Room of the Week: A Gloriously Open Kitchen in Byron Bay
A barn-door system means this kitchen can be beautifully expansive, or sectioned into working and entertaining areas
Vanessa Walker
19 February 2018
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Photos by Steve Ryan
Styling and answers by Elissa Greer of Darren James Interiors
Who lives here: Empty-nesters Chris and Veronica, who decided to uproot from Sydney and move to their holiday home.
Location: Bangalow, Byron Bay, NSW
Room size: 53 square metres
Brief
Forming part of a larger extension and renovation, the clients wanted a new kitchen that would be a centrepiece for the home, one that made an impactful statement while remaining welcoming, relaxed and family friendly.
As avid entertainers, it was a priority that the kitchen had a semi-commercial feel, was equipped with high-grade appliances, durable surfaces and designated work zones to facilitate catering for large parties and events.
Both partners have travelled extensively, collecting beautiful things; there was a natural desire for the space to reflect their global style and layer a mix of sentimental and bohemian-inspired pieces from all over the world.
Styling and answers by Elissa Greer of Darren James Interiors
Who lives here: Empty-nesters Chris and Veronica, who decided to uproot from Sydney and move to their holiday home.
Location: Bangalow, Byron Bay, NSW
Room size: 53 square metres
Brief
Forming part of a larger extension and renovation, the clients wanted a new kitchen that would be a centrepiece for the home, one that made an impactful statement while remaining welcoming, relaxed and family friendly.
As avid entertainers, it was a priority that the kitchen had a semi-commercial feel, was equipped with high-grade appliances, durable surfaces and designated work zones to facilitate catering for large parties and events.
Both partners have travelled extensively, collecting beautiful things; there was a natural desire for the space to reflect their global style and layer a mix of sentimental and bohemian-inspired pieces from all over the world.
Starting point
A galley design was chosen as it made the best use of space, as well as integrating well with the adjoining living room and outdoor alfresco entertaining area by providing direct physical and visual access.
A galley design was chosen as it made the best use of space, as well as integrating well with the adjoining living room and outdoor alfresco entertaining area by providing direct physical and visual access.
Key design aspects
At the heart of the galley design is a large island bench, providing a solid foundation on which the rest of the room comes to life. A cantilevered concrete benchtop serves a dual function as both prep zone and casual seating. Solid timber and glass display drawers with LED lighting were incorporated into the front of the island bench, to provide a beautiful display space for family heirlooms.
Colour palette: The colour behind the splashback glass is Dulux ‘Tarpon Green’.
Materials palette: The tiles are travertine and the island bench is in blackbutt.
At the heart of the galley design is a large island bench, providing a solid foundation on which the rest of the room comes to life. A cantilevered concrete benchtop serves a dual function as both prep zone and casual seating. Solid timber and glass display drawers with LED lighting were incorporated into the front of the island bench, to provide a beautiful display space for family heirlooms.
Colour palette: The colour behind the splashback glass is Dulux ‘Tarpon Green’.
Materials palette: The tiles are travertine and the island bench is in blackbutt.
Key pieces of furniture:
The main tap is a Gessi Emporio, while the scullery has a Gessi Oxygene pull-out spray. The pendant light is the Ohio 32, made of repurposed cardboard, from ECC Lighting & Furniture.
A fully functional beverage centre has been incorporated into the design to satisfy the clients’ requirement to include a barista-style coffee machine, additional prep sink and Zip tap. A custom wine-glass rack has been integrated above the beverage centre and the drinks fridge.
The main tap is a Gessi Emporio, while the scullery has a Gessi Oxygene pull-out spray. The pendant light is the Ohio 32, made of repurposed cardboard, from ECC Lighting & Furniture.
A fully functional beverage centre has been incorporated into the design to satisfy the clients’ requirement to include a barista-style coffee machine, additional prep sink and Zip tap. A custom wine-glass rack has been integrated above the beverage centre and the drinks fridge.
Boasting a slight industrial edge, a large custom-made blackbutt barn door ensures the open scullery is accessible but easily concealed.
This functional space inside the scullery has solid stainless-steel open pantry shelves supported by timber ring frames.
Why do you think this room works?
It has a great flow to the beautiful alfresco area. The clients love to entertain and cater for a lot of guests, so they needed a substantial kitchen that could handle this workload. The ability to open up and close off the large scullery is a plus when entertaining. While the clients love modern clean style, they didn’t want the space to lack personality – and I think we achieved this.
It has a great flow to the beautiful alfresco area. The clients love to entertain and cater for a lot of guests, so they needed a substantial kitchen that could handle this workload. The ability to open up and close off the large scullery is a plus when entertaining. While the clients love modern clean style, they didn’t want the space to lack personality – and I think we achieved this.
The floor plan
Tell us
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See more Rooms of the Week
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
More
See more Rooms of the Week
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How do the high louver windows open?
was the DA for the build of this done by darren james or did they work with an architect fo that part of it? if so, can you tell me who the architect was please
nice and light kitchen slightly spoiled by the brownish kitchen doors