94 | The space accommodates both everyday living and entertaining, “Everyone works differently, which really affects where we place these zones.” Combining aesthetics and functionality T T Virginia Wright Fluid Interiors INTERIOR DESIGN The tight-knit team at Auckland-based Fluid Interiors believes design should be at the heart of everything they do. Working closely with clients, they combine personalised design with professional service to create bespoke, top-quality kitchens and cabinetry. Everything is done in-house, giving them total control over quality at every stage, from initial design and manufacture to final installation and cabinetry fitting. Their use of 3D modelling allows clients to visualise their space and take a virtual walk through it. It’s all part of the detailed service that ensures the process is enjoyable as well as rewarding. Like all Fluid Interiors designers, Lauren Edwards holds formal design qualifications. She graduated 12 years ago with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Interiors and recently completed a Diploma in Kitchen Design, which she says added an extra layer of insight to her work. “These are things I’ve always done, but the diploma reinforced the level of detail that goes into designing a kitchen and the importance of considering how each individual works in a space, whether they’re left- or right-handed, and all the small nuances that make a kitchen functional,” she explains. Designing a kitchen is about more than aesthetics. Lauren considers different zones for cooking, cleaning, and prep, and how they flow together. She takes into account who does the majority of the cooking, the age and lifestyle of the homeowners, and even whether resale may be likely in the near future. “Everyone works differently, which really affects where we place these zones. I always consider the flow from bins to sink to dishwasher, whether it’s left to right or right to left. There’s also space for utensils around the cooking area, somewhere for oils, spices, hot pans, and all those essential items,” she says. When executed well, a kitchen becomes a reflection of the client’s taste and personality, seamlessly integrating with the home’s overall aesthetic. Lauren recently demonstrated this skill under the added pressure of beginning a project before the clients had even finalised the purchase of their new home. “We worked from the first measure and real estate photos because they wanted the kitchen ready as soon as possible once they settled in,” she explains. Having concept plans prepared meant the cabinetry manufacture could begin immediately after their own on-site measure. Lauren’s design, which earned a Highly Commended recognition in this year’s TIDA (Trends International Design Awards), prioritises ample storage, easy workflow, and the flexibility for multiple users. The space accommodates both everyday living and entertaining, with a key design decision to tuck the sink and cleaning area behind an existing wall, keeping mess out of sight. Earthy neutral tones and textured finishes reflect the clients’ curated collection of artwork, blending new and old into a cohesive, elevated aesthetic. It’s a thoughtful, family-focused renovation and a clear example of how Fluid Interiors’ detailed approach to both form and function results in kitchens that clients truly love to live in. 09 441 7230 Designer kitchen & cabinetry manufacturer info@fluidinteriors.co.nz www.fluidinteriors.co.nz fluid_interiorsnz fluidinteriorsnz Contact Us: 09 213 8835 info@trendstonenz.co.nz www.trendstonenz.co.nz Proud to support FLUID INTERIORS NEW ZEALANDS EXCLUSIVE WHOLESALER OF TRENDSTONE QUARTZ
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