Project Description Set in Sydney’s uber cool suburb of Paddington, this reconstructed terrace home is only 10 years young. As our clients’ renovation work commenced, it unfortunately revealed a mediocre construction, with much non-complying work & defects on every level. This led its new owners to gut the whole interior of the three floors and start afresh. Not a welcome cost variation increase for the new owners Janelle and Antony and their three girls. However the opportunity to play around with the floor plan led to an amazing final outcome, which oozed quality in every sense. Structural Challenges · Odd layout – building narrow and long; · Restricted by the amount of glazing; · Existing concrete slab; · Steel beam hindering design options; · Access difficult and · Rear entry to home could not be moved. · Client Requirements · MUST be a Statement Kitchen – A showcase - BEST one yet! (Third time the designer had been engaged by the client); · Function is absolutely paramount as Janelle loves to cook; · A social space to entertain…. A lot! · Connection to outdoor entertainment area; · Unique design · Lots of storage, a long appliance list · Long dining table · Breakfast bench with stools and · Clever hidden storage for small appliances (had this from previous houses) Design Statement Expectations were set high. With two successfully completed kitchens with the client, the designer knew what was expected and the level of quality they desired. However unforeseen site issues placed undue pressure to deliver a high quality, bespoke finish for fewer dollars. The original kitchen was set centrally and in the narrowest part of the home on the ground floor. It felt cramped and lacked the flow that this family needed to live cohesively. It also blocked the ease of transition from front lounge to rear sitting and garage. The designer set to transform the floor plan by relocating the kitchen to the rear of the building, thus giving it a control center quality. It now oversaw the whole ground floor including courtyard. The layout had to take into consideration access to the garage, which the clients would come in, and out of every day, so it made perfect sense. This new location also allowed for ample storage. The kitchen layout was set into a U shape with central island and also a separate run of joinery adjacent which allowed the sink plumbing to be relocated easily without compromising the slab. The designer could now fit the long list of appliances Inc. two dishwashers, oven, steam oven, a zip water system, a large integrated French door refrigerator, an induction cooktop and a single gas burner. The designer chose to zone the areas – Water, Fire, Appliances (Fridge, ovens and small appliances) and then prep and serving. Finishes are light and airy to ensure the space felt open, refined and considered in the design approach. Lime washed oak was specified as the timber and veneer to compliment the clients’ dining table, Dekton Sirocco grey benchtops a clients preference and a touch of colour – Lilac Hint (pink) was introduced to lift and create a focal point within the space. Black accents are used in the accessories as well as in the taps, handles and sinks. Handmade warm white butcher tiles befitting a terrace home are used on the splash-back, back panels and the rear wall. The tiling is fastidiously laid out in full tiles (mm perfect) and cleverly conceals the large pivot door that leads to the garage. Overall the space is balanced and oozes a bespoke feel. The design has allowed the space to open up and welcome family and guests into the home. The surrounding glass doors open up and double the entertaining space as well as ventilate what was once a confined cramped ground floor. Coming together to celebrate, cook, and eat are passions now well executed in this beautiful refined kitchen. The clients comment of ‘this is the best one yet’ recognizes a job well done – have to be happy about that! Judges comments Lime-washed oak, warm white cabinetry and white matt handmade tiles combine to create a lovely light and airy feel to this perfectly planned kitchen. The designer expertly finished the space with just the right amount of a luscious lilac-hinted pink. The hue lifts the scheme and creates a stunning focal point in this very refined and well-designed kitchen. Our Paddington kitchen renovation was a real challenge and really explores the notion that the kitchen is now the social hub of the home