The entertainer

An art director has created a soothing kitchen with relaxation and entertaining at its core.

If there’s anyone who knows about colour, it’s Amber Armitage. As part of her role as a freelance stylist and art director, she pores through the pages of international colour forecasting books searching for the latest hues and trends. When it came to her Mangawhai bach’s kitchen, naturally colour theory and colour psychology were front and centre with Resene Brandy Rose and Resene Sea Fog featuring in a colour palette that’s very much a reflection of the current climate.

A soothing kitchen design in pink and white tones

Kitchen cabinets in Resene Brandy Rose

The dining table is close to the kitchen for easy entertaining. The table’s leg saunter is in Resene Envy tying in with the pink and white tones of Resene Brandy Rose, Resene Half Sea Fog and Resene Colorwood Whitewash in this space.

“This kitchen brings me joy,” says Amber. “The colour palette is designed to have quiet and supportive qualities that are reflected through peaceful natural colours. These soothing colours have emerged as a response to being in extended periods of lockdown.”

When she bought the bach, there were black vinyl stickers over the kitchen cupboards and the kauri benchtop was stained a rich orange. She spent hours sanding back the timber to reveal the original kauri, before using Resene Colorwood Whitewash to protect the wood and create softness. From there she chose Resene Brandy Rose for the cabinets and feature wall and Resene Half Sea Fog on the other walls, ceiling and trims to create a relaxed vibe.

“The bach is also available as an Airbnb so it’s designed around entertaining. The colour feeds into this feeling, it is fun and not formal – a space where you want to hang out.”

Amber loves having guests around and it was important to her that whoever is cooking feels included in the festivities. For the dining table next to the kitchen, she added a splash of colour by painting the leg saunter in Resene Envy, a peaceful river green.

“I really like having the dining table in the kitchen and I love people being able to sit around in the kitchen with a glass of wine.”

Top tip: If you’re painting cabinetry and furniture yourself, use Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss for a hard-wearing, durable finish. Or ask your kitchen supplier to use Resene AquaLAQ when applying your Resene colour for an authentic quality finish.

In Amber's words

Describe your cooking style

Amber: I have a very relaxed cooking style, especially when I am up in Mangawhai for a long weekend. Usually in summer I cook fresh cuts of meat or a butterflied chicken on the barbecue, with a couple of seasonal salads (always with fresh tomatoes and burrata).

What is your favourite part of the kitchen?

Amber: Definitely the Samsung Bespoke fridge! Firstly, it is pink to match my kitchen’s Resene paint palette, so that’s a win, but the size and different compartments are perfect for entertaining.

Which recipe from the latest dish would you most like to cook and why?

Amber: The Harissa Grilled Prawns with Harissa Mayo and Pistachio Dukkah (page 45)! I love harissa and prawns are so great to throw on the barbecue. I am also a massive fan of condiments so anything with mayo is perfect.