Designers talk about how to get “the look”

All I want is an island!

Russell Henderson
Russell Henderson says: The original kitchen left everything on show and there was a lack of effective storage and workspace.  The laundry component was separately zoned but also inadequate.  The solution of creating an Island that appears to “float” on deep recessed mirrored kicker provided extra bench and storage space, while better defining the kitchen zone .   Relocating the sink, removing a short return leg, helped re-emphasize the linear look of the kitchen.  Sensor-activated lighting in the laundry and appliance cabinetry makes these not just cupboards but true work zones.   A luxury mix of textured laminate, gloss thermofoil finishes and the chunky, yet “floating”, island retains interest and breaks down the visual bulk of a large expanse of cabinetry.

Hide my appliances – but make them accessible….

In the kitchen, Russell says – Reducing a complex array of visual lines and improving kitchen functionality was the key to renovating this space.  The house had existing ornate features throughout so an element of this was to be incorporated into the design.  The zoning was improved to give items a specific home.  A full height appliance cabinet into the corner easily conceals extended bench space and benchtop appliances.  A “hutch” that extends out of the kitchen areas increases storage capacity and provides that handy place for keys, phones and chargers – reducing benchtop clutter.   A redesigned ceiling and mix of cabinetry materials makes for a much cleaner line.

I wish I was in Nepal again. 

Vanessa Cook
Vanessa Says: For this entertaining loving couple, a functional kitchen with loads of storage was critical. The existing kitchen was storage and bench space poor.  The existing kitchen had two x door openings which could not relocated, however we could move one door opening across providing us with a 600mm deep bench to position the cooktop and range hood in, this also allowing the digitally printed photo of their recent travels to become a prominent feature in the kitchen, also driving the grey colour palette in the painted doors. Bench space was then created on the opposite side of the kitchen, including a pull out concealed pantry unit and concealed refrigerator. The touches of timber veneer echo the rest of the furnishings in this Art Deco apartment.

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