Contemporary kitchen design by Nestor Santa-Cruz with Boffi cabinets in Dark Graphite Oak

Open-plan living spaces put the kitchen right in the heart of the great room, which invariably means it has a prominent role to play in the overall look of the space.

This kitchen sits within such a family room, in a new addition to an older home. Interior designer Nestor Santa-Cruz says not surprisingly, it was important that the kitchen complement the contemporary-classic interior, which features many designer furniture pieces.

"Boffi cabinetry, including a bank of Graphite Grey Oak wood veneer cabinets on the rear wall was specified. This conceals a vast amount of storage and all the refrigeration."

Julia Walter of Boffi Georgetown says with hidden handles incorporated into the aluminum spacers between the doors, the cabinetry is very sleek and streamlined, which works with the whole interior aesthetic.

"The cabinetry choice was serendipitous the cabinets had been used in a display kitchen in the Boffi showroom and happened to be an exact fit for the space. Both the height and the length were just right. Not a hair's breadth of space was left over."

The custom designed island is in white polyester, with a locally sourced Nero Assoluto granite countertop, to match a fireplace surround in a nearby room.

"We positioned the microwave oven in the island, to avoid interfering with the sleek wall of cabinets all that shows on the wall are the two ovens," says Walter. "The island accommodates a fully integrated dishwasher, more storage and waste and recycling bins."

The concealment of the more utilitarian elements has been successful the owner says visitors have asked her where she has hidden the kitchen.

"I tell them they are standing in it," she says. "And although it may be hidden, but we haven't sacrificed any of the functionality."

Story by: Colleen Hawkes