Contrasting views

There are many oft-touted benefits of having an open-plan living area, primarily the promotion of movement between related spaces. However, the main reason for opening the kitchen to the dining and living rooms in this home was a spectacular but under-appreciated harbour view.

The dramatic sea view could be seen from the living room windows of this third-floor apartment, but an enclosed kitchen prevented it from being admired while cooking, says designer Sandra Grummitt.

"The homeowners asked for the kitchen to be revamped, as it had barely been touched since the 1970s. However, the redesign of the kitchen came second to the need to open up that wall."

This proved to be quite an undertaking for the designer and the homeowners, as the hot water and plumbing were contained in the unwanted wall. Also, so that the front door would not open straight into the new kitchen, a small dividing wall was added at the end of the island. This creates a transition space for visitors.

"The kitchen layout was instigated by the view. The sink and cooktop needed to be in the island, so that the homeowners wouldn't have their backs to the view and living room while preparing food. A custom-designed rangehood is set above this space. This was made especially for the project, in the shape of a neat column that does not detract from the outlook," says Grummitt.

The designer created a strong, uncluttered back wall for the kitchen with side-by-side double ovens as a main feature. Two pantries and an integrated refrigerator are located on either side of the ovens. Grummitt's collection of Italian design magazines, many of which showcase black-and-white kitchens, inspired the colour scheme and overall aesthetic.

"A thin white island top balances out the black cabinets, most of which have recessed handles to give a streamlined look. The silver handles on the back wall cabinets add a touch of shine and relate to the stainless steel ovens," says the designer.

A chandelier suspended over an antique timber table and chairs adds a sense of softness and charm to the otherwise sharp, contemporary design. The chandelier also influenced the choice of lighting in the kitchen.

"We didn't want bright lights that would detract from the gentle glow of the chandelier, but it still had to be sufficient to illuminate the workspace especially as two of the windows have now been masked by the back wall cabinets," says Grummitt.

Story by: Camille Butler