Small packages

Keeping colours and details to a minimum is a common way to make a small area feel more spacious. Adopting unusual materials can then add visual interest without creating unnecessary clutter.

When designer Glenn Behan decided to renovate his own kitchen, he wanted to avoid the sterile look of a minimalist design.

"Basaltina was the material chosen for the benchtops. This product is not often used for kitchens, as it is soft and chips easily however it doesn't break in lumps, but rather takes on a worn look that adds character to the space," he says.

Bamboo veneer cabinets lend visual warmth. These are fitted with soft-closing mechanisms and recessed finger pulls, which help to retain the flat surface of the cabinetry. Similarly, all the appliances in the kitchen are integrated.

Tying in with the bamboo veneer and creating a sense of aesthetic consistency are the pale blackbutt floorboards.

"To offset the natural look of the timber and provide a contemporary touch, cabinets above the stovetop are made from thick resin," says Behan.

The colour and shine of the overhead cabinets means they also become a feature of the kitchen, while adding necessary storage space.

Before the kitchen was renovated, a low window in place of the resin cabinets overlooked the neighbours and provided very little natural light. This was removed and a horizontal window was added above.

"This long window is northwest facing and lets in light year round," says Behan.

Story by: Camille Butler