Pale and refined

Designed by Kurt Crisp, Buck and Simple

From the architects:

This beach house kitchen delivers a sophisticated and highly functional heart of the home that complements modern coastal living.

Design statement

Our homeowners – a young, dynamic family – sought a kitchen that balanced refined aesthetics with practical functionality. 

As the central gathering space, the kitchen needed to support both daily family life and entertaining – offering durability, seamless flow, and a connection to the house’s outdoor spaces, including the backyard, patio, and pool. 

The owners wanted a space that integrated effortlessly with the open-plan living and outdoor entertaining areas, maximising natural light and enhancing the sense of openness.

A key requirement was ample bench space and storage to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. 

This led to the design solution of a long 9m bench that extends through the kitchen into the adjoining pantry and laundry room, seamlessly connecting these spaces through an arched open doorway. 

The bench not only enhances the visual flow of the home but also provides an efficient workflow between the three areas, ensuring practicality without compromising aesthetics.

Materiality was key, with the brief calling for a palette that was warm, inviting, and durable. 

Natural textures and coastal-inspired elements were prioritised to create a timeless yet contemporary feel.

 High-performance appliances and smart storage solutions were also essential to meet the family’s needs.

Challenges and solutions

One of the primary challenges was ensuring the kitchen maintained a cohesive connection with the rest of the home while also serving as a functional and hard-wearing space. 

The integration of various materials required careful detailing to ensure longevity in a high-traffic environment.

To achieve this, we utilised:

• Travertine crazy pave flooring – which extends throughout the living areas, unifying the spaces while providing a robust and easy-to-maintain surface.
• Fluted travertine tiles – adding texture and warmth to the kitchen while ensuring durability.
• Natural Ash laminate joinery – a very durable material that replicates the warmth and texture of timber, providing a refined aesthetic while ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
• Quantum Zero silica-free benchtops – chosen for their durability, ease of maintenance and timeless appeal.
• Non-rectified ceramic tiles on the splashback – adding a subtle textural element while maintaining a handcrafted feel.

Another design challenge was seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living. 

The solution lay in full-height glazed doors, which allow natural light to flood the kitchen while offering uninterrupted flow to the outdoor entertaining area and pool.

Key products and design elements

• Bespoke joinery – custom-designed cabinetry ensures optimal storage solutions while maintaining a seamless, clutter-free aesthetic.
• Curved and softened edges – these design details enhance the visual cohesion throughout the home, contributing to the space’s inviting atmosphere.
• Premium appliances – high-performance, energy-efficient appliances were integrated to meet the needs of a busy family while aligning with our commitment to sustainable design.
• Nova Rectangle Dining Table by Totem Road – this piece was chosen for its elegant yet understated design, which complements the home’s modern coastal aesthetic – its sturdy craftsmanship ensures it stands up to the rigours of daily family life while maintaining a refined presence in the space.

Conclusion

This kitchen is a testament to the power of considered design. 

By addressing the owners' needs, overcoming material and spatial challenges, and selecting high-quality products, we have created a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. 

This space stands as a refined yet welcoming hub that enhances the experience of modern coastal living, seamlessly blending with the surrounding architecture and natural environment.

Story by: Trendsideas