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Room of the Week: A Compact Kitchen With a Stylish Hidden Laundry
With its smart use of space and chic coastal-inspired palette, this new kitchen/laundry ticks all the client's boxes
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
What were the original kitchen and laundry like?
The original kitchen was dark, dated and closed off from the living spaces, making it impractical for entertaining. The laundry was small, awkward to use and had no storage.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to transform your home
The original kitchen was dark, dated and closed off from the living spaces, making it impractical for entertaining. The laundry was small, awkward to use and had no storage.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to transform your home
The new kitchen design incorporates a concealed laundry, shown here
Brief
The client was renovating their 1920s Californian bungalow and wanted to put in a fresh, contemporary and functional kitchen. It needed to have plenty of storage and natural light, and flow seamlessly into their dining/living area.
They wanted the kitchen to include a fully functional laundry that was neat, easily accessible and had plenty of storage – and could be hidden away when not in use.
They were keen to include a ‘wow’ element in the kitchen, which is why we chose the beautiful deep blue for the kitchen cabinetry and the polished brass handles.
Brief
The client was renovating their 1920s Californian bungalow and wanted to put in a fresh, contemporary and functional kitchen. It needed to have plenty of storage and natural light, and flow seamlessly into their dining/living area.
They wanted the kitchen to include a fully functional laundry that was neat, easily accessible and had plenty of storage – and could be hidden away when not in use.
They were keen to include a ‘wow’ element in the kitchen, which is why we chose the beautiful deep blue for the kitchen cabinetry and the polished brass handles.
The new laundry can be hidden away behind floor-to-ceiling doors when not in use, as shown here
What exactly did you do?
We worked with our client’s builder, David Ferrari Constructions, to help pull this kitchen together cohesively. We specified the colour palette, the materials finishes and the furniture.
We created an open-plan entertainer’s kitchen with plenty of storage and a fully functional concealed laundry hidden behind tall cupboard doors.
What exactly did you do?
We worked with our client’s builder, David Ferrari Constructions, to help pull this kitchen together cohesively. We specified the colour palette, the materials finishes and the furniture.
We created an open-plan entertainer’s kitchen with plenty of storage and a fully functional concealed laundry hidden behind tall cupboard doors.
Tell us about the colour palette of timber, grey marble and deep blue cabinetry
We chose this palette as it blends with the modern coastal look used in the rest of the home. The blue and grey are a nod to the beachy lifestyle the family loves, while the combination of marble, pale timber and touches of polished brass provides the contemporary feel they were after.
We took the kitchen joinery right up to the ceiling to maximise storage space and add a sense of height to the room (it also works to make the room look larger).
We chose V-groove panelling for the cabinet fronts for its contemporary feel. The little timber shelf section breaks up the wall of blue, adds softness and provides a sweet spot for cook books and a pot plant.
We chose this palette as it blends with the modern coastal look used in the rest of the home. The blue and grey are a nod to the beachy lifestyle the family loves, while the combination of marble, pale timber and touches of polished brass provides the contemporary feel they were after.
We took the kitchen joinery right up to the ceiling to maximise storage space and add a sense of height to the room (it also works to make the room look larger).
We chose V-groove panelling for the cabinet fronts for its contemporary feel. The little timber shelf section breaks up the wall of blue, adds softness and provides a sweet spot for cook books and a pot plant.
How did you settle on this island design?
Who doesn’t love a large island bench with a beautiful stone top? This island is the heart of the kitchen and the white and timber provide an appealing contrast against the deep blue cabinetry.
It offers plenty of room for meaI preparation and it’s the perfect spot to gather for a drink and a chat when the owners are entertaining.
What challenges did you have to work around?
Creating a functional kitchen with more room, within a relatively small floor plan.
Why do you think this room works?
The overall design shows what can be achieved in a relatively small space. The kitchen is beautiful and practical, and we’ve managed to incorporate plenty of storage, plus a concealed laundry, into the design.
Who doesn’t love a large island bench with a beautiful stone top? This island is the heart of the kitchen and the white and timber provide an appealing contrast against the deep blue cabinetry.
It offers plenty of room for meaI preparation and it’s the perfect spot to gather for a drink and a chat when the owners are entertaining.
What challenges did you have to work around?
Creating a functional kitchen with more room, within a relatively small floor plan.
Why do you think this room works?
The overall design shows what can be achieved in a relatively small space. The kitchen is beautiful and practical, and we’ve managed to incorporate plenty of storage, plus a concealed laundry, into the design.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Deep blue joinery, grey marble, timber and brass touches. The cabinetry is painted in Dulux Man Friday.
Materials palette:
Colour palette: Deep blue joinery, grey marble, timber and brass touches. The cabinetry is painted in Dulux Man Friday.
Materials palette:
- Caesarstone Noble Grey kitchen benchtop and splashback.
- American white oak detailing on kitchen island and in cabinetry niche.
- White polyurethane finish on kitchen island, lower kitchen cabinets and laundry doors.
- Amber Tiles mini fish-scale tiles on laundry splashback.
- Kethy Cornet polished brass cabinetry handles.
- GlobeWest Shelter round bar stools.
- Zip HydroTap Celsius in black.
- Vintec bar fridge.
- Muuto Under the Bell pendant above the dining table.
- GlobeWest Ethnicraft dining table.
- Trit House dining chairs.
Your turn
What do you love best about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Room of the Week? Catch up here with Room of the Week: A Luxury Makeover for a Main Bedroom
What do you love best about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Room of the Week? Catch up here with Room of the Week: A Luxury Makeover for a Main Bedroom
Answers by Shellie Nielsen, interior designer at Nimmo Nielsen Collective
Who lives here: A couple with two children
Location: Balgowlah, NSW
Room purpose: An open-plan kitchen/dining area used for family meals and entertaining, plus a concealed laundry
Room size: The kitchen is about 20 square metres
Budget: Approximately $45,000 for the kitchen and laundry
Styling: Naomi Nimmo and Shellie Nielsen at Nimmo Nielsen Collective
Builder: David Ferrari Constructions
Joinery: Creative Projx