Expanded presence

Designed by Julia Shuttleworth, Hacker Kitchens

From the designer:

When the owners, a professional couple, purchased their villa built in 1900, they knew they would be embarking on an extensive renovation. 

One of the most significant challenges was transforming the outdated kitchen, which lacked both storage and functionality for their lifestyle. 

The homeowners are avid entertainers and needed a kitchen that could accommodate their extensive equipment while still offering a stylish, modern aesthetic. 

With a small footprint and no option to extend the home, maximising the use of space and creating a seamless flow between the kitchen and dining areas was essential.

The primary objective was to increase storage without compromising the elegance of the space. 

The original kitchen’s layout had a very limited reach, ending at the current fridge’s location. 

To solve this, I extended the storage along the wall that connected the kitchen to the dining area, embracing a European-style layout. 

By adding tall cabinets with reeded glass doors and LED lights, we created significant storage capacity while maintaining an airy, refined look. 

The reeded glass ensured that the contents of the cabinets remained hidden, giving the owners peace of mind when it came to organisation. 

This clever storage solution addressed the owner’s needs without the necessity for additional square footage.

To further optimise the space, the kitchen’s layout seamlessly flowed into the dining area, making it perfect for entertaining. 

We integrated the fridge and freezer, maintaining a consistent style throughout the room. 

The island became the focal point of the kitchen with its refined grooved oak finish and dark stone countertop. 

The other stone material used, Neolith Calacatta Luxe, was chosen for its dramatic impact and was carried up the wall as a splashback and around the window, creating a striking visual element that became a standout feature of the space.

One of the challenges was the window facing the neighbours. 

We didn’t want to lose the natural light it offered but needed to find a solution that also increased storage space. 

The answer came in the form of suspended shelving installed in front of the window. 

This shelving became a dedicated coffee and drinks area, further easing congestion in the kitchen and maintaining the space’s functionality.

Guests could now help themselves to drinks without disrupting the kitchen area while meals were being prepared.

In this project, key products like the solid timber shaker doors provided a nod to the age of the home, while the Gola handles brought a modern edge that reflected the homeowner’s vision for the property.

The Neolith stone and grooved timber cabinetry played significant roles in creating a design presence in the flowing, connected space. 

The owner’s keen eye for design and pre-existing furniture made this collaboration a true success. 

The result is a sophisticated, functional kitchen space perfect for entertaining, while seamlessly blending with the rest of the home’s character.

Story by: Trendsideas