Bold Colour Matched Kitchen Renovation

When Trisha and Phil began planning their new kitchen, they knew exactly how they wanted it to feel - personal, practical and full of character. After visiting several showrooms, they came to Gardiner Haskins Interiors through a recommendation from a family friend who had recently transformed their own kitchen and couldn’t speak highly enough of the experience.

From the very first meeting, it was clear this wouldn’t be an ordinary brief. Trisha arrived with her handbag and the lid of a much-loved teapot in hand. Both were the exact shade of teal she’d always imagined for her kitchen cabinetry.

“We took the top of our teapot and my handbag to the store and asked them to match up the colour. We were extremely impressed with how close they were able to match it.”

That moment set the tone for the entire project, a kitchen built around the details that matter most.

Beyond the colour, the couple had a clear wish list shaped by how they use their space every day. Cooking is a big part of their life, so practicality was just as important as aesthetics. They wanted a French door American-style fridge freezer integrated into the cabinetry for a streamlined look, and they were keen to upgrade from their standard single sink to a generous double bowl farmhouse sink with plenty of room for prepping and washing up.

By building the fridge freezer into surrounding cabinetry, the design feels tidy and cohesive, while clever storage ensures everything has its place. Deep pan drawers provide easy access to pots and pans, keeping worktops clear and making everyday cooking effortless. Alec also suggested thoughtful additions they hadn’t initially considered, refining the layout to suit their routines perfectly.

“We thought he was brilliant, so much so we went ahead with Alec’s first design.”

Natural light already poured into the room, but under-cabinet lighting was added to balance shadows and enhance the atmosphere in the evenings. The granite worktop, flecked with pearlescent blue tones, catches the light beautifully and subtly reflects the cabinetry colour. A curved corner cabinet near the bi-fold doors softens the layout and adds a sense of flow to the bright, open space.

Throughout installation, attention to detail was paramount.

“One thing we were extremely pleased about was the care the kitchen fitters took with measurements and fitting. Everything had to be measured perfectly before final fitting.”

Today, their kitchen feels entirely their own — stylish yet welcoming, practical yet distinctive. And while the colour might be what catches the eye first, it’s the everyday details that truly make the difference. Their favourite feature? A dedicated spice drawer that allows them to see their entire collection at a glance — a small touch that brings daily satisfaction.

This kitchen proves that when design starts with personality and is shaped around lifestyle, the result isn’t just beautiful - it feels like home.