A touch of the Hamptons

A stormy blue kitchen island Resene Shadowy Blue gives this Hawkes Bay home a hint of the ocean.

Never has the name “island” seemed so appropriate as when describing the central feature of one Hawkes Bay kitchen designed by local design duo Victoria Bibby and Dael Brady, known as Bibby and Brady Interior Design.

A Hamptons style kitchen in Resene Shadowy Blue and Resene Half Bianca

A Resene Shadowy Blue kitchen island creates a stunning centrepiece against cabinetry in Resene Half Bianca.

By painting the body of the large kitchen island in oceanic navy Resene Shadowy Blue, not only does the room invoke the classic elegance of a Hamptons-style look but it also creates the sense that the island counter-top is itself cresting a wave out at sea.

“We wanted the island to be the hero of the kitchen, and to feel almost like a piece of furniture in the open plan space,” Victoria says. “It adds a bold element and interest while still remaining timeless and elegant.

“The back cabinetry, which runs into a scullery as well as down the side wall into a desk, sits quietly against the walls in the same colour to help to create that sense of spaciousness.”

The rest of the kitchen cabinetry is painted in Resene Half Bianca for bold contrast.

“It’s one of our favourite whites,” Dael says. “It’s not too cream and not too stark. It adds a lovely warmth to the space while still feeling light and airy.”

The kitchen’s blue and white colour scheme was a simple choice for this new-build project, as the client loved the timeless Hamptons look, which the designers emphasised by adding layers of soft neutrals, natural textures, warm wood and notes of brass.

“The large pendants help to anchor the kitchen from above and are a great scale without being too heavy overhead,” Dael says.

As an open plan space with the dining and living room, the kitchen look and colour palette set the tone for the rest of the house, Victoria says. “If we’re working with clients on a new build or major renovation, we’ll often recommend starting with the kitchen. It’s such an important space to get right.

“We spend a lot of time in the kitchen and everyone has different priorities, so we love tailoring the design to each client and their specific wants and needs.”

Top tip: Refresh laminate and melamine surfaces by painting them in Resene Laminate and Melamine Primer, before topcoating in your chosen Resene colour.

In Victoria's words

Describe your cooking style

Victoria: I’m vegetarian, so I love cooking whole food, plant-based recipes. Lots of fresh veggies, sauces made from scratch, and I’m a huge tofu fan. Asian-inspired dishes are my favourite.

What is your favourite part of this kitchen?

Victoria: I love the island. At over four metres long it’s a fantastic size for friends and family to sit at the counter, and has ample storage, so it’s practical and good-looking.

Which recipe from this issue of Dish would you like to cook and why?

Victoria: They all look delicious but if I had to choose just one it would be the risotto with honey-roasted parsnips and walnut parsley pesto. I love making my own pestos and sauces, and the walnut parsley pesto sounds divine. Risotto is such a yummy, comfort dish in the cooler weather and I like to cook with in-season veggies.

Colours mentioned in this article...