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Character windows, contrasting cabinetry and a wealth of dedicated cabinetry solutions all play a part in this airy, hard-working kitchen

Classic cabinetry meets more modern chevron-fronted pieces in this kitchen that also deftly balances a clean look with discreet modern functionaity

Want a kitchen with one foot in the past and the other – in terms of function – firmly in the present? This kitchen effectively marries the two.

The kitchen by designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn forms part of a Victorian home that had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s.

“The owners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and had raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day,” says Robertson.


“Essentially, they wanted us to create a large, family friendly eat-in kitchen with a spacious feel and great natural light"

In terms of aesthetics, the kitchen was to combine classic design details with more contemporary wood accent cabinetry. The owners also wanted a mix of warm paint finishes and light-coloured wood to create a unifying, casual elegance that carries right through the home.

One challenge for Studio Dearborn was the design and fabrication of the intricate chevron paneled cabinets that integrate the refrigeration and pantry and keep symmetry on that wall.

Another tricky aspect was combining classic details with some decidely contemporary twists, while pulling the whole look together.

To address the overall look, a warm beige was chosen for most cabinetry, contrasted with a character tall oak cabinetry and bar station, both finished in a more modern chevron detail.

To avoid a cabinet-heavy feel, wall cabinets were all but eliminated at the rear of the kitchen in favour of large, Victorian farmhouse-style windows, painted black. 

The range ventilation was tucked into the ceiling in this area, too, further ensuring an open view of the backyard.

Along with the windows, there were other classic-look elements introduced such as the solid brass hardware with an age worn look on the equally classic paneled cabinetry doors, both at the sides of the kitchen and underbench.

“This dignified cabinetry is contrasted with the two relatively contemporary chevron-fronted elements – a furniture-look bar station on one side and the balancing tall fridge and pantry wall cabinet opposite,” says Robertson.

“These elements were crafted from character oak to tie with the flooring throughout the house. Importantly, they also connect with the paneling on the raised kitchen ceiling, in the same oak."

Credit list

Designer
Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn
Cabinetry
Wood, chevron pattern; grey paint – designed by Studio Dearborn
Taps
Brizo
Oven, microwave
Wolf
Garbage disposal
InSinkErator
Flooring
Oak
Windows
LePage
Smart technology
Docking drawer
Awards
TIDA International Kitchen of the Year – US NKBA Best overall kitchen
Architect
Ned Stoll, Stoll and Stoll Architects
Benchtops
Marble
Sinks
Julien
Icemaker
Scotsman
Dishwasher
Bosch
Walls and ceiling
Oak paneling by Studio Dearborn
Lighting
Roll and Hill
Seating
Mid-century Cleo Baldon bar stools

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Adam Kane Macchia

04 Oct, 2020

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