New layout, materials and finishes bring dramatic changes to outdated kitchen

When the young owners bought this property – their first – they were keen  to extensively renovate and put their own stamp on the home. And to do that, they called on the original architect of the 1993 home, Stuart Shayman, who in turn suggested architect Lenore Weiss to do the interiors, including a new kitchen.

Weiss says the original kitchen space had a beautiful curved window wall overlooking an adjacent wooded ravine, and the renovation need to retain this to take advantage of, and enhance, the view.

But she says that the existing kitchen needed a complete overhaul.

“It had an unwieldy island, which didn’t fit the space well and, of course, the finishes were outdated with a limestone, tiled floor and a lot of laminate surfaces.”

The new island is smaller than the previous one, but is more in proportion to the space it sits in. Its double stacked Valcucine cabinets are faced with matt glass panels, part of the combination of natural, non-shiny materials that Weiss selected.

In keeping with this, the island’s top is in brushed Absolute granite, also adding texture. And there’s more than meets the eye with its thick top – it actually accommodates Valcucine’s flush fitted draw system to maximise storage in the kitchen.

More natural materials were added to the mix, with walnut selected for the tall cabinetry that wraps round the kitchen’s work area and wide plank, white oak chosen for the flooring.

Meanwhile, the bank of low perimeter cabinetry under the curved window and beside the door to the dining/living area is distinguished by a grey lacquer finish.

Weiss says that a successful aspect of the new kitchen is the way it integrates with adjacent spaces.

“The kitchen’s soft, natural palette of materials was a theme throughout the house,” she says. “Such as the wood flooring from the dining/living area and the dark stone flooring from the foyer.”

With its arrangement of casual and formal spaces, the owners are now set-up to enjoy relaxed time together as a family, as well as socialising and entertaining.

Story by: Paul Taylor

Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel