Room of the Week: A Spacious Kitchen With Luxurious Materials
This modern kitchen uses classic, opulent materials and was designed for buyers who wanted luxury and a generous space
Vanessa Walker
5 July 2021
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.
Images by Mitch Lyons, Lyons Photography
Styling by M+Co Property Styling
Answers by Jessica Karlovic, owner, First Avenue Homes
Who lives here: A couple with two children
Completed: March 2021
Location: Brighton, Victoria
Room purpose and size: A kitchen with a butler’s pantry, integrated appliances and wine bar of approximately 24 square metres
Budget: $110,000 for the kitchen and butler’s pantry (including the wine bar, flooring, cabinetry, stone and appliances)
Other professionals: Cabinetry work by Grand Cabinets
Styling by M+Co Property Styling
Answers by Jessica Karlovic, owner, First Avenue Homes
Who lives here: A couple with two children
Completed: March 2021
Location: Brighton, Victoria
Room purpose and size: A kitchen with a butler’s pantry, integrated appliances and wine bar of approximately 24 square metres
Budget: $110,000 for the kitchen and butler’s pantry (including the wine bar, flooring, cabinetry, stone and appliances)
Other professionals: Cabinetry work by Grand Cabinets
Brief
This kitchen was part of a renovation and extension project designed and constructed as a property-flip home by First Avenue Homes. In this instance the ideal client was a prospective buyer.
Our brief was for a prestigious kitchen with ample storage and surface space for entertaining and meal preparations. The butler’s pantry needed to provide further practical and hidden storage. It was important to incorporate striking modern finishes, such as marble and brass, and sleek appliances that would complement the contemporary aesthetic of the kitchen and the overall new extension of the home.
This kitchen was part of a renovation and extension project designed and constructed as a property-flip home by First Avenue Homes. In this instance the ideal client was a prospective buyer.
Our brief was for a prestigious kitchen with ample storage and surface space for entertaining and meal preparations. The butler’s pantry needed to provide further practical and hidden storage. It was important to incorporate striking modern finishes, such as marble and brass, and sleek appliances that would complement the contemporary aesthetic of the kitchen and the overall new extension of the home.
Starting point
The starting point of this kitchen design was the four-metre-long island bench, the star feature of the large kitchen, dining and living room. We chose a striking marble for the surface.
We also wanted the island bench to have a point of difference from other properties, so we looked to current design trends and decided to incorporate a curved edge.
The bench and kitchen surfaces were constructed from Portsea Grey marble and accented with Polytec black timber battens to add some textural drama.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
The starting point of this kitchen design was the four-metre-long island bench, the star feature of the large kitchen, dining and living room. We chose a striking marble for the surface.
We also wanted the island bench to have a point of difference from other properties, so we looked to current design trends and decided to incorporate a curved edge.
The bench and kitchen surfaces were constructed from Portsea Grey marble and accented with Polytec black timber battens to add some textural drama.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
For a seamless modern look, we also applied the Portsea Grey marble to all benchtop surfaces and splashbacks. In lieu of traditional overhead cupboards, we decided to showcase the luxuriousness of the space and materials by creating feature open shelving in the same marble on either side of the battened range hood.
The kitchen before works
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Colour palette:
- Black cabinetry.
- Dark grey stone.
- Brass accents in the hardware and tapware.
Materials palette:
- Four-metre-long kitchen island bench with waterfall edges, constructed from Portsea Grey marble.
- Portsea Grey marble was also applied in a book-matched finish to all kitchen benchtop surfaces, splashbacks and shelving.
- Kitchen cabinetry constructed from V-groove panelling and finished with two-pack polyurethane in Dulux Black Ace.
- Feature half-moon timber-batten accents by Polytec in Black Woodmatt.
- Timber veneer cabinetry shelving in the pantry is by Polytec in Black Woodmatt.
- Husky 50-bottle dual-zone wine fridge.
- Integrated Ilve fridge and freezer.
- Pyrolytic oven, combi-steam oven, warming drawer and induction cooktop in a matt-black finish, all Asko.
- Fisher & Paykel integrated double dish drawer.
- Abey Schock matt-black sink in pantry.
- ABI Interiors brass sink in island bench.
- Meir brass tapware.
- Brass pull-handles from Touch Handles.
- Semi-round handles on tall cupboards and integrated fridges from Index + Co in Sydney and electroplated in brass.
- Three-metre-long brass batten light commissioned and custom-made by Lucretia Lighting.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
A blank white wall backing onto vacant under-stair storage to the left of the main kitchen was repurposed as a statement wine bar. It was finished with custom-made steel-framed doors designed by Jessica Karlovic and manufactured by Urban X Steel.
The space was designed as an attractive modern nod to arches that feature through the original heritage cottage. The wine bar includes black timber veneer wine storage, a marble bench and splashback with brass glass hangers and overhead and LED lighting. The solid panel of the steel door conceals a handy dual-zone wine fridge for chilling and storage.
A blank white wall backing onto vacant under-stair storage to the left of the main kitchen was repurposed as a statement wine bar. It was finished with custom-made steel-framed doors designed by Jessica Karlovic and manufactured by Urban X Steel.
The space was designed as an attractive modern nod to arches that feature through the original heritage cottage. The wine bar includes black timber veneer wine storage, a marble bench and splashback with brass glass hangers and overhead and LED lighting. The solid panel of the steel door conceals a handy dual-zone wine fridge for chilling and storage.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures
In a practical sense, the kitchen features ample storage cupboards that reach from floor to ceiling. One wall also houses all the integrated appliances. This brings into play the kitchen work-triangle design principle where the sink, fridge and stove are linked in proximity to each other for ease of use when cooking.
In a practical sense, the kitchen features ample storage cupboards that reach from floor to ceiling. One wall also houses all the integrated appliances. This brings into play the kitchen work-triangle design principle where the sink, fridge and stove are linked in proximity to each other for ease of use when cooking.
The butler’s pantry is seamlessly open yet hidden behind the main wall of the kitchen and is generous in size and storage space. It is located next to the laundry, which allows direct access to grocery deliveries from the carport to the pantry.
Open storage space in the pantry was specified in a matt-black Polytec timber veneer for a look that ties into the use of black timber accents throughout the home and kitchen surfaces and furnishings.
Open storage space in the pantry was specified in a matt-black Polytec timber veneer for a look that ties into the use of black timber accents throughout the home and kitchen surfaces and furnishings.
Challenges you worked around
The challenges that presented over the short time period of such a big build include the time constraints that were made pertinent as the Covid pandemic took hold in 2020. As a personal project, it went on the backburner throughout Stage Four restrictions as we prioritised our trades’ weekly site limitations to our other contracted projects.
It was all hands on deck to get this one over the line in February 2021, with one last snap construction lockdown in the final week before the sales campaign launched. This reminded us that we are still subject to the ebbs and flows of working with the pandemic restrictions in our industry and community.
The challenges that presented over the short time period of such a big build include the time constraints that were made pertinent as the Covid pandemic took hold in 2020. As a personal project, it went on the backburner throughout Stage Four restrictions as we prioritised our trades’ weekly site limitations to our other contracted projects.
It was all hands on deck to get this one over the line in February 2021, with one last snap construction lockdown in the final week before the sales campaign launched. This reminded us that we are still subject to the ebbs and flows of working with the pandemic restrictions in our industry and community.
Other challenges that presented during construction were perfecting the curve in the marble bench and applying curved LED lighting in a rebate to highlight the finish.
Ensuring the wine bar worked was another challenge, as it was an afterthought at frame stage. Appropriate cut-outs needed to be made to the under-stair storage, and the cabinetry and doors were custom-made to suit the space and wine fridge.
Appliance delivery also caused delays to completion as the pandemic resulted in significant stock shortages for imported appliances.
Ensuring the wine bar worked was another challenge, as it was an afterthought at frame stage. Appropriate cut-outs needed to be made to the under-stair storage, and the cabinetry and doors were custom-made to suit the space and wine fridge.
Appliance delivery also caused delays to completion as the pandemic resulted in significant stock shortages for imported appliances.
Why do you think this room works?
Overall, we hope the new owners love cooking, dining and entertaining in their new kitchen. Its open-plan design allows unobstructed views to the living and dining areas and out to the pool and outdoor entertainment zones through the use of large concealed stacking doors and windows.
The space is flooded with natural light, which was also a key consideration for the oversize windows and high ceilings. This kitchen is bold, modern and a beautiful room to live, work and entertain in and we couldn’t be more proud of our efforts across the design, implementation, construction and finishing of this space.
Overall, we hope the new owners love cooking, dining and entertaining in their new kitchen. Its open-plan design allows unobstructed views to the living and dining areas and out to the pool and outdoor entertainment zones through the use of large concealed stacking doors and windows.
The space is flooded with natural light, which was also a key consideration for the oversize windows and high ceilings. This kitchen is bold, modern and a beautiful room to live, work and entertain in and we couldn’t be more proud of our efforts across the design, implementation, construction and finishing of this space.
The area before works
Your turn
What do you like about this kitchen? 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
Craving more kitchen makeovers? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Contemporary Hamptons-Style Kitchen in Blue
Your turn
What do you like about this kitchen? 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
Craving more kitchen makeovers? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Contemporary Hamptons-Style Kitchen in Blue
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
Stunning Kitchen! Love the design
Wow my dream kitchen!! And what a transformation!!
Stunning! Especially love the marble, tap ware and design of the island bench. Love the overall aesthetic.