This property, spanning five suburban lots, has been systematically renovated by the current owners of the last 5 years.
The original kitchen was typical of a home built over 20 years ago. The space was small with a crowded collection of cabinets that made the room very unworkable.
Creating flow and a focal point for the adjoining livings areas was always the priority for the design of the kitchen space. We consulted an engineer and were able to shorten the wall between the kitchen and the library. This then enabled the joinery, used in the kitchen, to wrap around this central wall therefore providing a connection through to the library, dining and living rooms. Multiple zones have then been created around this central wall including library storage/display, long term refrigeration to the kitchen and bench space for pouring a glass of wine beside the wine fridge.
The kitchen area to be designed was a large space. The planning started by placing key cooking appliances to the back wall of the kitchen. The joinery to this section was increased in depth, to accommodate hidden splashback storage which conceals small appliances and allows easy use on a regular basis. The splashback doors slide up vertically, activating LED light panels which illuminate the internals. This illumination provides additional task lighting. Integrated short term refrigeration has been included to this cooking zone to minimise walking distances between key appliances. Additional storage has been created with a walk in pantry located behind the back wall. Bench tops were incorporated into this long term pantry storage room therefore creating space for storage of less used small appliances.
A central island has been positioned to assist with traffic flow between adjoining rooms. Incorporated into the island is a small seated area for casual meals or entertaining while producing an unobstructed view of the pool. This table can be raised electronically therefore providing a flexible bench height for many tasks and increase bench area for meal preparation and serving.
Whilst achieving better flow and functionality with the design, there was also a need to create a sense of effortless luxury in the finishes that would highlight the simple design philosophy. The Calacatta Borghini marble featured on the island creates a sophisticated centrepiece all other finishes and fixtures stem from this selection. The warm tones seen veined throughout the marble are drawn out by the Sable Oak wood grain that encase the refrigeration multipurpose table and house the cooking appliances. Then reconstituted stone benchtops in Snow is used to compliment the island bench top and around the hotplate to provide a functional, yet practical cooking zone.
The aluminium frame glass drawer fronts create a strong line that draws your eye through the space effortlessly. The painted glass doors in "Resene Thordon Cream" drawn from the earthy tones displayed throughout the marble. The glass combined with the metallic back paint help reflect light around the space.

 
Recessed mirror kickboards reflect more light (aided by the use of LED strip lighting to the underside of the cabinets) around the space plus creates an illusion that the cabinets are floating. This negative detail enables the floor cabinets to reduce their impact on the design foot print. This mirror is also used on the splashback. These of mirrors create a sense of depth and connection to the spaces by reflecting images of the adjoining areas and more light.
Energy efficient LED lighting has been incorporated throughout the space to highlight and accent design elements whilst creating an illumination for all tasks completed in the space.
The design of the space and joinery pieces are complicated in there simplicity. Balance has been created by focusing on quality, functional hardware and storage solutions, whilst showcasing understated refined luxury finishes.