Subtle tones and minimalist cabinetry ensure this kitchen takes a back seat to the owners' art collection

The idea for the gravity-defying cantilevered peninsular island in this entertainer's kitchen was taken directly from the form of the house itself. Nestled on the edge of a golf course, the residence includes a dramatic 8m overhang.

Designer Nar Bustamante says the owners are avid cooks and entertainers and wanted a kitchen that would accommodate parties of all sizes, offer an array of food prepping surfaces, and include a separate eating bar so guests could feel part of the whole cooking experience.

At the same time, they wanted, the kitchen to achieve a subdued yet sculptural presence to complement and not overwhelm their artworks.

"The substantial cantilever on the peninsula island begs the question, exactly how?" says Bustamante. "This physics-defying element is achieved with a solid wood beam encased in plywood for added strength. And that then has the cabinetry built out around it. The dramatic overhang is under lit to accentuate its presence."

The adjacent large island a gathering place within the great room has a sculptural appeal, too. The island's high toekicks are also lit up to draw the eye, while a slender rebate under the benchtop accommodates a rail pull for the top drawers and gives the island a floating appeal.

"In terms of the layout, we separated areas of operation, with the perimeter cabinetry, island, cooktop and some upper wall cabinetry on one side of the light-filled space and the wall ovens, integrated refrigerator and pantries on the wall opposite," says Bustamante. "The choice of a textured, wood-look veneer on both, draws the areas together. This kitchen is more about working at your own pace than tight work triangles."

Given that the greater space is effectively an art gallery, Bustamante selected a restrained palette to avoid detracting from the artworks.

The engineered stone benchtops are white on the island and the rest ginger a yellow brown that complements the laminate and wood floors. The touch-to-open, fold-up wall cabinets on either side of the window pick up on the white marble on the wall and the ginger benchtops.

"Plenty of storage was another request from the owners. We specified drawers throughout they offer the most space and have a minimalist look, as do the slender aluminium pulls.".

Story by: Charles Moxham