Well-regarded in the world of New Zealand kitchen design, Annika Rowson is known for her luxe minimalist style. However, it was one of her most recent projects — a home renovation in New Plymouth, that really caught the eye of the team at Stoke. Annika had taken on a project that started as a simple kitchen remodel but soon transformed into a full interior rebuild.

Stoke Fireplace Studio got in touch with Annika to learn more about her career, her signature refined style and her latest project, Wildermoth.

One of Annika's most recent projects, Wildermoth, is a fine example of her design ethos and philosophy at play. The dated home in New Zealand’s North Island desperately needed a kitchen makeover, but what Annika and her clients didn’t envision was a full interior rebuild.

“Once we started with the kitchen, our clients agreed that the connecting living spaces, bathrooms and bedrooms also required renovating," says Annika. "While all of the trades were on site it made sense to utilise them, so our clients packed the house up, stored their belongings and moved out for three months!”

The finished result combines both functionality for busy family life and a touch of refined elegance that Annika brings to the space. Quality pieces of furniture were sourced throughout the home, bold black kitchen cabinets and pendant lights were used to add drama, while sheer linen curtains soften the space and bring a sense of luxe.

As the kitchen, lounge and dining rooms are quite large open areas, it was important to add warmth, texture and visually connect the rooms without cluttering the space. The clients chose the Escea DS1400 double sided gas fireplace for these rooms which Annika says “has definitely aided in creating this connection — it’s created an elegant dining space and added much-needed warmth to the living room, along with the touch of luxe that only a double-sided fire can!”

The hearth is made from Dekton in Trillium while the upper section features the same textured surface used in the kitchen to further enhance the connection between these spaces.