Room of the Week: A Light-Filled Modern Kitchen in a Period Home
Mesh and brass work wonders in this kitchen, which respectfully brings a light, modern aspect to an older home
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The couple wanted a modern look that would work with the period nature of their home. They asked Minosa to respect the details of the old work, but create a modern-day kitchen.
The couple wanted a modern look that would work with the period nature of their home. They asked Minosa to respect the details of the old work, but create a modern-day kitchen.
The original kitchen was dark; a key design point was to make the space feel light.
Starting point
The clients have a lot of art and it had to feature in the space. These artworks were pivotal to our thought process for the space.
The clients have a lot of art and it had to feature in the space. These artworks were pivotal to our thought process for the space.
Key design aspects
The goal was classic joinery details, refined and made contemporary using native timbers, timeless natural stone and solid brass to accentuate authenticity. The mesh was selected to created an air of lightness; we wanted a product that would allow the natural light to filter through the space, making it feel larger. The curve also enhances this approach.
Key fittings: Happy Together pendant light (over island bench) from Hub Furniture. Astra Walker tapware in ‘Eco Brass’. Zenith benchtop in ‘White’ from Dekton. Ironbark timber panels in cabinetry from Britton Timbers. Custom brushed-brass pull handles and shelf rods. Atlas marble from Euro Natural Stone.
The goal was classic joinery details, refined and made contemporary using native timbers, timeless natural stone and solid brass to accentuate authenticity. The mesh was selected to created an air of lightness; we wanted a product that would allow the natural light to filter through the space, making it feel larger. The curve also enhances this approach.
Key fittings: Happy Together pendant light (over island bench) from Hub Furniture. Astra Walker tapware in ‘Eco Brass’. Zenith benchtop in ‘White’ from Dekton. Ironbark timber panels in cabinetry from Britton Timbers. Custom brushed-brass pull handles and shelf rods. Atlas marble from Euro Natural Stone.
Challenges you worked around Refining the island bench into a unique piece of furniture
Why do you think this room works?
The room works for the flow, whether there are a couple of people in the space or the entire tribe is over for dinner. From a design-aesthetic perspective, the design is respectful and considered, every decision carefully thought through to create a wonderfully layered and detailed space.
The room works for the flow, whether there are a couple of people in the space or the entire tribe is over for dinner. From a design-aesthetic perspective, the design is respectful and considered, every decision carefully thought through to create a wonderfully layered and detailed space.
The timber work on the doors and joinery reflect that of a bygone era, but with a modern twist. The crowning glory is the island unit, which floats in the space. Its curves invite the users to easily transition around it, and to sit at all sides for face-to-face conversation.
This redesign is an example of how unique people and places can influence and inspire something beautiful.
This redesign is an example of how unique people and places can influence and inspire something beautiful.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: Mixed Materials Shine Bright in This Ensuite
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: Mixed Materials Shine Bright in This Ensuite
Styling by Simona Castagna
Answers by Darren Genner, co-founder and lead designer at Minosa
Who lives here: A semi-retired couple whose children have moved out
Location: Killara, NSW