Strong materials and a simple layout are central to this kitchen with a semi-industrial aesthetic

With kitchen design there are many key things to consider and material choices are certainly one of them. In fact, your surface selection can make or mar your project, and – as with this kitchen – watchwords for a great outcome are quality and simplicity.

This modest, sleek kitchen space was designed for a modern rural house, says designer Kyla Potter, of Carlielle Kitchens.

“The home’s exterior is a mix of dark-stained cedar and light bagged brick. Essentially, we wanted to bring some of the feel of these raw natural materials into the home – to make a connection between indoors and outdoors,” says Potter. 

“Plus, the homeowner wanted to introduce a slight industrial feel to the space.”

As is often the case with contemporary kitchens, the island is the centrepiece. Its blackened steel frame achieves the desired industrial touch, while the vertical stained cedar is a nod to the exterior cladding.

Along the rear wall, the classic subway tile splashback has been given a modern twist by running the tiles vertically instead of horizontally. This less usual orientation provides a reference to the vertical cedar, while in another quiet material connection the black steel on the island’s frame is repeated as a custom rangehood housing.

“A Caesarstone work surface in Sleek Concrete on the back benchtop continues the industrial look, and is an ideal material for this hard-working part of the kitchen.

“Of course, the kitchen is as easy to work in as it is easy on the eye,” Potter says. “For example, the Blum Servo-drive electric mechanisms make accessing drawers easier. Plus, by avoiding the need for handles, they add to the clean aesthetic.

A small scullery off to one side of the kitchen houses small appliances, offers plenty of extra storage, and also makes an excellent preparation area that can be hidden away with the slide of a door.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Jamie Cobel