Historic Villa Kitchen Renovation on Bluff Hill, Hawkes Bay

In Napier's historic hill, a beautiful villa underwent a remarkable transformation, blending classic English charm with contemporary elegance.

The kitchen renovation included the addition of a scullery and a shift from a modern black design to one that pays homage to the home’s origins.

Deep teal accents and a classic butler's sink infuse a touch of UK nostalgia into Hawke's Bay.

This design thoughtfully preserves the villa's history while incorporating the client's heritage, creating a space that's both charming and deeply personal.

Nichole designed this while working at Molloy Joinery and commends their workmanship.


SCOPE:

Kitchen design
Electrical design
Material specification
Lighting design
Project coordination
Colour suggestions

LOCATION:

Bluff Hill, Napier

A corner of a kitchen or dining area with sunlight casting shadows on a white table, brown patterned cushioned seating along the wall, a large window showing trees outside, and a white modern ceiling light fixture.

Why families choose Fresh By Design interiors

HOW WE WORK
  • Joinery first. Calm always. Layout, storage, lighting and services in the right order → pretty that actually works.

  • 3D Images. Renders that match reality ensuring decision making is as easy as possible

  • Builder‑ready docs. Clear drawings, schedules and specs builders like → fewer site questions, smoother installs.

  • Future‑proof choices. Forward thinking designs and durable finishes that grow with you and last for years.

  • Kind, decision‑light process. Plain‑English guidance, one focused revision, clear next steps at every stage.

  • A kitchen that looks good every day—and quietly makes life easier.

    • Cook, gather, move with ease — a layout that matches real life.

    • Storage that works — zones for prep, snacks, lunchboxes, appliances.

    • Clear benches — everything has a place (and stays there).

    • Island seating that actually works — homework, hosting, everyday meals.

    • Lighting that shifts with you — weeknights → dinner with friends.

    • Finishes you won’t baby — calm, cohesive, built to last.

    • Decisions you can trust — see the outcome before you order.

    • Fewer on-site surprises — a result that goes smoothly.

  • Calmer mornings, easier evenings—without wasted space or surprises.

    • Smoother routines — layouts that make mornings easy and nights calm.

    • Clutter stays hidden — niches, ledges, and mixed-height drawers so everything has a home.

    • Materials made simple — smart, durable finishes and a curated sample set that makes decisions easy.

    • Lighting that flatters — task → unwind without harsh shadows (or orange makeup).

    • Future-ready — ventilation, safety, and maintenance considered now.

    • Decisions you won’t second-guess — see the outcome before anything’s ordered with a 3D walkthrough.

    • Fewer on-site questions — trades stay aligned, timelines steady, budgets on track.

    • Easy to keep beautiful — cleaning-friendly details that stay lovely on a busy Tuesday.

  • Less clutter, more flow—storage that looks beautiful and lasts.

    • Wardrobes that make mornings easy — everything has a place (and stays there).

    • Living-room built-ins — hide devices and cables; display what you love.

    • Laundries that actually help — sorting, folding and drying without the hallway mess.

    • Mudrooms & drop-zones — bags, boots and school stuff tamed at the door.

    • Kids’ rooms & study nooks — storage that grows with them.

    • A cohesive look — one joinery language that ties rooms together.

    • Durable, low-maintenance finishes — beautiful now, easy later.

    • Fewer on-site questions — a fit that goes smoothly and stays on budget.

  • Soft layers, lived-in warmth—without visual clutter.

    • Curated textiles — cushions, throws and fabrics that soften, not stuff.

    • Curtains & blinds that belong — proportions, headings and linings that flatter.

    • Rugs that anchor — the right size and placement (no trip zones).

    • Art that tells your story — scale, height and groupings that feel intentional.

    • Shelves styled simply — useful, beautiful, easy to keep tidy.

    • Colour made easy — palettes that tie rooms together (no overwhelm).

    • Lighting that glows — warm layers that make evenings feel cosy.

    • Finishing flourishes — the last 10% that makes it feel like home from day one.

Interior designer Hawke’s Bay — calm, practical, future‑proof
Interior designer Hawke’s Bay — calm, practical, future‑proof
Interior designer Hawke’s Bay — calm, practical, future‑proof
Interior designer Hawke’s Bay — calm, practical, future‑proof
Interior designer Hawke’s Bay — calm, practical, future‑proof