From the moment they first saw their property in Cranebrook, Sydney, Sue and Michael were taken with its huge open-plan kitchen, family and living area. Parents to boys aged three, four and six years old, they were keen to have lots of space, and this set-up would allow them to keep an eye on the kids playing while they cooked and cleaned. The house was only built in 2003, but the kitchen, which is in keeping with the rest of the home, has a Victorian look with a rustic edge. Despite the distinct period feel it evokes, it has all the sleek functionality of a contemporary kitchen – it’s just very heavily disguised!
FINER ELEMENTS
Designed by Old Charm Cabinets & Joinery in Penrith, the kitchen is made out of recycled Oregon timber and features elegant additions like corbels and pilasters that give it that touch of yesteryear. “I love the worn look because if the kids bump the cabinets it’s not going to stand out a great deal; it’s quite hardwearing so it’s very practical,” Sue says. The couple love that they have a whole lot of space to move about in. In fact, Michael has enough room to swing the children around in there. “It’s a good way to see how much the kids have actually grown!” Sue says. “It’s a great kitchen for us while we have little ones, because it’s big enough for them to run around in without hitting hot things.” There’s just one drawback to the otherwise “very relaxed” room – the tiles on the island bench require quite a bit of attention. “It’s hard to maintain the grout because it’s porous and sucks in liquid, which can cause discolouration,” she explains. “I’d like the benchtop to be timber, but because it’s quite big it might mean there’s just too much wood.”
ALL THE MOD CONS
As the kitchen is in a period style, the couple didn’t want modern appliances detracting from the look, so the big two-door fridge is hidden in the walk-in pantry, where its outline can only be made out vaguely through the thin metal mesh that covers the doors. The area also contains shelves for tins of food and other bits and pieces, and Sue loves the convenience of having it all located together. “From a shopping point of view you can just do a quick check between the two from the one spot, and that’s a big advantage,” she says. As for the microwave, it hides behind a roller door that’s part of the cabinetry. Th e pair love that they’ve got lots of hidey-holes for things, as it keeps everything neat – especially if unexpected guests pop round. “If there are a couple of big pots I can’t get clean quickly, I’ll just put them in there!” Sue laughs.
Most of their visitors comment on the kitchen’s size, the decluttering concepts and the chandelier that seems to finish the room. “When I first saw it I thought it looked out of place,” she says “but it’s actually grown on me because it fits the style. We have downlights but I find the chandelier is adequate when I’m working at the island
bench.” Although the kitchen’s style was predefined, Sue added her own touches here and there with a delightful array of Villeroy & Boch pieces she’s mixed and matched, including a tea set, German-style ceramic tealights and a few Willow Tree figurines. The result is a warmth and hominess that’s underscored by a strong functionality, giving this family of five the best of both worlds.
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Stove and oven – Ilve
Rangehood – Smeg
Fridge – Amana two-door with water and ice dispenser
Dishwasher – Fisher & Paykel two-drawer (not shown)
Tapware – Franke
Splashback – 10cm-square white tiles
Flooring – polished ironbark
Paint – Dulux Pale Vellum
Story by Zoe Liddy
Photography by Tony Potter
Styling by Kirstin Randl-Katalinic