Before & After
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Before & After: Personality Plus in a Light-Filled Family Kitchen
Natural materials, contemporary style and space for varied activities meet in this modern kitchen for a family of four
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
Creating a space using natural materials and contemporary style was a priority for this growing family. In renovating their Victorian terrace house, our client’s goal was to design a space that would accommodate a variety of different activities while they spend time together as a family.
Having lots of natural light was the first consideration, which we accomplished through a redesign of the steel-and-glass doors to the balcony and the addition of the skylights.
Creating a space using natural materials and contemporary style was a priority for this growing family. In renovating their Victorian terrace house, our client’s goal was to design a space that would accommodate a variety of different activities while they spend time together as a family.
Having lots of natural light was the first consideration, which we accomplished through a redesign of the steel-and-glass doors to the balcony and the addition of the skylights.
The built-in banquette provides a cosy place to cuddle up and read a book, and the open shelving on either side of the cooktop provides a curated space to display some favourite pieces the family collected during their travels.
Looking to transform a tired space? Find an interior designer on Houzz and read testimonials from previous clients
Looking to transform a tired space? Find an interior designer on Houzz and read testimonials from previous clients
The client wanted a space that felt warm and inviting, which would showcase their personality while remaining clean and sleek. Using a mix of different finishes on the joinery allowed us to achieve this goal while creating visual interest in such a small space.
The white pantry cupboards with inset timber shelving complements the timber used around the perimeter of the room, while the green island provides nice visual relief, which is also mirrored in the colour of the bespoke banquette seat cushion.
The white pantry cupboards with inset timber shelving complements the timber used around the perimeter of the room, while the green island provides nice visual relief, which is also mirrored in the colour of the bespoke banquette seat cushion.
The kitchen before works.
Browse thousands more contemporary Australian family kitchens on Houzz. It’s time to get inspired!
Browse thousands more contemporary Australian family kitchens on Houzz. It’s time to get inspired!
The kitchen before works.
The kitchen before works.
Starting point
We started with a list of the functional requirements for the space.
Starting point
We started with a list of the functional requirements for the space.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Colour palette:
- Organic, not white!
- Warm and inviting.
- Laminex Green Slate melamine in natural finish on the kitchen island bench.
- Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt.
- Splashback in Tiento Tiles Moroccan zellige tiles in Snow.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- Large Clay Dome pendant light from Bisque Traders.
- ABI Interiors Elysian pull-out kitchen mixer tap in Brushed Gunmetal.
- The client used most of their own furniture.
The floor plan.
We originally designed the built-in seating as a banquette for the dining table (as pictured in the floor plan), but the clients love to sit here with the kids and read. They have found it works better for them to have the table abutting the bench for everyday use.
They also love the flexibility of being able to move the table away from the bench for larger family gatherings.
We originally designed the built-in seating as a banquette for the dining table (as pictured in the floor plan), but the clients love to sit here with the kids and read. They have found it works better for them to have the table abutting the bench for everyday use.
They also love the flexibility of being able to move the table away from the bench for larger family gatherings.
What challenges did you work around?
The room is fairly small with a thoroughfare to the back deck and staircase. We needed to maximise storage without making the kitchen look too dominating.
The room is fairly small with a thoroughfare to the back deck and staircase. We needed to maximise storage without making the kitchen look too dominating.
Why do you think this room works?
We varied the materials to create different zones in the space. We were able to make the room feel much bigger than it is by using light wall-coloured joinery for the tall cupboards then timber-look melamine for the kitchen joinery and a darker green for the island bench.
We varied the materials to create different zones in the space. We were able to make the room feel much bigger than it is by using light wall-coloured joinery for the tall cupboards then timber-look melamine for the kitchen joinery and a darker green for the island bench.
Your turn
Which ideas would you borrow from this timeless 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 transformations here with this striking Before & After: A Blissful White Coastal Kitchen With Contrast
Which ideas would you borrow from this timeless 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 transformations here with this striking Before & After: A Blissful White Coastal Kitchen With Contrast
Location: Clifton Hill, Victoria
Who lives here: A couple with two young children
Room purpose and size: A kitchen/meals area remodelled to increase storage and create an open area for family to gather. The kitchen area is approximately 20 square metres; the whole room is 30.5 square metres.
Budget: New kitchen/meals area, back doors and stair balustrade, approximately AU$120,000
Did your client find you on Houzz?
Yes. The client researched Interior Designers on Houzz and chose us because of the testimonials on our profile page.