Shania Shegedyn
Light, lovely and on-trend, this spectacular kitchen delights its owners every day.
Homeowners Lyn and Craig paired on-trend blackheart sassafras timber with highly veined marble for the ultimate contemporary statement, however, they were aware of marble’s inherent drawbacks. “As a natural product, it can have weaknesses, be more porous and stain from spills such as red wine,” says architect Briony Darcy. “The beauty of marble is that every piece is unique, giving a variety and richness of natural veins.
We break down the five essential choices made in this kitchen design that takes it to luxury level.
1. Include an over-sized kitchen island
One of the stars of this kitchen, designed by Briony Darcy of DE Atelier Architects, is an expansive central island bench, dramatically cantilevered at one end. “There’s always a family member at the island bench – we have breakfast here every day,” says homeowner Lyn, who selected Chris Connell designed walnut ‘Duke’ stools from Map Furniture as comfy inclusions.
Nothing speaks style quite like the eye-catching trio of pendants above. For similar, try replica Marcel Wanders ‘Skygarden Luminaire’ 90cm pendants from Matt Blatt.
2. All-white base in finishes
Melbourne homeowners Lyn and Craig opted for a white, grey and timber kitchen palette, for its cool, calm, yet elegant vibe. Joinery in blackheart sassafras timber contrasts with a 2-pac finish in the cabinetry and a feast of luxe Arabascato marble.
3. Polished concrete floor
Polished concrete flooring features here, and everywhere on the home’s ground level. “Concrete was chosen as an inherently practical material,” says architect Briony. “It’s hard-wearing and excellent to run hydronic heating through. It also flows on to the outside patio.”
“We wanted a light and luxurious looking kitchen which we feel we have achieved with the mixture of materials”
Lyn, Homeowner
4. Next level statement marble
Highly veined, honed Arabascato marble from CDK Stone tops the benchtops and lines the splashback, beautifully offsetting the blackheart sassafras timber cabinetry and 2-pac finish in Dulux White Duck. “The timber’s powerful texture competes in visual appeal to the marble,” says architect Briony Darcy.
“The beauty of marble is that every piece is unique, giving a variety and richness of natural veins.”
Briony Darcy, Architect
5. Include a butler’s pantry
As is the case with most modern kitchens, ample storage was high on the design wishlist. And homeowner Lyn’s territory, with its bank of overhead lift-up cupboards and under-counter drawers, as well as a large butler’s pantry, delivers. “A butler’s pantry is the ideal place to hide your clutter, so you can maintain a pristine, clean-look kitchen,” says Briony. Homeowner Lyn adds: “It lets me have my electrical appliances set out ready for use on the bench, and open-fronted drawers below the benchtop gives good visibility as to what’s in the pantry.”
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