A little bit country

A kitchen renovation helped a green-fingered cook enjoy the spoils of her labour.

A bright heritage kitchen renovation

Jo’s light and bright kitchen is painted in Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Thorndon Cream on the cabinets with Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream on the ceiling and Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream on the trims. The tapware and sink are from In Residence and the stove is from Kitchen Things.

The 'chop chop’ of homegrown veg being prepped for delicious creations is a familiar sound in Jo Patterson’s kitchen. But when her architect suggested putting the floor plan of her 1905 heritage home on the chopping block for a massive renovation, she was a bit apprehensive. She quickly came around to the idea when she saw the plans moved the kitchen to the centre of the Edwardian Arts and Crafts-style home – and besides, it wasn't the first shake-up for the grand old house. Twenty years ago, it was cut into three pieces and transported from the Cashmere Hills in Christchurch to its current location in rural North Canterbury.

The renovations saw the kitchen move to the sunnier northern end of the house. A small room originally built as a maid’s bedroom was converted to a scullery and Jo says she’d be lost without the space, which she uses for cooking prep and storage. The scullery is small but rich in personality, framed by walls painted in Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss tinted to Resene Forest Green, a dark green with old-world charm.

“The light and shadows Resene Forest Green throws are amazing. In the daylight it has lovely natural tones and at night it has a cosy-yet-sophisticated vibe,” says Jo.

For the main kitchen, Jo worked with Appletree Designs in Wellington and the Gourmet Kitchen Company to create a welcoming, era-appropriate cooking space. The walls are Resene SpaceCote Flat Kitchen & Bathroom tinted to Resene Thorndon Cream; the cupboards are the same colour in Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss. The trims and architraves are also in Resene Lustacryl, tinted in the lighter Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream, and the ceiling is brighter still in Resene Eighth Thorndon Cream.

“Resene Thorndon Cream is a beautiful neutral. It tends to throw a little green and this works so well with our dark oak furniture, dark flooring and the Resene Forest Green,” says Jo.

The new kitchen is not only brighter than the original, but slightly apart from the dining room, which suits Jo's cooking style.

Heritage scullery

The scullery has heritage charm with a feature wall in Resene Forest Green which complements Jo’s antique treasures, such as antique scales and bundt tins. Enhance the colour of timber cabinetry with Resene Colorwood Deep Oak.

“I wanted the main dining room to be slightly separate. During dinner parties, I feel included but I can also get on with the cooking without feeling like I have an audience,” she adds.

Although at times she despaired over all the dust, Jo says her kitchen revamp was a great experience. “The trick with renos is patience," she says. "We always get there in the end.”

@nzcountrylife appletreedesigns.co.nz
thegourmetkitchencompany.co.nz

Country classics

What’s your favourite part of your kitchen?

Jo Patterson: I can’t choose. It’s all still a bit of a dream. I love it all.

What’s your cooking style?

Jo Patterson: My home cooking style combines classic comfort food and family favourites whilst also trying out new recipes to add to my repertoire.

What recipe are you most looking forward to making from this issue of dish?

Jo Patterson: I’m loving the sound of the Cheat’s Chicken and Mushroom Pie. Don’t tell my keto friends, but I’m visualising creamy mashed potatoes with this.