Seamless sanctuary

Designed by Rachel Freeman, Pepper Design

From the designer:

Our homeowners, a fun-loving retired couple, transitioned from their long-time family home to an expansive penthouse with breathtaking 180° views of Melbourne's skyline. 

Seeking to transform their 1990s-built apartment, they envisioned a complete overhaul – moving beyond its dated, basic white gloss cabinetry to a space that exudes sophistication, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

At the heart of this three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment lies the kitchen, the central hub of their home and the starting point of our design. 

Passionate about cooking and entertaining, the couple wanted a space that seamlessly blends high-end performance with an elegant atmosphere. 

They were drawn to the craftsmanship of Poggenpohl & Team7 joinery and the quality of Gaggenau appliances – both of which became defining elements of the design.

To create a timeless yet inviting aesthetic, we selected Poggenpohl joinery in a rich, dark timber finish, complemented by deep neutral soft whites throughout the home for a balanced and sophisticated palette. 

The choice of Taj Mahal natural stone from Cosentino's Sensa range adds a luxurious yet practical element, offering tonal variations while ensuring durability with its pre-treated, stain-resistant surface.

The kitchen embraces a handleless concept, featuring recessed finger rails around the island and touch-open technology throughout, including Gaggenau's touch-open appliances. 

A standout feature is Poggenpohl's +Stage cabinet, designed with touch-open and tuck-away doors, revealing a well appointed coffee and drinks station. 

A bronze matte glass splashback seamlessly integrates concealed power points, lighting, and hidden storage details, while an adjacent pantry ensures easy access to daily essentials.

Every detail has been closely considered to enhance both function and form. 

Poggenpohl's walnut-crafted cutlery inserts provide both organisation and a sense of refined luxury, while the integrated Team7 solid walnut display cabinet with smoked glass doors and internal LED lighting offers a striking visual connection to the adjacent Team7 walnut extension dining suite, creating a harmonious flow throughout the space.

Technically, the design posed several challenges, particularly in integrating Gaggenau's full suite of appliances without compromising storage or aesthetics. 

Custom-designed drawer storage accommodates the Gaggenau glass pop-up downdraft with invisible recirculation, ensuring both function and seamless integration. 

Ceiling sprinkler systems were strategically relocated to prevent door collisions while maintaining proportional balance, allowing the entire design to sit well at the heart of the home.

Additional design elements, such as gently textured floor tiles and linen curtains, introduce softness and warmth, elevating the entire living experience. 

This transformation delivers a space that is not only functional but also sophisticated – ideally tailored to our homeowners' passion for design, entertaining, and refined living.

Story by: Trendsideas