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Light, tone, and texture join to create a serene mood in this contemporary kitchen

View of a renovated kitchen and dining area countertop, interior design, kitchen, room, black, gray
View of a renovated kitchen and dining area that features walnut cabinetry, marble countertops, a mosaic splashback, and stainless steel appliances.

A challenge facing many renovation projects is the need to update within existing parameters. Changing the dimensions or layout of a room is not always possible, or practical.

In this modern home, the original kitchen was configured to take advantage of the views to the woodland setting. For this reason, designer Barbara Ince of the Susan Fredman Design Group decided to work with the existing layout when asked to devise an updated design.

"The room is long and narrow, so it was important to create a sense of spaciousness," says Ince. "As the kitchen can be seen from several other areas in the house, one of the key requirements was to create a clean appearance from every angle. The owner wanted a contemporary look that was not cold or stark."


View of a renovated kitchen and dining area architecture, ceiling, countertop, interior design, interior designer, kitchen, living room, gray, black
View of a renovated kitchen and dining area that features walnut cabinetry, marble countertops, a mosaic splashback, and stainless steel appliances.

The client also specified a state-of-the-art kitchen with all the latest appliances, and more storage. Placing two Gaggenau convection ovens beneath the benchtop provided a large new work surface. Custom cabinetry also helps maximise the overall workspace, and reduces clutter by including built-in storage for knives, cutting boards, and rubbish bins.

A new bar and buffet counter in the dining area helps open up the room. Backlighting the stainless steel panel and the mosaic splashbacks contributes to this effect.

"Lighting was very important to achieve the appearance the owners wanted. Different types of light can emphasise mood or functionality, as required," says Ince.

View of a renovated kitchen and dining area architecture, countertop, home, house, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, window, gray, black
View of a renovated kitchen and dining area that features walnut cabinetry, marble countertops, a mosaic splashback, and stainless steel appliances.

Decorative accents such as drapery and rugs add warmth and intimacy, and a neutral colour scheme was chosen to harmonise with the lush outdoor environment.

"The contemporary styling of the new kitchen fits with the rest of the house, but I also wanted to include an element of contrast. The leaf motif on the cabinet door inserts makes a subtle reference to the woodlands outside," says the designer.

Credit list

Cabinetry
SFDG custom quartered walnut; off-white painted
Flooring
Existing wood
Lighting
Marian Jamieson chandelier from Holly Hunt
Drapery
SFDG custom drapery
Sinks
Julien
Ventilation
SFDG custom hood
Dishwasher
Fisher & Paykel
Benchtops
Avorio Sapone marble from Chadwicks
Dining furniture
Donghia chairs and fabric; SFDG custom table
Blinds
Conrad Shades
Splashback
Botticino
Taps
Dornbracht
Refrigerator
Sub-Zero

Story by: Jane McKenzie

14 Nov, 2008

Home kitchen bathroom commercial design


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