Stickybeak of the Week: Black and White Unite in a Kitchen Update
An oh-so-cool monochrome scheme with a classic twist was the solution to this couple's style clash
How do you design a kitchen to suit two vastly different tastes in style? Susan Cleveland of Susan Cleveland Design faced this dilemma when asked to help Oliver and Rachel Lukeis tackle their dark, impractical kitchen.
With Oliver being a big fan of modern, contemporary style, and Rachel hankering after a country vibe, it was going to be a huge challenge combining the two styles in a harmonious and cohesive design. The masterstroke came when the couple decided to stick with a black and white scheme and incorporate a mixture of modern and classic design features in this simple palette.
With Oliver being a big fan of modern, contemporary style, and Rachel hankering after a country vibe, it was going to be a huge challenge combining the two styles in a harmonious and cohesive design. The masterstroke came when the couple decided to stick with a black and white scheme and incorporate a mixture of modern and classic design features in this simple palette.
The first step was to open up the space by removing an internal brick wall, creating room for a large breakfast bar. Then two skylights were added to flood the room with light.
Once the perfect layout had been decided on, the designer presented her plan. She combined high-end white Shaker-style base units with the sleek and more economical black laminate wall cupboards. This fusion of old and new styles not only helped to maintain the budget, it also brought a fresh, contemporary feel to the space that at the same time hinted towards the heritage of the house.
Once the perfect layout had been decided on, the designer presented her plan. She combined high-end white Shaker-style base units with the sleek and more economical black laminate wall cupboards. This fusion of old and new styles not only helped to maintain the budget, it also brought a fresh, contemporary feel to the space that at the same time hinted towards the heritage of the house.
Black became a resounding keynote of the finer details, giving the space a confident edge. For example, the black trim around the tiles highlights the splashback, while the black contemporary handles on the Shaker units add a modern element to a country classic. “It’s the small design details, such as trims and handles, that pull a room together to achieve an awesome rather than plain result,” says Cleveland.
The matt white Lantern tiles were chosen to create a subtle shape and definition behind the benchtops, without competing with the overall look.
Similarly, the Caesarstone benchtop was picked for its neutral yet bold personality. “The large bench is the perfect foil for the beautiful markings,” says Cleveland.
Lantern tiles: Southern Tile; Statuario Maximus benchtop: Caeserstone
Similarly, the Caesarstone benchtop was picked for its neutral yet bold personality. “The large bench is the perfect foil for the beautiful markings,” says Cleveland.
Lantern tiles: Southern Tile; Statuario Maximus benchtop: Caeserstone
Tapware in matt black is a favourite choice of the designer, and never disappoints. The contemporary styling of this fitting was teamed with a sleek black sink for a balanced look, and with no water-marks to speak of, clearing up is a breeze.
Thanks to careful planning and creative thinking, the project was stress-free and seamless, other than the minor interruption of going without a functional kitchen for a short time. It took three months from design to completion.
Tink D mixer tap: Abey Tapware
Thanks to careful planning and creative thinking, the project was stress-free and seamless, other than the minor interruption of going without a functional kitchen for a short time. It took three months from design to completion.
Tink D mixer tap: Abey Tapware
One of the secret ingredients to the success of this room is the fabulous Acrobates pendant lights. With their playful cords, they strike the perfect balance between old-school design and modern styling, and hammer home the fusion of the two styles in this space.
“Once the functional design of the kitchen had been achieved, it was simply about making it a beautiful space,” says Cleveland. “Ultimately, it had to be a kitchen which both Oliver and Rachel could enjoy, even though their style choices clashed.”
The kitchen is definitely the hub of the home now, and is used daily by the family and friends who come together to cook, eat, play and talk. The expanse of bench at the breakfast bar is also a triumph and is used as intended – for casual family meals, entertaining and as a homework station – while the fusion of styles has most certainly created the ‘wow’ that the couple were after.
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“Once the functional design of the kitchen had been achieved, it was simply about making it a beautiful space,” says Cleveland. “Ultimately, it had to be a kitchen which both Oliver and Rachel could enjoy, even though their style choices clashed.”
The kitchen is definitely the hub of the home now, and is used daily by the family and friends who come together to cook, eat, play and talk. The expanse of bench at the breakfast bar is also a triumph and is used as intended – for casual family meals, entertaining and as a homework station – while the fusion of styles has most certainly created the ‘wow’ that the couple were after.
TELL US
How have you combined two different interior styles in your home? Tell us in the Comments below.
MORE
See more standout spaces
Who lives here: Oliver and Rachel Lukeis, and their children, Ajay and Ariana, plus Casper the dog.
Location: Brighton, Victoria
Size: 19 square metres
Design and Decoration: Susan Cleveland from Susan Cleveland Design
Cleveland was referred to the couple by their cabinet makers. “Oliver and Rachel chose Williams Cabinets because of their knowledge and quality construction of cabinetry design, and I was thrilled to be asked to represent Williams as their designer on this project,” says Cleveland. “My ethos behind every project is to achieve a unique and individual design. While I favour clean lines and balance within a functional space, I always strive to reflect the personality of the home and the clients.”
The overall brief presented to Cleveland was very clear; create a ‘wow’ kitchen, encompassing a unique design that reflects the clients’ differing tastes, all within a tight budget. So Cleveland got to work.
Units: Williams Cabinets