Room of the Week: A Rugged, Brutalist-Style Kitchen
Layers of concrete and oak create an earthy, industrial vibe in the kitchen of an 80-square-metre apartment
Georgia Madden
5 April 2021
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Images by Haleh Kakhsaz at Hale K Design Studio
Answers by Ali Ghasemi, director at Hometek Renovations & Extensions
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Bellevue Hill, NSW
Room purpose and size: A kitchen/dining space measuring approximately 17.5 square metres
Approximate budget: $48,000
Answers by Ali Ghasemi, director at Hometek Renovations & Extensions
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Bellevue Hill, NSW
Room purpose and size: A kitchen/dining space measuring approximately 17.5 square metres
Approximate budget: $48,000
Before installation
Brief
The clients wanted a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic, and for the space to feel unique and uncluttered.
Inspired to get cracking on your own kitchen redesign? Find a kitchen designer on Houzz and browse images of their work
Brief
The clients wanted a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic, and for the space to feel unique and uncluttered.
Inspired to get cracking on your own kitchen redesign? Find a kitchen designer on Houzz and browse images of their work
Starting point
Exposed concrete and oak to create a rugged and imperfect, yet unique and timeless appeal.
Tell us about the beautiful concrete
The concrete ceiling, wall detailing and floors were done on-site by our master craftspeople. We had all the raw material delivered to the site and the team worked in unison for hours to create the perfectly blended space.
Exposed concrete and oak to create a rugged and imperfect, yet unique and timeless appeal.
Tell us about the beautiful concrete
The concrete ceiling, wall detailing and floors were done on-site by our master craftspeople. We had all the raw material delivered to the site and the team worked in unison for hours to create the perfectly blended space.
The floor plan
Key design aspects
Colour palette
Key design aspects
Colour palette
- Monochromatic tones of grey and brown oak.
- Matt Black Fenix laminate to the kitchen cabinets.
- Exposed concrete.
- Oak.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings
- A custom-made, double-sided kitchen banquette seat.
- A custom-made dining table, fixed to the kitchen floor.
- Caroma stainless steel tap.
- Miele integrated appliances.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures
Even though kitchen islands are practical additions in most kitchens, our main restriction here was limited space. This, coupled with our designers’ aesthetic goals, prevented the inclusion of an island in the kitchen. So instead, our designers opted to create a custom-made, two-sided lounge and dining table that were fitted to make the best use of space.
Even though kitchen islands are practical additions in most kitchens, our main restriction here was limited space. This, coupled with our designers’ aesthetic goals, prevented the inclusion of an island in the kitchen. So instead, our designers opted to create a custom-made, two-sided lounge and dining table that were fitted to make the best use of space.
Challenges you worked around
As with any custom renovation of this magnitude, there were multiple challenges and obstacles to overcome before and during the project. Our first challenge was, of course, the good old body corporate! We held several meetings before and during the design stage to overcome all their concerns.
As with any custom renovation of this magnitude, there were multiple challenges and obstacles to overcome before and during the project. Our first challenge was, of course, the good old body corporate! We held several meetings before and during the design stage to overcome all their concerns.
Why do you think this room works?
The kitchen is in perfect harmony with the rest of the apartment. Our aim was to achieve a space that was sufficiently separated from the living area, which at the same time was a seamless extension of it. I believe the double-sided lounge has worked well to tie together the entire space to our client’s satisfaction and delight.
Your turn
Which ideas would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on kitchens? Have a read of this Room of the Week: A Modern Coastal Kitchen With a Hamptons Twist
The kitchen is in perfect harmony with the rest of the apartment. Our aim was to achieve a space that was sufficiently separated from the living area, which at the same time was a seamless extension of it. I believe the double-sided lounge has worked well to tie together the entire space to our client’s satisfaction and delight.
Your turn
Which ideas would you steal from this space? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on kitchens? Have a read of this Room of the Week: A Modern Coastal Kitchen With a Hamptons Twist
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Hi Sam,
Thank you so much ch for your kind words.
The brutalist design is certainly out of the norm and a niche.
The bold bathroom design is absolutely out there 😁
We pride ourselves on our ability to create spaces from luxury neoclassical designs to warehouse transformations and cutting edge architecture.
Have a great day!
Honestly, I really do Love what you achieved with this space. It has real appeal and a charm to it. You deserve to feel Pride in this 100%!! Super Impressive.
Im still really hoping someone can explain the "living room bathrooms" to me though :)