Coastal connections

Designed by Dane Richardson, Dane Design Australia

From the designer:

Owner brief

Our homeowners envisioned a kitchen design within their Eagle Bay Beach home that would seamlessly complement the coastal surroundings while embodying casual elegance and relaxed luxury. 

The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, facilitating laid-back beachside living and maximising enjoyment of the spectacular oceanfront site.

Main requirements

• Coastal aesthetic integration – the kitchen needed to harmonise with the overall beach house design, incorporating natural materials, textures, and a light, airy ambiance.
• Functionality – paramount to the design was optimising workflow, storage, and ease of use to accommodate daily living and entertaining needs.
• Indoor-outdoor connection – seamless integration with outdoor living spaces was essential, allowing for effortless entertaining and enjoyment of the coastal environment.

Challenges

• Coastal environment considerations – designing a kitchen that could withstand coastal elements while maintaining aesthetic appeal posed a significant challenge.
• Natural light optimisation – maximising natural light while ensuring adequate ventilation and privacy.

Strategies implemented

• Material selection – the kitchen's materials were carefully chosen to withstand the coastal environment's elements while remaining visually cohesive with the overall design – a palette of oaky timber veneer, soft beachy whites and greys, sandstone coloured tiles and classic white marble-look porcelain benchtops evoked the coastal environment's tranquility and serenity while remaining practical and easy to maintain.
• Strategic layout – meticulous planning optimised functionality and workflow, with ample storage solutions maintaining a clutter-free environment.
• Indoor-outdoor transition – incorporating large sliding glass doors and windows seamlessly connected indoor and outdoor spaces, with a covered outdoor kitchen area allowing for easy alfresco dining.

Products

• Custom cabinetry with soft-close mechanisms and adjustable shelving provided both functionality and durability; energy-efficient lighting and appliances, such as induction cooktops and convection ovens, minimised environmental impact while meeting cooking and entertaining demands.

The resulting space is a sophisticated yet simple design that is sensitive to its context and responds to the needs of its users now and into the future.

Story by: Trendsideas