Cooking with sea salt

Designed by Dane Richardson, Dane Design Australia

From the designer:

The owner’s brief for their beachside home centred on creating a generous, open-plan kitchen that connects seamlessly with the main living areas and outdoor entertaining zones, while maximising natural light and capturing views across Dunsborough Bay. 

Ample storage, durability and a refined, timeless aesthetic were key priorities to support both everyday family life and entertaining.

Multifunctional hub

The kitchen has been planned as a multifunctional hub for cooking, gathering and socialising.

Large glass stacker doors allow the space to fully open to both the front deck, oriented to the bay, and the rear deck with barbecue area. 

This dual connection enables the kitchen to adapt to changing conditions, including sunlight, prevailing winds and privacy, while enhancing cross ventilation and creating a bright, expansive atmosphere.

Island as sculptural feature

At the centre of the design, the island bench acts as both a functional workspace and a sculptural feature.

The natural stone benchtop makes a strong visual statement, while integrating informal seating, a sink, dishwasher and waste facilities. 

Along the rear wall, timber-look veneer cabinetry conceals fully integrated appliances, including induction cooktop, oven, microwave and fridge/freezer, delivering a clean and cohesive outcome. 

A separate scullery provides additional preparation space and storage, allowing the main kitchen to remain uncluttered.

Materials respond to coastal setting

Push-to-open overhead cupboards and integrated finger pulls maintain a streamlined appearance, while soft-close drawers provide practical, long-term storage solutions.

Sustainability considerations include energy-efficient appliances and lighting, high-performance glazing and water-efficient fixtures. 

A highly resolved outcome

The result is a highly resolved kitchen that balances functionality, flexibility and understated elegance.

Story by: Trendsideas