This large 1990's home had a kitchen very typical of the era - heavy Blackwood doors with an arched profile, dark brown granite benchtops, and a reasonably functional but awkward design, all set in a backdrop of beige walls and floors with timber door/window frames and skirtings, which all made for a very dated and rather heavy look.
The brief was to create a cohesive look for the kitchen, laundry and bar in the formal dining room, with a layout that maximized the use of the space, had excellent flow and was traditional but at the same time contemporary in style. A coffee bar, walk-in pantry, space for large fridge and freezer as well as island dining for five, were a must in the brief.
Nouvelle's designer transformed the space with a stunningly beautiful and elegant kitchen that will easily transcend time.
Functionality, style and aesthetics now all meet harmoniously in a light space that is reminiscent of a more traditional style but is quietly modern in its feel.
Gone is the heavy timber. Soft white joinery and a rich white marble look Talostone Calacatta Oro benchtop are beautifully accessorised with neutral brown timber floors and warm metal highlights, all now sitting perfectly within the new fresh white walls and framework.
The ceiling pendant is a true hero piece, subtly reflecting the chandelier in the formal dining room. With its highly contemporary, minimalist silhouette, it firmly stamps a more modern vibe on the new kitchen, and coordinates well with the handles and tap. The more traditional joinery with ornate rangehood mantle and proud kicks on the island, along with the more contemporary bar stools, tap-ware, etc., all assist in conveying the transitional look sought by our client.
The brief for the layout was for good flow rather than the 'dead-end' feel of the previous design, and is now not only effective functionally, but it also makes for much better use of the space and makes the kitchen the focal point of the room.
By changing the old angled breakfast bar to a straight run parallel to the cooking run, broadened the room and created the perfect location for casual island dining adjacent to the pretty windows and garden outlook. This too was a must in the brief and had to cater for five diners. Designed around the end as opposed to along the front of the island, allowed for a layout that creates a much more engaging and convivial dining arrangement.
The door into the storeroom was moved so as to create a walk-in pantry on the opposite side of the run, using up valuable space under the stairs, and is now the perfect spot for the coffee/beverage center – another and very important ‘must have’.
The bar in the formal dining room now coordinates with the kitchen and boasts a tall, fully integrated fridge, perfect for easy access to beverages. Mullion glass wall cabinets house elegant glassware and make a lovely traditional style statement.
Not to be forgotten, the laundry is now a beautiful room, complete with ample storage, 2 washing machines and a dryer. Pretty marble tiles laid in the Herringbone pattern add a touch of luxury and reflect the elegance in the kitchen and formal dining room.
A beautiful, functional and pleasurable result all round.