Search results for "Inclusion task" in Home Design Ideas


Eat-in kitchen - large u-shaped brick floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in New Orleans with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops


On this project, Gallery KBNY undertook one of our biggest home renovations to date. The project was a complete overhaul and gut renovation of a Brooklyn brownstone, standing four-stories in the heart of Bed-Stuy, that involved touching every square inch of the entire space.
The owner of this property, a real estate developer who was looking for an all-inclusive firm to handle the entire process, hired Gallery and tasked us with creating an owner’s quadplex with a separate garden studio apartment as a rental unit.


Three Pillars Media
Transitional bathroom photo in Omaha with a vessel sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and brown walls
Transitional bathroom photo in Omaha with a vessel sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and brown walls


On this project, Gallery KBNY undertook one of our biggest home renovations to date. The project was a complete overhaul and gut renovation of a Brooklyn brownstone, standing four-stories in the heart of Bed-Stuy, that involved touching every square inch of the entire space.
The owner of this property, a real estate developer who was looking for an all-inclusive firm to handle the entire process, hired Gallery and tasked us with creating an owner’s quadplex with a separate garden studio apartment as a rental unit.


From the street, it’s an impeccably designed English manor. Once inside, the best of that same storied architecture seamlessly meshes with modernism. This blend of styles was exactly the vibe three-decades-running Houston homebuilder Chris Sims, founder and CEO of Sims Luxury Builders, wanted to convey with the $5.2 million show-home in Houston’s coveted Tanglewood neighborhood. “Our goal was to uniquely combine classic and Old World with clean and modern in both the architectural design as well as the interior finishes,” Chris says.
Their aesthetic inspiration is clearly evident in the 8,000-square-foot showcase home’s luxurious gourmet kitchen. It is an exercise in grey and white—and texture. To achieve their vision, the Sims turned to Cantoni. “We had a wonderful experience working with Cantoni several years ago on a client’s home, and were pleased to repeat that success on this project,” Chris says.
Cantoni designer Amy McFall, who was tasked with designing the kitchen, promptly took to the home’s beauty. Situated on a half-acre corner lot with majestic oak trees, it boasts simplistic and elegant interiors that allow the detailed architecture to shine. The kitchen opens directly to the family room, which holds a brick wall, beamed ceilings, and a light-and-bright stone fireplace. The generous space overlooks the outdoor pool. With such a large area to work with, “we needed to give the kitchen its own, intimate feel,” Amy says.
To that end, Amy integrated dark grey, high-gloss lacquer cabinetry from our Atelier Collection. by Aster Cucine with dark grey oak cabinetry, mixing finishes throughout to add depth and texture. Edginess came by way of custom, heavily veined Calacatta Viola marble on both the countertops and backsplash.
The Sims team, meanwhile, insured the layout lent itself to minimalism. “With the inclusion of the scullery and butler’s pantry in the design, we were able to minimize the storage needed in the kitchen itself,” Chris says. “This allowed for the clean, minimalist cabinetry, giving us the creative freedom to go darker with the cabinet color and really make a bold statement in the home.”
It was exactly the look they wanted—textural and interesting. “The juxtaposition of ultra-modern kitchen cabinetry and steel windows set against the textures of the wood floors, interior brick, and trim detailing throughout the downstairs provided a fresh take on blending classic and modern,” Chris says. “We’re thrilled with the result—it is showstopping.”
They were equally thrilled with the design process. “Amy was incredibly responsive, helpful and knowledgeable,” Chris says. “It was a pleasure working with her and the entire Cantoni team.”
Check out the kitchen featured in Modern Luxury Interiors Texas’ annual “Ode to Texas Real Estate” here.


Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Read the Houzz article about this home: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8077146/list/My-Houzz--French-Country-Meets-Southern-Farmhouse-Style-in-Georgia

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Chantilly, VA

Virginia Kitchen & Bath
Virginia's Award Winning One Stop Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Resource


Contemporary Kitchen Design Gold Coast – By Interiors By Darren James
PLACEMENT
The main living area runs East-West and enjoys extensive views of the magnificent cannels. The kitchen has been designed ensuring the best possible use of the stunning outlook.
Included in the client brief was the integration of the kitchen into the adjoining rooms being the meals and living area. The inclusion of the matching timber veneer shelves creates visual flow from the kitchen into the meals dining area and the use of natural materials and finishes in the kitchen combines well with clients existing furniture creating harmony within the space.
As requested by the client the kitchen has been designed to ensure that it is open and inviting to guests when entertaining whilst the large scullery provides the perfect hide away area for everyday items and appliances that can tend to clutter a kitchen.
LAYOUT & ZONES
A number of work zones with in the kitchen ensures the space operates efficiently at all times. The integrated frige/freezer and cooking appliances have been grouped together and placed in easy to reach heights specifically requested by the client. The appliances have been placed at one end of the island bench along the same wall that houses the pantry / scullery. This makes unloading the shopping effortless and keeps footsteps to a minimum.
The cleaning zone is located in the island bench allowing multiple users to undertake different tasks simultaneously. An additional sink has been placed in the scullery to assist with cleaning duties and to ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered when entertaining guests.
The cooking zone incorporates a 3.8m long custom made stainless steel profiled bench top. Stainless steel has been selected as it is the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for cooking.
Benchtop heights were designed at 900mm ensuring comfortable ergonomic working heights for the clients.
The dry bar and beverage centre has been placed at the entertaining end of the kitchen to avoid interruption to the kitchen workflows.
STORAGE
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a huge walk in scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use.
Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
FINSIHES
While the residence boasts resort style living, one of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious finishes that differed to your “standard 2-pac kitchen”. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance.
Gorgeous marble bench tops give the impression of elegance whilst adding character and a sense of light to the room. Adding to the visual appeal is the textured veneer as a dominant feature in the cabinetry. The natural feel of the veneer complements the honed travertine natural flooring whilst also creating eye catching contrast with the aluminum glass frame doors and custom stainless steel bench tops.
The absence of handles emphasizes the streamline and minalistic appeal of the kitchen. 25mm board was used throughout to enable a reversed rebated handle that still remained functional as a result of the extra thickness.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
APPLIANCES
In keeping with the seamless minimalistic design, the kitchen incorporates a range of integrated appliances including an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. The selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients healthy cooking style.
LIGHTING
Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of floor to ceiling glass stacker doors which run the entire length of the room as well as the specifically requested “bunker windows” placed in the splash backs (fire resistant glaze - in accordance with AS5601, Clause 5.12.1)
Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen bulkhead and overhead cabinets to illuminate task areas and work surfaces. Low energy pendent lights have been used above the meals / dining area creating a sense of ambience. Finished with a stunning tulle fabric these feature pendent lights balance and complement the harder finishes in the room.
PLACEMENT
The main living area runs East-West and enjoys extensive views of the magnificent cannels. The kitchen has been designed ensuring the best possible use of the stunning outlook.
Included in the client brief was the integration of the kitchen into the adjoining rooms being the meals and living area. The inclusion of the matching timber veneer shelves creates visual flow from the kitchen into the meals dining area and the use of natural materials and finishes in the kitchen combines well with clients existing furniture creating harmony within the space.
As requested by the client the kitchen has been designed to ensure that it is open and inviting to guests when entertaining whilst the large scullery provides the perfect hide away area for everyday items and appliances that can tend to clutter a kitchen.
LAYOUT & ZONES
A number of work zones with in the kitchen ensures the space operates efficiently at all times. The integrated frige/freezer and cooking appliances have been grouped together and placed in easy to reach heights specifically requested by the client. The appliances have been placed at one end of the island bench along the same wall that houses the pantry / scullery. This makes unloading the shopping effortless and keeps footsteps to a minimum.
The cleaning zone is located in the island bench allowing multiple users to undertake different tasks simultaneously. An additional sink has been placed in the scullery to assist with cleaning duties and to ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered when entertaining guests.
The cooking zone incorporates a 3.8m long custom made stainless steel profiled bench top. Stainless steel has been selected as it is the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for cooking.
Benchtop heights were designed at 900mm ensuring comfortable ergonomic working heights for the clients.
The dry bar and beverage centre has been placed at the entertaining end of the kitchen to avoid interruption to the kitchen workflows.
STORAGE
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a huge walk in scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use.
Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
FINSIHES
While the residence boasts resort style living, one of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious finishes that differed to your “standard 2-pac kitchen”. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance.
Gorgeous marble bench tops give the impression of elegance whilst adding character and a sense of light to the room. Adding to the visual appeal is the textured veneer as a dominant feature in the cabinetry. The natural feel of the veneer complements the honed travertine natural flooring whilst also creating eye catching contrast with the aluminum glass frame doors and custom stainless steel bench tops.
The absence of handles emphasizes the streamline and minalistic appeal of the kitchen. 25mm board was used throughout to enable a reversed rebated handle that still remained functional as a result of the extra thickness.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
APPLIANCES
In keeping with the seamless minimalistic design, the kitchen incorporates a range of integrated appliances including an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher. The selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients healthy cooking style.
LIGHTING
Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of floor to ceiling glass stacker doors which run the entire length of the room as well as the specifically requested “bunker windows” placed in the splash backs (fire resistant glaze - in accordance with AS5601, Clause 5.12.1)
Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen bulkhead and overhead cabinets to illuminate task areas and work surfaces. Low energy pendent lights have been used above the meals / dining area creating a sense of ambience. Finished with a stunning tulle fabric these feature pendent lights balance and complement the harder finishes in the room.


The house…
Situated in the elevated and prestigious suburb of Clayfield, one of Brisbane’s oldest and most established suburbs, this two story federation style manor is reminiscent of an age gone by.
The character and eclectic filled house was built in 1926 and whilst it has undergone various renovations over the years, the home still retains its appealing character and period features and proudly stands as a piece of Clayfield’s architectural history.
The brief…
Like many of the residents of Clayfield the owners are a professional middle aged couple and my client a female high court barrister.
Whilst the home boasts a spacious master bedroom ensuite, my client desired a bathroom of her very own – her own ‘personal sanctuary’. The existing main bathroom on the 2nd storey (opposite the main bedroom) provided the perfect space.
Elegant, soft and sophisticated were keywords used by the client to describe the desired feel of her proposed new bathroom and the brief she gave was clear - to design a ‘feminine but practical space’. She insisted that the room have the feeling and grandeur of the traditional home. However whilst she wanted to ensure respect was paid to the homes original features it was imperative that the bathroom incorporated the functions of a modern retreat.
Another request from the client was for an open layout that still included a private space for both the water closet and shower.
The solution…
The first task was to re-define the new space. The dividing wall that separated the previous bathroom and an un-used storage room (positioned directly behind the bathroom) was opened up. This not only paved the way for a much larger room but also allowed for more natural light, which was now able to flood the room through the retained lead lighting on the far eastern wall (once only seen from the old storage room).
We then set out to design a space that perfectly merged the traditional features in the room with a contemporary layout and understated modern finishes. To create consistency between the new and existing architecture we retained the raked ceiling and kept the original cornice, timber doorways and windows intact.
Echoing the style of the home we drew inspiration from the existing ‘lady of spring’ leadlight window from the original home. Setting the theme of the space the stunning piece of artwork provided the ideal backdrop and a focal point when entering the bathroom.
The challenge was to make the space private and intimate (as requested by the client) without destroying the sense of openness. To optimise the space we divided it up into task specific zones. The existing cavity between the two floors was large enough to allow us to reposition all services. A modern feminine take on the built in bath, a curved hob, follows the luxurious shape and softens the space.
In keeping with the clients request for a private shower and toilet, a large and very private shower was strategically positioned opposite the bath. With this in place a water closet with wall hung toilet was purposely positioned in the back left of the bathroom as not to detract from the overall design and provide the ultimate privacy.
At the front and entrance of the bathroom, custom cabinetry was designed to provide maximum storage and functionality. On the Southern wall a floating ‘double’ vanity and the Northern wall a dressing table complete with floating glass shelves offers a contemporary silhouette and functional eye level storage for perfumes and make up.
Extending on from the dresser is a large daybed which includes built in storage for towels, mats and other bathroom necessities.
Style & Feel
The rich palette of materials and finishes offers plenty of texture and movement and complements the classic and eclectic style of the home. The use of a large format ‘Royal Beige’ marble tile throughout create an air of spaciousness and cocooning, while the Sicis feature walls of exquisite glass ‘chestnut’ mosaics provides visual interest in the space.
Harmonising with the chestnut mosaic tiles, the richness of the Walnut stained Victorian Ash speaks the classical language and the profiled doors convey a sense of tradition in the redesign.
Drawing on the colour red seen in the ‘lady of spring’ lead lighting and to provide a punch of colour and feminine sophistication, ruby red velvet was selected for the upholstery ottoman and day bed. The upholstery also helps balance the space and further softens the room.
Elegant yet modern fixtures were selected again for their soft shape and feminie feel as well as being empathetic to the character of the home.
Small touches also enhance the private space such as the ease of grabbing a cozy heated towel from the heated towel rack as you step out of a relaxing hot bath or shower.
Even the simple inclusion of a dark painted boarder around the perimeter of the room creates a sense of warmth.
Lighting
Lighting for the re-designed room has been more directed at work areas with make-up lights strategically placed either side of both the vanity mirrors and dressing table mirror. Soft light for soaking in the tub is achieved with a wall dimmer connected to the main lighting. And adding a touch of opulence is a suspended classic ‘Larissa’ pendant from Custom Lighting.
Summary
It’s always a challenge designing a modern space that is sympathetic to a century old home and that conveys a sense of the age and the original architecture. But this design is proof that this can be achieved by creating a modern layout, layering classic finishes with contemporary forms.
The end result is a bathroom that possesses everything the client desires as well as reflects the personality and spirit of this beautiful home.


Gimnasio doméstico junto al dormitorio. En un duplex en Madrid.
Inspiration for a large contemporary light wood floor multiuse home gym remodel in Madrid with white walls
Inspiration for a large contemporary light wood floor multiuse home gym remodel in Madrid with white walls


We were instructed to refurbish an existing kitchen and specifically asked for a design that would be airy and modern to include some “wow factor” features to satisfy the very precise tastes of this design savvy client.
We were told to use the ovens from the old kitchen, to include a large island with seating and to create a visually attractive feature around the main entrance doorway.
We initially extended the mezzanine introducing a bulkhead above the window area which obscured the top of the units from above and this allowed mood up-lighting and task lighting to be introduced.
The junction between the new bulk head and Mezzanine created a natural break between the entrance door and the kitchen and we used this to define our approach.
A large solid ash pivot door was introduced to enhance the existing entrance. The angular solid ash frame was designed to absorb the angular nature of the surrounding architecture and its design considered the existing entrance and door head position with the precise pivoting position being calculated to work within these parameters.
The existing under floor heating meant that a conventional pivot system couldn’t be introduced into the floor so we sourced a specialised system that could be concealed within the door which needed only an 8mm protrusion into the floor.
The aesthetic impact of the pivot door was balanced with the inclusion of a matching solid ash barn door on the opposite side of the room with a solid ash tambour door helping to balance the look whilst providing the client with a small appliance garage.
The island was designed with simplicity in mind with subtle hidden layers helping to deliver impact.
The waterfall worktops create a monolithic presence from various angles which is purposefully contradicted by using heavily chamfered edges along the front of the island to create a floating appearance. The holistic impact is enhanced further by detaching the cabinetry from all surrounding surfaces and including LED lighting which can create a glowing effect at night.
The inclusion of a custom made Gutmann Abajo extraction system delivers unobtrusive functionality enhancing the look further.
The recessed grip handles were made from solid ash and designed to punctuate the design in a unique way, purposefully falling short of the door lengths and penetrating through into the tall cabinetry from the low level units. This required gables, doors and handles to be individually specified to create the look.
Some of the drawer fronts were oversized so as to conceal the large filler required to absorb the angles presented by the walls.
Blum Legrabox drawers and inserts were carefully programmed to deliver functional performance and these drawers helped to deliver a crisp and contemporary interior finish.
Derek Robinson Photography


The Brief
Designer Aron was tasked with creating the most of a wrap-around space in this Brighton property. For the project an on-trend theme was required, with traditional elements to suit the required style of the kitchen area.
Every inch of space was to be used to fit all kitchen amenities, with plenty of storage and new flooring to be incorporated as part of the works.
Design Elements
To match the trendy style of this property, and the Classic theme required by this client, designer Aron has condured a traditional theme of sage green and oak. The sage green finish brings subtle colour to this project, with oak accents used in the window framing, wall unit cabinetry and built-in dresser storage.
The layout is cleverly designed to fit the space, whilst including all required elements.
Selected appliances were included in the specification of this project, with a reliable Neff Slide & Hide oven, built-in microwave and dishwasher. This client’s own Smeg refrigerator is a nice design element, with an integrated washing machine also fitted behind furniture.
Another stylistic element is the vanilla noir quartz work surfaces that have been used in this space. These are manufactured by supplier Caesarstone and add a further allure to this kitchen space.
Special Inclusions
To add to the theme of the kitchen a number of feature units have been included in the design.
Above the oven area an exposed wall unit provides space for cook books, with another special inclusion the furniture that frames the window. To enhance this feature Aron has incorporated downlights into the furniture for ambient light.
Throughout these inclusions, highlights of oak add a nice warmth to the kitchen space.
Beneath the stairs in this property an enhancement to storage was also incorporated in the form of wine bottle storage and cabinetry. Classic oak flooring has been used throughout the kitchen, outdoor conservatory and hallway.
Project Highlight
The highlight of this project is the well-designed dresser cabinet that has been custom made to fit this space.
Designer Aron has included glass fronted cabinetry, drawer and cupboard storage in this area which adds important storage to this kitchen space. For ambience downlights are fitted into the cabinetry.
The End Result
The outcome of this project is a great on-trend kitchen that makes the most of every inch of space, yet remaining spacious at the same time. In this project Aron has included fantastic flooring and lighting improvements, whilst also undertaking a bathroom renovation at the property.
If you have a similar home project, consult our expert designers to see how we can design your dream space.
Arrange an appointment by visiting a showroom or booking an appointment online.


DESIGN STATEMENT:
GOLD COAST KITCHEN
Interior Designer: Darren James
www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au
Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation.
Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room.
The existing space
The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows.
Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth
To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking.
Wall Oven feature & room divider
A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity.
A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space.
To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate.
Functional cooking and cleaning zones
A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands.
A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area.
Practical Island Bench that packs a punch….
The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area.
The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly.
Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support.
Storage
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
Luxurious quality finishes
One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
Light it up
LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.

Sponsored
Chantilly, VA

Virginia Kitchen & Bath
Virginia's Award Winning One Stop Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Resource


We were instructed to refurbish an existing kitchen and specifically asked for a design that would be airy and modern to include some “wow factor” features to satisfy the very precise tastes of this design savvy client.
We were told to use the ovens from the old kitchen, to include a large island with seating and to create a visually attractive feature around the main entrance doorway.
We initially extended the mezzanine introducing a bulkhead above the window area which obscured the top of the units from above and this allowed mood up-lighting and task lighting to be introduced.
The junction between the new bulk head and Mezzanine created a natural break between the entrance door and the kitchen and we used this to define our approach.
A large solid ash pivot door was introduced to enhance the existing entrance. The angular solid ash frame was designed to absorb the angular nature of the surrounding architecture and its design considered the existing entrance and door head position with the precise pivoting position being calculated to work within these parameters.
The existing under floor heating meant that a conventional pivot system couldn’t be introduced into the floor so we sourced a specialised system that could be concealed within the door which needed only an 8mm protrusion into the floor.
The aesthetic impact of the pivot door was balanced with the inclusion of a matching solid ash barn door on the opposite side of the room with a solid ash tambour door helping to balance the look whilst providing the client with a small appliance garage.
The island was designed with simplicity in mind with subtle hidden layers helping to deliver impact.
The waterfall worktops create a monolithic presence from various angles which is purposefully contradicted by using heavily chamfered edges along the front of the island to create a floating appearance. The holistic impact is enhanced further by detaching the cabinetry from all surrounding surfaces and including LED lighting which can create a glowing effect at night.
The inclusion of a custom made Gutmann Abajo extraction system delivers unobtrusive functionality enhancing the look further.
The recessed grip handles were made from solid ash and designed to punctuate the design in a unique way, purposefully falling short of the door lengths and penetrating through into the tall cabinetry from the low level units. This required gables, doors and handles to be individually specified to create the look.
Some of the drawer fronts were oversized so as to conceal the large filler required to absorb the angles presented by the walls.
Blum Legrabox drawers and inserts were carefully programmed to deliver functional performance and these drawers helped to deliver a crisp and contemporary interior finish.
Derek Robinson Photography


We were instructed to refurbish an existing kitchen and specifically asked for a design that would be airy and modern to include some “wow factor” features to satisfy the very precise tastes of this design savvy client.
We were told to use the ovens from the old kitchen, to include a large island with seating and to create a visually attractive feature around the main entrance doorway.
We initially extended the mezzanine introducing a bulkhead above the window area which obscured the top of the units from above and this allowed mood up-lighting and task lighting to be introduced.
The junction between the new bulk head and Mezzanine created a natural break between the entrance door and the kitchen and we used this to define our approach.
A large solid ash pivot door was introduced to enhance the existing entrance. The angular solid ash frame was designed to absorb the angular nature of the surrounding architecture and its design considered the existing entrance and door head position with the precise pivoting position being calculated to work within these parameters.
The existing under floor heating meant that a conventional pivot system couldn’t be introduced into the floor so we sourced a specialised system that could be concealed within the door which needed only an 8mm protrusion into the floor.
The aesthetic impact of the pivot door was balanced with the inclusion of a matching solid ash barn door on the opposite side of the room with a solid ash tambour door helping to balance the look whilst providing the client with a small appliance garage.
The island was designed with simplicity in mind with subtle hidden layers helping to deliver impact.
The waterfall worktops create a monolithic presence from various angles which is purposefully contradicted by using heavily chamfered edges along the front of the island to create a floating appearance. The holistic impact is enhanced further by detaching the cabinetry from all surrounding surfaces and including LED lighting which can create a glowing effect at night.
The inclusion of a custom made Gutmann Abajo extraction system delivers unobtrusive functionality enhancing the look further.
The recessed grip handles were made from solid ash and designed to punctuate the design in a unique way, purposefully falling short of the door lengths and penetrating through into the tall cabinetry from the low level units. This required gables, doors and handles to be individually specified to create the look.
Some of the drawer fronts were oversized so as to conceal the large filler required to absorb the angles presented by the walls.
Blum Legrabox drawers and inserts were carefully programmed to deliver functional performance and these drawers helped to deliver a crisp and contemporary interior finish.
Derek Robinson Photography


DESIGN STATEMENT:
GOLD COAST KITCHEN
Interior Designer: Darren James
www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au
Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation.
Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room.
The existing space
The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows.
Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth
To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking.
Wall Oven feature & room divider
A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity.
A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space.
To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate.
Functional cooking and cleaning zones
A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands.
A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area.
Practical Island Bench that packs a punch….
The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area.
The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly.
Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support.
Storage
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
Luxurious quality finishes
One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
Light it up
LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.


The house…
Situated in the elevated and prestigious suburb of Clayfield, one of Brisbane’s oldest and most established suburbs, this two story federation style manor is reminiscent of an age gone by.
The character and eclectic filled house was built in 1926 and whilst it has undergone various renovations over the years, the home still retains its appealing character and period features and proudly stands as a piece of Clayfield’s architectural history.
The brief…
Like many of the residents of Clayfield the owners are a professional middle aged couple and my client a female high court barrister.
Whilst the home boasts a spacious master bedroom ensuite, my client desired a bathroom of her very own – her own ‘personal sanctuary’. The existing main bathroom on the 2nd storey (opposite the main bedroom) provided the perfect space.
Elegant, soft and sophisticated were keywords used by the client to describe the desired feel of her proposed new bathroom and the brief she gave was clear - to design a ‘feminine but practical space’. She insisted that the room have the feeling and grandeur of the traditional home. However whilst she wanted to ensure respect was paid to the homes original features it was imperative that the bathroom incorporated the functions of a modern retreat.
Another request from the client was for an open layout that still included a private space for both the water closet and shower.
The solution…
The first task was to re-define the new space. The dividing wall that separated the previous bathroom and an un-used storage room (positioned directly behind the bathroom) was opened up. This not only paved the way for a much larger room but also allowed for more natural light, which was now able to flood the room through the retained lead lighting on the far eastern wall (once only seen from the old storage room).
We then set out to design a space that perfectly merged the traditional features in the room with a contemporary layout and understated modern finishes. To create consistency between the new and existing architecture we retained the raked ceiling and kept the original cornice, timber doorways and windows intact.
Echoing the style of the home we drew inspiration from the existing ‘lady of spring’ leadlight window from the original home. Setting the theme of the space the stunning piece of artwork provided the ideal backdrop and a focal point when entering the bathroom.
The challenge was to make the space private and intimate (as requested by the client) without destroying the sense of openness. To optimise the space we divided it up into task specific zones. The existing cavity between the two floors was large enough to allow us to reposition all services. A modern feminine take on the built in bath, a curved hob, follows the luxurious shape and softens the space.
In keeping with the clients request for a private shower and toilet, a large and very private shower was strategically positioned opposite the bath. With this in place a water closet with wall hung toilet was purposely positioned in the back left of the bathroom as not to detract from the overall design and provide the ultimate privacy.
At the front and entrance of the bathroom, custom cabinetry was designed to provide maximum storage and functionality. On the Southern wall a floating ‘double’ vanity and the Northern wall a dressing table complete with floating glass shelves offers a contemporary silhouette and functional eye level storage for perfumes and make up.
Extending on from the dresser is a large daybed which includes built in storage for towels, mats and other bathroom necessities.
Style & Feel
The rich palette of materials and finishes offers plenty of texture and movement and complements the classic and eclectic style of the home. The use of a large format ‘Royal Beige’ marble tile throughout create an air of spaciousness and cocooning, while the Sicis feature walls of exquisite glass ‘chestnut’ mosaics provides visual interest in the space.
Harmonising with the chestnut mosaic tiles, the richness of the Walnut stained Victorian Ash speaks the classical language and the profiled doors convey a sense of tradition in the redesign.
Drawing on the colour red seen in the ‘lady of spring’ lead lighting and to provide a punch of colour and feminine sophistication, ruby red velvet was selected for the upholstery ottoman and day bed. The upholstery also helps balance the space and further softens the room.
Elegant yet modern fixtures were selected again for their soft shape and feminie feel as well as being empathetic to the character of the home.
Small touches also enhance the private space such as the ease of grabbing a cozy heated towel from the heated towel rack as you step out of a relaxing hot bath or shower.
Even the simple inclusion of a dark painted boarder around the perimeter of the room creates a sense of warmth.
Lighting
Lighting for the re-designed room has been more directed at work areas with make-up lights strategically placed either side of both the vanity mirrors and dressing table mirror. Soft light for soaking in the tub is achieved with a wall dimmer connected to the main lighting. And adding a touch of opulence is a suspended classic ‘Larissa’ pendant from Custom Lighting.
Summary
It’s always a challenge designing a modern space that is sympathetic to a century old home and that conveys a sense of the age and the original architecture. But this design is proof that this can be achieved by creating a modern layout, layering classic finishes with contemporary forms.
The end result is a bathroom that possesses everything the client desires as well as reflects the personality and spirit of this beautiful home.
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Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors
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We were instructed to refurbish an existing kitchen and specifically asked for a design that would be airy and modern to include some “wow factor” features to satisfy the very precise tastes of this design savvy client.
We were told to use the ovens from the old kitchen, to include a large island with seating and to create a visually attractive feature around the main entrance doorway.
We initially extended the mezzanine introducing a bulkhead above the window area which obscured the top of the units from above and this allowed mood up-lighting and task lighting to be introduced.
The junction between the new bulk head and Mezzanine created a natural break between the entrance door and the kitchen and we used this to define our approach.
A large solid ash pivot door was introduced to enhance the existing entrance. The angular solid ash frame was designed to absorb the angular nature of the surrounding architecture and its design considered the existing entrance and door head position with the precise pivoting position being calculated to work within these parameters.
The existing under floor heating meant that a conventional pivot system couldn’t be introduced into the floor so we sourced a specialised system that could be concealed within the door which needed only an 8mm protrusion into the floor.
The aesthetic impact of the pivot door was balanced with the inclusion of a matching solid ash barn door on the opposite side of the room with a solid ash tambour door helping to balance the look whilst providing the client with a small appliance garage.
The island was designed with simplicity in mind with subtle hidden layers helping to deliver impact.
The waterfall worktops create a monolithic presence from various angles which is purposefully contradicted by using heavily chamfered edges along the front of the island to create a floating appearance. The holistic impact is enhanced further by detaching the cabinetry from all surrounding surfaces and including LED lighting which can create a glowing effect at night.
The inclusion of a custom made Gutmann Abajo extraction system delivers unobtrusive functionality enhancing the look further.
The recessed grip handles were made from solid ash and designed to punctuate the design in a unique way, purposefully falling short of the door lengths and penetrating through into the tall cabinetry from the low level units. This required gables, doors and handles to be individually specified to create the look.
Some of the drawer fronts were oversized so as to conceal the large filler required to absorb the angles presented by the walls.
Blum Legrabox drawers and inserts were carefully programmed to deliver functional performance and these drawers helped to deliver a crisp and contemporary interior finish.
Derek Robinson Photography


DESIGN STATEMENT:
GOLD COAST KITCHEN
Interior Designer: Darren James
www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au
Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation.
Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room.
The existing space
The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows.
Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth
To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking.
Wall Oven feature & room divider
A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity.
A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space.
To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate.
Functional cooking and cleaning zones
A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands.
A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area.
Practical Island Bench that packs a punch….
The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area.
The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly.
Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support.
Storage
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
Luxurious quality finishes
One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
Light it up
LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.


DESIGN STATEMENT:
GOLD COAST KITCHEN
Interior Designer: Darren James
www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au
Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation.
Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room.
The existing space
The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows.
Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth
To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking.
Wall Oven feature & room divider
A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity.
A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space.
To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate.
Functional cooking and cleaning zones
A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands.
A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area.
Practical Island Bench that packs a punch….
The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area.
The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly.
Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support.
Storage
Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil.
Luxurious quality finishes
One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space.
The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts.
Light it up
LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.
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