Set within a pristine penthouse with sweeping 180-degree views over the Waitematā Harbour in New Zealand, this kitchen deserved more than a cosmetic update. The space called for a design that honoured its remarkable location, elevated, intentional, and deeply attuned to the rhythms of family life.
“The brief was elegantly simple. The kitchen island served as the family’s dining table most days; it needed to be a place for meals, homework, entertaining, and conversation”. Luciana Borges, Borges Design, wanted the client to envision an island that felt like a piece of art, a sculptural centrepiece inspired by a striking kitchen he once encountered in the Blue Mountains.
The challenge was to translate that inspiration into something personal, timeless, and grounded in real life, a space that could hold both lively family moments and beautifully hosted evenings. With a client who trusted the process and embraced creative freedom, we approached the project with care, intention, and a deep respect for the life unfolding within the home.
The resulting island reads as art yet performs as a gathering place, where children grow, stories are shared, guests are welcomed, and everyday moments become memories. Its form anchors the open-plan penthouse, creating a sense of presence and quiet luxury without competing with the harbour beyond.
From this centrepiece, the rest of the design flows naturally, cohesive, refined, and crafted to leave a lasting impression while thoughtfully responding to both the setting and the family who lives within it.
A defining feature of the kitchen’s functionality is the Billi Multifunction Mixer Tap in Brushed, selected for its seamless blend of performance and understated elegance. “In a space where the island is the heart of daily life, the Billi tap enhances comfort in ways that feel effortless yet deeply considered”, Luciana explained.
The Billi tap is one of those quiet luxuries that elevate the everyday, a detail that enhances the experience of the space while reinforcing the project’s commitment to thoughtful, enduring design.
What began as a simple refresh evolved into a complete reimagining of how the kitchen could support connection, creativity, and the quiet moments of home. The final result is a space that honours its extraordinary setting while embracing the realities of family life, a kitchen where design and daily living meet practical convenience.
DESIGN:
BORGES DESIGN AUCKLAND
www.borgesdesign.co
Luciana Borges DINZ
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