Individual presence

Part of a new townhouse in a wider villa-sympathetic development, this kitchen has a strong character all of its own. Designed by Melanie Williams, many of the kitchen's features respond to challenges within the brief

The concealed scullery door needed to fit into

The kitchen in this new build townhouse –

All cabinetry materials are Melamine Décor Matt, to

A smokey mirror splashback adds to the kitchen's

The concealed scullery door design required careful planning

In the scullery, a wraparound bench and overhead

Internally, the window gives the appearance that it

This kitchen has a place for everything and

Downdraft ventilation was the right answer for this

The Natural Granite ‘Skyfall’ bench in a distinctive

The kitchen is approachable in terms of looks

The kitchen offers an efficient work triangle and

Designed by Melanie Williams, Matisse

From the designer:

The kitchen in this new build townhouse was part of a Freemans Bay villa project. However, as a separate dwelling it was important to recognise the importance of being sympathetic to the adjacent old villa but also unique in its own right. The outcome – a bold, feature full design with rich textures and playful accents.

The homeowner’s brief and requirements

Cooking to be on the peninsula – a potential ducting challenge as the ceiling is pitched
A concealed scullery door – an ambitious problem due to difficult ceiling angles
Reconcile scullery window with wraparound bench
Cabinetry colours to be considered – not all white

Challenges and solutions

As a ceiling-mounted rangehood above the hob on the peninsula was not possible due to the angled ceiling, a downdraft option was eventually chosen. This was a better choice to provide an unhindered ceiling structure and achieve a well situated rangehood solution in the centre of the hob unit. Plus, as the ceiling bulkhead for any ducting was no longer required, the downdraft option also reduced costs.

The concealed scullery door needed to fit into the single tall storage wall. This meant the door design plus installation required careful planning due to the height of the angled ceiling and also theneed to meet the corner of the room. The door was therefore the last item to be installed to ensure that it aligned correctly with the cabinetry and the line of the ceiling.

In the scullery, a wraparound bench and overhead wall shelving were placed in front of the ‘floor to ceiling’ window. Internally, the window gives the appearance that it is sized to fit between the bench and shelving unit whereas from outside the house, it appears as a full height window with obscured glass and angled shutters to allow for the maximum light possible.

All cabinetry materials are Melamine Décor Matt to meet a stringent budget but to achieve the look of a natural product. The mirrored wraparound splashback visually extends the size of the room.

Under wall and under bench lighting create reflections on the benchtops and warmth in recessed areas.

The Natural Granite Skyfall bench in a distinctive grain pattern creates a focal point and individualises the kitchen.