Our client says my kitchen is boring so we found character. The brief we received is as follows
- I want to see some grain, warmth and contrast.
- There should be no handles.
- Mirror splashbacks, please.
The answers
For grain, we chose Polytec Natural Oak in a Ravine Finish and made the grain run horizontally. For contrast, we used a jet black Caesarstone surround on our floating upstand. We removed all handles and replaced them with handle recesses or push-to-open mechanisms. The client settled on a bronze mirror for the splashbacks which reflects without being too vivid. We carefully positioned downlights in the bulkheads to the left and right of the overhead cabinets.
Selections
We used a Semi-Gloss 2 pac finish for the cabinetry doors and panels in a Dulux Lexicon colour. Then a Sleek concrete colour from Caesarstone used on the main bench areas and waterfall. The upstand on the back of our breakfast bar was finished in the same horizontal grain as the overhead cabinets but also framed in the black stone. Three even sets of drawers under the cooktop gave us perfect symmetry along this run.
The Siemens Pyrolytic oven has been placed at a perfect ergonomic height and we have maintained consistent lines below and above it. To the left of the oven is a bi-folding appliance pocket which is used to tuck away the kettle and toaster.
Aesthetics
To keep the lines continuing around the base cabinets we installed a blank drawer front directly under the sink, then the second drawer is a blum sink drawer system and the third drawer is full size. As the dinning table is close and ample for this family, we chose to place more cabinets on the back of the breakfast bar for extra storage.
We retained the existing polished floors were left in place and helped keep the warmth required.
Extra tips
A great way to make the most of your pantry space is to fit Inner Drawers. These allow you to easily bring the contents of the back of the cabinet straight to the front. These drawers are available in 2 heights and any width.
