Light & Dark Dekton Update an Auckland Apartment

When renovating an apartment, it can be impossible to move walls and change room configurations. Modernising the aesthetic relies instead on new surfaces and textures to make a transformation. This was the scenario with an Auckland apartment revamped by Yellowfox designer Andrea Burney: the concrete walls could not be altered, which meant working with the existing spaces, while creating an interior that felt warm, modern and luxe.  

Burney began in the kitchen, where the flow was improved and storage space was maximised with ample cabinetry under the benchtops and hidden storage in a set-back veneer unit. Kitchen benchtops in 20mm Dekton by Cosentino’s Aeris were fabricated in an irregular U-shape and paired with an integrated timber diner bar. Inspired by white limestone, Aeris lightened up the space. 

“Aeris’ muted pattern created a neutral backdrop and helped to reduce the visual impact of the wall angles and numerous benchtop joins required,” explains Burney. “The matte finish is tied in with matte lacquered cabinetry by Marton Lee Cabinetry and wall paint in Resene Albescent White. Dekton has amazing durability in that it won’t absorb food spills or liquid splashes like natural stone would.”  

The result is a kitchen that feels spacious and seamlessly multifunctional. Archant handles add modern glamour to the aesthetic, as does a stunning Creative Flooring herringbone engineered timber floor. The petite diner bar lends interest to the space. 

“The angles turned out to be an opportunity for a design feature with the dining nook and the chance to bring in a traditional turned table leg,” says Burney. “The high stud and keeping colours neutral mean the stunning views are not detracted from.”  

The two bathrooms are a dark and moody counterpoint to the light and bright kitchen. Graphite black Dekton Domoos, in 60mm thickness, was chosen for the vanities and paired with Grohe and Zucchetti fittings and stunning circular mirrors.  

“Domoos was the perfect hard-wearing surface to ground the high-gloss bathrooms,” says Burney.  

In the laundry, Burney returned to Aeris for a high-end feel. “The laundry needed to be a design feature in itself, since it is the thoroughfare to the main bathroom,” she explains. “Aeris is hard-wearing for a work surface, but attractive and neutral enough to colour-block with the base cabinetry and contrast with the other finishes.”  

Explore the full range of colours across Dekton®, Silestone® and Sensa® here. 

Photography by John Williams.