Flow-on effect

Disappearing to the kitchen to prepare meals is a thing of the past for the owner of this refurbished apartment.

Architect David Hoffman redesigned the entire condo interior to provide a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas, and a sleek, simple decor.

"The original apartment was very compartmentalized, with a closed-off kitchen. It also had a yellow living room, with heavy crown moldings, carpet and dark floors. The new owner wanted a very clean, simple interior."

Removing a wall between the original kitchen and dining area allowed the kitchen to become an integral part of the overall living space.

"We have taken the idea of integration seriously," Hoffman says. "By extending the kitchen millwork through to the living room and in the bathrooms, we have engaged the entire apartment. The millwork appears to grow and fold around corners, so that the whole space is unified."

Hoffman says providing similar white lacquered cabinets in all these areas also means the kitchen doesn't have to fit the confines of the original space even though its position was determined by the existing building services. Removing these constraints means there is no obvious line where one space ends and another starts.

To further enhance the flow, the dining table was integrated into the kitchen cabinetry. A Z-shaped granite countertop steps down like a waterfall to form the dining table.

"This Calacatta quartzite granite is distinguished by its strong marbling," Hoffman says. "At first, I felt it might be too busy for the space, but the interior needs it. The sleek simplicity of the furniture is countered by the sense of movement provided by the pattern in the granite."

Because storage space is at a premium in the kitchen, most items, including pantry goods, are stored in long, ergonomic drawers. As with all the other cabinetry in the house, the drawers and doors have recessed handpulls to ensure a flush finish.

Where possible, appliances are integrated, including a 19in television, which sits on a pivoting extension arm.

"We have treated the TV like another appliance," says the architect. "This ensures it is not obtrusive. There is also a concealed 37in TV in the living room cabinetry, along with an integrated Fire Ribbon fireplace."

Other features include a concealed microwave drawer, and a low-iron backpainted glass backsplash, which reflects the changing light by day and night.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Eric Hausman