White coastal kitchen complements the blue ocean
A substantial island in exotic veined marble is matched with minimalist cabinetry and touches of natural timber – this kitchen offers both a focal point and a natural complement to the ocean outlooks
![So, what colours go with the brilliant blue architecture, building, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, design, dining room, floor, flooring, furniture, home, house, interior design, kitchen, living room, material property, property, real estate, room, table, wall, white](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3502Urbane%E2%80%93340438117-01-HERO.jpg)
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.
“They also wanted it to be used by several family members at once. To achieve the latter, we introduced a generous 4m-long island to deliver plenty of front-of-house workspace, and a long scullery – complete with seaview end window – running full-length directly behind the kitchen.”
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.
![Cooking with views. As well as looking to apartment, architecture, couch, design, furniture, home, house, interior design, living room, table, gray, Urbane Projects](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3502Urbane%E2%80%93340438117-10.jpg)
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.”
![A long marble-clad kitchen island is the central architecture, bar stool, cabinetry, chairs, countertop, dining room, floor, flooring, furniture, home, house, interior design, kitchen, room, table, gray, white, chopping board](https://res.cloudinary.com/trends-publishing/image/upload/dpr_1.0,g_center,w_1280/f_auto,q_auto:best/NZ3502Urbane%E2%80%93340438117-05.jpg)
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.
Credit list
Designer
Benchtops
Kitchen sink
Oven, cooktop, refrigeration
Wine fridge
Awards
Cabinetry
Splashback
Taps
Dishwasher
Lighting
Story by: Charles Moxham
Photography by: Joel Barbitta
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Home Trends Vol. 35/3
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