Sandy Bay 2

2018

Project Type

Kitchen

Location

Sandy Bay

Award

2019 Winner Renovation/Addition Under $200k (Master Builders Tasmania)

Our Brief

The brief was to open up the room with a sophisticated and elegant design. Preferring a separate kitchen room to open plan living, it was still important to include a space for conversation. Functionality was also considered as fundamental to the design.

Design solution

The design solution was to reference the heritage character of the 1930s’ home whilst providing contemporary elegance through integrating appliances, and hiding the office nook and two appliance cupboards. The brief was also answered through a simple black and white palette, highlighted with natural leather and Calacatta marble.

The extensive use of natural marble provides elegant luxury and the application of Clearstone removes the fear of staining or etching damage.

Achieving simplicity in the design aesthetic and functionality relied on complex joinery craftsmanship and the latest in fittings and accessories.

The relatively long and narrow room proved challenging, with two windows, two internal doors and double doors leading outside. In addition, the clients wanted to have a clear line of sight into the room when entering through either of the internal doors which limited the placement of a traditional tall pantry.

The pantry was designed in the style of a sideboard to open up the space from the doorways, as well as providing additional bench space and internal drawers that are easily accessible and ergonomic.

A bench seat offers a spot to sit and chat or relax with a drink, and incorporates storage.

Sophisticated design was achieved through integrating the fridge/freezer, dishwasher and rangehood, and flush mounting the cooktop and sink in the benchtop, and LED strip lighting and power points in the overhead cabinet.

The design also incorporates electric drawers, pull-to-open and push-to-open cupboards, pull-down shelves, and an integrated sound system with bluetooth control, as well a two hidden appliance cupboards.

Whilst one appliance cupboard has automatic lighting when the bi-fold door is opened, the other has a light in the glass shelf that is operated by a sensor working through the benchtop.

Pocket doors are used for a hidden office nook with drawers fitted with a charging station and filing cabinet to maximise the functionality of the room. Alternatively, the spot offers a place to sit and eat a casual meal.

The marble shelf continues the line of the splashback while visually separating the office area from the workings of the kitchen. The LED strip lighting under the shelf enhances the functionality of the office nook, as well as showcasing the marble at night.

Space under a staircase was utilised to provide further storage. School bags and associated items are kept in the drawers, whilst the rarely used microwave can be hidden to continue the streamlined aesthetic of the cabinetry. Again, maximising on functionality, a printer and wifi router are hidden but easily accessible.