Island in the sun

Designed by Studio2 Architects

From the architects:

This kitchen forms part of an extensive renovation of a pre-1940’s bungalow, says architect Ash Kumar.

“Our client, an owner-builder, had resided at the property for many years before taking on the challenge of building his dream home.”

The specific selection of materials was essential to clearly define old and new within the interior design.

“‘Ground-marble’ painted undulating brickwork creates a visual difference to the dark stained cedar shiplap cladding on the outside,” says Kumar. “While European Oak flooring and salvaged timber feature walls on the inside are contrasted by white painted walls and ceilings.

"The kitchen is a through space on the mid level and conforming to the wider interiors' wood and white contrasting surfaces, largely comprises a long wall of white cabinetry and the central island. 

This simple, clean layout means the kitchen doesn’t interrupt the flow of the interiors, nor does it block the home’s outlooks."

However, despite its generally understated presence, the kitchen has a wealth of storage and functionality.

“Besides locating the kitchen mainly on one wall we also integrated most elements, such as the substantial refrigeration and rangehood,” the architect says. “The few appliances that are on show are white and even the cabinet handles and the island sink are white.”

The exceptions to all this crisp whiteness are the island waterfall benchtop and the perimeter benchtop and splashback, which are all in a refined, grey-veined marble. Plus, the cutlery drawer has Blum wood inserts.

“The owner/builder was quite hands on with this design and he contributed plenty of ideas that contributed to the final aesthetic,” Kumar says.

“The crowning glory to this design is our nearest star. At midday, with the sun directly overhead, the light shines directly down on the island which is almost exactly the same proportions as the skylight above it.”

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Studio2 Architects