Twice as nice

Designed by Shane George Design

From the designer:

The brief 

This dream home, nestled in a bush-clad setting with 180° harbour views, is designed for a couple who regularly host family. 

The kitchen concept includes two distinct areas: a main kitchen that integrates seamlessly with the living space and a concealed scullery kitchen for additional prep and cooking.

Layout and flow

The design required clear work zones, ample benchtop space, and efficient workflow. 

Both kitchens needed to include smart storage solutions and concealed small appliance areas.

Function and equipment

The owner requested sinks and dishwashers in both kitchens, two ovens, a large fridge and freezer, and ideally, a bar fridge/wine cabinet. 

A generous cooktop with high-quality extraction and an instant hot water tap were also essential.

Aesthetic preferences

The palette was to reflect the natural surroundings, combining neutral, earthy tones with materials such as oak, charcoal accents, and stone benchtops to complement the harbour and bush views.

The design

This kitchen was designed for a couple building their dream home in the Far North, set on a stunning bush-clad site with expansive harbour views. 

I was engaged after the architectural design had been completed, with the kitchen’s location and overall footprint already established. 

My role was to interpret the homeowner’s detailed brief into a fully resolved kitchen and scullery design that delivered both high performance and seamless integration with the home’s wider architectural language.

The brief called for two distinct yet cohesive spaces – the main kitchen that would sit confidently within the open-plan living area, and a secondary, fully functional scullery-style kitchen, discreetly concealed. 

I worked closely with the homeowners to establish a layout that ensured workflow clarity, generous bench space, and visual balance – anchoring the kitchen as a refined piece of joinery within the larger volume.

Two central islands define the main kitchen, creating dual workstations with sculptural presence. 

Integrated appliances, concealed storage, and minimal visual clutter were priorities. 

The scullery, accessed through a bank of tall cabinetry, functions as a full second kitchen, complete with sink, oven, refrigeration, and appliance storage – supporting entertaining while maintaining the calm aesthetic of the main space.

Materiality was central to the design’s success. 

In collaboration with a colour expert, we developed a palette of warm oak, charcoal-toned cabinetry, and veined stone benchtops that reference the surrounding native bush while softening the architectural form. 

Lighting in both spaces was discreet and task-focussed, preserving visual serenity and openness.

Design challenges included resolving the transition between the two zones – particularly the fold-in doors and wall oven, which form a subtle divider – while also addressing the complexity of the outdoor stone bar. 

The al fresco bar required concealed structural supports integrated within the wall framing to maintain clean lines and visual cohesion.

The result is a highly resolved dual-kitchen solution that supports the lifestyle of the owners, responds beautifully to its environment, and elevates the everyday rituals of cooking, gathering, and entertaining – both indoors and out.

Story by: Trendsideas