Pleasing proportions

Simple forms and a pared-back palette transformed a tired kitchen into a sleek, functional space with a sense of symmetry

View of kitchen featuring large island, dark-stained oak countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, white — View of kitchen featuring large island, dark-stained oak cabinetry, oak flooring, white benchtops, appliances, lighting, white stools.

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View of kitchen featuring large island, dark-stained oak architecture, house, interior design, kitchen, real estate, window, white

View of kitchen featuring large island, dark-stained oak architecture, countertop, daylighting, house, interior design, kitchen, product design, real estate, table, gray, white

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View of kitchen featuring dark-stained oak cabinetry, appliances, cabinetry, countertop, home appliance, interior design, kitchen, product design, black, white

View of kitchen featuring dark-stained oak cabinetry, appliances, countertop, home appliance, interior design, kitchen, product design, white, black

A clean, simple palette can impart a crisp look for any room. By paring back to a few strong colours, forms can take prominence.

This kitchen was part of a renovation project, but there was no need to change its position. In centre of the house with a two-storey atrium soaring above it, the location was ideal, but the decor was tired and off-balance.

Kitchen designer Morgan Cronin created a clean-lined, contemporary design, emphasising symmetry and limiting the palette to white and brown, with accents from stainless steel appliances.

"Matching the lengths of the island and the back wall was also important, to give the kitchen a more balanced look," Cronin says.

Enveloped in Corian, the island has a solid appearance. It is extra wide, with storage on both sides. A central section cut out for seating sits on legs at the same level as the lower line of the cupboards, so the whole island looks as if it is floating.

Corian was also used to mould a large, seamless box containing the cooktop and work space on the back wall.

"Because there are no joints to trap dirt, the box is easy to keep clean," Cronin says.

The designer took care to match the lines of the elements, to help the eye register how the forms are in harmony. For example, the unbroken line of upper cupboards across the back wall streamlines the space and makes it look wider.

A walk-in pantry is hidden behind an almost invisible door beside a coffee-maker and microwave. The door folds inwards to reveal a generous space with a U-shaped benchtop large enough to prepare food. Additional storage is provided in a second, 600mm-deep pantry next door.

New aluminium bifold doors bring in the view and open to link to the outdoors.