This renovated kitchen was part of a year-long whole house restoration with the goal a Hamptons look based on a neutral palette and open-plan interiors. Because the room dimensions weren’t large, the owners confess they strived “to try and do some smart things.”
FROM THE GROUND UP
One of the first steps was to jackhammer the old slate tiles and replace with bamboo floorboards in a rich walnut stain. The home owner says both the colour and surface has been a resounding success. “The floor is hard as nails and easy to keep clean. I would happily have it again.” The dark floor acts as a base for the neutral colour scheme in the rest of the room. The walls are painted half-strength Dulux White Duck while the cupboards and appliances stick to a motif of white teamed with stainless steel, even down to the drawer and cupboard handles.
COOKER CHIC
The major design feature of this kitchen is undoubtedly the impressive ILVE cooker which has two ovens, four standard gas burners, two wok burners and two sets of long burners – each of which can be used with the optional teppanyaki plate, barbecue-grill plates or the ILVE steamers. “I still need to have lessons to use it,” the owner laughs. There are also two warming drawers. The ILVE sits on legs rather than having a plinth base and its depth means additional large pans can be stored underneath and concealed from view.
But the cooker’s most unusual feature may be the tap on the splashback. “Th e builder laughed out loud at the very idea,” the owner recalls. “But it’s been so very useful and practical and everyone remarks on what a good idea it is.” She admits it was an expensive addition, imported from the US, but worth its cost. Its swiveling bi-fold arm means it’s easy to move out for use and back in for afterwards, and allows large cooking pots to be filled with ease on the spot.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
The space features more drawers than cupboards as per the owner’s request, who believes drawers provide more efficient storage. “All thin drawers,” she explains, “all purpose built. They’re designed for specific things like knives, serving containers or fl atware.” Even the pantry, which sits behind bi-fold doors, has drawers. “I have everything organised with one of the three big drawers for tinned goods, one for dry foods and so on. It’s much easier to see exactly what I have. I think everyone should rethink their pantries and consider using drawers.”
BLENDING IN
The kitchen sits at the end of the open-plan living and dining area and has been designed to avoid an ‘in your face’ presentation, seamlessly blending into the look and feel of the whole area. Eyes are drawn instead to the spectacular northern beaches view from the windows, to the furniture in the living areas, the luxurious silk drapes and the dramatic fireplace. All in all, the kitchen is a supporting act that uses its small dimensions to great effect – not only in its stunning design but also in its clever practicality.
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Benchtops – Caesarstone in Whisper from Allambie Marble Crafts
Flooring – Bamboo stained in walnut from The Floor Shop
Cooker – ILVE upright stove system
Paint – Half-strength Dulux White Duck
Sink – IIVE OL-329 in stainless steel
Taps – Renaissance porcelain-handle extendable Vegi Sprayer in chrome from Renaissance Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchen cabinets – Coastline Cabinets, Brookvale
Drawers and Door Fronts – Tesrol 575 Design in polyurethane to match paint colour
Story by Jebby Phillips
Photography by Tony Potter
Styling by Kathryn Borglund