Sundowner

This coastal kitchen offers a cocktail of rich materials, understated function and sleek lines – the perfect place for cooking and watching the sun slide into the Indian ocean

The island bench acts as centrepiece – showcasing

A window splashback floods natural light onto work

The beachhouse has a vista front to ocean,

Rich timber-look surfaces work well with the black

Looking into the kitchen from the circulation corridor.

Sunken outdoor living area with exterior circulation corridor

Sliding doors can close off the al fresco

Vertical niche display shelving beside the entry to

Designed by Dane Richardson, Dane Design Australia

From the designer:

The owners' brief for their new beachside holiday home was to incorporate a large, open-plan kitchen that shares a connection to living and outdoor entertaining areas, generous storage, while also capitalising on natural light and enviable views of the stunning South West coast-line.

The kitchen was designed to be a multifunctional space to store, prepare and cook food – a place for the family to come together and an entertaining hub.

The layout allows for the space to be opened-up for indoor/outdoor entertaining with large glass bi-fold doors that connect the kitchen, dining and sunken living areas to the front deck, flooding the space with natural light and creating an expansive, light and airy feel.

The island bench acts as centrepiece to the design, showcasing the beautiful Caesarstone benchtop with waterfall edges and incorporation of informal seating, wine fridge, integrated waste bin and lots of bench and storage space.

Matte black doors seamlessly conceal the fully integrated appliances, including induction cooktop, oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer, that are strategically placed along the kitchen wall for functionality and a sleek, modern look.

The scullery acts as an additional storage and work space.

Overhead cabinets throughout feature push-to-open mechanisms and base cabinets have integrated finger-pull handles for a clean, classic look and ease of use.

The large, soft close drawers provide more than enough storage space for their family’s needs now and in the future.

The material palette was carefully selected to create a contrast of rich timber tones (Natural Teak by Laminex), dark textured engineered stone (Black Tempal by Caesarstone), and matte black laminate (Terril Abolsute Matte by Laminex) – paired with contrasting clean lines and playful curves.

The surfaces are high quality and durable while balancing warm, dark, textured and smooth for a moody, alluring feel.

The design incorporates a number of features that respond to Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles.

These include energy-efficient lighting and appliances, high performance thermal glazing and water efficient water fixtures and fittings.

The resulting space is one of function, flexibility and elegance, perfect for family gatherings, entertaining and watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.