Togetherness

An effective way to merge a kitchen with an adjacent living space is to find some points of commonality between them. Linking the spaces through shared colour elements is one approach; another is connecting cabinetry styles.

This kitchen, by designer Marko den Breems, forms part of an open-plan living space. The design uses both colour and an extended run of clean-lined cabinetry to draw the area together.

"The kitchen is for a family with young children, so we chose Futura from Plytech for the cabinetry," says den Breems. "The white-finish Plytech Futura is an HPL finish on a plywood base the wood edges are left exposed and oiled to highlight the dense make-up of the cabinets. Similarly, support trusses for the upper wall cabinetry are also in oiled, exposed timber."

The design of the upper cabinetry is carried through on storage and shelving units on the same wall in the living area, with the storage cupboards featuring the same white finish and exposed wood edges. Cabinetmaker Lindon Harris, who co-designed and manufactured the pieces, says the rhythm of the customised storage and open shelving provides a seamless continuation from kitchen to lounge area.

"The dense nature of Futura allowed us to create this exposed aesthetic, and it contrasted well with the industrial-look stainless steel splashback and bench as well," says Harris.

Marko den Breems says the feature red colour on the island ties back to the living area sofa, further linking the two spaces.

"The standout cabinetry, timber highlights, oiled wood floors and colour connections all help draw the two areas together," says den Breems.

Story by: Charles Moxham