Country Kitchens - Easy Elegance

A stately Federation home is fitted with an equally impressive kitchen that's set up perfectly for entertaining.

Story by Zoe Liddy

Built at the turn of the century, this home in the Perth suburb of Guildford originally belonged to a notable businessman and his family, and it was a vision of grandness right down to the coach house at the rear of the property. Helmed by many over the years, its most recent incarnation was as an Art Deco-inspired restaurant with a commercial stainless-steel kitchen. But now, thanks to the efforts of its current owners, its heritage feel has been revived - and nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen.

Fans of the more 'old-fashioned' things in life, the owners recall being taken by a Farmers Kitchens advertisement when they were looking for inspiration for their renovation. Their enquiries led them to The Maker Designer Kitchens, which had a sample of a Farmers' one set up in the showroom and soon after, Carmen Hansberry was on board as designer. From there it was just a matter of compiling a list of their preferred appliances and supplying Carmen with a directive for the design. "I was asked to create a kitchen with a traditional feel in keeping with the style of the house; with modern fixtures, fittings and appliances as well as a chimney breast," she relates. "Beyond that I got full rein on the design so it was exciting to deal with the owners."

Taking into account that the pair are keen entertainers, she designed the kitchen for utmost convenience with an overarching focus on symmetry to please the eye. A cooker in the middle of the u-shape design provides a focal point, and the main "working triangle" of island benchtop, cooker and sink is positioned away from the fridge, coffee machine and microwave so that anyone nipping into the kitchen for a quick snack won't get in the way of the cook. This makes all the difference when the couple are busy hosting guests as they can flit unimpeded between elements, relying on top-quality appliances to cut down on labour. Rounding out the design are easy-clean granite benchtops, soft-close drawers, a walk-in pantry to keep clutter at bay and a built-in wine rack that Carmen incorporated into the edge of the cabinetry for added interest.

All in all, the kitchen stands as a successful cohesion of style and functionality, a neat compromise between period sensibility and modern conveniences. As for the owners, they couldn't be happier with it. "There's lots of room for the family now, with plenty of space to move around and benches big enough for spreading out plates to dish food up on. It's old-fashioned in style yet modern and functional, and just flows so easily."

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