| 117 DESIGN T T Kelly Deeks A slice of heaven for off-grid project The Industrial Gem project’s off-grid South Canterbury forest location provided the perfect palette for indoor/outdoor connection. Maria Pomeroy Interiors “It’s becoming more important to be connected to nature and people want to have beautiful places to sit outside. They want to get away from all the anxieties of the outside world and come home to a haven.” Chr s ch rch 145 V c or a S ree Chr s ch rch 8013 +64 3 353 0586 chr s ch rch@ecc co nz ecc co nz Bringing a touch of luxe to off the grid living, Maria Pomeroy Interiors’ Industrial Gem kitchen has taken two top titles at the 2023 National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Excellence in Design Awards, as a kitchen tailored perfectly for its environment, its client, and her budget. Although she took out the First Time Entrant award, Maria Pomeroy is a 25-year industry veteran who started her own business during Covid and has been working on the Industrial Gem project for much of that time. “That’s how long it takes, we’re talking a year or two on a lot of these big, new build projects,” she says. “I’m working with my customers right from the start of planning their new home, then it goes through council, the home is built, and the kitchen comes right at the end.” Maria’s design is highly bioliphic as she concentrates on bringing natural elements from outdoors into view, drawing the eye out to the garden, maximising the view, and making the internal space breathable and peaceful. The Industrial Gem project’s off-grid South Canterbury forest location provided the perfect palette for indoor/outdoor connection. Maria’s client wanted a robust, easy to maintain kitchen with plenty of storage and bespoke fittings. Her off-grid situation required products that could withstand being exposed to sunlight, a gas hob for exceptional weather conditions, and a large pantry in case the remote location was ever snowed in. She opted for the industrial look, but also wanted her kitchen to be a sanctuary from the stresses and pressures of a busy life. Maria provided a stunning rugged and textured look which works beautifully within its rocky mountain location. Different materials are balanced and considered, and fit within the same colour tone. Lookcrete cabinet doors from Sage Doors combine with a glossy tiled backsplash from Unico Design, stainless steel and stone bechtops, and a Melt pendant light that brings the whole look together and adds the right degree of wow-factor. Also awarding Industrial Gem with the Kitchen Distinction Award – $30–$60k, NKBA Excellence in Design Awards judges commended Maria for her ability to meet budget constraints in this remote location, where transport of materials would have added extra cost. Maria is justifiably proud. “It’s so different and unique and stunning, and the environment with its indoor outdoor connection is just so special. When you’re there, all of your pressures just dissolve away.” She says after 25 years in the industry, and the lifestyle changes brought about by Covid, today’s client wants more out of their home. “It’s becoming more important to be connected to nature and people want to have beautiful places to sit outside. They want that safety and security of being in their home while having beauty around them. They want to get away from all the anxieties of the outside world and come home to a haven.” Maria’s remit has recently expanded to include outdoor rooms, providing a wrap around service where the interior furnishings and outdoor spaces meet and perform for the people using them. Working alongside landscapers and lighting experts, Maria Pomeroy Interiors creates spaces that complement and enhance living and entertaining.
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