Visual feast

Popular cooking shows on television have raised the culinary sights of many homeowners. Whether you wish to upgrade your skills or hire a chef when entertaining, the contemporary kitchen should ideally be fit for a professional.

Designer Sue Gillbanks was asked to create a kitchen with "the wow factor". One that would provide the cook with the space and the tools to be creative while at the same time not exclude them from the rest of the home.

"The ample benchtops on both sides of this kitchen provide plenty of room for meal preparation. They also create a place for guests to sit and socialise with the chef," says Gillbanks.

The peninsula facing the dining area features a glass partition that appears to float straight through the granite benchtop. The partition conceals double sinks. Placed on a slight inward slope, it can function as a bar for guests to stand at and rest their drinks.

The kitchen layout was designed to provide an efficient space that wouldn't compromise the room's aesthetic appeal. For example, the pantry is equipped with a refrigerator, sink and benchtop. This means any messy preparation can be concealed from the dining room by closing the door.

Light fixtures have been strategically placed to illuminate the work spaces and provide ambience. Suspended above the sink on the peninsula is a sheet of glass containing halogen lights. On the opposite wall, the twin cupboards are lit up by halogen lights placed underneath a pelmet.

"The luminous arcs created by these lights provide an interesting visual feature," says Gillbanks.

The light beige cabinetry has a stainless steel trim to match the appliances and the custom-designed canopy above the cooktop. Recessed handles on the cupboards and drawers enhance the neutral scheme for a sleek, uncluttered look.

Story by: Trendsideas