Going dark

Elegant and dramatic, kitchens using a dark scheme evoke a sense of mystery but also of solidity. For this Christchurch kitchen, Lume Design used a chocolate-toned American oak to bring visual warmth to an open space that had cathedral ceilings and polished concrete floors. “The deeper tones were vital in grounding the space. Thoughtful combinations of stained recut American white oak panels and brushed stainless steel form the basis of the kitchen’s cabinets and island. Negative detailing allows the satin finish benchtop to seemingly float on the surface of the island,” says Melissa Merrin of Lume Design.