Room of the Week: An Interior Designer's Bright, Warm Kitchen
We break down the cost and decisions for a delightful family kitchen owned and updated by an interior designer
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
This project was about creating a timeless design, with the finished elements working together in a functional, beautiful and cohesive flow. It was very important for this kitchen to be stylish, work well for a family, light, and airy, all while having warmth and contrast. The kitchen also needed to be an open space that connects the family to the other zones of the home.
For a clean look, incorporating integrated appliances was a must.
This project was about creating a timeless design, with the finished elements working together in a functional, beautiful and cohesive flow. It was very important for this kitchen to be stylish, work well for a family, light, and airy, all while having warmth and contrast. The kitchen also needed to be an open space that connects the family to the other zones of the home.
For a clean look, incorporating integrated appliances was a must.
Starting point
During the design process I needed to work around the existing kitchen window. This window does not sit in the centre of the kitchen, so I had to create balance by opting for the joinery to be equal in its sizing.
The statement Long John pendant by Rubn Lighting was carefully selected to shift the focus away from the window and attract the eye to its stunning design.
During the design process I needed to work around the existing kitchen window. This window does not sit in the centre of the kitchen, so I had to create balance by opting for the joinery to be equal in its sizing.
The statement Long John pendant by Rubn Lighting was carefully selected to shift the focus away from the window and attract the eye to its stunning design.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
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Colour palette:
- Muted colours with warmth.
- Grey overhead cabinets with white bottom cupboards and draws.
- Nordic-oak flooring has been selected for warmth alongside the Muuto Nerd bar stools.
- Tap and pendant in brushed brass.
- Black appliances.
Browse more exquisite kitchens by talented Australian designers
Materials palette:
- Marble-look Michelangelo Quartz from WK Quantum Quartz covers the island bench, work bench, window frame, splashback and the back of the bar for a seamless, clean and cohesive flow.
- The most striking feature is the Long John pendant, while brushed-brass shades tie back with the brushed-brass tap.
- Nordic oak flooring was chosen to add to the Scandinavian aesthetic.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings
- Kitchen joinery by Cadcorp Joinery.
- WK Quantum Quartz in Michaelangelo Quartz.
- Long John pendant by Rubn Lighting.
- Electrolux multifunction oven.
- Electrolux gas cooktop.
- Robinhood 70-centimetre undermount integrated range hood.
- Bosch fully integrated dishwasher.
- Elysian pull-out kitchen mixer in brushed brass from ABI Interiors.
- Muuto bar stools from Luumo Design.
Approximate budget: $36,355
- Kitchen joinery: $15,000.
- WK Quantum Quartz in Michaelangelo Quartz: $11,000.
- Long John pendant by Rubn Lighting: $2900.
- Electrolux 90-centimetre multifunction oven: $3780.
- Electrolux 90-centimetre gas cooktop: $1579.
- Robinhood 70-centimetre undermount integrated rangehood: $400.
- Bosch fully-integrated dishwasher series 4: $1197.
- Elysian pull-out kitchen mixer in brushed-brass from ABI Interiors: $499.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures:
This project was about creating a timeless design, with the finished elements working together in a functional, beautiful and cohesive flow. This project was inspired by Scandinavian and contemporary design. Using a soft, tonal colour palette, a sense of calmness was created with the warmth of oak and the brushed-brass tap and pendant.
What challenges did you work around?
Aside from the existing window placement, another challenge I had to work around was that in order to remove the half-wall that closed in on the old kitchen, I had to source an engineer for structural purposes.
Why do you think this room works?
I think this space works for several reasons for a growing family: mainly that this kitchen is large with maximum storage for everyone. The quartz benchtop has proven to be low-maintenance and being spill-proof it’s easy to clean.
The space between the kitchen island and the back bench is larger than in your typical kitchen, creating a functional space for a house with small children.
This kitchen also has a social element as it is open to the living space and dining area, connecting the family.
This project was about creating a timeless design, with the finished elements working together in a functional, beautiful and cohesive flow. This project was inspired by Scandinavian and contemporary design. Using a soft, tonal colour palette, a sense of calmness was created with the warmth of oak and the brushed-brass tap and pendant.
What challenges did you work around?
Aside from the existing window placement, another challenge I had to work around was that in order to remove the half-wall that closed in on the old kitchen, I had to source an engineer for structural purposes.
Why do you think this room works?
I think this space works for several reasons for a growing family: mainly that this kitchen is large with maximum storage for everyone. The quartz benchtop has proven to be low-maintenance and being spill-proof it’s easy to clean.
The space between the kitchen island and the back bench is larger than in your typical kitchen, creating a functional space for a house with small children.
This kitchen also has a social element as it is open to the living space and dining area, connecting the family.
Your turn
What do you like about this family kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interior transformations? Take a look at this Before & After: A Sunlit Kitchen Reimagined With Timber & Green
What do you like about this family kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Craving more great interior transformations? Take a look at this Before & After: A Sunlit Kitchen Reimagined With Timber & Green
Location: Bankstown, NSW
Who lives here: This is my personal home project, where I live with my husband and three children
Room purpose and size: A 3.7 x 5.5-metre kitchen