Table of contents for Kitchen Design in Kitchen Design

THE DELIGHTS OF DESIGN The Australian Oxford Dictionary defines the kitchen as “the room or area where food is prepared and cooked”. While this is technically accurate, it’s a long stretch from what the kitchen encompasses in most Australian homes today. In 2020, the pandemic moved many of us out of our office buildings and into at-home work zones. Kids were relocated from classrooms to an online learning environment, and side hustles and hobbies took over our houses. As a consequence, our kitchens became all kinds of things. From make-do meeting rooms to movie-making sets, lunchrooms to labs and learning centres, stationery storerooms and charging hubs, kitchens transitioned into much more than food preparation facilities. Lockdowns and longer days meant our cooking styles changed, too. With less time travelling, many…

“Both inside and outside are united, as evidenced by the interconnected arrangement of the different zones A free-flowing home that moves easily from voluminous indoor space to breezy outdoor pool area, this rendition of midcentury modern is not an imitation of retro interior styling but rather a tribute to the ethos of mid-century modern architecture. Characterised by straight lines, soft curves, large windows and a lack of fussy decoration, mid-century modern architecture favoured a floorplan intended to facilitate a symbiotic relationship between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. In this home, the principles of midcentury modern architecture are applied in a way that underscores light and space with an emphasis on lifestyle and entertainment. Both inside and outside are united, as evidenced by the interconnected arrangement of the different zones.…

Owner-builders Matt and Elouise wanted a sustainable home with a small footprint that made good use of space and eschewed the trappings of modern luxury. "Clever, not posh" was the exact brief they took to the architect. Designed by Cumulus Studio and built by Matt, the intelligent design utilises low-tech, low-maintenance, cost-effective and space-saving materials with trustworthy green credentials. Situated in the Tamar Valley, an area known for its cool-climate wines and rugged scenery, Darkwood Residence is a home deeply rooted in its surroundings. The modest blueprint and outward-looking design allow you to feel fully immersed in the surrounding greenery. Prioritising the natural world over man-made comforts, the home has been constructed to maximise natural light and boasts hard-wearing materials that offer a beautiful, rustic finish reflective of the owner’s…

“It is delicate yet bold, old but new and always completely timeless In a tightly defended heritage conservation zone in Sydney’s well-to-do Eastern Suburbs, Alexander & Co. has reignited the spirit of a Victorian cottage, celebrating its past to create a new story. Reimagined to accommodate a family of five, including three growing children, the condensed footprint was planned out in the smallest detail to maximise space without sacrificing a sense of generosity and volume in the overall design. The brief included non-negotiable elements like privacy and adult space for the parents and separate rooms for each child, with desks, wardrobes and play areas for them to grow into over the years. Exploring historical references to give the home an authentic feel, on the lower floor, this is seen in…

With the ocean to the east and the Pittwater to the west, Newport is the quintessential holiday destination that some are lucky enough to call home year-round. For a family with grown-up children, this beautiful but hardwearing kitchen is perfectly adapted to its salty surrounds. “The client was the builder and homeowner on this project. He had a very clear vision, which I loved,” says Gemma Haddock of Collaroy Kitchen Centre. “The kitchen itself is simple white polyurethane handleless cabinetry with a Michelangelo Quartz bench,” says Gemma. “Undoubtedly the main feature is the timber and panelled ‘wall’.” Not so much a wall as a slatted screen, the ceiling-height partition connects the timber finishes in the kitchen to timer features in the rest of the home, most notably the exposed beams…

In an area of Auckland steeped in history, a worker’s cottage gets a major refurbishment, including a kitchen overhaul at the hands of Annika Rowson, Director of Rowson Kitchens and Zeal Builders. "The brief for this project was to create a large and spacious kitchen with ample benching and storage, and one that was light, white and textured, yet also timeless," says Annika. "It also needed to be executed as cost-effectively as possible. The original kitchen was very small and dark, it was disconnected from the dining and living spaces, and separated by internal walls with no flow and little benching." Attacking the original G-shaped layout, Annika converted it to an open L-shape, adding an island bench and two entries for greater flow. Walls were removed and the kitchen space…

“Red Hill Residence is a home full of bright colours, texture and curvaceous forms … A sprawling family home set in the leafy setting of Canberra Nature Reserve, Red Hill Residence is a home full of bright colours, texture and curvaceous forms, with an entertainer’s kitchen to die for. "The house was originally designed over 18 years ago by Canberra-based architectural firm Architects Ring & Associates. The form took inspiration from traditional Balinese ‘house compounds’ whereby differing functions are separated into 'compounds’ rather than rooms," says Sarah Marriott, creative director of SJS Interior Design. "As such, the Red Hill Residence features a series of connected pavilions that gravitate around a central pool, resulting in an artful amalgamation of both Eastern and Western design concepts … we were only commissioned to…

“… a harmonious palette with enough contrasting texture to save it from obscurity In a staid area of grand homes, white picket fences, established families and tree-lined streets, Ferndale, designed by Webster Architecture and built by Mazzei Homes, stands out as a uniquely contemporary dwelling among its immediate neighbours. The all-important kitchen was taken care of by bespoke kitchen builders, The Kitchen Design Centre (TKDC). Approaching the design of the kitchen as an extension of the well-designed and beautifully finished living areas surrounding it, the TKDC team worked closely with Mazzei and Webster Architeture to deliver a custom creation full of personality and functionality. High-quality cabinetry in Dulux Park Creek, a mid-toned mossy shade, complements garden views seen through the vast, double-glazed door at the far end of the room…

Two namesake towns on peninsulas worlds apart, Sorrento House on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula channels its Mediterranean origins utilising traditional Italian materials in muted coastal shades on crisp modern surfaces. A merchant builder-style dwelling built in 1980, this home is located directly across from the Sorrento Sailing Club and close to the town’s famed tree-lined foreshore, national parks and beautiful beaches. A coastal idyll within reach of local vineyards and golf courses, it’s a coveted site for a reason. The owners sought out Fiona Lynch Office to create a home honouring their Italian heritage, with particular reference to Italian Rationalism, a style inspired by the scale, structure and symmetry of ancient Roman architecture, without the decorative flourishes. Stripping forms back to their most essential manifestation applied in this setting creates a…

Without compromising on aesthetics or obviously accommodating changing circumstances, this intensive renovation incorporates adaptable design features that allows its owners to comfortably live here for the rest of their days. Reflecting different priorities and a different era, the home was originally built for a family more than 40 years ago by its current owners. It featured a closed-off living space and separate formal dining and living areas, so they felt it was time for a refresh to bring the home in line with their current lifestyle. Introducing space and light was a priority for architect Madeleine Blanchfield of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, as was accentuating the stunning views of Tamarama headland and the ocean to the north. The process was started with a reconfiguring of the space; the central staircase was…

“The rear butterfly roof creates openings on the north and west for light and views Named for the unique folding roof design that lets light and air into the long and narrow site, 10 Fold House honours local Edwardian architecture from the outside while offering a modern floor plan on the inside. “The original home was a long, skinny, single-fronted Edwardian. The kitchen was internalised and the laundry and bathroom, as with many period homes, deprived the house of northern light and connection to the outside,” says Sally Timmins, Architect and Director at Timmins + Whyte Architecture & Design. “The way the house sits in the street was a special design consideration. It is a narrow street with a number of single-fronted Edwardian houses sharing boundary walls, as was the…

After only living in this two-bedroom cottage for a few months, the owners already had a clear vision of their dream kitchen, ditching the standard galley and island bench for a dramatic and detailed space packed with personality. With a particular, refined and eye-catching design in mind, the owners deliberately selected materials and detailing to meet their brief. They specified durable, low-maintenance materials that would hold up over time and a simple monochromatic palette with a masculine undercurrent. The owners were honest enough to admit they are messy cooks but didn't have space for a hidden butler’s pantry or scullery. Ensuring functionality was maintained in the pursuit of creativity, ceiling heights were fully utilised and a hidden entertainer’s kitchen was built into the cabinetry. The clever design allows food preparation…

“Living is on the top floor, which opens onto the garden at the rear and the treetops at the front … When an architect designs their own home, it’s an opportunity to play with proportions, materials and ideas without restraint. It’s also often the culmination of a lifetime of ideas. For Madeleine Blanchfield of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, good design results from rigorous planning, something she had plenty of time for before executing this exceptional project. "When we bought the property, it was a big old dark bungalow and virtually unliveable. We boarded up large areas of it and lived in the top-floor rooms that at least had some light,” shares Madeleine. "We lived that way for six years while running our businesses and raising two small children. When we finally…

“The extension is the real hero of the project, a multifunctional space that is light, flexible and usable in all seasons Truly a labour of love, this family home on Melbourne’s leafy outer edge came into being over eight long years, getting attention only when finances allowed. Built by owner-builder Hamish, director of Sanctum Homes, and his ecologist wife, Linda, the home has finally emerged in its finished form. Creating a house in line with the owners’ values rather than conforming to social norms, the existing building was upgraded and a new extension added that included a kitchen, living, dining and utility room. The extension is the real hero of the project, a multifunctional space that is light, flexible and usable in all seasons. At the heart of the addition,…

Designed by multi-award-winning Australian architect Glenn Murcutt, this harbour-front home is a striking example of the architect’s best work. The main internal feature is a high arching ceiling and slanted windows, creating a welcoming, sunlit space that draws you in. Only in need of a little modernisation, the home in Kiama on New South Wales' picturesque south coast is treasured by its owners, who, as custodians, wanted to preserve the essence of this unique piece of architecture. The team at Birdblack Design were engaged to renovate some key features of the home, one being the kitchen. The high-use area showed signs of fatigue after many years of wear and tear, although the basic design was still relevant and worth conserving. Paying tribute to the original layout, the kitchen renovation was…

“After their years of travelling and living in different locations, we wanted to create a space where this family would feel grounded and connected, a place that felt truly like home Having lived and worked in Asia for years, a couple from Australia and their three teenage daughters were ready to come home for good. They chose a charming Federation bungalow in Mosman, NSW, to call home. Although sitting on a generous block, the bungalow was in dire need of an update. The kitchen was cramped and tucked away, the bathrooms were too small, and there was nowhere for the family to spend time together or entertain friends. They approached Alexandra Kidd Design to completely renovate the home, with particular emphasis on creating a flexible kitchen, dining and living area…

“The sleek new light fittings in the parlour are modern, minimal and also white like the walls … An inspired project designed for a celebrated restaurateur with a love of entertaining, this home tells the story of a West Village family bringing Manhattan sensibilities to Brooklyn on a grand scale. Designed by notable Brooklyn-based Home Studios, Forte Greene Townhouse marks just the business’s second foray into residential design after an award-winning streak on the hospitality scene. Established by former book editor Oliver Haslegrave in 2009, the studio aims to tell stories through architecture and interior design, weaving fictional and autobiographical elements into its idiosyncratic projects. Well known for designing hip bars and super-cool restaurants across New York City, Home Studios has created a dwelling in harmony with the company’s reputation…

Designed to consolidate highdensity housing in London at the turn of the 20th century, Victorian-era terraces and architecture understandably often fail in an Australian setting. The enclosed spaces and lack of light are poorly suited to a warmer, sunnier climate, making them ripe for adaptation. This A1 listed terrace in North Melbourne was no different. Being virtually untouched since construction, it was time for a complete rethink. The team at Matt Gibson Architect + Design carefully researched the history of the house to imagine a future in keeping with heritage guidelines, specialist heritage consultation needed to preserve significant features. Maintaining and revealing heritage features wherever possible, the home has been sensitively and skilfully restored to accentuate its historic bones. Plasterwork, light fittings and original materials, from the front hall to…

Surrounded by water on either side, Palm Beach on Sydney’s most northern peninsula is a sun-kissed beachside oasis within cooee of the city, perfect for a family weekender. With a prime waterfront location, the owners of this bungalow were primarily concerned with creating an open-plan layout that utilised space effectively, and establishing a more fluent transition from interior to exterior, as is befitting of a holiday retreat. Aesthetic choices for the project were focused on a “handmade” character, with fittings, finishes, lighting and cladding all expressing a penchant for quality. Pairedback styling sits somewhere between traditional European and coastal Hamptons, transposed to an Australian beach setting. Reflecting the owners’ brief, the kitchen is open, light, simple and deeply connected to the outdoors. Ceiling-height folding doors to one side can be…

In Sydney’s established Eastern Suburbs, a professional couple was in possession of a much sought-after heritage 19th-century terrace in desperate need of a 21st-century makeover. The team at Alexandra Kidd Design were called on to bring the terrace up to date, creating a generous and functional kitchen and dining area filled with natural light. A previously small kitchen and skinny sitting area were done away with, replaced by a rear extension to house a modern, spacious and light-filled kitchen, sitting area and dining room. Jessica Gombault, interior design associate at Alexandra Kidd Design, states: "We tried to keep as much of the existing house as we could, where we could, and optimised every inch of space. We doubled the footprint of the rear kitchen, adding a large skylight, an impressive…

Melbourne architects Warwick Mihaly and Erica Slocombe of Mihaly Slocombe Architects were challenged to create a home honouring the past while adapting the space to meet the family’s needs now and in years to come. "Nikki and Dave purchased a 1950s Art Deco house to live in with their two primary school-aged children," says Warwick. "They treasured their home’s history and its warm, inviting feel, but needed to introduce more flexibility and cohesion to transform it into their forever home. The original house and its relationship to the street has been carefully maintained, while the extension politely emerges at the rear. The extension’s form meets with and extends the existing roofline, subtle and congruous." From the street, the frontage looks unchanged and is in sync with the local streetscape. The…

“Natural hardwood is hardwearing and provides a connection to the architectural cladding that encases the home Getting a mastery in outdoor cooking is a fine art. It’s not just about being equipped with coal, grill and gas burner, it’s about creating a functional, uncluttered space that honours the surrounding landscape while encouraging a sense of community and friendship through shared experience. For the owners of this outdoor sanctuary, it was about creating a space where family and friends want to linger, connecting with the people and place around them. A considered use of materials and form unites the natural and culinary worlds, creating a first-rate dining experience. Opening out from a spacious openplan interior, the exterior deck honours the interior space it’s born from and the seascape it becomes a…