Jewellery box

Most apartment kitchens start with a blank canvas or more specifically, a plain white box surrounded by glazed walls. And for many owners, the stark, white look is precisely what they want after all, it's one way to ensure the kitchen doesn't detract from the view.

For this apartment kitchen, however, the opposite applied. While the owners still wanted to enjoy the view from the kitchen, they also wanted the interior to make a dramatic visual statement.

Interior designer Anita Fijn says the kitchen needed to echo the design of the living spaces hence the black-lacquered ceiling treatment, reminiscent of traditional Japanese lacquer boxes.

"The black ceiling effectively frames the view," she says. "At night it almost feels as though you are floating you can't see where the ceiling ends and the sky begins. The eye is automatically drawn to the view rather than the ceiling. The black also showcases the contemporary chandelier."

The dark look extends to the stained and lacquered wood cabinetry, which wraps around two sides of the room. Kitchen designer Hayley Brown says the layout reflects the owners' desire for overhead storage, rather than a bank of wall cabinets.

"This design provides counter space between the upper and lower cabinets, and allows for a mirrored splashback," Brown says. "The mirrors reflect the view and enhance the glittering look of the kitchen by night."

The red-lacquered interior of the cabinetry is an unexpected element and another reference to the Japanese aesthetic. To provide a suitable surface for crockery, the lower shelves are lined with glass.

Contrasting textures, a key feature of the formal living areas, are also in evidence in the kitchen. Slate benchtops and a slate sink provide a matt finish that contrasts with the shiny surfaces and the richly veined, polished marble flooring.

"The slate is an extremely tactile surface," says Brown. "It has the look of suede, but there are also tiny flecks of copper that catch the light."

As the owners like to entertain, functionality was a foremost concern. Brown specified two large ovens with matching cooktops, and ensured there was enough space for caterers to work. A scullery accommodates a large refrigerator, and provides additional storage and a second food prep area.

Unlike many apartment kitchens, which are part of a large, open-plan living space, this room is visually separated from the dining area, yet close enough for the owners to socialise with guests.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes