Style and substance

Designed by Bespoke kitchens by Joanne Godding

From the designer:

The extensive renovation of this home saw the kitchen remaining in its original position, allowing for the other living spaces to maximise the connection to the beautiful water views.

As the kitchen was tucked into the back of the living space, with the lower ceiling height and only one narrow exterior window, the decision was made to embrace these elements, not to try to lighten and brighten up the room – challenge accepted!

The kitchen had to feel substantial, grounded, and anchored within the overall space of the home. 

The owners love to cook and share the space with extended family and friends. 

We needed a kitchen that was robust and offered different working areas. 

And of course, a substantial viewing platform to experience the show, otherwise known as the kitchen Island!

Very early on in the selection of materials we fell in love with the stunning natural stone, which became the centre point and driving force behind the further selection of materials, colours, textures and to a degree the layout of the kitchen. 

The Fusion Wow stone offered so many beautiful earthy, rich colours to draw on. 

The leathered texture enhanced the grain and story running through the stone – we knew that we needed to treat this element more as a piece of art.

The Fusion Wow stone was used as the main splashback in the kitchen. 

When you enter the space this piece really draws you into this room – you cannot help but pause and view it. 

To either side of the stone splashback, simple honed black stone was used. 

This framed the feature element. 

The discrete handcrafted aged bronze pendent lights, centred on the black stone panels, allowed the Fusion Wow to be further emphasised and lit from a side angle. 

Black cabinetry above also provided elimination of the stone, while housing the integrated rangehood.

The Fusion Wow stone was also used as the centrepiece to the kitchen Island. 

The island had to be solid and grounded, so it would hold its own up against the stone splashback. 

Two hand crafted, aged bronze pendant lights appear to hover over the Island benchtop. 

Their proportion, simplicity and hand-crafted quality elevate this centrepiece further.

The selection of the Wolf appliances further enhanced the overall design aesthetic – crafted style and substance. 

All other appliances were integrated or placed behind the sliding door pantry, so not to distract from these distinctive pieces.

The detailing to the cabinetry was well considered. 

It had to be visually strong enough to hold the character of the stone, Wolf appliances and feature light fittings, but simple and discrete enough to fall into the background. 

So, a solid timber framework was used to frame overall banks of cabinetry. 

The solid timber framed door style added another layer of detail. 

The cabinetry was stained in a black matt finish, that still allowed the grain of the timber to be seen. 

This subtle grain was also picked up in the secondary stone used throughout the kitchen benchtops and wall panels – it has a very subtle grain running though it, with a gentle honed finish that provides a wonderful juxtaposition to the Fusion Wow stone.

Integrated handles were used, along with black knurled handles, so as not to demand attention – but still providing that well-crafted layer of detail.

Overhead cupboards with fluted glass allowed the space to lighten up slightly as it wraps around the room. 

This gentle change in material is recognised with the lighter fluted tiles.

A balance of moody colours, well crafted detailing, striking textures and the strong, substantial centrepieces create a truly bespoke living space.

Story by: Trendsideas