Of material importance

Innovative use of familiar materials lends an element of surprise to this kitchen, creating a space that serves up more than expected

A view of the kitchen area, tiled floor, bathroom, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, floor, flooring, home, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, window, gray, black — A view of the kitchen area, tiled floor, wooden cabinetry, granite benchtops, lights, stainless steel sink, taps and appliances.

A view of the kitchen area, tiled floor, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, gray

A view of the kitchen and living areas, floor, flooring, furniture, interior design, living room, property, room, black

A view of the kitchen area, wooden cabinetry, architecture, ceiling, countertop, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, interior design, kitchen, living room, lobby, real estate, room, wall, wood flooring, black

A view of the dining area, tiled floor, cabinetry, countertop, floor, flooring, home, interior design, kitchen, living room, room, window, wood flooring, black, brown

A view of the kitchen area, tiled flooring, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, black

Thinking outside the box may be one of the most overused phrases of modern times, but there's no denying it can be good advice. The kitchen featured on these pages is a prime example of what can be achieved through some innovative thought.

The existing kitchen had the same basic layout, but was limited in storage and function. To address this, the sink and cooktop areas were modified, and a more dramatic aesthetic was envisaged, says kitchen designer Jackie Naylor of Jackie Naylor Interiors.

"I knew from the outset that I wanted to design a space that was out of the ordinary. I had seen the leather floor tiles about a year prior to this job, and really wanted to use them on a project. My clients were open to the use of mixed materials within the space. When I presented the idea to them, they were both enthusiastic about the concept."

To provide a harder-wearing surface in the actual workspace area of the kitchen, Naylor specified stainless steel tiles for the floor. The transition from leather to stainless steel is not only practical, but the sleek look of the stainless steel provides an interesting contrast to the matte finish of the leather floor and wenge cabinetry.

"The cabinetry is one of the defining materials for this kitchen. The dramatic, dark color of the wenge was a finish that appealed to both clients, especially with the contrast of the light walls and granite countertops. Similar cabinetry in the entertainment area added continuity, and also created additional storage," says Naylor.

A series of specially commissioned glass panels along the back side of the island adds contrast and lightness, as well as visual texture.

Wenge cabinetry was also incorporated into the remodeled eating area, visually linking the three spaces. The marble floor tiles define this area as having a different function to the others.

"Since the kitchen and dining room windows open out onto a fabulous view, it was important to keep the cabinetry below this level. The solution was to extend the base cabinets into the eating area. As well as their functional role of providing additional storage for an ice maker and other items, the cabinets also are a impressive focal point."

"The eating area is perhaps my favorite space. Sitting at the table you have the best of the entire kitchen, a view of the external landscape and a view of the internal landscape all of these disparate elements and materials brought together to create a harmonious whole," says Naylor.