Facebook

Tweet

Help

Huge wall tiles form the backdrop in this modern kitchen extension

Tall cabinetry in this sculptural wood veneer and white kitchen conceals appliances, a pantry, and a laundry entrance

There are three ways into this kitchen, from architecture, countertop, floor, interior design, product design, white, black
There are three ways into this kitchen, from both sides of the island and through the rear laundry entry concealed within the cabinetry.

A new kitchen in a modern extension to a heritage home often has to respond to two aesthetics furthering the clean-lined appeal of the addition while linking with the residence's classic origins. Here, a well-chosen tile helped bridge the generations.

The minimalist kitchen forms part of a clean-lined addition to an historic cottage. Lead designer Darren Genner and the team at Minosa undertook the kitchen together with the house renovation, and had already used an unusual Italian 3m x 1.2mm, lace-patterned tile to add a touch of modernity to existing bathrooms at the front of the cottage. The tile comes in eight harmonising patterns. And Genner was also able to use the same tile as a backdrop for the kitchen to converse effect. Here, its delicate pattern offered a classic accent in the context of the modern spaces.

Besides playing to the old and the new, the kitchen had to achieve impact, be well organised, have a long island and include a discreet entry to the laundry behind.

Genner says other owner requirements were the use of high-quality materials and fittings, working with immovable plumbing, and incorporating a breakfast area.


This kitchen is an elegant composition of crisp, architecture, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, room, wood flooring, white
This kitchen is an elegant composition of crisp, rectilinear forms and white, grey and wood tones

"To address the organisation of the galley kitchen and provide a hidden entry to the laundry, the tall pantry, refrigerator and oven towers were positioned next to the laundry access," says Genner. "All these elements the cabinetry, the laundry wall and laundry door were finished in the same veneer, concealing not only the laundry but also the pantry and fridge."

The remaining wall space was utilised for the cooktop and prep bench. Ample storage is offered by the deep underbench perimeter drawers and upper cabinets. The overhead cabinets operate electronically. Utilising Blum Aventos, the doors lift and fold up with the touch of a button. The darker overheads also conceal the range-hood, ensuring the kitchen's clean lines and furniture-like appeal remains intact.

One challenge for Genner was his late engagement. His work on the design began after the concrete floor slab had been poured, so the sink waste had already been locked into position on the island.

"Luckily the clients' request for a long island was achievable and we were able to position the double bowl sink in the ideal position along this to meet the drainage."

This contemporary kitchen provides a sculptural focus for architecture, floor, furniture, house, interior design, kitchen, product design, table, gray
This contemporary kitchen provides a sculptural focus for the adjacent spaces.

The island also houses the dishwasher, recycling bins and further deep storage.

"An open section was incorporated into the island, with stools in front, creating an area for breakfast or chatting," Genner says. "And a wooden dining table was added at the end of the space. Its solid walnut top connects with the dark wood veneer cabinetry finishes in the kitchen."

Credit list

Designer
Minosa; lead designer, Darren Genner KBDI, HIA, DIA; design team; Simona Castagna, Nenos Seamendo, Maio Sun and Belinda Nadile
Cabinetry
Even Arabica and Even Havana timber veneer; Dulux Lexicon half
Benchtops
Kitchen Corian; laundry Silestone; island calacatta marble from Arte Domus
Tile flooring
Over-sized porcelain tiles
Taps
Armando Vicario
Steam oven
V-Zug Combair steam
Ventilation
Schweigen
Dishwasher
Smeg STL825A
Accessories
Evoline Pop-up GPO benchtop port
Kitchen manufacturer
Square Peg Joinery
Cabinetry hardware
Blum Tandembox Invito; Blumotion door hinges; Blum Servo-Drive Uno electronic drawer system; Blum Aventos lift-up system
Wall tiles
Italian XXL porcelain tiles, 3m x 1.2m
Kitchen sink
Undermount Blanco Subline 400U
Oven
V-Zug Combair SL
Cooktop
V-Zug induction
Refrigeration
Fisher & Paykel
Lighting
LED strip lighting; Audrey downlight; Optimal-Kane tubular ceiling light
Awards
HIA Australian Kitchen Design of the Year Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) – International Kitchen of the Year – Winner

Story by: Charles Moxham

07 Sep, 2016

Pocket systems for new space concepts

We know the Specialists

Related Book

Nz3205 Minicover - home | interior design | home, interior design, living room, white

While kitchens have almost universally become the functional hub of the home, there's still an opportunity for designers...

Read More

Similar Stories