White coastal kitchen complements the blue ocean

A grand seaside home almost always comes with one particular design conundrum – how to introduce a dramatic entertainer’s kitchen without detracting from the all-important water views.

This contemporary kitchen by whole-house designer Steve Gliosca of Urbane Projects offers a master class in standing out while fitting in.

“The homeowners wanted the kitchen to be in keeping with the clean-lined home it forms part of,” says Gliosca. 

The sink is set in the island so the chef can prep and converse with guests at the same time.

The kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling wall cabinetry, rear of island drawers and the scullery together offer a wealth of storage and worksurfaces. Plus open shelving – both above the servery counter at left and in the visible end of the scullery –  provides space for cookbooks or display items.

In addition, the breakfast bar is positioned along the seaside windows, so the family can take tea and toast while gazing out to the ocean.

However, it’s the pared back look and choice of materials that really achieves the required balancing act between seascape and workspace.

“The centrepiece of the kitchen is the large waterfall island, finished in a rich, veined white marble,” says Gliosca. “The luxurious stone is matched with white cabinetry faces and both are offset by touches of natural timber.”

Besides for display shelves, timber is used on a sliding bench-fitted chopping board and on the perimeter upper cabinetry. The overlapping look of the chopping board is also echoed in another timber element. The breakfast bar extends over the side cabinetry as an under-stated, playful design element.

Recessed niche cabinetry handles contribute to a minimalist feel that avoids detracting from the views. On a more pragmatic note, they avoid clothing catching when more than one chef is operating in the kitchen at once.

“The island’s waterfall benchtop keeps this star feature simple in form, while the integrated fridge, concealed rangehood and a flush-set  cooktop also contribute to the understated aspect of the kitchen design,” says the designer.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Joel Barbitta