Dramatic kitchen island takes inspiration from the home's roof design

Coherence and harmony are key watchwords when it comes to great design. To see a striking element in one part of a home echoed in another area creates a pleasing sense of visual continuity as this expansive kitchen by designer Celia Visser shows.

"The owner is passionate about cooking and wanted a kitchen that was beautiful in terms of both functionality and craftsmanship," says Visser. "Essentially, he wanted a generous-sized kitchen that would be comfortable for him to be in on his own, or equally suitable for when he's entertaining a large crowd. Another request was for a design that would make the most of the feature curved windows and the views beyond."

Her design inspiration came in part from the exterior fae§ade a round turret that houses the formal dining area behind the kitchen.

"I took the turret's cone roof shape and inverted this to form conical support ends for the kitchen island, then I repeated this eye-catching shape for the custom rangehood."

The distinctive cone-shaped island supports were positioned central to the curved windows, to create a sense of symmetry when entering the open-plan interior. Both of the stainless steel forms are topped with wooden cutting blocks.

For ease of use, the kitchen is divided into four zones cooking, preparation, clean-up, and servery. With its wood cutting blocks and a sink, the island is used for prepping, while the perimeter counter behind, next to the ovens, is used for cooking. The clean up zone is located at the cabinetry under the windows, complete with an integrated dishwasher. Lastly, there's the servery area by the dining table, complete with coffee station, bar fridge, and a television. The TV can be swivelled out to view from the table or the island while the client is cooking

"Along with a pull-out butler's pantry in the corner, the kitchen has a wealth of other storage, such as the cabinets running right around the perimeter of the space," Visser says. "The storage had to be mainly under-bench, so as not to obstruct the views from the windows."

"The earthy tones, including the mosaics, paint, wood accents and wood-look plank floor tiles all feel right in this rural environment."

A planter box wall adds to the natural feel. Designed to be a soft, organic barrier, dividing kitchen and snug, it also overcomes the height variances between the two spaces.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Kallan Macleod