The owners of this home lost almost everything in a house fire. But being the positive couple that they are, they could look on the bright side. Now, at least, here was an opportunity to get the kitchen they had always wanted, in look, function and layout.

A wall between the former dining room and kitchen was removed and a second island added. The dining table moved to the over large and underused living room. And the peninsula separating the kitchen from the TV lounge now includes better cooking appliances on one side and an attractive bookcase on the other. A serving, storage and display area is flanked by a double pantry and substantial fridge while a large butler sink under the window makes prep on the smaller island a breeze.

The creamy white of the cabinets brightens the space while the Rimu islands are a nod to the timber furniture and flooring throughout the house. And best of all, the flow between the rooms has created a wonderful entertaining space for this very social couple.