Table of contents for Vol. 26 2022 in Kitchen Yearbook

Contemporary farmhouse kitchens are a dynamic take on the farmhouse concept with plenty of textural elements, but there’s also an innovative infusion of contemporary colour and form. The colour palette of this new kitchen combines white, black and neutral earthy tones that complement the lighter hues. The trio of colours works well together. The placement of cupboards, drawers, shelving and appliances is easy on the eye — it’s well balanced, creating a pleasing symmetry. The homeowners wanted a child-friendly materiality to the space and this Polytec Valla profile in Prime Oak was the perfect combination. The ribbed details of the profile, pared with black hardware, injected a masculine vibe into the space. The Carrara marble benchtops introduce luxury, while being able to withstand knocks and scrapes, which is important in…

When making major kitchen decisions, most people consider the holy trinity of appliances at the top of their list: the refrigerator, the oven and stove, and the dishwasher. Yet as technology advances and we spend more and more time cooking at home, a renewed focus on small appliances and cookware has emerged. Kitchen designers across the country are fielding more requests for things like built-in coffee machines, appliance cabinets and specialist cabinetry to suit a host of pots, pans and other utensils that were once last on the list of kitchen considerations for most Australian homeowners. But what are the latest and greatest products when it comes to small appliances and cookware? What is a nice-to-have and what products do we actually need to consider when it comes to kitchen…

A family of four and their resident canine, living in a bungalow in leafy Clarence Gardens in South Australia, were in dire need of a new kitchen. They wanted a light, bright and functional area. The existing kitchen was a lacklustre space that had cupboards with chocolate-brown fronts. Moreover, the layout was impractical and a corner pantry was not space efficient. Shane and Kerrie, the owners, are friends of Nathan and Ellen Wundersitz of SpaceCraft Joinery and the design collaboration evolved on a relaxed Sunday afternoon. As the wine came pouring out, so did the inspiration. Kerrie had a pile of it — a whole Pinterest page full. Basically, what that boiled down to were four key elements: her main colour was a sage choice (a lovely tranquil sage), plus…

This stunning Hamptons-style kitchen is the latest offering from Sensational Kitchens. The homeowners wanted an open-plan haven that included ample living space made up of the kitchen, a dining room and a casual sitting room. The client engaged builders to remove a wall that enclosed the kitchen and installed large windows to create a connection to a new outdoor deck area. With walls removed, a beam across the room and a post in the centre of the new room had to stay, so they were incorporated into the island. Sensational Kitchens designed stunning panels to wrap around the post to match the cabinetry. This is a stellar example of how problem solving can lead to a wonderful opportunity to create something bespoke. Such a large island also afforded the owners…

This kitchen area has been completely transformed thanks to the experienced team at Kitchen Shop QLD. The kitchen you see now is unrecognisable compared to its former self, which included a drop ceiling, high breakfast bar joinery, crowded cupboard space and black and cream tones throughout. It comes as no surprise that the owners wanted to modernise the property without losing the traditional appeal of its location. Their aim was to add their own touch of luxury both inside and out to match the property’s prime suburban location with elevated views. The heart of this abode certainly meets the brief since being upgraded by Kitchen Shop QLD and exudes special and luxurious design features that are sure to last a lifetime. The feature island with stone waterfall ends takes centre…

A family home in the heritage bayside suburb of Middle Park received a fresh update thanks to Inset Kitchens. Built in 1915, the three-bedroom house was in need of a new extension, with the homeowners’ brief calling for “a modern kitchen on trend”. Designed by Ed Mamrot, the main design consideration was the integration of all the mod cons in hardware fittings and appliances while maintaining a clean, minimalist look. The simplicity of the design effortlessly blends with the rest of the house. And you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to create a functional, harmonious space — simple features such as the thick feature edgings of the stone bench create a subtle impact. Overlay planked timber floor in limed oak complements the natural tones of the cabinetry…

Beauty and innovation are the hallmarks of this exceptional designer kitchen by Jag Kitchens. With two adult children, ease of use and access for appliances were on the homeowner’s wish list. An open nook for this function took care of that, with the aesthetics matching seamlessly with the Polytec features and stunning custom curved panel. WingLine cabinets provide easy and uninterrupted access to crockery that is specific to this zone, and Häfele pull-out mechanisms create further practical storage solutions to the space. Cabinet doors are polyurethane two-pack Haymes Dream, and Polytec Woodmatt Prime Oak. The panels are Polytec Wood -matt custom panels in Prime Oak, and marble Tundra Grey. Pre renovation, the kitchen was a collection of inaccessible and impractical deep, dark cupboards — certainly not the order of the…

Situated in the leafy suburb of Lane Cove on Sydney’s North Shore, this stunning apartment kitchen was recently transformed by Dezign Kitchens to enhance the look and feel of this space by inviting the outdoors in. The previous space was a typical 2000s Australian apartment kitchen with cream laminate doors, a grey diamond-tiled splashback and a shiny, black engineered-stone benchtop with glittery silver flecks throughout. The kitchen felt dated and tired. It was also separated from the living space by a mid-height wall, initially created to imitate the idea of a bar area. The wall, however, served only to make the space feel enclosed and small. There was also minimal overhead storage, meaning the kitchen always felt cluttered as there was nowhere for the owners to store their belongings. It…

Kate Anderson couldn’t believe it when she won the National People’s Choice Award, given annually by the Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Institute (KBDi) and Kitchens and Bathrooms Quarterly. When we at the magazine told her she had won the award for this kitchen, she said she was in shock and the news would need time to sink in. Kate Anderson Design (KAD) only launched last year but it clearly has a great following already. Fresh coastal vibes mix with subtle masculine styling inside this bespoke kitchen, designed by Kate, that focuses on ergonomic design and functionality. Along with a slew of practical enhancements, the placement of colours and finishing materials in this kitchen renovation has made it visually cohesive and highly appealing. The crisp Lexicon satin two-pack cabinetry offers the…

A cohesive kitchen that could serve as a functional space while also working with the open-plan living area. This was the brief handed down by the owners to Nobby Kitchens for this new build. Wanting to bring warmth and character into the heart of their new home, the homeowners selected Nobby Kitchens’ Bronte Shaker-style doors for their cabinets and panels. The beautiful, crisp white of the Shaker-style panelling was the perfect choice to complement the living space, maintaining its light and airy feel. The cabinets were also used within the butler’s pantry and tie in seamlessly with its custom-made open shelving wall For the ultimate in storage and superior functionality, all of the wall units are run on Blum’s SERVO-DRIVE system with LED strip lighting. Silestone was used for the…

A spectacular kitchen was desperately needed to reflect the rest of this beautiful acreage home. The former basic kit home kitchen which lacked thought in materials and design has now been completely transformed into a jaw-dropping space thanks to Anita Nader Interior Design, Mii Kitchen and CAV’ART Designer Stone. The beautiful natural stone is the centrepiece to this kitchen renovation and was selected from CAV’ART Designer Stone in Taj Mahal Quartzite in a honed profile. The stone is juxtaposed with custom American oak cabinetry and panels that have been stained in a black Japan varnish. The result is a high-end and luxurious aesthetic that emanates class and character. The generous island bench offers plenty of surface space for meal preparation and entertaining. One of the main considerations when designing this…

Stocks Designer Appliances & Bathrooms has been owned and operated by the Stock family since 1975. They were one of the first specialist premium appliance retailers in Brisbane. Since 1975, their knowledge, experience and range have made them a favourite of clients and design professionals throughout south-east Queensland. This is Brisbane’s only one-stop kitchen, laundry and bathroom showroom. The Clayfield and Ashgrove showrooms are the perfect destinations for homeowners, designers, architects and other design professionals to view, select and specify for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. As part of the Designer Appliances group, Stocks Designer Appliances & Bathrooms is a member of the largest independent premium appliance group in Australia. With 23 stores across Australia, the national support and buying power behind this company facilitates its friendly and expert service. The…

TRENDING DESIGN ELEMENTS HIDDEN AWAY Uninterrupted eyelines can create a larger sense of space and invite a feeling of calm, even in a room as busy and utilitarian as a kitchen. Thankfully, there are several clever ways to conceal parts of your kitchen that may otherwise make it more cluttered. The bifold doors in this St Kilda kitchen designed by Hannah Kidd hide all the kitchen utilities. The black-painted doors also add depth to the space and are a beautiful contrast to all the white that surrounds it in the interior and exterior. Meanwhile, Häfele’s HAWA Concepta wooden pivot sliding doors create versatility in the kitchen, with pockets allowing for the cabinet doors to slide in and be completely concealed from view. Aside from adding to the functionality of the…

A dated and cramped 90s-style kitchen was long overdue for an upgrade to accommodate the homeowners, a busy young family. Smith & Smith Kitchens was called in to transform this space into a monochromatic delight, with ample storage for ease of use and functionality. The previous kitchen was quite small, so the owners requested the removal of two walls to increase the sense of space and scale. The new arrangement saw the kitchen move from under the corner window to the centre of the space, thereby providing better access to the surrounding rooms. The owners requested a linear, minimalist kitchen that would showcase robust materials using strong, bold, monochromatic colours. With this in mind, the old colonial style was banished and replaced with a sleek and contemporary design. The result…

This freshly renovated kitchen adopts a modern take on the traditional Hamptons style and the outcome is outstanding. Designed as a practical space for a busy family, storage was key to the success of this kitchen. Taking care of business in this regard is a walk-in butler’s pantry with open shelving and a large bench for small appliances and food preparation. Bifold doors offer easy access to items the family use every day, while the fridge and freezer are fully integrated and blend beautifully with the painted Shaker cabinetry. More than highly practical, this kitchen never skimps on style. Case in point: the Caesarstone benchtops and tantalising tile splashback. With its black cabinetry and white Caesarstone benchtop, the central island is another standout feature, providing ample space for multiple family…

This timeless offering by Kitchen Crew is an enchanting room that is a delight to spend time in. Each element has been thoughtfully composed and constructed to create a beautiful workspace. The two-pack Shaker-style cabinetry in Dulux Juvenile at the back and side of the kitchen adds contemporary flair. The kitchen island is finished in Navurban Auchenflower to complement the cabinetry, and the benchtops finished in Caesarstone Fresh Concrete complete the look. The fluted glass to the doors adds another textural element to this kitchen and its expansive view — the scenery is very much a part of this space. It’s warm and light filled thanks to generous windows and glazing that stretch to the soaring cathedral-style ceiling. Plenty of windows also allow cooling summer breezes to flow through. The…

Immaculate Kitchens was tasked with building a kitchen that would be used for a cooking show and therefore had to be both userfriendly and visually appealing. As a chef’s kitchen, its usability was paramount, and its design and construction were meticulously planned out in every possible way. Boasting all the bells and whistles, this TV-ready kitchen excels in its use of mixed materials and colour palette. From timber textures and black cabinetry to pendant lighting and crisp-white benchtop and cupboards, its neutral palette is timeless and classic while allowing the recipes to do the talking. Microcement was selected to adorn the splashback and floors, providing a raw and natural texture to the space which complements the rustic nature of the timber accents accordingly. There is an incredible amount of depth…

Open-plan living has never looked so good. This kitchen is a beautiful and functional space that is big on charm. Before the renovation, the space was a closed room with minimal storage. The clients wanted to open up the space and remove walls to create a more open-plan layout that connected their living spaces. The new kitchen design has formed a seamless synergy between the two zones. The splashback, formed from Stone Ambassador in Ottoman Grey, makes for a stunning statement in the room that continues onto the kitchen island. The painted-timber frame of the kitchen island unit is also a standout. The addition of floating shelves in the coffee nook adds a splash of functionality that allows the owners to display their treasures without cluttering the countertops, and a…

The owner of this kitchen was keen on achieving a balance between aesthetics and function. What resulted is an unconventional space showcasing the owner’s love of art-led design and individuality. This kitchen creates a stylish, elegant, if not a little whimsical, space for city apartment living. This spot used to be an inner-city Art Deco warehouse factory producing Buicks and Jaguars. The high-vaulted off-form concrete ceilings presented an excellent opportunity for a conversion into residential spaces in the ‘80s. The previous kitchen was a product of this time and needed a complete overhaul to remove the faux salmon pink benchtops and flimsy chipboard cabinets. This new kitchen, for all its drama and uniqueness, follows one design principle — it embodies the essence of its owner, a career artist who wanted…

This kitchen was designed as part of a renovation. The new design combined the dark-timber chopping block and chairs with the soft timber floors and the white cabinetry to create a harmonious yet striking appearance. The natural light that pours in from the large windows in the living area, combined with the kitchen skylight, allows the materials to really shine. An LED strip light rebated into the underside of the upper cabinets allows extra benchtop light. The space is ergonomic with separate cooking, preparation and washing zones, minimising the traffic throughout the space. The fronts have been custom-made to have 20mm stiles and rails instead of the standard 70mm, while the cabinet internals were made dark instead of white. There is an exceptional amount of storage space in the base…

An old falling-apart kitchen takes on new life with an elegant modern farmhouse feel that offers a timeless appeal. Designed by Darcy Zerafa of Better Bathrooms & Kitchens, this revamped cooking zone projects a Hamptons-style luxury reinforced by a classic colour palette. Navy Blue Shaker cabinets on the peninsula form the foundation of the new kitchen, set off by a high-contrast white frame of upper cabinets and a textured backsplash that really make the space ‘pop’. The use of bright white helped to lift the room and bring in the light, something sorely lacking in the previous kitchen iteration. The open and highly-functional layout further assisted the creation of a sense of space, and truly allows the fixtures and fittings to shine. A white, fluted fireclay farmhouse sink exudes a…

This kitchen with OptiBoard cabinets by MODULR+ is a modern, functional space with an understated elegance. The colours chosen, OptiGlaz Anthracite and OptiGlaz Ice White, offer a two-tone approach, the darker contemporary colours creating a beautiful distinction with the lighter hues. It was planned and ordered via the MODULR+ Online Kitchen Builder, where selecting and planning your dream kitchen is made easy. The online configurator guides clients through the process of selecting the various components. The cabinets are then assembled in MODULR+'s Sydney factory using the Titusonic ultrasonic fastening method before being dispatched fully assembled and ready to install. With Titusonic technology, MODULR+ kitchens are assembled at least three times faster than traditional joinery methods. The seven-business-day dispatch turnaround ensured the project could be delivered on time and within budget.…

Momo Handles have just launched their stylish new range, an exquisitely crafted timber collection made in Australia from the finest of timbers. The collection boasts five unique styles. Each design is available in three different timbers — American Oak, Blackbutt and Walnut — with the option of an oiled or raw finish on each. The warmth and beauty of natural timber is timeless and offers wide textural appeal thanks to each type of timber’s unique qualities. Walnut is a strong and stable hardwood, with a variation in grain colour that creates a handsome and desirable finish to suit premium interiors. American Oak has an attractive grain with a light hue that is highly regarded for its visual appeal and works well in contemporary designs. Blackbutt is an Australian native species…

THE BIG FIVE CATEGORY Best Kitchen Design WINNER Paiano Design with Jenna Karrer Design (NSW) THE VISION This charismatic kitchen, nestled in the leafy suburb of Alfords Point, NSW, boasts creativity and flair. With an open-plan and eastern aspect, this space basks in dappled light that comes through the soaring gumtrees around it. The designers were inspired by this in their selections of colours and finishes. A fusion of retro and contemporary aesthetics, the focal point is a one-of-a-kind curved perforated metal island. A subtle eucalyptus (Grass Sands — Dulux) polyurethane backdrop, paired with steel-framed reeded glass, encourages light to dance around the undulating surfaces. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID The judges were wowed and loved the layout and material, colour palette and on-trend functionality. CATEGORY Best Laundry Design WINNER Northern…

This kitchen has been completely overhauled and customised for functionality and style. The main requirement was a kitchen design that would accommodate friends and overseas visitors, as the family values cooking and socialising and wanted that to be effortless in this kitchen. The custom Wood Marble & White cabinetry provides an elegant aesthetic with a touch of traditional style. Bespoke trim on the door panels adds a textural interest that makes this kitchen a standout. Glass-fronted display cabinets, featuring black internals that enhance the sense of depth, turn storage into a showcase. The design is characterised by a large, above-average-length kitchen island that incorporates generous storage and stunning feature lighting. The island makes a bold focal statement while providing additional functionality for the family. The sweeping counter space acts as…

This modern, spacious kitchen speaks volumes about good design and quality materials. The clients were looking for a light and bright space, and this new kitchen by Inset Kitchens is a warm, welcoming area, a classic kitchen with plenty of style. Before the renovation, the existing U-shaped kitchen was in need of new storage concepts and a major design uplift to modernise the space. There are many features that make this new kitchen project a standout, both in practical aspects and the overall look of the space. This is a kitchen that just spells “wow”. The homeowners wanted a modern, functioning kitchen that still maintained a classic look, to flow with the rest of the home. The continuation of the stunning existing brush box timber floor from the adjacent living…

This generously appointed kitchen features open timber shelving with a marble splashback behind. The timber detail blends with the timber flooring and breaks up the expanse of white. Before the renovation, the kitchen was U-shaped, with dark-profiled timber cabinetry. The new colour palette is modern and tasteful. The minimal profile detailing on the doors introduces texture into this all-white kitchen. Its contemporary, clean lines are modern and sleek. The owners wanted an uncluttered space, so the walk-in pantry is perfect as it provides room to store small appliances. It was constructed entirely of cabinetry, with bifold profiled doors to match. A custom bar with bifold door houses a wine fridge, which echoes the kitchen details with integrated strip lighting to create a luxe space. EXPERT TIP If you prefer a…

Some kitchens simply take your breath away — and this room from Smith & Smith Kitchens is one of them. From the timeless shaker cabinetry and lining board panels to the contemporary square-edged benchtop and pared-back canopy, this kitchen is a recipe for stylish success. The almost navy colour on the cabinetry was chosen to blur the lines between blue and black, ensuring that the dark appliances truly appeared at home in the space. This cabinetry was teamed with perfectly centred brass handles, providing a fresh take on a traditional look. When this cabinetry is partnered with the natural stone benchtops, the result is fresh and modern yet not so far from traditional as to be jarring. These natural honed marble benchtops were chosen not only for their striking looks,…

To design and build a kitchen with wow factor is no easy feat, but the Danishborn Gamborg brothers from DK Design Kitchens are no strangers to creating a kitchen zone that is at one with an entire living environment. Scandinavian design is what they do best — a style that simply never dates or goes out of fashion. The mantra “less is more” is often used when it comes to a Scandi aesthetic, but this doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing exciting flair. The two existing reclaimed timber columns were the main consideration for this kitchen space, each offering an intriguing point of difference while still seamlessly working with the Scandi style. The combination of warm timbers, beautiful textures, neutral colours and natural stones sing in harmony to create one symphony. Minimising…

With a passionate squad of knowledgeable designers and cabinetmakers, the team at Dana Kitchens are industry leaders in the renovation sector, renowned for their passion in creating beautiful designs for their clients. Take, for example, their latest design project. On first glance, elegant and comfortably cosy come to mind. The team have perfectly combined modern, contemporary and classic design. The wooden bar stools give the space a traditional feel, yet the white colour palette contrasts perfectly with the wooden hues to invite in space and light. Space and seamless movement were big considerations for the clients. They wanted extra room on the sides of the cooktop and around the sink. They also wanted ease of movement in the family living area and to turn the outdoor space into a friendly,…

The kitchen is the heart of the family home, and often one of the first rooms Darren James Interiors will design. Darren and his family wanted a galley-style kitchen with a walkthrough scullery, coupled with a breakfast sitting area for casual seating and meals. Adequate kitchen storage is always essential, and this was achieved through the inclusion of many drawers. Balance in any design improves the aesthetic of the space, so instead of heavy overhead cabinetry, an eye-catching curved rangehood feature was designed, as well as a simple floating shelf wrapped in stainless steel and painted in an industrial two-pack. The benchtops — so important in the kitchen space — are Staron Solid Surface, ensuring a quality durable finish. The colour chosen was Bright White in a 19mm thickness. The…

Geelong Tiles & Bathware (GT&B) were called upon to collaborate with design firm Resident Avenue to create a new lifestyle concept store for Greenhouse Interiors in Geelong. The space was previously an unrenovated retail store that did not include a kitchen. However, Greenhouse Interiors’ vision for a lifestyle concept store where “everything is shoppable” made it imperative to include a kitchen in the revamped space. Resident Avenue had a lot of creative freedom on this project. The main brief was to create a timeless, textural kitchen that used the highest quality materials, appliances and fittings. It was an easy decision, then, to approach the team at GT&B to help in sourcing products to deliver this vision Showcasing Australian brands was a priority with the design of this kitchen, and the…

Imagine waking up each morning, putting on your robe and slippers, meandering your way into the kitchen as you rub your weary eyes and catching a glimpse of the ocean views from the kitchen sink. This serene wake-up call is exactly what the homeowners of this abode get to experience daily. Seaside backdrop aside, it’s the back wall of the kitchen that truly shines. Immediately striking is the amazing Belling Richmond Deluxe range cooker and feature rangehood. This British-made range cooker is a dream for any cooking enthusiast! The linear panels pair perfectly with the feature panelling adorning the gable. Herringbone patterning in a Carrara marble finish draws the eye to the splashback, which sits alongside glass cabinets that edge the back wall. The owners love to showcase some of…

Mama is a relaxing retreat, a beautiful place to recharge from the surrounding world. It is a unique project in which designer Kate Lawrence pays homage to her past by reimagining her family home with her mother, creating a space that reflects a sense of quiet and serenity. The home boasts soaring ceilings and ample natural light. The beautiful earthy palette of materials is reflected in the use of oak as the primary material in the kitchen. Timber invites warmth and nature into the space. The kitchen cabinetry is complemented by the muted concrete countertops — the smooth, streamlined and structural straight lines work well with the gentle curves and unpredictability of the wood’s natural grain. Faucet Strommen’s beautiful Australian-made tapware has been used to give the space a touch…

In this post-COVID world, outdoor entertaining spaces are top of mind if you’re renovating. Essentially, if an outdoor kitchen isn’t on the list, you need to reevaluate! That’s where Artusi’s outdoor kitchen solutions come in. Unmatched in its design appeal, build quality, robustness and product selection, Artusi’s latest outdoor kitchen is almost essential in modern Australian outdoor spaces. Made in Australia, constructed from weatherproof materials and specifically designed for outdoor use, Artusi’s outdoor kitchen is available fully cladded or just as a benchtop using Spanish-made Ascale stone that has ultraviolet resistance. The stone is also fireproof and non-combustible, making it perfect for cooking areas. Galvanised powder-coated steel panels finished in a textured black enamel complete this stylish and functional piece of outdoor furniture. The range of Artusi’s outdoor appliances has…

Choosing the right cabinet application for your kitchen, bathroom or living area can transform functionality around the home. Products such as Blum’s AVENTOS lift systems not only provide increased functionality, but also gives homeowners and renovators the ability to utilise quality hardware that complements their designs as well as meeting today’s design trends. AVENTOS lift systems are an ergonomic and practical solution that is suitable to almost every overhead storage application. Blum’s range of lift systems helps homeowners achieve easy access and better workflows by moving cabinet fronts up and out of the way, allowing clear access to the entire contents of the cabinet, preventing the need to duck and weave around open cabinet doors. The AVENTOS range of lift systems ensure no overhead cabinet space is wasted, no matter…