Character and connections

Classic detailing, a furniture look, some colour and visual connections were all part of the equation for this home's character-filled family kitchen

To keep in step with the existing home's

The wood dining setting connects with the timber

A replica Oly Pipa bowl chandelier completes the

The gleaming on-show appliances are almost the only

Recycled Matai floors underpin the colourful, classic look.

Curved character features were worked into the scheme.

A pressed tin Clover pattern, spray painted in

Touches like traditional cabinetry handles and the classic

Traditional detailing on the island and panelled cabinetry

Storage is also incorporated into the classic-look rangehood.

A study area with plenty of natural light

Designed by Mona Hurnen, Callidus Architects

From the whole house architects:

Context

Upgrading this classic bungalow in Khandallah meant a total review of the entire house, from kitchen to landscaping.

Suffering from extensions done in the infamous 1970s, the house was fully reworked throughout to achieve in-keeping period details and a consistent flow of the living spaces to suit a busy family of five.

The owners wanted more colour than their previous new build they had moved from to add more character to the spaces.

Detail and custom finishes throughout results in a correct design response suiting the house and its heritage, while being fully upgraded to suit today's standards of living comfort.

Flexible open plan living with large internal doors allows for easy family interaction and passive surveillance of the smaller children.

The kitchen

The design intent for the kitchen was to have something different, in keeping with the house and with some colour.

At the same time, the kitchen needed to blend successfully into the open-plan living area and have the look of attractive furniture.

The challenge when converting older character homes from more traditional individual rooms into more modern open plan is to ensure that the character of the property is not lost.

To this end, careful attention to detailing, column finishes, panelling and the incorporation of curved character features were all part of the scheme.

Custom design options allowed for clever storage cupboards disguised to look like panelling or even set above the freestanding oven to read as part of the large rangehood.

All the owners appliances were measured as part of the design process to ensure that they fitted into the various storage areas.

It was important to keep the views out to the garden from the sink position as well as allowing for passive surveillance of children sitting at the dining table or at the study desk area, which was also inbuilt into kitchen design.

Pocket doors can be closed off to the adjacent family lounge – allowing for family life versatility.

Timber trim and scotia and ceiling treatments together with traditional tapware, lighting and accessories completes the overall final look.