Contemporary kitchen renovation by Mitsuori Architects with marble and stone surfaces connects to the outdoors

There are many ways to make a new kitchen an appealing place to spend family time. One key factor is ensuring it is an easy space to enter.

This project, by Mitsuori Architects, reflects the client brief for a kitchen that is central to the daily lives of the family. It had to be a compact, highly functional space that readily engaged the indoor and outdoor living areas at both ends, says principal architect Matthew Murfett.

"We designed the large central island with soft angles that avoided presenting a blunt form to the living areas. Instead, the tapering end encourages a natural flow through the kitchen, with easy access to the back yard.

The wall cabinets and substantial island are as minimalist in form as the material selection is simple. Balance was also important. The solid, sculptural timber elements on the island match the visual weight of the marble, making the latter look as much like an exotic inlay as a leading surface.

Tucked behind the cabinetry and the island is a high-functioning family work space, complete with a concealed refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and bins. There are also two pull-out pantries within the joinery wall. The end of the kitchen includes an integrated washing machine, dryer and pull-out ironing station.

"We continued the timber joinery right up to the ceiling to frame the cooking and prep area and the white lacquered wall cabinets and also to hide awkward existing guttering elements," says Murfett.

Discreet ceiling lights, task lighting, a tracked light system for the art wall, and dimmable landscape lighting allow the family to control the ambience of the space.

Story by: Australia TIDA Kitchens

Photography by: Michael Kai