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An Interplay of Light, Dark & Colour Creates a Striking Kitchen
All-white joinery, floors and walls is foiled by a handsome island bench and contemporary artworks in this handy kitchen
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
A multi-functional space to cater for a couple who does lots of cooking and has many family gatherings.
One of the first things that was created on this big island bench was a wedding cake for one of the couple’s daughters.
A multi-functional space to cater for a couple who does lots of cooking and has many family gatherings.
One of the first things that was created on this big island bench was a wedding cake for one of the couple’s daughters.
Starting point
Some of the existing design features, such as the horizontal lines in doors and the squares on cornices, were replicated in the new joinery. We introduced horizontal lines on the integrated fridge and freezer, and small squares on the island bench’s support legs.
Keen to update your tired kitchen? Find specialised kitchen designers near you, browse images of their projects and read reviews from previous clients
Some of the existing design features, such as the horizontal lines in doors and the squares on cornices, were replicated in the new joinery. We introduced horizontal lines on the integrated fridge and freezer, and small squares on the island bench’s support legs.
Keen to update your tired kitchen? Find specialised kitchen designers near you, browse images of their projects and read reviews from previous clients
It’s the little touches, the paintings and objects, that make this kitchen sing.
The original floor plan.
This area was originally a bedroom, laundry, full-sized bathroom and kitchen. We turned the space into a big kitchen, with a skinny powder room where the original kitchen cooktop side was.
This area was originally a bedroom, laundry, full-sized bathroom and kitchen. We turned the space into a big kitchen, with a skinny powder room where the original kitchen cooktop side was.
The new floor plan.
We did all the plumbing and electrical work, plus the supply and installation of the kitchen joinery and benchtops. All the building work was done by the owner.
We did all the plumbing and electrical work, plus the supply and installation of the kitchen joinery and benchtops. All the building work was done by the owner.
- Initially, the kitchen island was going to be white with a lighter benchtop, but when the client went to the stone wholesaler, they fell in love with this Omega Black quartzite in a leather finish.
- They then decided to find a dark colour to complement the quartzite that wasn’t black.
Materials palette:
- Omega Black quartzite in a leather finish.
- Barstools from Life Interiors.
What challenges did you have to work around?
There was a supporting nib wall that had to stay. A fully integrated fridge and freezer was placed on each side of this nib wall for a seamless look.
Browse more great Australian kitchens with white cabinetry
There was a supporting nib wall that had to stay. A fully integrated fridge and freezer was placed on each side of this nib wall for a seamless look.
Browse more great Australian kitchens with white cabinetry
Artwork in the laundry area is by one of the couple’s daughters.
Why do you think this room works?
The way this space has been designed allows for several people to work in each part of the kitchen without being in each other’s way.
In the skinny part of the kitchen, there is an area for baking with two ovens right behind, the pantry area, the washing up space and the laundry with an integrated ironing board.
The way this space has been designed allows for several people to work in each part of the kitchen without being in each other’s way.
In the skinny part of the kitchen, there is an area for baking with two ovens right behind, the pantry area, the washing up space and the laundry with an integrated ironing board.
The kitchen before works.
The kitchen before works.
Your turn
Which ideas would you borrow from this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great kitchen transformations here with this Before & After: A Beachy Sydney Kitchen Sans the Coastal Cliché
Your turn
Which ideas would you borrow from this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great kitchen transformations here with this Before & After: A Beachy Sydney Kitchen Sans the Coastal Cliché
Sponsored
Location: Northern Beaches, NSW
Who lives here: A semi-retired couple whose adult children have moved out
Room purpose and size: Kitchen, laundry and walk-in pantry.
Approximate budget: AU$100,000