Treasure chest

If you're looking for a kitchen that doesn't fit neatly into traditional or contemporary categories, a mix of pieces from different eras and different countries can introduce warmth and character, even when space is limited.

In the kitchen and dining area of this 1920s bungalow, antiques from Asia and Italy sit alongside stainless steel appliances. The result, says designer Celia Visser, is an inviting, eclectic look.

"The homeowner was interested in incorporating antique pieces, and wanted a kitchen that would be unlike anything she'd seen before. She enjoys Italian cooking, so she also needed a practical kitchen that she could work in."

Originally, the owner wanted an unfitted kitchen, but lack of room ruled this option out. Instead, Visser made the tiny kitchen space larger and lighter, by removing a structural wall separating the original kitchen from a walk-in pantry.

The overall design theme is derived from a 200-year-old Mongolian storage chest, covered in highly decorative folk art, which Visser has installed as a kitchen island. The chest is protected by a raised layer of toughened glass. This forms the kitchen island top and allows the homeowner to protect her recipe books under the glass while cooking.

Appliances were chosen to make best use of the space, and include a narrow, 600mm integrated fridge, oven and circular rangehood. Their stainless steel finish contrasts with the natural warmth of the antique pieces, mosaic splashback tiles and tawa timber flooring.

In place of the original walk-in pantry, Visser designed a tall cabinet with grass cloth inserts and black lacquered panels. Black was also selected for the granite countertops and gloss cabinetry. Both provide the visual solidity the kitchen needs, as well as a counterpoint to the richness of the other surfaces and textures, says Visser.

"There is a lot happening with the grass panels, the steel appliances and Mongolian chest, so I deci-ded to keep the countertops neutral," she says.