Calming and connected

With a restful aesthetic emphasising pale blue and marble, this kitchen connects a classic Victorian interior with a modern reinterpretation at the rear

While the façade and its archetypal Victorian details

The joinery is restrained, accented only by the

A simple oak light fitting links materially to

The generous benchtops and splashback are finished in

Designed by Cecilia Yuan, Blank Canvas Architects

From the architects:

The context

The area of Port Melbourne the site sits upon is a revitalised area rich in a diversity of contemporary architecture and restored workers cottages. This home reimagines the quintessential Victorian suburban home – bridging the gap between its historical contexts with that of contemporary living.

The house sits upon a tiny parcel of land and the client was keen to maximise the internal living areas without compromising the external space.

While the façade and its archetypal Victorian details were retained, a modern reinterpretation was built at the rear, housing the open-plan living areas that work to maximise the internal space.

Louvered screens and full height bi-fold doors create a seamless connection between inside and out, extending the home’s footprint and connecting the interiors to the external environment – an important aspect of living in a dense urban environment.

The kitchen

Storage and function was the main driver for the design process of the interior spaces. The entry corridor opens up into the large open plan living area which incorporates the kitchen, dining and lounge seamlessly.

The pantry and integrated fridge/freezer actually spills out into the lounge area but as it is concealed behind joinery which runs along the length of the room, it is not noticeable.

This allows space for a generous kitchen benchtop and island which is finished in beautifully textured superwhite marble which stands out as a feature against the soft blue joinery.

The joinery has been left deliberately restrained, accented only by the different use of texture in the overhead cupboards, simple black handles and tapware, and a simple oak light fitting which links materially to the floorboards below.

This timeless material palette echoes the sophisticated elegance of the home.

Throughout the interiors a restrained palette of warm oak finishes with shades of greys connects each room to the one before, creating a flowing experience that encourages feelings of calmness whilst linking the old with the new.