Hidden gem

Designed by Celia Visser, Celia Visser Design

From the designer:

The  brief

This kitchen – by designer Celia Visser in the renovation of her own home – sets out to redefine the notion of refined inner-city living.

It also needed to fit seamlessly into a new extension to the original 1870s home.

The vision was for a contemporary social space that would be as functional as it would be visually captivating. 

Blending the original house character with modern-day features was crucial. 

As avid entertainers, Celia and husband Frank desired a large, practical kitchen while being able to conceal parts of the space if socialising or when the kitchen isn’t being used.

Indoor-outdoor flow to the courtyard for casual entertaining of family and friends was another essential requirement.

Essential features

• Coffee/wine bar area with own sink and Zenith Hydrotap
• Hidden small appliances set up, ready for use
• Pyrolytic wall and self-cleaning combi-steam ovens for appliances with induction hob on the island
• Good size integrated fridge and top of line dishwasher
• Ample storage to hide all the mess and clutter
• Push-to-open doors and drawers
• Crittall Style Steel sliding doors that complemented the character and personality of the kitchen and space beyond
• An exterior kitchen palette of black & white while adding 'bolts' of colour.
• A bold design that encompassed a ‘modern wow factor’ while still retaining the integrity and spirit of the Colonial cottage

Design response

The couple’s 1870 character home extension incorporates an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. 

The kitchen is designed to grandstand over all other parts of the new extension. 

It’s the heart of everything when the family participate and share within the room.

The kitchen’s back wall appears as a large piece of furniture to conceal all the storage and appliances as there was not enough room to house a butler’s pantry. 

The tall, double moulded doors were created to blend with the character of the original house. 

Behind the white doors, the inner workings of the kitchen reveal a place for everything, including extra bench/sink spaces and great storage.

Each workstation is hidden from view – achieved using the Blum Revego Duo Door system.

When closed, the exterior appearance has a very clean look but with a character persona. 

However, when the doors are open, an entirely different look transpires.

Two kitchens in one 

This was achieved by using different materials from the interior to the outer shell. 

Exposed richly toned walnut veneer, contrasts with Black Acrylic, giving a warm, contemporary feel. 

When the doors are closed, a black-and-white palette emerges.

Each bifold door section has a complete workstation behind, only needing to be opened as required.

During the design phase careful consideration was given to how the couple would work within the kitchen to ensure ease of use.

The left side is the coffee and wine area where all necessary items, including a sink, coffee machine and Zenith Hydrotap (with sparkling, chilled hot and cold water), are at your fingertips. 

I designed glass shelves to house the owners' (our own) large selection of wine glasses while essential coffee, tea cups and wine accessories are all stored below in drawers. 

This station is intended to be used mainly in mornings and after work in the evening.

The middle segment combines the pantry drawers with a Gaggenau combi steam oven and pyrolytic oven tower which are hidden from view until they are needed.

A wall of open shelving and drawers achieves great storage. 

The Blum Space Tower beside the ovens with glass sided drawers acts as the pantry for grocery storage. 

When being used in full cooking mode, the ovens are the centre of attention.

The third workstation is for small appliances, all ready to use the instant you open the doors. 

The drawers below hold utensils and the shelves above the crockery, easily unpacked from the opposite Gaggenau integrated dishwasher in the island.

The island slab anchors the space in a contemporary format.

The black sink and Gaggenau induction hob meld seamlessly into the Niagara Porcelain benchtop on the island without interrupting the line of site. 

The downdraft needed to be recirculated, as there wasn't enough fall in the floor to extract, and so it vents via the toekick.

Achieving a place for everything was thought through carefully, including locating recycling rubbish bins, and placement of all items and storage.

The simplicity of the island, having all sides cloaked in stone, complements the tall, moulded doors and gives the appearance of a large contemporary stone slab. 

The black & white veined polished block finish alleviates its 'heaviness', and reflects the polished black concrete floor, surfaces around the room and even the landscape – providing diverse aspects at different times of the day.

The Skygarden pendant and strategic task lighting complement this attractive kitchen inside and out.

Steel Crittall-style doors expand the room without dissipating it and helps see the kitchen as part of the interior 'through' journey culminating in the private oasis courtyard. 

The result is a seamlessly integration of the exterior landscape with the interior.

This kitchen has had a transformational effect on the way the house is now used – whether hidden when entertaining guests or open when cooking.

The timeless design has quality, character and appeal, creating a beautiful backdrop for living – a hidden gem.

Story by: Trendsideas