Space for the family – immediate and extended – to cook was a top design consideration in this kitchen. While home to a young family, it needed to accommodate an extended clan who gather to cook regularly – think pasta from scratch.

A renovation, the kitchen was moved from older (art deco) part of the house into an existing addition. The addiction included a study and storeroom that accessed the rear garden, so walls were knocked down, windows resized for more air and light and the open-plan kitchen and family room moved in. A bulkhead was installed to visually separate the kitchen from the rest of the space, and the owners asked for “something modern, but not something run-of-the-mil”. Interior designer Felicia Olsen came up with the idea of adding a laser cut, brushed aluminium panel backed with black gloss paint to the front of the island bench, then hung eye-catching modern pendants over it in striking black. While very modern, the elements have a classic beauty, which somehow fits in with the home’s deco feel. LEDs under the bench illuminate the feature at night.

Jarrah flooring accentuates the classic feel on the family side, while large porcelain tiles with texture and a slight vein are on the kitchen side. Cabinetry is seamless with touch doors and recessed handles, and the sink is undermounted.

It’s the kids’ job to stack the dishwasher, so that’s in the rear of the bench, meaning they can easily slide across dishes and not have to carry them around the kitchen. A feature of the kitchen is the classic shape of the commercial tapware, which hints at the hardworking nature of this space.

Felicia for Lifestyle Design (08) 9341 1591
www.lifestyledesign.net.au

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