b'fromTasmanianAshandinsertedwith aluminium strips.This ties it in with the stainless steel bench opposite which is used for food preparation, says Sue.The zinc-fronted island is similarly industrial and was, initially, meant to be plain. But the cabinet maker decided it looked too stark, so set his guys to it with an orbital sander, which gives the whole thing some texture.The couple was so happy with their John Calvertbenchtop,theyrecentlyboughtone of his coffee tables for the open-plan living space.BelowSome objects are displayed; some hidden away.At the far end of the kitchen, the old laundryAboveThe central focus is the 5m-long island wasdemolishedtomakewayforasun- bench, with a top designed by artist John room, painted in Resene Smalt Blue from theCalvert, made from Tasmanian Ash and inserted with aluminium strips.Karen Walker range, which is now a favouredBelow rightRed lino on the floors adds yet breakfast spot. The laundry and pantry areanother colour element.now tucked discreetly away behind doors inOppositeFeature walls in Resene Sanguine the kitchen.Brown and Resene Anemone Green, both from the Karen Walker range, are an integral part of Johnhasalsoborrowedspacefromanthe new kitchen area. adjoining coat cupboard to create an alcoveDid you know?Avoid fly spots on ceilings with to store keys, mail and the telephone. UpperResene Fly Deterrent. Designed to discourage flies shelveswereoriginallyintendedtoholdfrom landing on the painted surface, it reduces the appearance of unwanted fly spots.Sues large cookbook collection, but ended upbeingtoohighsovariouscollectibles and object dart now live here, while the cookbooks were relegated to the kitchen. Across from the island is the Italian dining table and custom-made bar, which is well stocked for cocktail parties. Its overlooked by a large painting by Wellington artist Debra Britten, which serves as the perfect foil to a featurewallpaintedinReseneSanguine Brown from the Karen Walker range.Another beloved artwork on the adjoining wall looks as though it was specially bought tomatchthegreen,ReseneAnemone Green, also from the Karen Walker Range. It was, however, acquired years ago and, in one of those serendipitous twists of interior fate, just happened to match. 87'