Country Kitchens - A Family Classic

Photography by Tony Potter
Styling by Amy Howker

Christine and Neil's plans for renovating their kitchen included getting rid of an obstructing laundry wedged between the kitchen and dining room. Now they have a big open-plan living area and the drums and hums of washing machines and dryers has given way to a culinary chorus in the stylish new kitchen.

Story by Zoe Liddy

The Stackpool's much-loved 36-year-old home in Sydney's northern suburbs has given them shelter for 17 years, though for Christine that's also meant 17 years of putting up with circumnavigating the laundry to get meals to the dining room. "We wanted it to be one big room because you'd feel like you were either in the kitchen or the family room; and if we entertained, people would be split up," Christine explains. Her brother-in-law Aldo was on hand to help with the construction work, so Christine and Neil started compiling a wish list for their new kitchen. For the overall look, they wanted something clean-lined, comfortable and relaxed that fit the style of the house. "The house isn't modern so we didn't want an ultra-modern look that would date because it's not a job you'd do every couple of years," she says.

Before making any decisions, Christine and Neil scoured magazines, took advice from friends and visited a lot of showrooms for inspiration. The three-month-long planning process was helped greatly by Elizabeth Clarke, a designer at Kellyville Kitchens. "She just listened to what we wanted and she threw some ideas my way too," Christine recalls. Desperate for plenty of cupboard space, they included a floor-to-ceiling pantry and forfeited a breakfast bar to make room for more storage. Liz also designed bi-fold doors for corner cupboards so they could access otherwise hard-to-reach spots. Christine loves all the soft-close drawers too, not to mention the array of quality stainless-steel appliances at the ready. "I can leave pav in the oven and open the door to let it finish off," she smiles. "I couldn't do that before."

While the couple sourced all their own appliances, Elizabeth organised the cupboards, sink, taps and benchtops. Her colleagues took out the old kitchen before installing the new one too, after which a lovely panelled cedar window was put in over the sink to complete the new look. Custom-made glass cabinets were added to enhance the flow to the living area and "so I could have a few nice things in them," Christine adds. They're fitted with downlights that can be turned on independently so the kitchen doesn't shout at them when they're trying to unwind of an evening. It's been a year since the renovation and the Stackpools are just as delighted as they were on day one. "After all the time and thought we put in to it, seeing it come together and take shape exactly how we envisaged has been quite rewarding," Christina smiles. "Home's a lovely place to relax with family and friends and it's a pleasure now to be in the kitchen."

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