Makeover moves

Remodelling an apartment kitchen is never straightforward invariably there are constraints in terms of space and the position of the services.

This project was no different, says kitchen designer Mal Corboy. But there was no doubt the existing kitchen needed to be replaced.

"It was a very standard, uninspiring apartment kitchen, possibly designed to be more like a hotel kitchenette. It was also enclosed in a small, box-like room in a corner, with its own door. With the door open, it was cramped to work in, and it did not maximise the spectacular view. And the new owners did not like the way the parquet floor clashed with the timber veneer of the cabinetry."

Corboy says he was able to remove the walls around the kitchen and move the front door 200mm to create a longer space for cabinetry along the rear wall.

"This meant we could accommodate a refrigerator, a pantry and appliance unit on this wall. We were also able to hide a structural column within the cabinetry."

Although the kitchen walls were removed, the existing mouldings around the lowered ceiling were retained. Visually, these help to define the kitchen within the overall space the bulkhead also conceals mechanical services, including the ducting.

"The cooking centre is in the same place as before, but we managed to move the sink position slightly, so it is centred on the peninsula," says Corboy.

To provide a sophisticated, Art Deco look that would be in keeping with the building design and the owner's desire for a touch of bling, Corboy specified black glass cabinetry. The glass doors and drawers have a sleek, 1mm aluminium profile and feature Hettich chrome handles with a black detail. The black glass is teamed with pewter glass splashbacks, with both glass elements reflecting the view and enhancing the sense of space.

The 4.2m-long peninsula features a Mal Corboy design signature an extra-deep benchtop, in Statuary vein marble. RGB colour-change lighting, and LED lighting in the toekicks add a fun element.

To integrate the kitchen with the living area, there is a matching shelving unit and cantilevered fireplace surround. The entire space is now better suited to relaxed entertaining and much more practical.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Kallan MacLeod