A kitchen renovation focused on space and practicality

In keeping with her desired minimalist look, Sarah wanted to go with an all-white colour-scheme. After consulting with the expert, however, she decided a few tweaks to the palette would lift the room. While Sarah chose the dark floor for a dramatic edge, Andrew suggested mirrored kickboards to provide a spacious, almost floating effect. 

When it came to benchtops, it was luxury all the way, with no expense spared. Extra thick Quantum Quartz was used for a rich finish. Andrew opted for white on the island bench, but decided to break the colour up around the kitchen. Variations appear in the tinted green glass splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Andrew put in some extra work to lower the high ceilings typical of the home's age and architecture. By installing a new beam, the ceiling was dropped to create more intimacy in the space. To compensate for a lack of windows, Sarah also had a skylight fitted to flood the white with its own source of natural light.

This kitchen's got a touch of the James Bond about it, with a mirrored bar that sits behind one of two roller shutters. The bar area has its own prep sink and while it's perfect for drink preparation, Sarah tends to use it for appliances.

"There are power points behind the roller doors, so the mixer, kettle, toaster and everything are all lined up there, already plugged in; I'm not having to get them in and out of the cupboards," says Sarah.

The bar isn't the only hidden aspect of this kitchen. Look as hard as you can and you may never notice a secret door in the corner by the oven. The extension included access to the laundry, which was discreetly tucked out of sight to allow for maximum kitchen space. Thus most of the housework can be done within the same area and guests who drop in for a drink from the bar are none the wiser.

Andrew Dee

Wonderful Kitchens

What factors affected the design?

Initially Sarah wanted something that would be a focal point in that part of the house. They're a younger couple and entertaining was a big part of the kitchen design. Sarah liked a lot of detail and contemporary design.

What kind of detail did Sarah want in her kitchen?

She to have 45-degree finger pulls on drawers rather than handles. We put track systems on some cupboards that would push away when opened and mirrored kickboards that are a laminated mirror on the floor on the base of the cabinet. 

How does the family use the island bench?

Mostly for entertaining. It's got storage on both sides and covers quite a bit of area, so someone can be on one side using the sink while another can be on the other side with the paper laid out.   

How did you maximise space? 

There's a laundry area that sits in the corner of the kitchen and I basically squared that off by putting it behind a false door. So they still maintain an L-shape with the island and fairly clean lines throughout.

What do you like most about this design?

The design of the kitchen is clean lined and modern. It sits in the room well, given the laundry requirements. It's very functional and there's a lot of prep area and storage space.

Sarah

What was your brief?

We’ve got a young toddler and we wanted something that would make everything easy, with plenty of space and storage. I wanted something that was modern, minimalist. The kitchen is sort of the hub of all the social activity, so we wanted to make the most of that with an island bench.

How did you choose the colour scheme?

We wanted to have the dark floorboards and for everything else to have a really good contrast. I'd seen a lot of the lighter coloured timber in kitchens but I thought the dark with the white would make a really good contrast.

How did you create space in the kitchen?

It was a big extension. In the original house, where the kitchen is now would have been the end of the house and looking out from the living room was originally the garden. We actually went out width-ways as well, which created the laundry. 

Did you have a lot of strong design ideas? 

There was a lot of consultation, which was great. Andrew was always the one who said what we could do and had the knowledge of what would work and what wouldn't. He came up with some good ideas, for example having the laundry behind the hidden door was his idea.

What is your favourite aspect of the kitchen?

It's all great! I’d say the island bench is the best feature and it gets used for everything. It's quite wide for an island bench. That plus the amount of storage. It's all just so easy.