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Step Inside Neale Whitaker’s Oh-So-Practical Kitchen
Interior guru Neale Whitaker shows us how an ultra-functional kitchen can be refined and graceful, too
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Known and admired for his impeccable style and discerning eye for detail as a judge on design show, The Block, interior designer Neale Whitaker is just as meticulous when it comes to designing his own home. Take the renovation of his 1930s country home in NSW as an example, and how he set a comprehensive brief to the kitchen designers on his vision for the space, from the size of the island bench to the choice of materials and colour palette.
It was also early on in the project that Neale decided to work with Silestone® surfaces, having experienced their good-looks, durability and functionality on many interior shows. “I have been familiar with Silestone® for several years and it seemed the perfect practical choice for our kitchen and laundry,” says Neale. “Plus, I know just how good they feel to the touch.”
We take a closer look around Neale’s stunning kitchen and discover why this practical surface is the ideal addition for busy entertaining spaces.
It was also early on in the project that Neale decided to work with Silestone® surfaces, having experienced their good-looks, durability and functionality on many interior shows. “I have been familiar with Silestone® for several years and it seemed the perfect practical choice for our kitchen and laundry,” says Neale. “Plus, I know just how good they feel to the touch.”
We take a closer look around Neale’s stunning kitchen and discover why this practical surface is the ideal addition for busy entertaining spaces.
Room at a Glance
Who lives here: Neale Whitaker and his partner David Novak Piper
Location: NSW South Coast
Kitchen design: Neale Whitaker and Kinsman Group
Construction: Shoalhaven Constructions
Design an Efficient Layout
Being very much the hub of the home, where all the cooking, eating and conversation takes place, Neale was keen for the layout of his kitchen to be extremely user-friendly, as well as appealing to guests. With two large windows offering beautiful views of the colourful garden, a central island was designed with stools facing the pretty outlook, plus an induction cooktop on the island makes it the perfect spot for cooking while chatting to guests.
The space behind the range oven walls, however, is where the magic truly happens. A partly concealed pantry provides an easy-to-access yet hidden area for the messy jobs, like food prep, ensuring the main kitchen area stays clutter-free and entertaining-ready.
Include some open shelves for colourful displays. With both ends of the adjoining pantry visible from the main kitchen, Neale designed an open shelf above the fridge for a row of vibrant cookery books to add a splash of colour.
Who lives here: Neale Whitaker and his partner David Novak Piper
Location: NSW South Coast
Kitchen design: Neale Whitaker and Kinsman Group
Construction: Shoalhaven Constructions
Design an Efficient Layout
Being very much the hub of the home, where all the cooking, eating and conversation takes place, Neale was keen for the layout of his kitchen to be extremely user-friendly, as well as appealing to guests. With two large windows offering beautiful views of the colourful garden, a central island was designed with stools facing the pretty outlook, plus an induction cooktop on the island makes it the perfect spot for cooking while chatting to guests.
The space behind the range oven walls, however, is where the magic truly happens. A partly concealed pantry provides an easy-to-access yet hidden area for the messy jobs, like food prep, ensuring the main kitchen area stays clutter-free and entertaining-ready.
Include some open shelves for colourful displays. With both ends of the adjoining pantry visible from the main kitchen, Neale designed an open shelf above the fridge for a row of vibrant cookery books to add a splash of colour.
Choose a Look That’s Sympathetic to the Home’s Heritage
Taking on the renovation of a period property, Neale and David knew from the outset that any changes they made to the interior would have to reflect their personal style, as well as respect the architecture of the house and its location. So, when it came to designing the kitchen, Neale opted for timeless panelled cabinetry and paired it with a scratch and stain-resistant surface that emulates classic marble for a refined, period feel.
A neutral palette was chosen for the scheme to complement the couple’s up-to-date rustic aesthetic, which reflects their love of modern, vintage and ethnic, and provides a calm backdrop for the collection of art.
Add warmth with metallic accents. Highlighting the soft grey veining and subtle gold flecks of the Calacatta Gold surface, warm metallics were introduced in other areas around the space, such as the antique-style brassware.
Taking on the renovation of a period property, Neale and David knew from the outset that any changes they made to the interior would have to reflect their personal style, as well as respect the architecture of the house and its location. So, when it came to designing the kitchen, Neale opted for timeless panelled cabinetry and paired it with a scratch and stain-resistant surface that emulates classic marble for a refined, period feel.
A neutral palette was chosen for the scheme to complement the couple’s up-to-date rustic aesthetic, which reflects their love of modern, vintage and ethnic, and provides a calm backdrop for the collection of art.
Add warmth with metallic accents. Highlighting the soft grey veining and subtle gold flecks of the Calacatta Gold surface, warm metallics were introduced in other areas around the space, such as the antique-style brassware.
Plan Everything Down to the Last Detail
Before you start planning your kitchen, think about how you’ll use the space, and how it can be redesigned to make your life easier. Then, create a comprehensive brief for your kitchen designer of your dos, don’ts, and ultimate wish list, so you can achieve a highly functional, yet beautiful kitchen.
Neale planned everything beforehand, from the size of the island bench, the position of the partially concealed butler’s pantry, his choice of cabinetry, surfaces and colour palette, the inclusion of glass-fronted cabinets, and even the ratio of drawers to cupboards, ensuring he got precisely what he needed right from the outset.
Don’t overlook the importance of the right lighting. Good illumination in the kitchen can make or break the efficiency and ambience of the space. Not enough task lighting over the hob, sink and surfaces, and you’ll be struggling to prep food, while too much bright light will kill the atmosphere, especially in the evening. Plan a layered lighting scheme of pendants, ceiling spots and under-bench lights, and run them on independent circuits so you have plenty of options.
Before you start planning your kitchen, think about how you’ll use the space, and how it can be redesigned to make your life easier. Then, create a comprehensive brief for your kitchen designer of your dos, don’ts, and ultimate wish list, so you can achieve a highly functional, yet beautiful kitchen.
Neale planned everything beforehand, from the size of the island bench, the position of the partially concealed butler’s pantry, his choice of cabinetry, surfaces and colour palette, the inclusion of glass-fronted cabinets, and even the ratio of drawers to cupboards, ensuring he got precisely what he needed right from the outset.
Don’t overlook the importance of the right lighting. Good illumination in the kitchen can make or break the efficiency and ambience of the space. Not enough task lighting over the hob, sink and surfaces, and you’ll be struggling to prep food, while too much bright light will kill the atmosphere, especially in the evening. Plan a layered lighting scheme of pendants, ceiling spots and under-bench lights, and run them on independent circuits so you have plenty of options.
Include Plenty of Benchtop Space
Many people underestimate how much benchtop space they are going to need. From space for food preparation, to areas for storing small appliances, not to mention room for serving dishes, the amount of bench area you can squeeze in is an important consideration at the planning stage. Consider adding a peninsular unit if you have room at the end of a run of cabinets, or even an island in the centre of the space.
Go for the most durable and robust surface that will suit your style of kitchen, such as scratch and stain-resistant designs, as it will offer the best long-term investment that won’t need replacing down the line.
Make life easier with a clean-in-one surface. As keen cooks and budding bakers know, a super-smooth and hygienic surface is also ideal for working directly on when kneading dough or rolling out pastry. Look out for an easy-to-maintain and sleek benchtop that makes cooking a breeze.
More: Find out more about Silestone® surfaces here.
Tell us: What’s your favourite thing about Neale’s kitchen?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Many people underestimate how much benchtop space they are going to need. From space for food preparation, to areas for storing small appliances, not to mention room for serving dishes, the amount of bench area you can squeeze in is an important consideration at the planning stage. Consider adding a peninsular unit if you have room at the end of a run of cabinets, or even an island in the centre of the space.
Go for the most durable and robust surface that will suit your style of kitchen, such as scratch and stain-resistant designs, as it will offer the best long-term investment that won’t need replacing down the line.
Make life easier with a clean-in-one surface. As keen cooks and budding bakers know, a super-smooth and hygienic surface is also ideal for working directly on when kneading dough or rolling out pastry. Look out for an easy-to-maintain and sleek benchtop that makes cooking a breeze.
More: Find out more about Silestone® surfaces here.
Tell us: What’s your favourite thing about Neale’s kitchen?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces... Read More
Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces... Read More
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I love Neale Whitaker and his style is impeccable!
I'm not into the butler pantry fad, as I don't like being locked away in a stuffy, confined space to prepare food. The preparation (and mess) is part of the joy of cooking - all to be shared.