An established quality

One of the greatest challenges for a designer is to create a sense of history in an interior that is entirely new to somehow give the impression that the room has been gradually added to over time, and that each piece has acquired its own distinctive patina.

When interior designer Jackie Naylor created this traditional-style kitchen, an eclectic approach was the key to ensuring a design integrity.

"All the cabinets are separate modular pieces featuring different, distressed finishes. Their designs are inspired by classic eras such as English Gothic and Italian Renaissance," she says.

Attention to detail extends to a selection of 20 different handles and hinges. These were chosen from hundreds of designs to enhance the look of separate items of furniture.

With such a large number of objects, Naylor says ensuring each piece fits harmoniously into the overall scheme is an instinctive process.

"When I look at the wood finishes together with the different materials, I just get a good feeling, it feels right," she says.

To enhance the authenticity of the design, antique materials were imported from Italy. These include the worn terra cotta tiles on the wall,patterned tiles on the backsplash and pittedlimestone tiles on the floor.

In keeping with the historic appeal of the imported materials, the structural bones of the room are rendered in an aged look. A Venetian-trained faux-finish artist has created a distressed look on the ceiling beams and plaster walls.

Homeowner Paul Hagedorn jokes that the effect appears so convincing he dreads a visit from the local building inspector. Monica Hagedorn was born and raised in Italy, which is partly why they chose a decor with an old-world charm.

Because the couple regularly entertain, Naylor says the traditional look is an elaborate facade that conceals a modern functional kitchen.

Cabinet doors open onto wooden shelves and cupboards that house an array of appliances, including a plasma screen television. External features such as the foot pedal which activates a countertop sink, are designed fit seamlessly into the scheme.

Naylor says creating a practical working space was essential to ensuring the kitchen's success.

"The first day the homeowner cooked she made a full Italian meal. She phoned me afterwards and said, I just love the way my kitchen functions.'"

Story by: Trendsideas