View from the lighthouse

Polished glass surfaces and clean lines give this kitchen a light, streamlined look making it an ideal place for contemplating the wide views

A viewof the kitchen and dining areas, wooden countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, white — A viewof the kitchen and dining areas, wooden flooring, cabinetry, stone benchtops, lights, stainless steel sink and taps, dishwasher.

A view of a kitchen, wooden flooring, lights, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, gray

A viewof the kitchen and dining areas, wooden countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, gray

A view of the kitchen area, wooden flooring, cabinetry, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, gray, black

A view of the kitchen, wooden flooring, cabinetry, cabinetry, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, gray, black

A close up view of the kitchen cabinetry. countertop, floor, flooring, furniture, interior design, kitchen, kitchen stove, product design, sink, table, black

There is an interior design rule of thumb that suggests that a great view should not be compromised by a complicated interior. However, achieving the appearance of simplicity can often be an inherently complicated task.

This expansive kitchen is a case in point. Designed by Mal Corboy, the 20ft-wide kitchen sits neatly at the back of an open-plan living space in a penthouse apartment. The design, which presents an L-shaped kitchen with a large island, appears relatively straightforward. Yet behind the glossy surfaces are a number of features that aid functionality and add to the apartment's overall atmosphere.

"The clients wanted an eye-catching, sophisticated kitchen that would turn heads. They also had specific appliance requests for a double oven and large refrigerator," he says.

"One of the keys to achieving this look was choosing a simple material palette that included Corian, glass cabinetry and stainless steel accents that tie in with the appliances."

An obvious centerpiece of the kitchen is the 13ft-wide island, with its 6-inch-thick Corian countertop, which has waterfall ends.

"The front of the island features a painted glass panel that creates a three-dimensional look. It is also lit, as is the space above the overhead cabinetry, for character and atmosphere," says Corboy.

Corian work surfaces with integrated sinks and a lowered cooktop also enhance the impression of seamlessness throughout the kitchen.

"Traffic around the island flows easily," says the designer.

"This is the result of another point of difference the island was designed more as a work space than an extra dining area. There are no bar stools to obstruct movement or obscure the lighting effect."

Much of the kitchen cabinetry, which is comprised of wide drawers and cupboards, features painted glass front panels. Other cabinetry was manufactured from MDF, which was cut, lacquered and buffed. Handles were chosen to accentuate the horizontal lines created by the island.

"The glass cabinetry not only reflects the light, it also reflects the views, which helps to pull the outdoors in," says Corboy.

Throughout the kitchen, the designer sought solutions that would optimize functionality without detracting from the uniform aesthetic.

Power points were kept away from the back wall, but are still handily placed at each end of the counter. The inclusion of a countertop pantry allows small appliances to be stored out of sight, and a decor panel on the dishwasher allows it to merge with other island cabinetry.