Room to move

Building a new home provides an opportunity to reassess the way you live. You can then ensure your plans accommodate any changes you want to make to your lifestyle.

When the owners of this home began working on their plans, they knew that entertaining more often was a priority from client functions and work parties, to casual gatherings of friends.

At the back, the house looks onto a courtyard, swimming pool and a large, protected Dutch elm tree. The kitchen is the central focus of the spacious living area, which also contains a dining table and a casual family seating area. A formal lounge opens off the far end of the space.

"We wanted a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor entertaining, with easy access to the kitchen," says the owner.

The kitchen, at one end of the open plan area, is on a large scale. A large 4.5m-long island, with the sink and dishwashers, is used for food preparation, and cabinetry on the back wall contains the hob, stove, pantries and storage space.

"The space between the cabinetry and the island is extra-wide so several people can work in the kitchen or pass through without getting in each other's way. The island is also wider than usual, so guests can sit and talk, or help if they want to."

Because the house is contemporary, the owners wanted the same look for the kitchen. Stainless steel benchtops are modern and practical and the leather pattern reduces glare from the sun. A shiny strip around the edge of the island gives it a clean, square appearance. Dark-stained timber cabinetry continues the modern theme and adds warmth to the space. Sand white-painted walls and light-toned limestone floor provide a crisp contrast.

The only touch of colour in the kitchen is the back-painted glass splashback, which is painted green to connect with the lime colour of the Dutch elm in the garden.

To keep the lines of the kitchen simple and clean, power points and jacks for the telephone and internet are concealed in pull-down drawers and in flip-down cupboards on the end walls of the island.

Story by: Trendsideas