Eclectic kitchen with traditional doors and modern metal tile splashback

When a grand colonial home is ready for a kitchen update, it can be an opportunity to celebrate both the past and the present.

For this project, the owners wanted a lot improved connections to the dining and family rooms and, aesthetically, a contemporary kitchen with a traditional twist, an industrial influence and some bling.

In terms of flow, designer Kira Gray retained the kitchen's central positioning, removing walls and archways to lengthen and open up the space. New joinery and a timber floor were installed, says Gray.

"We moved the cooktop to the rear wall, mounted in the granite benchtop, and created a stand-out stainless steel tile splashback a perfect nod to the request for an industrial touch and some bling."

This element continues up to form the back of the glass-front upper display cabinets, making more of the feature. The drinks station at the other end of the space, near the dining area, has the same look.

"At one end, the stained ash pantry wall contrasts the crisp white cabinets and has ample storage for food and crockery."

To bring in a more traditional element, all the cabinetry has a classic bevelled frame door and drawer style.

The main servery, with the bar at one end, provides plenty of bench space. The breakfast bar's stained panels, skirtings, and posts link with the pantry wall opposite, defining the entry to the kitchen.

"Chromed-glass pendants pop' in front of the tilework," says Gray.

A window from the sink bench opens out to the pool area, as do doors from the dining area and also the breakfast bar.

Story by: Charles Moxham