Spacious kitchen with reflective splashback and large walk-in scullery

It makes sense to match a kitchen to the style of the home, but there's no need to be exact. To add a contemporary accent to a classic design, all it takes is a textural surface or a bold contrast.

With understated framed panelling, simple crown mouldings and pilasters on the island, this kitchen by designer Kyla Hunt of Carlielle Kitchens works in well in its traditional surroundings. Here, the choice of contrasting dark and light tones adds a modern appeal, she says.

"The charcoal grey island benchtop works well with the dark lime-washed oak floor and the white cabinetry stands out against them."

Another modern touch is the reflective tile splashback in the kitchen and walk-in scullery.

"These dramatic 3m x 1m Laminam Filo Ghisa porcelain ceramic tiles have a textural surface and are easy to keep clean the large format avoids the need for joins, where dirt could be trapped in the grouting," says Hunt.

The kitchen is beside the dining area and adjacent to that is a dedicated bar. This unit is in a similar cabinet style to the kitchen but with an all-grey finish and a mirror splashback to achieve the furniture-like look the owners wanted. The splashback brings the additional benefit of reflecting light, mitigating the effect of the dark cabinetry and grey benchtop. The latter is a match for the bench on the island, and helps to tie everything together.

The scullery is effectively a back kitchen. For a large family with several teenagers, this feature makes it easy for everyone to be cooking or prepping or baking at the same time. The front kitchen is used for family meals, but when the owners entertain, prepping and cooking are relegated to the rear work space. Both areas are equipped with refrigeration, sinks, cooktops and rangehoods, and the clean lines of these appliances provide another contemporary accent in the design.

"The owners' collection of pottery and artefacts was displayed by introducing a glass-fronted cabinet in the main kitchen and open shelving in the scullery," says Hunt. "The floating shelves either side of the front cooktop are mainly for display, whereas the open cabinets in the scullery are more about speedy access.

"The stainless steel benchtop in the scullery is a change from work surfaces elsewhere. Its Linen finish is pleasing to touch, gives a seamless look and resists scrapes and scratches.

"Taken together, the kitchen, scullery and bar are crisp and clean, with a contemporary classic look. Touches such as the cupboard to one side of the island and the single grey cabinet in the scullery, contribute to the individual, casual style the owners wanted."

Story by: Charles Moxham