Clean platter

Country-style elements introduced to a kitchen renovation needn't dominate the decor. Traditional touches can underscore modern materials and appliances, providing contrast and a sense of permanence.

The brief for this kitchen was to create an open, light-filled space that complemented the existing home's generous scale, says designer Tim Nees.

"The owners also wanted a rural touch to the kitchen, that steered well clear of twee," says Nees. "Several rustic elements were introduced and balanced against some strong contemporary features."

Distinctive rural-style cabinetry fronts are created from closely spaced dowelling rods. These provide an effective fae§ade while still allowing glimpses of the cabinetry interiors.

Rustic cabinetry handles, a traditional butlers sink and willow storage baskets all contribute to the country kitchen look.

"One of the most distinctive rural elements is the distempered finishes on the cabinetry," says Nees." These have an old-world, hand-crafted feel about them."

The oven, adjacent benchtops and large refrigerator provide modern contrast to these rural touches. A concrete island benchtop with a sculptural light fitting above it adds further contem-porary elements.

With a tall stud featuring throughout the rest of the home, it was important that the kitchen was kept to scale. An open-plan design means the new space retains the same ceiling height as other rooms. The large stainless steel splashback also works to the scale of the greater space as do the vertical lines of the cabinetry's dowelling fronts.

"This is a working family kitchen and the stainless steel and concrete benchtops provide easy-to-clean, enduring work surfaces," Nees says.

Story by: Trendsideas