Raising the champagne

Designed by Lara Farmilo, Akzente 

From the designer:

For a family in which its members are busy as bees, with several generations occupying the home, it was important that the kitchen was incredibly functional and answered the requirements of several family members.

This kitchen was part of a large renovation, that included removing walls and replacing the dated marble tiles with new large format slabs of 20mm thick Carrara marble.

While the footprint of the kitchen area is large, the elements required to create a meal for a family of this size are mostly within arm’s reach.

This was their number one priority: keeping the ‘workings’ of the kitchen within close proximity. 

We achieved this by keeping the cooking and main sink on the back bench, while allowing enough preparation space between and around the zones.

The island is not only used as a preparation area but an area for the family, and extended family, to congregate.

The Gaggenau 400 series cooking gave us the flexibility to split the hobs, providing generous space around each element. 

The Gaggenau oven and steam oven are in an Anthracite finish to match with the darker tones used in the kitchen benchtop and splashbacks – all other appliances are integrated.

The kitchen room had an angled ceiling that led up to a mezzanine floor so it was imperative that the cabinetry was appealing to look at from above. 

In addition, the height of the cabinetry was extended to emphasis the height within the room, allowing, of course, for extra storage as well.

The selected high-gloss metallic champagne gold cabinetry is a soft contrast to the striking Eclipse leathered granite that was used for the benchtop and main splashback.

The black glass splashback and side panel have hidden features or dual uses like a concealed magnetic strip for messages and a full length ‘mirror’ when required.

The story doesn’t stop there, as the adjacent rooms have a matching bar and laundry, keeping continuity through what is now the open floor plan.

The bar adds a more relaxed element to the overall picture, with the re-use of a black galaxy benchtop and patterned tiles separating it subtly from the kitchen. 

This area contains the wine fridge, drinks fridge and glass display unit; all handy while pouring a good glass of whiskey in the evening!

Designed by: Lara Farmilo, Akzente

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobel