Modern kitchen remodel: design for a large kitchen

This Brisbane kitchen was treated to a stylish 'super-sizing' when its owners made functionality and space top priorities. With twice the space and blurred indoor and outdoor boundaries, this kitchen renovation will stand the test of time.

Many people wish for it at some time or another, but few actually get to double the size of their kitchen. For home owner Amanda, however, it was not just a wish; with her tiny kitchen providing no room to manoeuvre, a kitchen remodel and design was a necessity.

"The original kitchen was not only very, very small, but also poorly placed," says Konrad Palmason from Kitchen Connection. "Increasing the space, practicality and functionality of the kitchen was Amanda's first priority. With family requirements in mind, she also desired a servery from the large kitchen space to the outdoor area."

Konrad extended the kitchen to create a larger kitchen space and replaced one of the walls with full-size windows to form a stunning servery to the adjoining outdoor eating area. "The new kitchen follows the principles of good, practical design," he says. "We've incorporated free-flowing benchtops and separate cooking and work areas."

Notably, the tall kitchen cabinets are nestled together. "The positioning of the tall cabinets on the left-hand side leaves a generous serving space without needing to negotiate the breakfast bar," Konrad explains. "The stove's canopy is a nice focal point, and the cabinets either side offer an aesthetically pleasing symmetry."

A design highlight is the striking burgundy glass splashback, which is duplicated in the raised bar on the kitchen island bench. The burgundy of the opposite dining-area wall ties the effect together. "I love the burgundy - it highlights the whole kitchen," says Amanda. "It's clean, crisp and striking."

High-gloss materials and stone benchtops add to the sleek look of the new kitchen, while lights inside the frosted-glass cabinets offer a dual purpose as feature and task lighting.

The new, large kitchen achieves a classic look destined to stand the test of time. With double the space and nicely blurred indoor and outdoor boundaries, it presses all the right buttons in terms of practicality too.

Konrad Palmason, from Kitchen Connection

What's your favourite feature of the new kitchen?

I'm happy with how we generated symmetry and balance around the stylish glass stove canopy. I'm also very pleased with being able to satisfy all of Amanda's preferences.

What's your overall impression of the project?

I'm pleased with how we managed to incorporate enough bench space to create a more practical kitchen. The working area is generous, the sink and rack are separate from the cooking area, and the servery is functional too.

Would you do anything differently next time?

No, this kitchen follows all the principles of good design, so there's no reason to change anything.

Amanda, the homeowner

What was the original kitchen like?

It was dated, old and small. We'd put off doing a kitchen remodel and re-design for a long time, as we knew we had to extend the house to obtain a larger kitchen.

What were your requirements for the new kitchen?

I'd seen large kitchens, so I desired something light, spacious and modern, with a steam oven, gas cooktop, glass splashback, stone benchtops and room for a large two-door fridge. I also wanted easy access through to the outdoor entertainment and dining area.

What's your favourite feature of the kitchen?

The whole kitchen - it's wonderful. I love the sliding servery windows to the big outdoor entertainment and swimming pool area, with the bench continuing under the window. I also love the burgundy glass splashback; it's stunning and ties in nicely with the dining-room decor.

Modern kitchen remodel: design for a large kitchen

Konrad Palmason, from Kitchen Connection

Amanda, the homeowner

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