Fine-featured

Awell-designed kitchen may appear to the untrained eye as simply an attractive, welcoming space. However, behind that warm welcome lies a wealth of creativity and craftsmanship. To achieve an effective result requires an intelligent blueprint, solidly built cabinetry, careful hand detailing and an overall harmony of materials.

Scullery & Holz creates individually crafted kitchens in direct response to each client's needs and to the adjoining spaces, says managing director Stefan Mayer.

"The clients on this project wanted a practical, classic-style kitchen that worked well in relation to the greater open-plan area," says Mayer. "Several elements contributed to a solid, classic look, while the kitchen's impact on the larger space was looked at in terms of everything from dramatic cabinetry interiors to the lighting."

Classic elements in the design include fluted panels, handcrafted solid wood cabinetry with exposed hinges and intricate ornamental dentil cornices with each "tooth" placed by hand. The cabinetry is protected with five coats of paint.

A large English double-basin country sink, supplied and installed by Scullery & Holz, furthers a solid, classic feel. Pots and pans washed in one basin can drain in the other out of sight from the living areas.

The hardware also features a rust-coloured finish, with the tapware, doorknobs and hinges imported from France and supplied by Scullery & Holz. The taps' porcelain handles accent the country-style sink.

As part of an open space, the kitchen has to look its best from close at hand and also from the distance of the greater space.

Tall cabinets on each side of the central oven, for example, have wire mesh frontages. This presents an attractive design feature and allows air to circulate freely.

"Mindful of the overall effect, we introduced a rust-coloured-finish to the interiors of the cabinetry," says Mayer. "This ties in with the handles and tapware, and the dark colour also provides a dramatic backdrop for white plates displayed in both the mesh-fronted and glass-fronted cabinetry."

The granite benchtop features curves at both ends of the island. These curves are echoed in the fireplace canopy, helping to prevent a boxy appearance.

Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the countertop and provides a soft ambience when viewed from the living area.

For more information, visit the new Scullery & Holz showroom, 525 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby, NSW 2065, phone (02) 9958 4811, fax (02) 9958 3811. Email: sculleryholz@iprimus.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas