Lateral thinking

Designing for a limited space often requires a fresh approach: allocating a dual role to certain work areas, perhaps, or installing extra-tall cabinetry that reaches to the ceiling.

For this project, the homeowners wanted to make the best use of space and create a working, contemporary feel, says interior designer Fletcher Vaughan.

"Constraints such as pre-laid floor tiles and flue access for the hood partly dictated the layout of the kitchen. Working around these limitations, we introduced a pantry that runs nearly to the ceiling and created additional storage space above the refrigerator," he says.

The large pantry doors could have overwhelmed the small space. To avoid this, Vaughan has selected sliding glass doors with a plastic film backing.

"The doors slide to avoid swinging out into valuable kitchen space, and their subtle opaque finish allows the pantry to recede visually," he says.

The Smeg stainless steel stove, hob and rangehood provide a focal point for the kitchen, and complement the double-door stainless steel refrigerator and freezer, also from Smeg. The clean lines of the appliances are echoed in the minimalist horizontal detailing of the cabinetry.

Mobile storage cabinets can be left underneath the cantilevered benchtop, or wheeled away on casters when not in use.

"The units can be replaced by bench stools, effectively turning a work bench and storage unit into a breakfast bar," he says.

For details about Smeg appliances, visit the website: www.omegasmeg.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas