Smooth operator

With great functionality, a relaxed flow and low-upkeep thoughtfulness, this entertainer's kitchen was an ideal response to its mature owners' needs

Getting the best performance from the available space

Incorporating the dining table into the kitchen footprint

Porcelain seen on the benchtop, walls and on

Functionality has been injected in many ways, including

The dramatic yet minimalist kitchen doesn't detract from

The dining table treatment is a great example

Customised rose gold trim detailing, brass tapware, and

Apart from recessed pulls, the clean-lined kitchen is

So, where's the kitchen? Highly functional when in

Designed by Leonie Hamill, Cube Dentro

From the designer:

Our homeowners' brief requested a major transformation to their dated kitchen.

They were less than enthusiastic about the awkward configuration of the existing cabinetry.

Considering the limited floor space, they were unsure how to achieve a dramatic wow-factor coupled with strong functionality.

Seated dining was important to the pair, so any new changes had to consider this practicality.

Getting the best performance from the space was our first consideration.

We knew that style and impact could follow, but if the workflow wasn’t a major improvement, we would be doing a disservice to this mature couple who spend many hours in their kitchen and enjoy entertaining.

Further challenges included an unattractive, large bulkhead and difficult window placement to work around.

As we investigated our owner's lifestyle, it became evident that a 'lock up and leave’ home was also important.

To respond to this factor in the kitchen design, we had to include simple hacks to clear clutter away quickly, plus good storage to house items between visits.

Located in Bucklands Beach, we felt the kitchen should reflect our progressive owners, who cherish bespoke and modern design.

The overall success of this kitchen can be attributed to its supreme practicality and easy workflow, without compromising on wow-factor.

Functionality has been injected in many ways, including floor to ceiling cabinetry to hide general kitchen busyness and to create an illusion of space.

In terms of entertaining, a recessed bar adjacent to the dining table makes hosting a joy.

The bar is a talking point in itself, with its beautiful craftsmanship and feature lighting that showcases stylish glassware and bottles.

Another merit of this project, is the kitchen’s cohesion with the rest of the renovation.

Due to the nature of the open plan living and dining area, symmetry has been achieved with an amazing 3-D cabinetry element in the living area – made in the same American Oak veneer as the kitchen.

An ingenious use of an awkward space under a window, means the TV pops up from the cabinet when in use, but is otherwise hidden.

Space has been saved by incorporating the dining table into the kitchen footprint.

Our homeowners love the ergonomics of this design whereby they can stay connected with their guests who sit around the table while meals are prepared.

A decadent amount of porcelain in the benchtop, wall and rangehood covering is striking and practical, too, with its ultra-high heat resistance and durability.

The latest technology has also been used, including a Smeg double wall oven, set at a convenient height for our mature homeowners.

Customised rose gold trim detailing, brass tapware, and designer pendants add to the overall wow-factor.