected from a showcase home.

By combining thoughtful design decisions with carefully selected feature elements, the team created a kitchen that feels both luxurious and highly liveable.