Windsor Kitchen
Whanganui

A substantial renovation of a turn-of-the-century Whanganui villa has transformed the kitchen into a generous, hardworking centre for family life, while retaining a strong connection to the character of the original home.

2026 SBID International Design Awards Finalist

Designed by Damian Hannah of German Kitchens for an extended household with six daughters, the project called for considerably more than a new kitchen. The kitchen, scullery and bar were designed as a series of connected spaces, balancing the functionality needed for a busy household with materials that feel established and appropriate to the villa.

The scale of the project meant the kitchen was completed in stages, with finishes carefully selected to create warmth and a sense of age. Sand-blasted solid timber cabinetry, aged brass handles, leathered Taj Mahal benchtops and reclaimed timber detailing all contribute to a palette that feels relaxed rather than overly new.

Underfoot, our Loire Avorio modular tiles play an important role in bringing those elements together. Their warm stone appearance complements the natural timber and softer neutral tones, while the modular format introduces subtle variation and rhythm across the expansive floor.

Running through the kitchen and surrounding areas, the flooring also helps connect the different zones visually. Its worn, natural character feels at home alongside the villa's traditional detailing while providing the performance and practicality of tile for a busy family kitchen.

The result is a space that feels considered but comfortable – a new kitchen that belongs within the architecture around it rather than competing with it.

The Windsor Kitchen has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2026 SBID International Design Awards, with the awards ceremony taking place in London in October.