Compact kitchen makes bold statement

With the right design, even a small kitchen can make a big impact, as this project shows.

Designer Colin Wright of Porcelanosa Studio says the project was influenced by the original kitchen in the same spot.

"The existing kitchen had an ungainly boxed soffit below the ceiling, and an equally unattractive corrugated steel backsplash. Because we didn't know if these elements were concealing services and ducting, I chose to incorporate a wall cavity to allow for any potential obstacles, and the repositioning of all services."

The wood framing was clad with concrete panels that resemble a rendered concrete wall. This complements the new concrete floor, enhancing the minimalist, industrial look the owners wanted.

To bring a sculptural feel to the wall, Wright introduced a long niche, and extended the lower concrete wall beyond the upper paneling.

"This helps to dovetail the kitchen with the dining area," he says.

The cabinetry, which is by Porcelanosa Group, reinforces the sculptural look a long peninsula turns at right angles to create an L-shaped work top. The main cabinets feature a dark Marengo oak veneer, while the peninsula and overhead cabinets are a matte white lacquer. Together they create a strong visual composition.

"The peninsula sits on a narrow aluminum frame, but is supported by steel within the cabinetry," says Wright. "However, the overall effect is of a light, floating element that is nicely juxtaposed with the owners' heavy, rustic wood dining table. The effect is enhanced by negative detailing on the Corian countertop an aluminum strip runs beneath the countertop, so it appears to float. This also meant we could have recessed pulls on the doors to keep the look very streamlined."

Storage is maximized by the cabinetry and high-end hardware systems.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes