A generous welcome in Tamahere

Photography by John Williams · 13 Sep 2026
Rural Sanctuary by Designmarked Kitchens
Rural Sanctuary by Designmarked Kitchens · Photography by John Williams

Rural Sanctuary brings a soft sense of grandeur to a Waikato home, balancing classic proportion with contemporary ease.

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Designed by Jenny Holmes of Designmarked Kitchens, the kitchen is generous without feeling showy. The large island gives the room its centre of gravity, while warm timber cabinetry, refined stone surfaces and carefully integrated appliances create a space that feels both polished and deeply liveable. There is a lovely rhythm to the way the room works. Display cabinetry adds a moment of ceremony, the scullery keeps the practical load quietly out of view, and the main kitchen remains open, calm and ready for gathering. The detailing is confident but not loud: brass accents, layered storage and a restrained palette all doing their part without demanding attention.

What makes Rural Sanctuary successful is its sense of welcome. It is a kitchen designed for real use — family meals, entertaining, daily rituals and the quiet pleasure of a room that simply works.

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