Natural reflection

Creating a good flow between the kitchen and outdoor living areas doesn't just mean ensuring the spaces are well linked. Connections are also established and emphasised by the choice of colour and materials.

The kitchen of this house, which is set in a pocket of bush and trees, has been designed by Shane George to reflect the outside environment.

"The owners had already found a piece of Verde Marinaci granite that they wanted to incorporate into the kitchen. Its tones worked well with the bush and trees, so this became the basis for selecting other colours and materials," says George.

Another part of the brief was to create a kitchen that looked like a kitchen. The owners didn't want a minimalist look; instead they wanted plenty of features and a space that entices the cook into the kitchen.

With this in mind, there's a mix of materials, including granite, stainless steel, glass and lacquer, to draw attention to different zones, lots of open shelves, and cooking utensils and frequently used ingredients, such as oils, on display.

"We chose a big, grunty stainless steel and cast iron hob with a teppanyaki plate. The unusual shape of the stainless steel rangehood over the hob is also eye-catching, and stainless steel drawers for storage under the hob ensure the space has the feel of a real working kitchen," he says.

To add interest and a slightly commercial or restaurant-style look, backlit, stainless steel-framed boxes with glass shelves on either side of the hob provide storage for everyday items. The central island is freestanding and contains the sink and dishwasher. A stainless steel frame and legs, and high toekick at the back, make it appear to float.

Extra-tall, 2.8m-high cabinets on one wall of the kitchen are in proportion to the height of the vaulted ceiling. Hanging pendant lights, made from fluted acrylic with a metallic tinge, match the stainless steel appliances, and help break up the height of the room.

Story by: Mary Webb