Planero, from Vauth Sagel, combines durable German design and manufacture, optimal storage and simple installation.
Planero features minimally visible technical components for stunning aesthetics, and basket shelves with long-lasting, steel in contemporary lava gray. View a catalogue from the Resource Download page of Fit’s website.
Revolving corner unit. Innovative design with no centre column for more storage space.
Looking for inspiration for your new kitchen? Want to revive a tired bathroom? Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly has everything you need to know to create your dream space. From dozens of real-life projects from around New Zealand and Australia to the latest in kitchen and bathroom products, you’ll find it within these pages.
When it comes to creating visually appealing functional spaces that reflect your own personal aesthetic, finding the design, the best appliances to fit your requirements or the perfect fixtures and fittings can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!
Working with professional designers makes the whole process easier – turn to page 19 to view projects from some of the top designers in New Zealand. The only thing you need to be clear about is how you want your space to feel, along with what you need it to do to serve your needs. Collect your most inspiring kitchen images and ideas and hand
them over to the professionals; they’ll walk you through the steps and even offer suggestions you never would have thought of. Suddenly it all seems so easy.
To help increase your knowledge of kitchen and bathroom builds, we’ve got some constructive features nestled in our pages. Want to know what materials to construct your wet-room surfaces from? Check out our surface solutions feature on page 60. Need design inspiration and an updated trend profile? You’ll find what you’re looking for on page 50. If you’re wanting to create a kitchen or bathroom with a ‘natural’ touch, you can’t go past our article on using eco-conscious materials in your build on page 70.
From baths to taps, sinks to cooktops, cabinetry, rangehoods, tiles and more, you’ll find it in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly
John Williams
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NZ
John Williams
P 022 455 8821
E john@createcontent.co.nz
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P 0411 424 335
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Organise your drawers with AMBIA-LINE from Blum. Design carries through not only on a space's exterior, but also in its interior, making AMBIA-LINE inserts the perfect solution for your drawers and pull-outs. Designed to complement Blum's LEGRABOX and MERIVOBOX drawer ranges, AMBIA-LINE makes organising simple and gives you clear visibility of every item. Cooking and preparing food will become more efficient and enjoyable. Available in an array of colours and finishes, there's an AMBIA-LINE divider for every drawer. blum.com
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Resene has expanded its range of Resene Colorwood wash options with the launch of the Resene Colorwood “We speak beach” series. These six fresh colourwash hues — Resene Breathe Easy, Resene Becalm, Resene Bask, Resene Shore Thing, Resene Rising Tide and Resene Shade — are inspired by hazy summer days at the beach and a selection of Resene’s most popular weathered colours. These hues are ideal for use on everything from walls and ceilings to flooring, furniture and decor to emulate the soothing, lived-in style of a beloved holiday beach haven. Choose one hue or combine them together into a palette. resene.com/wespeakbeach
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Kitchens&BathroomsQuarterly is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9805 0399, Fax (02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne Vic 3205. Phone (03) 9694 6444, Fax (03) 9699 7890. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers, www.timesprinters.com, distributed by Gordon and Gotch, Australia. Distributed in Singapore and Malaysia by Carkit (FE) Pte Ltd, Singapore.
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Please note that while every effort is made to accurately reproduce colours within this publication, exact colour matching is not possible and we recommend that our readers check specific colours directly with manufacturers.
TOP TIP: For an authentic Resene colour on your cabinetry, ask for Resene AquaLAQ, a waterborne Environmental Choice approved paint, available in a wide range of Resene colours, gloss levels and clear finishes. Choose the SoftTouch clear finish to reduce finger marking and for a nice feel when you are opening and closing drawers and cupboards.
Getting to know her client was much simpler when Jane Fergusson designed her own kitchen with a fiery colour scheme
When a kitchen designer tackles a renovation of her own kitchen, does it change how they work? Not for Jane Fergusson - it just made choosing the right Resene colours for the client even easier.
“I still had to think about how I wanted to use [the kitchen], how it would interact with other spaces, and what feeling I wanted to create,” says Jane who is a designer with Kitchens by Design in Auckland. “As with all of my designs, function over form still takes precedence.”
That meant when it came to choosing a colour scheme for the new kitchen, it was a matter of considering not just what would work in the kitchen, but how the open plan space would work with the connecting living and dining areas.
With that in mind, when Jane chose the deep tones of Resene Digeridoo for the main fireplace wall of the living room, she also used it as a bold highlight above
the stovetop in the kitchen. It works beautifully with the deep red-brown tones of her Dekton Keranium benchtop and a splashback in Resene FX Metallic paint in Resene Copper Fire. Light neutral walls and cabinetry in off-white Resene Bianca bring the whole space together.
“I was really happy with the final result,” Jane says. “The Resene Digeridoo is framed nicely against the Resene Bianca cabinetry, and the Resene Copper Fire, when illuminated from above, adds a softness and warmth to the space.
“The overall look and feel are simple, but with beautiful, accented colours that reflect a bit of personality.”
Jane’s expert advice for others planning kitchen makeovers is to think ahead when choosing a colour scheme.
“Think about loving this colour tomorrow rather than just today, and you will have a winner. Colours evoke
feelings that encourage cooks and entertainers into the kitchen, creating a space to love and enjoy.
“If you don’t want an entire kitchen in a bold colour, adding accented areas of colour can still incorporate your personality, while being quite subtle,” she says.
“Contrasting colours can also achieve a change that brings a point of interest, which can break up the feeling of having just another white kitchen.”
The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association of New Zealand (NKBA) is the leading membership organisation for designers, manufacturers and suppliers in New Zealand. As part of their commitment to showcasing the skill and talent of the industry, the NKBA has released the results of its annual trends survey.
According to NKBA designers, colour will be on the cards for kitchens in 2023. Only 28 per cent of NKBA designers say white will still dominate, while the remaining 71 per cent of designers were split across many hues, including timber, grey, shades of green, sand, desert, blue and beige.
NKBA designer Joneen Rodgers of Hello Home Interiors, says clients are becoming discerning in their own choices and can be encouraged toward bolder colours. "We are working with a lot of midnight blue, yellow and olive greens," says Joneen.
"Most recently, we completed a beautiful kitchen in an apartment in Wellington that included deep greens, an oak veneer and a very bold benchtop. We have also just designed a midnight blue kitchen that will be installed in another home next year,” she adds.
In 2023, 38 per cent of NKBA designers predict matte will be the finish of choice for cabinets, followed closely by a textured look.
Paula Humphreys, of Paula Humphreys Design, says that while matte is still very popular, there is one trend that is on its last legs. "Battens are big right now, but I predict this trend will phase out over the next 12 months and a new trend will take over," she claims.
"I think textured timber melamine will rise in popularity due to its cost effectiveness and trueto-life design options. Melamine is just amazing, and the timber options are so authentic with deep grooves and random patterns, they are a game changer,” says Paula.
The NKBA survey showed that 48 per cent of designers predict porcelain will be the benchtop material of choice in 2023, while 33 per cent suggest it will be engineered stone.
Paula notes that cost is a factor, meaning engineered stone is still a popular choice for kitchens, especially when the clients have a budget of less than $50,000.
“If budget wasn’t a factor, porcelain would always come out on top, as you can put hot pots and pans straight on it and it is non-porous. Also, there are many different and beautiful porcelain designs to choose from, and it presents a stunning, luxe look with a thin edge detail,” says Paula.
This year, 19 per cent of designers predict integrated appliances will be the most in demand items in the kitchen, followed by plenty of storage and innovative technology.
Leanne Harley, of Leanne Harley Design, says homeowners want to get more out of their
FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN — CHOOSE A DESIGNER OF NKBA
spaces in every way. “The last consultation I attended, the entire home was built around a smart home system, so they wanted their kitchen to be wired into and work with this system," says Leanne.
"They needed their robot vacuum to have a special home in the kitchen and wanted everything automated from the lighting though to the installation of automatic cabinet openings. Technology and storage are hugely beneficial to the functionality of a kitchen, to simply push a button is so fabulous and easy.”
The average kitchen is currently taking three to four months to complete, from design to install.
Craig Hooper of Cooper Webley says he is finding most kitchens are taking approximately six months. “There are several factors that drive delivery, including builder availability for renovation work and council consent timelines," he explains.
"We are in Nelson, and currently times vary from four to ten weeks. Planning is very important, therefore it is vital to work with a designer to manage and oversee the project from start to finish,” says Craig.
According to NKBA members, 31 per cent of kitchens designed in 2022 cost $40,000 – $60,000. A further 24 percent said costs run from $30,000 – $40,000, while 7 percent cost over $80,000.
To follow more trends of New Zealand kitchen and bathroom designers, or to find a designer for your next project, visit the NKBA Instagram @nkbanz or nkba.org.nz
www.nkba.org.nz
Perched above Roys Bay in Wanaka, this family abode boasts water views backed by mountain peaks that draw the eye and steal the breath. Rather than working against such a worthy backdrop, the designers of this lofty dwelling chose to use a material and colour palette that would blend in with the natural surroundings rather than compete with it.
Boasting an open-plan layout, the kitchen, dining and living space all take advantage of the view, edged on the bay side by a balcony that runs the length of the space and is accessed through stacking doors that can be pushed back to provide indoor/outdoor living. A long, linear island of Dekton Sirius delineates the kitchen space. Inset with a cooktop, it faces the view to allow the chef to take in the sights while cooking or doing the dishes. The waterfall edges neatly encapsulate the structure within a thin 12mm profile, enhancing its modern industrial vibe.
Ceiling-height cabinetry of black-stained oak runs along the back wall, housing multiple ovens and an integrated fridge. Two sections of upper open shelving help to break up the long run of cabinetry. While one serves as a bar area, complete with under-counter wine fridge, the other hosts display space for precious mementos. Each shelved section is backed by mirrored glass in the smoky hue of Golden Sunrise that reflects
the light and the view back into the room, so you get water vistas whichever way you turn!
Designed by the homeowner, Bronnie Thompson of Mastercraft Otago, the dwelling’s neutral canvas showcases pops of autumnal colour and natural textures that reflect the native landscape surrounding it. Surrounded by all-white walls, the kitchen utilises a contrasting dark hue for its cabinetry. Flat panels with pushto-open hardware or inset handles enhance the clean lines and modern feel, while a splash of warmth is achieved with metallic flair through the brass sink and tapware, as well as the bronzed hue of the mirrored backsplash.
Exhibiting simple, clean lines, plenty of storage, ample bench space and casual seating, this modern masterpiece is an understated triumph that stands on its own as a quality space deserving of its surrounds.
Design Bronnie Thompson
Build Mastercraft Otago
The dark cabinetry with wood-look texture and smooth planes
Mirrored splashbacks are a great way to bring in light and reflect views
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Black-stained White Oak
Hinges & drawers Blum LEGRABOX
Benchtop Dekton Sirius
Splashback Glass Art (Golden Sunrise)
Sink Cayman (Rio Bronze), Blanco (bar sink)
Tap Orizuro
Lighting Häfele LOOX LED
Oven & cooktop Gaggenau
Refrigerator Fisher & Paykel
Dishwasher Gaggenau
If you’re an entertainer and you have the space, a bar area will complement your kitchen perfectly
COMPANY INFO MASTERCRAFT KITCHENS mastercraft.co.nz
This revitalised kitchen is the heart of a 1930s home and is now in keeping with its origins while also having a more contemporary feel. The homeowners wanted to modernise and extend the space to create an even better flow to the surrounding areas. The new kitchen needed to be stylish, with plenty of room for entertaining, so it would maintain its position as the hub of the living area.
To achieve the desired effect, the structure of the kitchen needed revising. The ceilings were elevated and a turret-style skylight was added to bring more natural light into the area. A scullery and laundry were added in a discreet spot to allow the kitchen to stand out.
To accommodate guests and family, the kitchen island spans the full length of the room. The stunning porcelain (Dekton) and timber create a divide between seating and workspaces, while also cleverly disguising the drawers and dishwasher. In keeping with
the home’s origins, the bold browns and blues typical of the 1930s bring in plenty of personality. The timber stain was a custom blend, striking a balance between black and brown. The brushed brass hardware is a beautiful finishing touch that adds a luxurious feel, while also drawing the three unique spaces together.
Design Rayza Lorca (Stylehouse Design Limited)
Build Stylehouse Design Limited
Photography Maverick Studio
WE LOVE
The innovative window splashback that brings a touch of the outdoors into the kitchen
FEATURE FOCUS
Benchtop Dekton, Woodsmiths
Tap & sink Mercer
Pull-out bins Häfele
STYLEHOUSE DESIGN LIMITED
stylehousedesign.co.nz
A 97 Morrin Rd, St Johns, Auckland
P 09 527 2997
E enquiries@stylehousedesign.co.nz
Consider the way the light will impact how colour looks in your space throughout the day and don’t be afraid to test sample colours before you commit
Sweeping views of lush farmland with Mt Hutt rising in the background is an enviable sight for any homeowner. Designed by Billy Nolan, this new build in New Zealand’s Methven, located on the South Island, makes the most of its spectacular location through its country-style kitchen.
Washing up feels like less of a chore when the sink is positioned by the wide windows, allowing for lots of natural light and a very captivating backdrop.
The Yaka solid-timber benchtop, which runs into the window frame, was chosen for its natural country style. The choice of timber also extends to the floorboards, complemented by classic white Dezignatek Levante satin cabinet doors and panels.
The generous size of the kitchen allowed for plenty of storage in Blum Antaro drawers, with a specially built plate rack to house the owner’s collection. Stainless-steel black appliances add a modern touch, with Electrolux, Bosch and Fisher & Paykel selected for their quality products.
To create an open feel to the room, tall cabinets were tucked into the corner, allowing for storage that didn’t clutter the space. Toe-kick drawers under the oven were selected for ease of use, while the pantry’s Häfele pocket-style doors are another example of practicality and style.
The vertical storage solution that is home to an attractive collection of fine china plates
Even without a mountain at your doorstep, utilise the view you have from the kitchen to consider the position of the sink FOR
INFO MASTERCRAFT KITCHENS ASHBURTON kitchens.mastercraft.co.nz
This modern kitchen is an artful fusion of countrystyle elements and beautiful functionality. Before the renovation, the galley kitchen restricted movement. It also had a sense of disconnect to the rest of the open-plan living spaces. It was dark, due to a single window and heavy timber cabinetry from floor to ceiling, and there were storage issues that needed to be addressed.
During the renovation, the existing skylight was replaced with a clear glass version, and two large windows fitted to invite in more light. The cabinet doors and panels in two-pack finish add a touch of elegance. A custom island bench replaced the 'L'-shaped benchtop, offering plenty of much-needed storage.
As part of the renovation, a wall was removed to add space and a sense of connectedness, as well as to increase the volume of natural light that filtered into the space. The final result is a
beautiful custom kitchen that will serve the family for many years to come.
Design Kila Clarke (mystoryco)
Build mystoryco and Northside Joinery
WE LOVE
The picture windows installed into the back wall to create a living canvas of colour and light with the beautiful surrounding bush setting
FEATURE FOCUS
Doors & panels Two-pack
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Staron
Handles Handle House
Tiles Casablanca Subway
Lighting Strix III in black finish
Oven Electrolux
Cooktop Electrolux
Rangehood Schweigen Undermount Refrigerator Westinghouse
Sink Reece
Skylight Velux
FOR MORE INFO
AUSTARON SURFACES
austaronsurfaces.com
E sales@austaron.com.au
@austaronsurfaces
@austaronsurfaces
MYSTORYCO
mystoryco.com.au
A 98 Turner St, Scarborough Qld
P 0402 462 264
E hello@mystoryco.com.au
Ceilings can have a big impact on a space. Here the raked ceiling was flattened to create a sense of volume and expansiveness
bathrooms
You wouldn’t recognise this kitchen from its previous layout; it’s transformed from a 1930s original into a contemporary and open-plan space. Prior to its makeover, this kitchen had multi-level flooring and orange timber spread throughout. To cater to the family living here, it needed a major update to deliver a more modern feel and the functionality you need from a kitchen.
The brief asked for a kitchen that was moody yet welcoming, with that classic indooroutdoor flow to the deck. Functionally, more storage was needed as well as a divide between working and relaxing spaces.
To start off, the floors were levelled to create a more cohesive and cleaner layout. A scullery was added to make a dedicated space for the functional and messy jobs in the kitchen and to keep clutter out of sight. Sleek Blum LEGRABOX drawers fitted with AMBIA-LINE inserts were used throughout
to add high-quality and elegant storage solutions. While the scullery was white, comforting moody blues were incorporated in the open-plan area. Texture was used to add intrigue, with the cool blues in the geometric splashback contrasting with the natural grainy warmth of the timber flooring. The use of colour was chosen to reflect the natural bush just outside the ranch sliding doors, leading onto the deck space that enhances the open-plan feel of this reinvigorated space.
Design Hello Home Interiors
Build SB Joinery & Megastructures Ltd
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Sage Doors
Hinges & drawers Blum LEGRABOX
Storage solutions Blum AMBIA-LINE
Flooring Vidaspace
Oven Bosch
BLUM
blum.com
A 621 Rosebank Rd, Avondale , Auckland
A 16 Avenger Cres, Wigram, Christchurch
P +64 9 820 5051
E info.nz@blum.com
@blumnewzealand
@blumnewzealand
HELLO HOME INTERIORS
hellohome.co.nz
A 57 Cuba St, Petone, Lower Hutt
P 022 104 2107
E hellothere@hellohome.co.nz
@hellohomeinteriors
@hellohomenewzealand
The colour-coded dedicated zoning in this kitchen that creates two distinctive areas
You can create a modern feel in an older home without losing the charm simply by keeping a few core elements of the original design
Through the featured lightwell above, warm natural sunlight filters into this beautiful wellappointed kitchen that is perfect for family gettogethers or when friends drop by.
The original galley-style kitchen has been transformed into a series of practical and beautiful zones that flow effortlessly from one to another. The client wanted a space that was light, fresh and timeless — this kitchen by Kitchen Link ticks all those boxes and more. Separate spaces are connected with clever colour and material choices. Black is combined with white, echoes of light with dark, complementing the re-sanded solid oak floors.
The open-plan scullery is an entertainer’s delight. There is ample storage space below bench. Stylish and practical Blum drawers, an extra sink and rubbish bins are easily accessed. Open shelving is visually appealing, creating a focal point and draws the eye's interest to the glassware within. It’s generous in size, with all you could want in a functional family kitchen.
Design Charlotte Roberts Designs
Build Kitchen Link
Photography Sarah Clayton Photography
WE LOVE
The glass-fronted cabinetry as it's the perfect way to store and display glassware
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Satin lacquer
Hinges & drawers Blum
Storage Blum
Bins Hideaway Concelo
Benchtop Trendstone (kitchen), Silestone (scullery)
Paint Resene
Lighting LED strip
Oven & cooktop Fisher & Paykel
Dishwashers Miele
Refrigerator Samsung
Sink & taps B&F
Accessories Blum
FOR MORE INFO KITCHEN LINK kitchenlink.co.nz
A Unit 2/41-53, View Rd, Glenfield, North Shore Auckland P 09 476 7464 E admin@kitchenlink.co.nz
Grand homes require a grand design, particularly when it comes to the kitchen, which can set the scene for the rest of the dwelling’s design. This bold kitchen from Kitchens By Design forms the centrepiece of a new-build home with an expansive floorplan for a family with two preschoolers. The clients' brief for their new kitchen was precise, says designer Marianne Gailer, an Elite Designer of the NKBA.
“Primarily, they wanted a warm and inviting feel, with lots of practical storage solutions, plus dedicated seating for family breakfasts and a scullery for Chinese cooking,” shares Marianne. “They also wanted a wow factor 'feature' of some sort, their preference being an island, but were concerned about being seen while prepping food and cleaning up.”
To meet this long list of requests, a clever design was created that located the cooking, cleaning and preparation stations at one side of the kitchen space, creating an excellent work triangle for the cook. At the other side is a
space dedicated to casual seating and a “hang out” for the kids, with toy storage underneath. The low built-in seating is a great spot for homework and snacking, while a double bifold door swings back to reveal the perfect breakfast and baking station.
The star of the show, however, is the island, with its hand-picked slab of jade marble framed in American oak and highlighted by LED lighting. This raised front hides the prep area behind it and creates separation from the open-plan dining/ living area with visual interest. As a finishing touch, the designer specified mirrored toe-kicks to give the island a floating look.
The primary cooking spot has been placed along the back wall to avoid onlookers. A seamless appearance was created by integrating the fridge into the full-height cabinetry and utilising a matching jade marble slab for the splashback. A scullery sits behind a “secret door” set into the same cabinetry; this is where the Chinese cooking takes place.
Covering everything in the clients’ brief, the team at Kitchens By Design has created a clever and functional cooking zone that still reflects plenty of style for a modern, growing family.
The spectacular framed marble slab fronting the kitchen island
Cabinetry Prime American oak timber veneer
Benchtop Dekton, Caesarstone
Hinges & drawers Blum INSERTA, Blum
LEGRABOX, Blum AVENTOS
Oven & cooktop Miele
Rangehood Miele
Dishwasher Miele
Fridge Miele
Wine fridge Euromade
Sink Häfele
Tapware Hansgrohe
Lighting Häfele LED
Salice Exedra2 bifold pocket doors, designed and made in Italy, are revolutionising kitchens, storage, and other household spaces! There are two models: Smart and Star. They are designed and made in Italy with quality hardware that facilitates ease of access, helping to maximise cabinet space.
There are a host of reasons why the Salice Exedra are a cut above other products in both looks, functionality and use.
The doors push back into a double-walled side of your cabinet, so when open they don't block light or walkways. You’ll also have complete access right across the face of the cabinet or space when they are open. It can then be closed off easily when entertaining.
They suit a wide range of applications and
home styles. The doors are ideal for cooking or preparation areas, home bars, work from home spaces, laundries built into kitchens, and so much more.
Opening and closing is effortless and requires only one hand, while door surfaces are also protected during the opening and closing movements, preventing scratches or dings. All the weight is held at the side so no unsightly profile is required across the top of your cabinet. Installation is faster than for comparable units, saving on costs as your kitchen maker or cabinet maker won’t need several days to assemble and install it.
Salice has been around since 1957 and is world-renowned, holding many patents.
Hettich works behind the scenes to bring your living spaces together, creating top-quality hinges, drawer systems and sliding and folding doors for a truly luxurious kitchen or bathroom.
Hettich is a world-renowned brand and its fabulous showroom at the Auckland Home Ideas Centre enables designers and home owners to experience Hettich products before selecting them for their own projects. The headquarters is in Kirchlengern, Germany, and the company has been in business since 1885 — testament to its superior customer service, product range and innovation.
The Hettich team are passionate about interiors, as well as being committed to creating a sustainable business. At the very heart of that is the company’s core ethos, which entails building genuine connections with its customers and
working with them to create successful projects. Designers can get a helping hand with product specifications and concepts by contacting Hettich's Design & Specification manager Elaine Addy at elaine.addy@hettich.com.
The little things do matter, and Hettich is up to the task of helping you create your dream space. At the showroom you can experience the luxurious feel of their many products, including:
• The AvanTech YOU drawer system
• Easys for drawers — an electric push-to -open system demonstrated with a heavy drawer front
• Full-height Wingline L
• Full-height Topline L, adapted for a blind corner pantry… and so much more!
The key partners and suppliers for the Auckland Home Ideas Centre are HK Kitchens,
Prime Panels, St Michel, Dezignatek, Archant, Tile Warehouse and Cosentino. Showroom design Yellowfox
Photography John Williams
FOR MORE INFO
HETTICH NEW ZEALAND designwithhettich.co.nz
A 18 Barmac Pl, East Tamaki, Auckland NZ
P 0200 43842
E sales-nz@hettich.com
@hettichnz
hettichnz
AUCKLAND HOME IDEAS CENTRE
A 165 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland NZ
Opening Hours 9am–5pm Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm Sunday
If you’re after a rangehood to complete your vision for your new kitchen, you must visit Kouzina Appliances. With showrooms in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, Kouzina Appliances specialises in Qasair rangehoods. The company has a comprehensive selection on display, complete with numerous colours, shapes and sizes.
Why Qasair, you ask? Because the brand is synonymous with quality and beauty. Manufactured in Melbourne, Australia, Qasair rangehoods are designed to suit the cuisine and lifestyle of our unique corner of the world. Not only will they improve your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, they will also help eliminate odours and grease. Boasting high-air movement with four pole motors, and whisper-quiet operation, Qasair’s rangehoods are ideal for any New Zealand home.
With a Qasair rangehood, your kitchen will be a happy, appealing place where the whole family can gather, share meals and spend quality time together.
KOUZINA APPLIANCES
kouzina.co.nz
E sales@kouzina.co.nz
Auckland
A 155 The Strand, Parnell
P 09 377 7822
Christchurch
A 148 Victoria St, Christchurch Central P 03 365 8338
Queenstown
A 313 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton
P 03 428 2731
With showrooms in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, Kouzina Appliances specialises in Qasair rangehoods.
The GROHE Essence Professional pull-down sink mixer has a five-star WELS rating and a sleek architectural profile that marks it as the best in sustainable and functional design for your kitchen.
Made of high-quality composite material, designated as no-material extraction throughout the lifetime of the product, this tap offers superior safety for domestic use due to its material properties. GROHE Zero technology means you get a tap with premium advanced innerwaterguides that keep lead and other harmful deposits out of your drinking water.
More than just a material marvel, the Essence Professional pull-down mixer also features GROHE’s patented SilkMove technology for smoother handling. Adding further comfort and peace of mind, this kitchen workhorse offers a 360-degree rotatable arm and EasyDock magnetic system, which guarantees easy retraction and a smooth return to its starting position, with a dual spray head. And if that’s not enough, the hygienic GROHE Flex hose offers flexibility with integrated springs that helps it adapt to any kitchen task.
Projecting a sleek and streamlined chrome and black profile, the GROHE Essence Professional sink mixer adds an aura of proficiency to any kitchen while also ensuring convenience and functionality for every user.
COMPANY INFO
GROHE grohe.com.au
For over 5O years the evolution of our product has stood to the testament of time in the southern hemisphere.
Our rangehoods are designed and engineered for the spacious open-living environment, we live in today.
Qasair Rangehoods are designed and made to remove all the by-products of cooking quickly and quietly.
And proudly made in Australia.
KOUZINA APPLIANCES LTD
0800 388 383
PARNELL
155 The Strand
CHRISTCHURCH
148 Victoria Street
QUEENSTOWN
313 Hawthorne Drive
CUSTOM BUILT BY US IN OUR FACTORY
INSTALLED BY OUR TEAM OF INSTALLERS
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The best of contemporary & traditional kitchens & bathrooms.
2. BELFAST DOUBLE FIRECLAY SINK IN WHITE | SINK DIMENSIONS : W81 X D50 X H21.5CM | BELFAST SINK FEATURES A FLAT APRON & LINE FLAT PANEL APRON, WHICH ARE INTERCHANGABLE TO SUIT ANY KITCHEN THEME. FIRECLAY IS A NATURAL MATERIAL & IS SUBJECT TO VARIATIONS OF +/-3%.
Restoring value into Australian homes for over 40 years.
Gorgeous greens always add an earthy appeal to kitchens, but layering the hue with textural elements can add a whole new level of interest. Here are three kitchens cleverly put together with forest green schemes and touches of texture.
The forest-green cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the red and rustic convict bricks used in the splashback of this award-winning kitchen. NSW designer Eliesha Paiano (Paiano Design) pulled together a gorgeously earthy scheme for this passively designed home, proving that ecofriendly can offer plenty of eye candy, too.
The Birdblack Design team (based in Wollongong, NSW) went all out with this spectacular kitchen. Alpha Verdi green marble benchtops and splashbacks are the obvious heroes, and the metallic finishes and brass accessories add a glossy and glamorous appeal.
Melbourne’s Carmel Wylie (GIA Renovations) combined moody pine greens, Tassie Oak tones, brass details and dip-sealed terrazzo floor tiles to create this stunning kitchen. Designed for a professional chef, the kitchen is as practical as it is pretty and fitted out with the finest appliances.
A kitchen design professional will help you make the best decisions from the beginning, saving you time and heartache in the long run. They’ll consider:
Positioning: what are the rooms adjoining the kitchen? From which direction will the kitchen be entered and exited?
Access and safety: will access to an under bench oven be tricky? Will overhead cupboards be within reach?
Cooking styles: are most meals prepared on the stovetop, baked in the oven or reheated in the microwave or steam oven?
Storage requirements: is shopping done in bulk? Will a new fridge be required now, or should it be allowed for in the future?
Budget: will the kitchen investment be in line with the value of the home?
KBDi Members are committed to their profession, and know all the right questions to ask to get you the kitchen of your dreams. Learn more about our nation-wide membership at kbdi.org.au.
INVESTMENT, AND YOUR NEW SPACE SHOULD BE AS PRACTICAL AS IT IS PRETTY.
A litany of choice can make kitchen renovation exhausting. Thankfully, some industry experts are here to share their top tips for the kitchen design of your dreams
Words Lauren Clarke
Blue and white feature prominently in Hamptons-style kitchens.
Image Rosemount Kitchens
Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating, designing a new kitchen can feel like an overwhelming task. From the overall layout to style, material and colour selection, it can be hard to determine what will work best in your space. We live in an age where there is a wide range of choices — and sometimes a wealth of choice can result in a real sense of decision fatigue.
Perhaps that’s why the very first stage of any good kitchen design is research. “Take some time to think about what is and isn’t working for you in the current space and what you want to achieve with the renovation,” says Rhianon Hall, operations manager from Let’s Talk Kitchens + Interiors. “Usually the reason someone chooses to renovate their kitchen is multi-layered and consists of a combination of aesthetic and functional elements. Pick up the latest issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly or jump online for inspiration for the look and feel you want. Doing this foundation work will help your designer understand your wants and needs
more quickly and ensure the end result is one you really love.”
Rhianon also recommends establishing three key words to summarise your proposed kitchen design. That way, the designer and you can continually go back to those words throughout the selection process to assist with any choices and avoid the dreaded decision fatigue.
As well as researching online, visiting kitchen showrooms in person can help you get a feel for what can be done in your space. “Researching online is vital when you first start your renovation journey,” says Mark Tonkin, the owner of Rosemount Kitchens. “But what’s even more important is going into a showroom where you can see a variety of display kitchens and touch the finishes.
“You’ll likely get ideas you hadn’t thought of and be able to ask questions and discuss your project with an expert. It’s also a great way to get a feel for how much you like and trust the renovation company.”
“Pick up the latest issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms
Quarterly or jump online for inspiration for the look and feel you want for the space.”
Rhianon Hall, Let’s Talk Kitchens + Interiors
Choosing the renovation company you work with is almost as important as the kitchen design itself. Look at examples of the company’s past work and talk to them about your ideas — do they listen? Do they have creative visions that complement and better your own?
Finally, transparency is key from your kitchen renovation company. Work with a team who are clear about costs from the get-go. The last thing anyone wants is an unexpectedly large bill as the project nears completion.
When it comes to the layout of your kitchen, you may be working within a limited footprint or perhaps you have freedom of choice. Either way, there are five popular types of kitchen layout for you to consider.
Galley kitchen: A galley kitchen sees two rows of cabinetry and appliances running parallel to each other along both sides of the kitchen. Galley kitchens work well in butler’s pantries and main kitchens. They allow a lot of flexibility when it comes to appliance placement. If you’re interested in a galley kitchen, consider the distance between the two rows of cabinetry. A minimum gap of 1200mm is recommended.
U-shape kitchen: As the name would suggest, this kitchen design is shaped like a U. This is one of the more traditional forms of kitchen design that focuses on utilising all available space for storage by laying cabinetry and appliances in the shape of a U. If you’re opting for a U-shaped kitchen, consider
This stylish slim drawer allows you to store pantry staples and high-use items like chopping boards all in the one place.
Image Lets Talk Kitchens
The island kitchen is one of the most popular designs. Image Lets Talk Kitchens
Sometimes the design style can dictate colour choice, as in this French Provincial kitchen.
Kitchens
Some modern kitchens are now incorporating a European-style laundry to save on space.
image Rosemount
the light source in the room. Sometimes, three walls of cabinetry can crowd a space or leave it feeling a little dark and overwhelming. Good overhead lighting, open bench space and glass window splashbacks are just some of the ways this design issue can be rectified. Another consideration for a U-shaped kitchen is the option of adding an island bench in the middle if space permits. This can help the room feel less like a place of function and more of a destination for congregation.
L-shaped kitchen: An L-shaped kitchen consists of one longer row of cabinetry and appliances and then a shorter arm extending at a 90-degree angle. This is popular in many open-plan layouts and suits small- to mediumsized kitchen footprints. Again, an island bench can be added here to make the kitchen feel like a place of congregation and increase your storage capacity.
Peninsula kitchen: The peninsula layout takes the basic L shape and adds a small return to one side. This design allows for stool seating at the small return while also increasing bench space. Peninsula layouts are a popular choice for those renovating L-shaped kitchens to provide a different look and feel. They really define the kitchen and make it feel like its own room without adding a solid wall, making it well suited to smaller spaces and apartments.
Island kitchen: The island kitchen layout is defined by one long back wall of cabinetry and appliances and an island running opposite. This is one of the most popular choices with designers today as it opens up the space and helps the kitchen feel like it’s part of a greater living area instead of just a place to cook. It also allows for light and air flow throughout the home — but it doesn’t suit all spaces. An
island kitchen is not always suited to a smaller footprint as it may limit your storage choices.
“We spend much of our daily lives in and around the kitchen, so ensuring you have a kitchen design tailored to how you and your family use the space is crucial,” says Rhianon. “The walkways, appliance placement and storage capacity and accessibility all play a role in our enjoyment of a space, as well as reducing stress in our lives and on our bodies.”
Once a layout has been decided upon, it’s time to consider some of the finer details of kitchen layout and design such as where your appliances will best be located and the best height for your cabinets and drawers.
“As qualified kitchen designers, we take into account aspects such as the clients’ age, physical ability and height, as well as what their storage needs and appliance preferences are,” says Rhianon. “A lot of people still work to the method of kitchen planning called the ‘kitchen triangle’, where the fridge, sink and cooktop are arranged in a triangular configuration with maximum recommended distances between. While the kitchen triangle can be useful, we utilise a newer kitchen planning methodology developed by Austrian hardware supplier Blum called dynamic
“We have found that some of our clients have their minds set on their favourite benchtop right from the beginning, so other choices need to blend cohesively. But we also have clients who want the splashback to be the hero piece and start with that.”
Mark Tonkin, Rosemount Kitchens
space. Dynamic space is more evolved than the kitchen triangle theory and identifies specific zones in the kitchen, and the tasks/storage needs required in each. This type of thinking, along with a thorough understanding of the client and their needs, will achieve a user-friendly space that is a joy to live and work in.”
In addition to the placement of appliances, it’s important to consider the storage. “Think about how you use your kitchen and what you need to store. Do you have lots of small appliances? Or a
special vase or lots of special-occasion platters that need to be stored?” suggests Chelsea Shear, client liaison and trades coordinator from Dezign Kitchens. “Make sure you’re designing the space to fit your lifestyle — you don’t want to get in there and realise you can’t make your stuff fit into your new cabinets. A kitchen that looks pretty is no use if the functionality of the space isn’t there.”
Consider, too, where you will utilise cabinets and where you will utilise drawers. While traditionally cabinets were the more common
choice, these days, drawers tend to be preferred for their storage potential. “While drawers are more costly than a standard cabinet, they increase both the storage capacity and accessibility for the user,” notes Rhianon. “I would always recommend a drawer option with fullextension and soft-closing hinges as well. Not all drawers are made equal.”
Chelsea agrees, adding that the highestquality materials and hardware — “the ‘boring’ things like drawer runners and hinges — can add up in cost but these are the things that will make your kitchen last and stop you from having to redo it in a few years’ time”.
When selecting the style for your new kitchen, first look around your existing home and decide if you’d like the kitchen to be complementary to your current aesthetic. Doing this can create a sense of flow and can also inform your colour choices. For example, a French provincial kitchen will include a lot of white.
Next, it’s time to choose your features. “There are three main things that stand out in a kitchen: the cabinetry, the benchtop and the splashback. And there is not necessarily a hard and fast rule of what you should choose as your first thing,” says Mark. “We have found that some of our clients have their minds set on their favourite benchtop right from the beginning, so other choices need to blend cohesively. But we also have clients who want the splashback to be the hero piece and start with that.”
Chelsea from Dezign Kitchens shares three kitchen design trends she’s seeing at the moment:
1 Use of natural materials, like timber and natural stone
2 Organic and/or rounded shapes are very popular
3 Making kitchens multi-use spaces, like incorporating a laundry into a kitchen, particularly if it’s a small space like an apartment.
“A kitchen that looks pretty is no use if the functionality of the space isn’t there.”
Chelsea Shear, Dezign KitchensCurved shapes and natural materials are popular in current kitchen design. Image Dezign Kitchens
Choosing hardy surfaces for your kitchen, bathroom or laundry benchtops and splashbacks translates into a solid investment in your home. Taking the brunt of everyday living, your surfaces need to be durable and functional, while also standing the test of time.
As the surfaces upon which you prepare meals for your family, entertain guests, work from home or carry out myriad household chores like washing, your materials need to be tough, look good and be easy to maintain.
With a list of options that include granite, solid surfaces, quartz, porcelain and laminate, your surface choices in today’s market are extensive, so it pays to do your research ahead of time. From personal aesthetics to cost factors and practical considerations, knowing what you’re getting with each surface helps you find value for money to suit your individual needs.
Words Nicole Mulloy
When it comes to natural beauty, you can’t beat the unique countenance of Mother Nature. Choosing a natural stone such as granite, marble, quartzite or dolomite for your countertop or splashback offers a uniquely varied appearance that can add true character to a room. The range of patterns and colours available means you can find something truly individual that reflects your own personal design style.
Highly durable, natural stone will often withstand heavy use with little to no signs of ageing. A bundle of functional benefits like scratch- and heat-resistance makes it a versatile option ideal for heavily trafficked areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Natural materials can also be considered a more environmentally friendly choice than synthetic materials, since they are sourced from the earth and are biodegradable. Additionally, some natural materials are recyclable and can be repurposed for other uses once they have reached the end of their lifecycle.
While there are several benefits to be had with choosing natural stone, there are a few drawbacks. Some materials, such as marble, can be softer and therefore require more care. The porosity of these types of stone means they are not always stainproof and will need regular sealing to protect them. Repairing natural stone is also not as easy as manmade surfaces and can be costly to install.
Taj Mahal stone from Cav’art Designer Stone. cavart.com.auGRANITE
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth's crust. It is one of the most popular surface materials for kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability, resistance to heat and timeless beauty. Granite is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it a versatile choice for any style of kitchen, bathroom or laundry.
PROS
• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips and cracks
• Heat resistant, making it ideal for use in the kitchen
• Natural variations that provide a unique aesthetic
• Resistant to bacteria and other harmful microbes
• Requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning
CONS
• Expensive compared to some other solid surfaces
• Can be porous if not sealed properly, which can lead to staining
• Heavy and difficult to install
• May require periodic resealing to maintain its appearance and durability
Like natural stone, there are many benefits to choosing manmade or engineered surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. First and foremost, they are extremely strong and durable, making them resistant to scratches, chips and cracks. They are also non-porous, meaning they are resistant to stains, bacteria and other harmful microbes. This makes them a great choice for both kitchens and bathrooms, where spills and messes are common.
Additionally, due to modern technology and manufacturing processes, manmade or engineered surfaces offer a wide range of colour options and patterns. This allows homeowners to choose a surface that complements their aesthetic preferences.
Finally, manmade or engineered solid surfaces are often more affordable. There are several types of solid surface materials, each with their own features and benefits. The most commonly known products include quartz, solid surfaces, porcelain and laminate.
Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a popular choice for solid surface materials due to its durability and nonporous surface. Significantly stronger than natural stone, it is composed of natural quartz minerals and resin binders, resulting in a material that is extremely strong and durable. Quartz is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, making it an ideal choice to complement any design style.
PROS
• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips and cracks
• Non-porous, making it resistant to stains and bacteria
• Available in a very wide range of colours and patterns
• Requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning
• Suitable for countertops and splashbacks
CONS
• More expensive than some other solid surfaces
• Not as heat resistant as granite, so caution should be used with hot pots and pans
• Can discolour or fade with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
• Some quartz may require periodic resealing to maintain its appearance
Perfect Pairings collaboration — Caesarstone x Wattyl. Calacatta Maximus Quartz. caesarstone.com.au Perfect Pairings collaboration — Caesarstone x Wattyl. Adamina Quartz caesarstone.com.auSolid surfaces are manmade materials that are used in a variety of applications within the home. These materials are made by combining natural minerals, such as quartz or granite, with synthetic materials, such as acrylic resins or polyester resins. The resulting material is then shaped and moulded to form the required product.
Non-porous solid surface materials are known for their durability and versatility. They have a uniform appearance and are available in a wide range of colours and patterns. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Due to their generic descriptor, understanding the term “solid surfaces” can be confusing. Solid surfaces are differentiated by brand name, such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Corian or Staron. Each brand is usually a trademark and has its own proprietary mix and style offerings.
PROS
• Versatile, durable and non-porous
• Resistant to scratches, stains and heat damage
• Available in a wide range of colours and patterns
• Manufactured to provide a seamless appearance with no visible joins or seams
• Can be repaired if scratched or chipped
• Non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and hygienic
CONS
• Not completely impervious to damage, can be chipped or cracked by heavy impacts or sharp objects
• Can be sensitive to heat damage if exposed to high temperatures from pots and pans placed directly on the surface
• More costly than some materials such as laminate and tile
• Vulnerable to strong chemicals, such as nail polish remover or caustic cleaning materials
A carbon neutral product, Cosentino Dekton is a sustainable surface solution. cosentino.com.auPORCELAIN
Porcelain is a manmade solid surface material composed of a combination of clay, feldspar and other natural minerals. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability and easy-to-maintain surface.
Porcelain is extremely durable and can resist heat, scratches, chips and cracks. It is non-porous so is resistant to stains and bacteria, making it an hygienic choice. It also requires little to no ongoing maintenance and is easy to clean with non-caustic cleaning products.
As a sintered product, porcelain is close to being indestructible. Sintering, a heat treatment process that combines high temperatures and pressure to compact materials into a solid piece, makes porcelain slabs extremely dense. The product’s low porosity makes it valuable in wet room areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where stain resistance and hygiene are a priority.
PROS
• High resistance to UV light, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Available in a range of colours, patterns and finishes
• Heat and scratch resistant
• Highly strong, durable and versatile
• Ideal for cladding, flooring and benchtop applications
• Available in varying thicknesses
• Easy to clean and doesn’t require sealing
CONS
• Can be more expensive that other engineered products
• Not as heat resistant as natural stone
• Thicker slabs can be heavy, making them a challenge to install
• Requires an experienced fabricator to handle it, adding to cost
• Patterns are only surface printed
• Can have visible seams and joints
Laminate is a popular alternative to stone due to its cost effectiveness and endless variety. Made of materials such as MDF board, plywood or chipboard, laminate can be made to look like natural materials such as timber and stone.
Laminate is water resistant, but is prone to scratching and denting and can be damaged by extreme heat. While it is available in an extensive choice of unlimited colours and patterns, the product has a finite lifespan of approximately 20 years. However, the cost-effective nature of laminate does make it a good choice for investment properties and commercial ventures that are likely to undergo updates or renovations within a shorter period of time.
PROS
• Highly affordable
• Available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures
• Easy to clean, requiring only a damp cloth and mild detergent
• Resistant to most stains and spills
• A durable material that can withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear
CONS
• Can be damaged by heat, so hot pans or dishes should not be placed directly on the surface
• Not as scratch resistant as other materials such as granite or quartz
• Can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water
• Cannot be repaired if damaged and may need to be replaced
• Edges can be susceptible to chipping
While concerns have recently been raised regarding engineered stone products and the hazards they present for those who work with these materials, many leading manufacturers have already taken steps to ensure the protection of their workforce.
Silica is a common mineral found in rocks, sand and soil. When these materials are cut, drilled or otherwise disturbed, fine particles of silica dust can be released into the air. When workers inhale these particles, they can become trapped in the lungs, causing damage and scarring that can lead to a diagnosis of silicosis. Silicosis is most commonly associated with long-term workers exposed to dust particles as a result of their occupation, such as those in the construction, mining and manufacturing industries. Preventing silicosis involves reducing exposure to silica dust in the workplace. This can be done by using engineering controls, such as ventilation systems and wet cutting methods, to minimise dust exposure. Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, can also be used to protect workers from inhaling silica dust.
One company committed to reducing the hazards of working with silica is Cosentino, which manufactures solid surface brands Silestone® and Dekton. A world leader in the manufacture of luxury mineral surface products, Cosentino is ahead of the game when it comes to transforming the manufacturing of engineered surfaces.
Over the last 10 years, Cosentino has undertaken comprehensive research and development programs to substantially reduce the crystalline silica content of its Silestone® products to limit exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
Engineered stone products originally contained up to 95 per cent silica, however Cosentino’s marketleading Silestone® Q10 and Q40 products contain less than 10 per cent and 40 per cent crystalline silica respectively.
Providing a low-silica product that can deliver high performance and durability has been at the core of Cosentino’s development work. Utilising a sustainable manufacturing process that uses 99 per cent reused water, 100 per cent renewable energy and zero waste water, Cosentino’s HybriQ Technology® is employed across its entire Silestone® range.
Empathetic to the health and safety concerns around engineered stone, Cosentino has also been working tirelessly to help educate the industry in best safety practices. Cosentino’s Vice President Oceania, Itay Shimony, says, “We support the development of a nationally coordinated approach focused on the elimination (so far as is reasonably practicable) of health and safety risks associated with high-risk crystalline silica work. Providing a low-silica alternative that continues to deliver high performance and durability is at the heart of Cosentino’s entire range, providing Australian consumers with an ethically positive choice.”
Low-silica Silestone in Ethereal Dusk by Cosentino. cosentino.com.auWorking smarter not harder is good advice for life, so make light work of cleaning and prep in the kitchen with these smart devices
Curated by Nicole Mulloy
1 Precision measurements are easy with the Taylor Pro digital scale. kitchencraft.co.uk
2 Choose your own colour with interchangable panels on the Samsung bespoke French-door fridge. samsung.com/au
3 Miele’s PureLine Pyrolytic Oven takes the elbow grease out of cleaning. miele.com.au
4 Start your Miele AutoDos dishwasher from anywhere at any time. miele.com.au
5 Clean up is quick with the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum cleaner. samsung.com/au
6 Echo Show 15 gives you 1000s of recipes at the touch of a button. amazon.com.au
7 Get hot and cold water on demand with the ZIP HydroTap. zipwater.com
With eco consciousness front of mind for many, an abundance of beautiful organic materials are finding their way into our homes
Words Carrol Baker
The wellness trend is spilling over into kitchens and bathrooms as we create feel-good spaces that offer a greater sense of connectivity to the natural world. From organic materials for concrete benchtops to timber kitchen breakfast bars, stone tiles, plush bamboo towels and jute rugs, our kitchens and bathrooms are going green in style.
Organic materials bode well with traditional decors, like those found in Victorian, Federation, Cottage, Farmhouse or Queenslander style homes. However, natural living finishes can also suit contemporary homes and you’ll find plenty in mid-century modern dwellings, beach house-style homes and those inspired by the industrial look.
Organic materials offer tactile comfort; they invite you to reach out and touch them. Some, like reclaimed timber, stone or brickwork, offer a direct link to the past — they tell a story. Natural materials are innately beautiful. They’re perfectly imperfect, each one crafted by mother nature, some taking hundreds of years to reveal their unique colours and form.
You can design a beautiful organic bathroom or kitchen with the right combination of natural materials. Think striking natural travertine tiles in a bathroom, brushed nickel taps, a bamboo mirrored cabinet, organic soaps, luxurious woollen towels and a leafy textured plant. In the kitchen, create a modern look with a beautiful timber benchtop, brass tapware, stone tiles and leather bar stools.
Add some straw placemats, cork flooring, and an arrangement of flowers in a clay pot.
Organic materials are often in earthy colour palettes, neutrals that create calm restful spaces. You can add a splash of colour through select accents to inject your personality into your space.
Organic forms in bathrooms and kitchens do indeed emulate those found in nature — the curved arc of a seashell, the oval shape of a leaf, or the almost cylindrical shape of a wave before it crashes on the shore. Designer Emma Blomfield says drawing on the curves found in nature, rather than the straight lines often found in processed materials, is one way to create a stunning organic feel to your home. And curves are hot property right now. “We are seeing lots of curves and arches, as well as circles, when it comes to mirrors, shower screens and tap design choices,” she says.
Did you know plants can put a smile on your dial? It’s been proven that being around them can lift our mood. Emma says plants are a great way to connect with nature in a very real way. “Adding trailing plants, like a chain of hearts plant, to the kitchen/bathroom shelves is a lovely way to
Beautiful tiles make a stylish statement in a bathroomABOVE In a class of its own, natural products in a kitchen can take it to the next level
LEFT Stunning metal tapware, plants and timber vanity all inject some natural flair into a space
BELOW LEFT Curves reign supreme! There’s also a seamless connection between nature and the bathtub
BELOW This organic wellness bathroom is a showstopper
incorporate some natural decor in the kitchen or bathroom, and they also grow really well in steamy, wet environments.”
Plants add texture and life to a space and they can purify the air by capturing pollutants. In the bathroom, choose flora that will thrive in lower light environments. Add a splash of green to your kitchen with open shelving and some leafy plants. Emma suggests a pretty herb garden is one way to go green in the kitchen. “Adding a little herb garden to your kitchen window sill is a lovely way to add some greenery, with the added benefit of being able to cook with it right there,” she says.
Tapware, lighting and kitchen handles made of metals can create a beautiful look in a kitchen and bathroom. Copper, nickel, gold and pewter are natural materials that have stood the test of time. Like a fine drop of red wine, some materials can improve with age. Uncoated metals like brass develop a patina over time and become a beautiful bronze colour. Satin brass tapware can create a stunning design statement and this look is very in demand at the moment.
Concrete’s beautiful texture and finish can make it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Ash Meintjes, lead designer at Blend Concrete Design, says concrete allows for stunning design possibilities as it can be formed into unique forms and shapes. “From kitchen benchtops and island benches to vanity tops and basins, concrete offers beautiful aesthetics along with functional practicality,” she enthuses. Concrete can also be treated with sealer so it’s stain resistant, which is important when used in kitchens and bathrooms. There are also some new innovations in concrete. Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC), a combination of concrete and glass fibres, improves the strength of the product. Ash explains it can be poured far thinner than traditional concrete. “GFRC’s smooth finish and wide colour range makes it a beautiful feature in any kitchen or bathroom. It’s also lighter than traditional concrete, allowing for easier transportation and installation,” she says. Integrated concrete pieces create beautiful seamless designs. Ash adds that concrete vanity tops with integrated sinks are a perfect fit in contemporary bathrooms. “Concrete can be formed to create stunning kitchen benchtop designs,” she notes. “Items such as drip trays, zip tap waste outlets and pop-up power points can be integrated into benchtops to create beautiful aesthetics along with functional practicality.”
Timber is a timeless organic material, that is universally loved. One of the reasons for this, says Philippe Signer from PSD Eco Cabinets, is the way it can make you feel. “Many people have an emotional response to timber,” he explains.
Concrete is making its mark as a robust, adaptable natural product in kitchens and bathrooms
ABOVE Natural limestone brings an exquisite design element to this bathroom
RIGHT On trend right now, quartzite is all about colour and charisma
“You just don’t get that feel from products like engineered stone.”
Philippe suggests incorporating crafted timber products into spaces that you will physically connect in. “For example, a breakfast bar, where you will sit and touch the timber; it’s the tactile sense of comfort that you get from it,” he says.
Timber has an enduring embodied energy; each and every piece is unique. Philippe suggests using natural timbers like blackbutt, Tasmanian oak and American oak. “Tasmanian oak is quite linear and striking, and with blackbutt and American oak you get that flamed look,” he shares.
Timber benches are best placed in kitchens and not bathrooms, suggests Philippe. You can have timber in bathrooms but it needs to be properly sealed, although according to Philippe, even when sealed it may not be the best option. “I don’t think you can seal the timber sufficiently to keep it from fungal infection if the moisture gets in, and in a bathroom the risk is high,” he says.
STONE
Natural stone brings individual beauty and character. Its durability and strength make it a perfect material to be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
A stone kitchen benchtop evokes luxury and quality
Rachel Gilding, design specialist for Beaumont Tiles, says current industry trends for natural stone are informed by the desire to connect with the organic beauty of nature as more greys and warmer undertones are featuring ahead of whites. “Stones like travertine and limestone are making a resurgence with their beautiful rustic and tumbled look that brings a raw feeling to a space. Many are embracing strong marbles that are bold and large scale for a big design impact that brings the ‘wow’,” says Rachel.
So what’s new in colourful quartzites?
CDK Stone’s director Tony Victor says there’s availability now in greens, blues, reds and pinks. “Most clients are now being exposed to materials via social media,” he notes. “Being able to visualise the amazing impact vibrant natural stones can have on kitchens and bathrooms, many clients are being far more receptive to adventurous colour palettes.”
New innovations in natural stone in kitchens and bathrooms are also set to impress discerning designers. Tony says it’s much easier now for
clients or designers to select the size and style they want, or to ‘curve’ stone. “In turn, projects can be individualised to personal taste more easily,” he notes.
The key, according to Tony, is the versatility of stone. “It allows architects and designers to be extremely creative in how they incorporate natural stone into their designs,” he says. “With advances in machinery technology, stonemasons can now produce seamless curved end panels and concave and fluted waterfall ends to create spectacular features.”
Timber proliferates in this stylish contemporary kitchen
ENDLESS CONFIGURATIONS, READY IN DAYS
Designed for Living, Built for Life
The stunning Quantum Quartz benchtop in Monte Bianco
Now bright, airy and inviting, this kitchen has been brought back to life with a total redesign. The previous kitchen was small and dated, covered in melamine with old laminate benchtops. It lacked cupboard space, had no overhead storage, and the stove and oven were too small for the homeowners. They were after a Hamptonsinspired kitchen and needed more space, betterquality materials, and a style that felt modern but wouldn’t look or feel dated in the years to come.
To create a sleeker appearance, a walk-in
butler’s kitchen was added to separate the laundry and kitchen. An abundance of cabinetry was added, with Shaker doors amplifying the Hamptons feel. Häfele strip lighting lends a sleek look and the downlighs complement the cool whites of the cabinetry and Quantum Quartz benchtop.
The addition of the spacious kitchen island not only creates a focal point in this area, but adds more space for drawers, food prep and entertaining. An innovative frosted-glass splashback reflects natural light coming into the
kitchen, with the added benefit of a stunning view over the neighbouring golf course.
Galley Kitchens also crafted the beautiful television unit in the living area using Lexicon shaker doors in white and Polytec Steccawood in Empire Oak to surround the TV and create a lovely feature.
The final result is a highly functional kitchen and living area with clever zoning and sophisticated style that has a natural flow to the surrounding areas.
GALLEY KITCHENS
galley.com.au
A 17 Brooks Ave, Wyoming NSW
P 02 4329 1900
E kitchens@galley.com.au
The breathtaking Aquamarine Quartzite island that spans 5.5m
This breathtaking modern Cottesloe home’s design is truly a masterpiece. Crafted to suit the homeowners’ lifestyle to a tee, the kitchen and surrounding rooms were designed to perfection by the talented team at SJS Interior Design, with plenty of input from the homeowners.
Rather than starting the whole renovation from scratch, the design team resolved to work with some existing components while maintaining the organisation of the original layout. This way, they reduced unnecessary waste and the need for new materials and labour.
Fluted timber components create a seamless sense of flow throughout this dwelling. Featured on the ceiling in the living and dining spaces as well as on the island and the study nook adjacent
to the kitchen, the fluted timber introduces a delightful sense of warmth and texture into the room.
The kitchen itself is incredibly impressive and boasts the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. Featuring Sub-Zero appliances, stainless-steel benchtops and a walk-in commercial-grade cool room, it is truly a space that will stand the test of time. The culinary space also includes a butler’s pantry, with fresh mint cabinets that lend a subtle quirkiness while pairing beautifully with the reeded glass in the overhead shelving and sliding door.
There’s so much to love about this kitchen, but the breathtaking Aquamarine Quartzite components likely take the cake.
The homeowners were completely enamoured with this surface, so it became the genesis for their family home’s re-imagination. Aquamarine Quartzite was integrated into the impressive 5.5m-long dual-level island benchtop as well as the kitchen’s splashback, creating a sense of cohesion within the space. This surface’s tonality inspired the emergence of soft blush tones — muted pinks, mints, glacial blues and smokey oak — which paired beautifully alongside an array of contemporary Aboriginal paintings and sculptures placed throughout. The end result is a beautiful family abode that exudes the modern-day spirit of its homeland.
Something that can be an afterthought for many when designing a room is the splashback. While plumbing, appliances and paint are often the first boxes to be ticked in a refurb, the splashback is often a later addition but it can make a world of difference visually. It serves an important purpose, too, by keeping your walls protected from heat damage and food splatters in the kitchen, as well as free of moisture in your laundry and bathroom. Aside from helping to protect your home from heat and moisture, splashbacks provide the opportunity to add some colour and personality to match your style.
The new DesignerSplash range from Nover is a standout collection, offering a broad selection of textures and tones. They’re designed to be incredibly versatile, perfect for the typical spots like kitchen, laundry and bathroom. However, a splashback can also be used for your shower or wall lining, as a feature wall in your home or even in a retail fitout.
The best parts of Nover’s products are they're made specifically for this job. They’re created to be lightweight, easy to install, and low maintenance to keep looking beautiful once they’re in. Being both flame retardant and water resistant, they can be used anywhere for an affordable yet stunning and high-performing addition to your home.
The finer details are what often bring a space together and the new Déco collection from Häfele exemplifies this. Designed to be beautiful yet functional and hard-wearing, their handles have drawn inspiration from vintage designs while incorporating a more contemporary feel. Brought together by the likes of Sascha Sartory, Francesco Buzzo and Serena Lambertoni, these handles cater to a range of styles. With options to suit just about any home aesthetic, each offers a feel of elegance and refinement, coming in various shapes, lengths and styles. Much of the range comes in up to five colours with a
beautifully brushed finish. Opt for gold, matt black, titanium, graphite or nickel or be bold and dare to mix your metals.
For the more industrial and modern home, explore the straight lines, textural knurling and moody matt-black finishes. If you want to incorporate a more Art Deco and classic feel, the brushed gold finishes add soft and subtle colour with characteristic architectural details.
With such diversity in one range, the stunning new Déco collection can be used in any room. Häfele puts you in the designer’s seat to create a look that makes your house a home.
When designing a new or renovated home, it’s important to consider the storage and functionality requirements of the room to unlock the full potential of the space available in the kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Blum’s SPACE TOWER cabinet solution allows homeowners to use inner pull-outs to maximise every inch of storage while also accommodating their unique style and improving workflow.
The SPACE TOWER comes in a range of heights, widths and depths, allowing it to be completely customised to suit the space available and workflow of the kitchen user. The cabinet application is versatile for all areas of the home. While it’s most commonly used in the kitchen as a pull-out pantry, the SPACE TOWER can also be used in bathrooms, living areas and bedroom wardrobes.
When the SPACE TOWER is paired with Blum’s new box system MERIVOBOX, or LEGRABOX and TANDEMBOX antaro box systems, users experience the seamless functionality that benefits workflows around the home. Using inner pull-outs, homeowners can access items more efficiently and easily
than traditional cabinet doors and shelving. The full-extension inner pull-outs allow users to use the entire depth of the cabinetry, ensuring that no items are lost or forgotten in the back of the storage space. With the high load-bearing capacity of Blum’s box systems, users can store heavy items in the bottom inner pull-outs for easy access while still providing the same featherlight glide and functionality even at maximum weight.
Blum’s range of box systems allows homeowners to achieve their dream renovation and building designs without sacrificing topquality hardware. LEGRABOX, MERIVOBOX and TANDEMBOX antaro provide homeowners with several different design and styling opportunities. Whether creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere or a dark and elegant ambience, Blum’s box systems come in a range of colour options, including Silk White Matt, Orion Grey Matt and many more to ensure the aesthetics of the room flow seamlessly into the cabinetry. The box systems also have a variety of drawer side profiles available, which provide different styling and functional benefits, such as increased visibility of items from different angles with the
use of glass elements or gallery rail drawer sides. From the clear contours of LEGRABOX to the unmistakable design line of MERIVOBOX, each box system has its own unique drawer side design to suit current and future design trends.
The SPACE TOWER, combined with Blum’s range of box systems, makes your home look and feel sophisticated when complemented with motion technologies that best suit the user's needs. With soft-close BLUMOTION as standard, Blum’s box systems can be equipped with Blum’s TIP-ON mechanical opening support system to complement elegant handle-less designs. With just a touch to the front, cabinets will open to make all items easily accessible. To further enhance the experience of Blum’s box systems, consider incorporating SERVO-DRIVE, Blum’s electrical opening support system, which glides open effortlessly with a light touch.
When building or renovating your dream home, it’s essential to use quality hardware that will stand the test of time. Blum products are backed by rigorous research and testing to ensure every homeowner has peace of mind throughout their building or renovation journey.
Sporting mid-century flair, the architectural character of this inner-Melbourne home, with its many original architectural features, set the tone for this full kitchen makeover.
The initial kitchen featured outdated appliances and was separated from the internal and external living areas — a not uncommon occurrence in its day — making it feel isolated from the rest of the house. Old appliances, worn and dated cabinetry and unreliable fixtures were in desperate need of an upgrade to make this abode suitable for a modern family.
Designed by architect Leah Lloyd-Smith, this home renovation helped seamlessly integrate the new kitchen into a modern open floor plan and create a more efficient and functional space. A small addition and a new configuration of the living spaces was implemented to create defined living zones and an open flow into the kitchen. Large sliding glass doors help to open up the living areas to the outdoors, generating that indoor/outdoor feel associated with mid-century aesthetics and contemporary Australian living.
A scullery area was created behind the centre wall of the main kitchen space to deliver a prep
and storage zone. With plenty of shelving for storage, an additional sink and ovens, the scullery helps to maintain the clean lines and uncluttered look of the front kitchen.
Attractive Terrazzo floor tiles were utilised throughout the communal spaces, running from the living room through the kitchen and underscoring the retro vibe that ensures harmony with the home’s original architecture. The use of a contrasting black and white colour palette from floor to ceiling, warmed by a White Oak timber veneer kitchen island, was in keeping with the design brief yet offers a timeless quality. A splash of colour reminiscent of a traditional mid-century colourway can be found in the dramatic splashback behind the cooktop, where mustard-coloured tiles span the length of the wall hiding the scullery zone.
Seating for three to four guests or family members at the kitchen island makes it both practical and comfortable. A low-profile benchtop of Staron Solid Surface in Sanded Cream spans the large expanse of the island, generating plenty of uninterrupted prep area as well as room for entertaining. Two trumpet-style pendant lights illuminate the island, confirming
the home’s mid-century roots and adding a splash of charisma to the space.
Spacious and functional, this updated kitchen is a winning blend of retro style and modern innovation.
Design Leah Lloyd-Smith Architect
Build Scale Constructions, MKR Cabinets
Photography Sophie Tomaras
WE LOVE
The flash of colour in the chic mid-centuryinspired splashback
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Polytec Legato (Bone White), Wilsonart Traceless (Black), George Fethers
Oak Crown Veneer
Benchtop Staron Solid Surface in Sanded Cream
Tiles May Series (splashback), Grigio Venato
Terrazzo (floor)
Oven/cooktop NEFF
Dishwasher ASKO
Fridge Westinghouse
Sink Oliveri
Tap Greens Galiano pull-down sink mixer
Lighting Gubi Semi Pendant
Utilise era-specific design elements sparingly in a nod to the time without trying to recreate it
FOR MORE INFO
Austaron Surfaces austaronsurfaces.com
P 02 9822 7055
E sales@austaron.com.au @austaronsurfaces @austaronsurfaces
E leah@leahlloydsmith.com.au @leahlloydsmith
Leah Lloyd-Smith Architect leahlloydsmith.com.auWhether you’re building a table, shelving or storage, the Cadro framing from Hettich puts the role of interior designer into your hands. This new and innovative system is constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminium framing, with connecting nodes that give you total control of whatever you want to create. Available in a sleek black matt finish, the simple yet versatile joinery is perfect for just about any home and style.
The Cadro aluminium frame system is designed to be used with a variety of Hettich products such as the AvanTech YOU drawer system, Sensys soft close hinges and Slideline M — a specific sliding door system. This means that you can customise everything according to your style and structural needs. If you’re setting up wall-mounted shelving, you can choose from a warm timber for a natural touch or glass for that more minimalist look. You'll also find matching handles in the Cadro range, or when designing free standing displays, you can use height adjustable feet or castors from this range.
You’re provided with the tools and resources you need to create a fully custom piece, without having to outsource the job or sacrifice on quality. Hettich designs are made to last and can look as bold or subtle as you can dream to make them.
The stunning new Cromford collection from Phoenix epitomises the combination of history and contemporary design. Created by Phoenix’s lead engineer, Alexander Tomlinson, its name comes from the birthplace of the 18th-century Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. Any of these pieces would look equally at home in a farmhouse as they would in an industrial-style apartment. This collection lends a nod to design history, while updating it for the modern world.
Aside from the visual impact they create, these products are designed with the future in mind. This tapware, shower and mixer collection is also SwitchMix compatible. This means that if they’re
swapped out for another Phoenix product in the future, the install of a new design won’t impact tiling or waterproofing. The new range is also made in line with Australia’s upcoming legislation regarding lead-free tapware for anything designed to be used for drinking water.
Each piece comes in a range of finishes to suit any home’s aesthetic. They range from a highshine Chrome or Matte Black for a modern and moody feel to Brushed Gold or Brushed Nickel for a more classic edge.
Phoenix is a leader in innovation in its field, with the Cromford collection no exception by pairing beautiful design with longevity and health.
More than just a kitchen sink, the Boutique collection from Abey Australia is a multifunctional food preparation station, cleaning and entertaining area.
Abey Australia prides itself on creating highend kitchen elements with superior functionality that fit every kitchen aesthetic, and the new Boutique range is no exception. Crafted from extra-thick 1.2mm stainless steel, each Boutique sink showcases high-quality design and premium fit-for-purpose function. Using a specially crafted tool, the Boutique sinks come with a deeprecessed waste kit that sits flush against the bottom of the sink bowl.
As well as a deeper waste kit, Boutique sinks are crafted with no crease lines, allowing food scraps to flow straight into the waste recess instead of sticking to the bowl surface.
Each Boutique sink can be kitted out with a full range of premium-quality kitchen accessories that can help create an at-home Masterchef experience. This includes in-sink prep trays, dish drainers that sit over the sink, bamboo cutting boards and unique sinkware accessories manufactured from Fibre-Rock®, a proprietary wood-fibre composite that boasts luxury style and functionality.
From slicing and dicing to cutting and cleaning, the Boutique collection can transform your kitchen into a complete culinary experience.
ABEY AUSTRALIA
abey.com.au
P 1800 809 143
E mail@abey.com.au
If tiles, tubs and vanities can be considered the staples of any bathroom, tapware is the main accessory. Indeed, tapware offers homeowners and renovators the chance to pepper their bathrooms with a pop of personality, and the latest range from Abey Australia is specifically designed to make a statement, whether they prefer bold black or a touch of bling.
Available in a choice of chrome, black, brushed nickel, brushed brass and gunmetal, the VELA Bathroom Collection caters to almost every taste and its streamlined profile
ensures it will blend perfectly with almost any decor.
Manufactured from low-lead brass to Abey’s quality specifications, the extensive range of spouts, basin mixers, shower mixers and wall sets also comes in an assortment of size options. The collection’s ergonomic wide paddle handle allows for ease of use and coordinates beautifully with the Gareth Ashton shower and accessories range.
VELA’s classic design is the real triumph though, ensuring this bathroom accessory will remain a style statement for many years to come.
In the variable climate we experience yearround in Australia, our bathrooms are often a heavenly escape at the end of the day. Whether you are cooling off or warming up, a shower or bath is one of the simple pleasures of life. IXL endeavours to make that experience even more luxurious and comfortable with its Tastic Ovation 3-in-1. It is designed to whisk away the damp air, illuminate your bathroom and, in the cooler months, keep you warm as well.
The sleek and minimalist design settles flawlessly into the ceiling, while still providing a significant draw power of 396sqm of air per hour. Engineered to be easy to install and including a self-sealing back-draught stopper, it will keep your bathroom clear of steam no matter how long you are in the bathtub. The heating lamps offer a powerful 800W of Halo Heat™ technology, perfect for warming the space on cooler nights to make the transition out of the shower more comfortable. Of course, lighting is another important feature in any bathroom and the cool white tones of these LEDs add a refreshing ambience to any bathroom.
Designed and made in Australia for our unique conditions, the IXL Tastic Ovation also comes with a five-year in-home warranty, so you can relax and unwind with peace of mind.
Introducing Carysil's stunning Apron sink range by Navona. Made of 80 per cent quartz and 20 per cent acrylic resin, the new Apron sink is easy to clean and a dream to maintain. They are resistant to temperatures of up to 280°, so you don’t have to worry about your sink getting damaged by boiling water or hot pans.
Available in a choice of white or black, this range is designed to suit any kitchen design.
As the sinks in this range are scratch- and dent-resistant, you can rest easy knowing you can wash your heavy-duty pots and pans without risking damage. Once you’re done with the post-meal wash-up, cleaning the sink is easy thanks to its rounded corners.
These sinks are produced using German technology, machinery and raw materials by Carysil — a world-class producer of premium granite sinks since 1987. The company produces sinks for more than 40 countries worldwide and offers a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured your new Apron sink is built to last.
Familiar as we’ve become with internet shopping, ordering a new kitchen and laundry online isn’t something many would immediately consider. But that’s exactly what the owners of this sophisticated modern home did, and the quality of the result, and speed of production, suggest this could be the way of the future.
To meet the owners’ tight deadlines, the sinks, tapware, cabinetry, in OptiMatt Anthracite, and countertops, in Marabella by Stone Ambassador, were all ordered online for the kitchen and laundry from the Modulr+ range.
The integrated InAlto dishwasher, microwave, cooktop, oven and rangehood were chosen from the online offerings too, as were the Voda profile handles and internal storage solutions. It was the Australian-made joinery, manufactured using a revolutionary and highly durable bonding technique, that
really simplified the process though, arriving pre-assembled — with customised storage solutions and soft-close drawers already installed — within weeks.
The sleek, minimalist kitchen and laundry were functional almost immediately and the resulting kitchen layout caters perfectly to the need for ample storage and easy entertaining. Tall overhead cabinets negate the need for bulkheads and optimise space, while a generous floor plan, large island and breakfast bar allow for small and large gatherings.
A hexagonal-tiled splashback in matt black helps to unify the space, and leather barstools and glass pendants over the island add character, culminating in a bespoke look that belies the ease of its creation.
Design DIY Home
Build Modulr+ and DIY Home
The speed and simplicity with which this sophisticated kitchen and laundry were constructed
Cabinetry OptiMatt Anthracite
Hinges Titus T-type soft-close
Drawers Tekform slimline soft-close
Storage Modulr+
Benchtop Marabella engineered stone by Stone Ambassador
Handles Stefano Orlati VODA
Oven & cooktop InAlto
Rangehood InAlto
Dishwasher InAlto
Sink Duro granite double-bowl
Taps High-rise goose-neck sink mixer
This contemporary ILVE Nostalgie series oven combines an attractive finish with functionality in a compact 60cm package. It has a diverse range of innovative and practical features and is perfect for traditional or country kitchens. Cooks in your kitchen will be vying to whip up culinary delights with this easy-to-use stylish oven.
The new digital thermostat ensures even more accurate temperature control and the oven cavity incorporates new heat distribution fins that help to circulate the air around more evenly. With even heat distribution, you’ll have a perfect result for your baking every time.
The oven has a vitreous enamelled pressed door and control panel as well as a choice of brass, chrome or brushed-bronze control knobs. You can also customise your appliance by choosing from one of three available selections of decorative styling.
Among the many other striking features is a new ultra-easy-clean interior, as well as a removable door with dismountable inner glass to help with cleaning.
There’s an integrated twin-cavity cooling system and precision digital electronic thermostatic control with a temperature range
of 30°C–300°C. The turbowave Quick Start preheating function heats from 0°C–175°C in six minutes. It’s also A-class energy-rated.
ILVE
Ilve.com.au
A 48-50 Moore St, Leichhardt NSW
P 1300 694 583
The GROHE Essence Professional pull-down sink mixer has a five-star WELS rating and a sleek architectural profile that marks it as the best in sustainable and functional design for your kitchen.
Made of high-quality composite material, designated as no-material extraction throughout the lifetime of the product, this tap offers superior safety for domestic use due to its material properties. GROHE Zero technology means you get a tap with premium advanced innerwaterguides that keep lead and other harmful deposits out of your drinking water.
More than just a material marvel, the Essence Professional pull-down mixer also features GROHE’s patented SilkMove technology for smoother handling. Adding further comfort and peace of mind, this kitchen workhorse offers a 360-degree rotatable arm and EasyDock magnetic system, which guarantees easy retraction and a smooth return to its starting position, with a dual spray head. And if that’s not enough, the hygienic GROHE Flex hose offers flexibility with integrated springs that helps it adapt to any kitchen task.
Projecting a sleek and streamlined chrome and black profile, the GROHE Essence Professional sink mixer adds an aura of proficiency to any kitchen while also ensuring convenience and functionality for every user.
COMPANY INFO
GROHE grohe.com.au
When installing a rangehood, you only want to do it once — which means you need to do it right. By choosing a high-quality product such as the rangehoods available from QASAIR®, you’ll be enjoying cooking in your kitchen for years to come.
QASAIR ducting is made from Zincalume, which is non-flammable and rigid. This is a smarter, safer choice than rangehoods that use flexible ducting, which can become cramped as they are shaped to fit smaller spaces. While these might seem fine upon installation, they can quickly become a danger in the home, making QASAIR’S rigid ducting the superior solution.
In addition to this, QASAIR rangehoods are quiet yet functional. These custom-created products are built right here in Australia. In fact, you can choose a premium-quality bespoke rangehood to suit your needs, with the ducting made to the right size for the air movement specified on each individual rangehood, ensuring you get the perfect companion for your domestic cooker.
Noise is also a key consideration for QASAIR; the rangehoods produce minimal sound so as not to disrupt the home. And of course, functionality is a critical part of the product — and QASAIR does not disappoint in this field either.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. QASAIR rangehoods have been tested by the CSIRO over many years to ensure they capture all the by-products produced by domestic cookers available in Australia.
FOR MORE INFO
QASAIR condari.com.au
E condari@qasair.com.au
@Qasair
@QasairRangehoods
This is an elegantly appointed kitchen with loads of style. There are many stand-out features that make cooking and entertaining easy, as well as floor-to-ceiling cabinets for plenty of storage.
The contemporary colour palette adds a soothing, tranquil feel to the space. Quality cabinetry and Shaker profile doors blend effortlessly with the beautiful Gitani Cicero Vena Fina benchtop. Each element adds another layer of charm and style to this exceptional kitchen.
Before the renovation, the dated kitchen had a black benchtop and it was an awkward shape. It was squared off to create a more contemporary feel and look. The homeowners wanted a modern aesthetic to bring their kitchen up to the standard of the rest of the dwelling. Premier Kitchens answered the call and the resulting kitchen is in a class of its own.
High-end appliances integrated into the cabinetry complement the luxe look.
Design Anita Mitchell
Build Premier Kitchens
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Dulux Hildegard, Blum LEGRABOX
Hinges & drawers Blum
Storage Pull-out pantry
Pull-out bins Pull Boy Bin system
Benchtop Gitani Cicero Vena Fina
Handles Lo & Co Kintore brass
Oven Neff
Cooktop Bora Downdraft
Rangehood Bora Downdraft
Refrigerator Liebherr Monolith
The curved benchtop which adds a clever contrast to the straight lines of the cabinetry
This revived kitchen underwent a major update, not only to the layout but by restructuring the floor plan to maximise the available space. The previous kitchen had a more traditional stand-alone room that made it feel isolated. With a growing family, the homeowners wanted a more open-plan space that also had plenty of storage and better accessibility. Stylistically, it had to maintain that original charm while also incorporating industrial touches to modernise the space.
To keep the room light and bright, white was chosen as the core colour. It acted as the perfect base, adding stunning contrast to the moody black handles with knurled details. The darker tones are carried across the appliances
and beautifully detailed porcelain benchtop to create a cohesive feel. To bring in some of the original character, a custom copper rangehood was made, creating a stunning backdrop to the curved kitchen island. Hidden storage is scattered throughout, including ample drawers, a pull-out bin and a double pantry.
Perfectly combining the more traditional elements of this older home with modern convenience, it now has a refreshed yet timeless feel. This bright, open and welcoming kitchen now fits into the home like it’s always been there.
Design Jessica Valenti
Build A-Plan Kitchens & Bathrooms
Photography Inlighten Photography
Hinges & drawers Blum
Handles Kethy
Oven Electrolux
Sink Arete
The perfect blend of modern and traditional design elements that maintain the history of this home while adding personalised touches
A-PLAN KITCHENS & BATHROOMS aplan.com.au
A 208 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW P 02 9516 3611
E enquiries@aplan.com.au
You don’t need a huge amount of space to maximise your storage. Drawers placed within cupboards are an easy solution
Having spent more than 40 years designing and manufacturing bespoke joinery in Sydney, Degabriele Kitchens + Interiors’ latest bathroom overhaul is proof that experience is king.
With a graphic black-and-white tile covering the feature wall and extending to the step-down from the shower and bathing zone to the main floor, this bathroom makes a bold first impression. Black dominates the colour scheme and extends to the under-vanity drawers, shelving/storage unit, freestanding bath, the trio of hanging pendants above the tub and vanity mirror and internal cabinetry, as well as accessories like candleholders and a glossy planter.
From black to white, Struto marble flooring sees the bathroom’s sense of luxury soar, while gloss-white wall tiles keep the aesthetic from becoming overwhelmed. Simple and streamlined, these glossy tiles are the perfect addition to the refined palette.
Creating dream homes is all in a day’s work for Degabriele Kitchens + Interiors, with the company about to open its third showroom located next to its flagship kitchen showroom in Willoughby. Here you will get to see magnificent bathroom displays, his-and-her dressing room, home bar, library and a whole lot more. Visitors to the showroom could tour the Selection Studio, a one-stop shop where you can choose materials and fittings.
All Degabriele joinery is covered by a 12-year guarantee, offering clients true peace of mind. Plus a complete bathroom renovation service is offered, with all demolition, waterproofing, trades, tiling and project management taken care of from start to finish. As the team explains, “We also ensure our team of over 30 talented cabinetmakers and apprentices have the necessary skills and talent to handle any unique design elements that your project requires.”
Design Degabriele KitchensThe graphic black and white feature tile
Basins Caroma
Bath Caroma
Wall tiles Gloss white
Floor tiles Struto marble
Vanity unit Silestone Calypso Nebula
DEGABRIELE KITCHENS
degabrielekitchens.com.au
P 02 9958 5668
E marketing@degabriele.com.au
This fresh and spacious kitchen is nestled in the heart of an Art Deco home in the Sydney suburb of Mosman. The previous kitchen, which hadn’t been touched since it was first built, had small chipboard cupboards that were falling apart. Given its older style and condition, it was making the apartment feel dated and drab. The homeowner wanted something modern and refreshing, with a strong focus on increasing storage in the compact space.
To give the kitchen a more contemporary feel, a classic clean white was used as the base colour. Brushed stainless-steel accents and warm and grainy Laminex add depth and texture while still remaining in keeping with the more modern aesthetic. The overall profile is very polished, right down to the minimalist handles to keep the space looking sharp.
One of the stand-out features is the grey smoked mirror splashback which creates a focal point that bounces light around without detracting from the beautiful joinery. With
the goal of ample storage in mind, innovative hinges and drawers were added to maximise the space and bring in the must-have storage solutions. A bifold door was added for those small but frequently reached-for appliances like the kettle and toaster, keeping the counters clear from clutter.
Design Chelsea Shear
Build Dezign Kitchens
Hinges & drawers Blum
Storage Häfele
Benchtop Smartstone
Handles Kethy
Taps Abey
Sink Abey
The ample space where appliances and clutter can get stored, leaving the kitchen feeling more open and airy
The addition of bifold doors is a great option for maximising available storage space in small corners
With astute design and beautiful products and finishes, this bathroom is in a class of its own. The attention to detail really makes it shine.
The homeowners wanted to update their tired beige bathrooms and replace them with modern classic new ones that reflected the style of their Federation home. They envisioned a bathroom and ensuite with integrated porcelain basins and exposed plumbing — stunning elements that create a feel of timeless luxury. The clients also wanted easily accessible cabinetry.
In the ensuite, an unsympathetic central stud wall was removed to open up the room and create more space. High-quality crafted Italian green porcelain tiles frame the leafy water views visible from the two ensuite windows.
In the existing bathroom, an internal door to an adjoining bedroom was removed to create a tall cabinet, and an elegant oval mirror was placed above the basin.
Design Jackson Mikhael Build Designline Kitchens & BathroomsThe striking marble-effect floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles framing the bath whose curves mirror those of the basin
Vanity Hawthorn Hill
Basins The Water Monopoly
Bath Victoria & Albert Amiata
Shower Perrin & Rowe by The English Tapware Company
Screens Palmer Glass
Taps Perrin & Rowe
Mirror Hawthorn Hill
Toilet suite Perrin & Rowe
Tiles Ceramiche Caesar (floor), Anima Ever
Sage Green Mosaic (ensuite)
Accessories Armac Martin, Perrin & Rowe
This kitchen was a fresh start for the homeowners, with the space re-configured to accommodate the entire kitchen and the laundry. With the design brief including the need for a perfect entertaining area, a beautiful flow from the kitchen into the garden was created. The owners wanted a feature kitchen island that was large enough not only for food prep, but for hosting friends and family at the same time. As for colour and design considerations, they sought clean lines with natural warmth and a major wow factor. This stunningly symmetrical and streamlined kitchen delivered on all fronts. The kitchen
island is perfectly centred, with plenty of room for seating, storage and food preparation. Crisp white quartz with a vein of warm honey and amber tones creates a strong focal point in this space. These colours are reflected throughout the timber flooring, seating and cabinetry to create a cohesive and bright space. The laundry is now cleverly tucked away behind a pivot door, creating a more distinctive line between the two room functions.
Design Gemma Haddock
Build Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Photography Amanda Prior Photography
FEATURE FOCUS
Hinges & drawers Blum
Taps Villeroy & Boch
Sink Franke
Splashback Quantum Quartz
The way the quartz vein has been crafted to flow naturally across both the horizontal and vertical surfaces for a seamless finish
Choose the core function you want for your kitchen to help refine both layout and proportion when you’re redesigning
COLLAROY KITCHEN CENTRE collaroykitchen.com.au
A Shop 7-8/1000 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW P 02 9972 9300 E sales@collaroykitchen.com.au
This kitchen’s colour palette is warm and welcoming, with white, grey, slivers of green and pops of orange adding an element of fun to the space.
The renovation has doubled the usable size of the room, adding many features that improve functionality and liveability. Before the renovation, the two back walls were not used but by incorporating this area, there was more benchtop and usable space around the cooking area for preparation.
The seating zone, with two chairs tucked under the expansive benchtop, offers a place to work from home, and for the homeowners to look after the new addition to the family while preparing meals.
The beautiful floating shelves above are filled with greenery and selected decor items. This kitchen “nook” is something that isn’t always achievable in U-shaped kitchens, but by securing extra space and with a few design tweaks, the owners have a far bigger kitchen than they would have envisioned.
The corner pantry in the kitchen shows how often-unused space can be cleverly utilised. With its auto light, grabbing a late-night snack
without disturbing anyone couldn’t be simpler.
The beautiful butler’s sink is scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant — a popular inclusion in many new kitchens. Along with the freestanding stove and open shelving, it adds a splash of contemporary style.
Design Matthew Eve
Build Nobby Kitchens
Cabinetry Hampton Deluxe
Hinges & drawers Blum
Bins Blum
Benchtop Caesarstone Frosty Carrina
Handles Hampton Antique Brass Matt
Oven & cooktop Smeg
Rangehood Smeg
Dishwasher Asko
Refrigerator Samsung
Lighting LED Strip
Sink Schots
Taps Franke
The beautiful subway tiles that seem to capture and reflect the light in the space
NOBBY KITCHENS
nobbykitchens.com.au
Belrose
A Belrose HomeCo, Shop G17, 4-6 Niangala Cl, Belrose NSW
P 02 7209 0755
Pymble
A 19 Ryde Rd, Cnr West St, Pymble NSW
P 02 9498 1377
Castle Hill
A Ground level, South Building, Hills Super Centre, Victoria Ave, Castle Hill NSW
P 02 9659 0769
Taren Point
A 6/120 Taren Point Rd, Taren Point NSW
P 02 8224 9688
Newcastle
A 2/66 Park Ave, Kotara NSW
P 02 4044 5620
@NobbyKitchens
@NobbyKitchens
French provincial style is given a thoroughly modern makeover in this space from Paradise Kitchens. Thanks to clever design work that optimises storage and a considered colour palette, this kitchen is indeed a space to leave the owners saying oh là là!
Prior to its renovation, this was an older kitchen with minimal space and no real sense of style. When Paradise Kitchens came onboard, the owners requested a room with more storage that would be practical for the family with two young children. They also wanted a space that was French provincial, yet modern — and Paradise Kitchens certainly delivered.
Bespoke decorative panels and columns are featured on the sides of the island benchtop and around the rangehood. These architectural elements are complemented by the design of the doors and panels, creating a French provincial style with a clean and modern feel.
Another modern element is evident in the colour scheme. White enhances the sense of space in the kitchen but it’s paired with a calming, contemporary grey Carrara-style tile in the splashback. This blends beautifully with the Caesarstone benchtop, which stretches to a generous 90mm depth on the island bench to add extra workspace and create an overall grand look.
Design Paradise Kitchens
WE LOVE
The feature island bench with its central and generous workspace
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Polytec
Benchtop Caesarstone
Oven Smeg
Refrigerator Electrolux
Engaging a quality kitchen designer can result in a room that suits your taste and maximises your space. It’s an investment that’s truly worth it
PARADISE KITCHENS
paradise-kitchens.com.au
A 70 Hassall St, Wetherill Park NSW P 02 9757 4400
@Paradise Kitchens
Industrie Tapware understands better than most how to make a bathroom into a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, a space that is as stylish as the rest of your home. With an extensive array of baths, basins, tapware, tiles and more to choose from, Industrie Tapware has everything you need to create a personal bathing oasis.
The new Stone Resin bath collection in matt white is as beautiful as it is functional. Silky smooth to the touch, this collection of elegant baths is crafted from a mixture of crushed stone and resin, making them extremely resistant to scratches, chipping and cracking.
Featuring a non-porous surface, the Stone Resin bath range has excellent heat retention and is easy to clean, allowing you to relax for longer and soak away the stress.
Echoing the relaxing luxury of far-flung holiday destinations, the Resort and Santorini baths will transport you to another world in the comfort of your own home.
Manufactured from a stone and resin composite, the Resort bath boasts a comfortably moulded tapered profile designed for deep relaxation. Featuring the same durable composition, the Santorini bath showcases
finely arched fluting reminiscent of traditional European architectural details.
For a very different look, Industrie Tapware’s new concrete basin range comes in a variety of fun colours and textures. More than just an aesthetically pleasing addition to your space, this versatile basin collection is made from high-quality concrete. Known for its durability and strength, concrete is a solid choice for wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, ensuring longevity for your space. In addition, concrete minimises the growth of bacteria, which is perfect for maintaining a hygienic bathroom.
INDUSTRIE TAPWARE
industrietapware.com.au
F I in
A 493 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby NSW
P 1300 462 837 connect@industrietapware
Bondi Floor Mounted Bath Filler with Mixer in Raw Brass accents the freestanding Resort Bath, now available in gloss and matte white acrylic and matte white solid surfaceThe Danish-born Gamborg brothers are no strangers to creating a kitchen that is one with your entire living environment.
Simplicity never goes out of fashion. Less is more when it comes to Scandinavian design. The combination of warm timbers, beautiful textures, neutral colours and natural stones come together to sing in harmony and create one symphony.
On average, you will purchase two kitchens during your lifetime. Therefore, a good quality kitchen that has been well maintained should last at least 25 to 35 years. That’s where we come in.
With so many moving parts to a kitchen renovation, our years of expertise will ensure that each design point you request is viable and practical for the space.
The balance between practicality and design is one that is only understood by a professional. You can trust the designers at DK Design Kitchens to create your perfect kitchen from Day One.
Boasting clean lines and with a contemporary colour palette in shades of grey, this modern kitchen by Kenwood Kitchens exudes plenty of style.
It’s a functional space with ample storage options, including cupboards and deep drawers underneath so large kitchen items can be stored with ease. The doors and panels are the hero, with a signature style that complements other elements. The Corian Carrara lino splashback picks up slivers of grey and works handsomely with the colour tones of the rest of the kitchen, and with warm timber flooring underfoot, it balances the cool colours in the space.
Bar stools tucked under the generous breakfast bar mean meals on the go are the order of the day when necessary. Expansive areas of bench space allow ample room for meal preparation. The sink to the side of the kitchen keeps the primary areas clutter-free when entertaining.
This is a kitchen that offers the ultimate in good looks and practicality.
Design Lesley Eadie
Build Kenwood Kitchens
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Laminex Terril Satin
Hinges & drawers Blum
Pull-out bins Blum
Benchtop Corian Carrara Lino
Handles Kethy, Castella
Splashback Corian Carrara Lino
Oven & cooktop Bosch
Rangehood & canopy Downdraft
Dishwasher Bosch
Sink Franke
The under-cupboard lighting that casts a beautiful glow over the benchtop
Opting for quality hinges, drawers and storage solutions is a good idea; the seemingly little things matter too when creating a functional kitchen
This bright and beautiful galley kitchen was a fresh start for the homeowners, who wanted to create their dream space. Aesthetically, it needed to be light and airy with a stylish edge. Functionally, they wanted something that was easy to maintain, with durable finishes and a logical layout with clear zones for different tasks.
Lying alongside the lush garden, this kitchen has a stunning view but needed to incorporate plenty of light tones to maximise the natural illumination available. The spotlights direct light throughout the room, delivering the bright space the homeowners were after. The fresh, cool-toned white makes for a striking profile, while the warmth of brushed-brass handles and timber flooring softens the look.
To add more texture to the vertical spaces, the dark-veined marble splashback creates a stunning backdrop. The iconic AGA oven in a soft green brings the tones of the outdoors inside and creates a focal point in this elongated room that ties in perfectly with the classic butler’s sink.
To accommodate the kitchen’s layout, the food prep area is towards the back of the kitchen.
Drawers that span the full length of the space provide ample storage, providing easy access to appliances and cooking accoutrements for that all-important functionality.
Design Fred Hayek
Build Flasting
Benchtop Quantum Quartz
Handles Momo Handles
Oven AGA Sink Shaws
The blend of cool whites with soft and natural tones that creates a balanced colour palette
FLASTING GROUP
flasting.com.au
A 96 Penshurst St, Willoughby NSW
P 02 9958 8886
E inquiry@flasting.com.au
A full-size splashback can add both a practical and decorative element to a kitchen, providing texture and personality
Hardware & General first opened as a corner hardware store in 1960, and has expanded along Winbourne Road, Harbord Road and Pittwater Road into 20 specialist sales centres in Brookvale.
The company’s renovated and redesigned bathroom showroom and adjoining tap showroom have an incredibly impressive depth of choice in brands and products in varying price ranges, meaning products can be compared and contrasted before being locked in.
What stands out the most when entering the bathroom showroom are the inspirational bathroom concept spaces, which are styled to help you visualise your renovation and find the perfect products for it. You can even exercise your creativity and design your own The Block-
inspired bathroom looks, thanks to Hardware & General's vast range of Dulux paints, Velux skylights, tiles, taps, toilets and lighting.
Many members of the Hardware & General showroom team available to help you have worked for the company for more than a decade, meaning they are industry specialists. Their product and technical knowledge is second to none and their deep understanding of projects and associated procedures allows for the proactive solving of problems before they impact the project.
Hardware & General’s Brookvale bathroom showroom boasts a range of products by an impressive range of brands including Caroma, PARISI, PARISI Furniture, Marquis, Argent, ADP,
Decina, Duravit, Bathe, Kaldewei, Hansgrohe, Villeroy & Boch, Gessi, Abey, Astra Walker, Turner Hastings, Bette, Dorf, Methven and many more.
HARDWARE & GENERAL hg.com.au
A 68 Winbourne Rd, Brookvale NSW
P 02 8456 1188
Additional showrooms
A 24–32 Forge St, Blacktown NSW
P 02 8834 5200
A 60 Darley St, Mona Vale NSW
P 02 9997 1711
A 107–109 Boundary Rd, Peakhurst NSW
P 02 9533 4466
The owners of this acreage property wanted a fresh new laundry to double as a mud room, creating the perfect home addition for country living. The brief included getting rid of the former green laminate benchtops and light terracotta tiles, and including plenty of storage and a few luxurious touches to create a room they are happy to spend time in.
Taking on the hefty task, Rosemount Kitchens delivered a large, open laundry that harmoniously blends white Shaker-style cabinetry and classic subway tiles, accented with warm timber elements. The chic, modern farmhouse feel is perfectly at home in this rural location and offers plenty of functionality for the family.
Complementing other renovated spaces recently completed throughout the house, the laundry’s unassuming design flows cohesively into the rest of the home. The simple yet classic pairing of Shaker-style cabinetry with VJ panelling and subway tiles showcased in the laundry can also be seen in the kitchen, pantry and bathroom spaces. The use of a clean white palette generates a modern touch and enhances the unified look and feel throughout the home.
The addition of honeyed timber hues in the form of open shelving amid the white cabinetry meets the client’s criteria for developing a warm space that is more than just about function. LED
strip lighting placed beneath the cabinetry adds a soft glow that gives the laundry a luxe factor and an inviting ambience.
Enhancing the functionality of this work room, an abundance of storage, from drawers to open shelves to floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, ensures the laundry is fit-for-purpose for a busy family. There’s even a dedicated spot to take off your muddy shoes and hang up your wet raincoat!
Design & build Rosemount Kitchens
Photography Tim Turner
Mud rooms are a wonderful option for extra storage and help to keep the rest of the home dirt and clutter-free
The warm tones of the timber accents against an all-white colour palette
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Polytec
Panelling VJ wall panels
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Caesarstone
Handles Kethy
Splashback Tile
LED lighting Häfele
Washing machine LG
Dryer Bosch
Sink Franke Bolero Box
Taps Franke
ROSEMOUNT KITCHENS
rosemountkitchens.com.au
P 1300 476 736
E info@rosemountkitchens.com.au
A 2 Kingston Town Close, Oakleigh, Vic
A 358 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading, Vic
A 20 Napier St, Essendon, Vic @RosemountKitchens
@rosemount_kitchens
Built within the confines of a castle, this elegant space is fit for royalty — the kind that do their own cooking, it seems. Designed by interiors firm Impreshens, built and installed by Kitchens U Build Traralgon, this classic fairy tale took a dark and poky room with no storage and retold it as a modern narrative with a stylish yet moody theme.
Renovating an older space is always a challenge, and this kitchen was no exception. Kitchens U Build was required to work around a few tricky elements to transform this dank and dated spot. Limited room and brick interior walls, outdated appliances and a pre-existing dark timber decor were just some of the barriers that needed breaking through to let this kitchen shine again.
Briefed by the client to maintain the inherited integrity of the space but with a modern and moody theme, Impreshens designed a new kitchen that kept the existing timber ceiling beams but used a neutral material palette to bring in more light. Shaker-style cabinetry in a vinyl-wrap black satin finish line the lower half of the kitchen. This run of darkness is kept seamless with the inclusion of a black ceramic butler’s sink that blends into the cabinetry yet adds a textural element with its fluted front.
The span of upper cabinetry above the cooktop offers a lighter contrast in Prime Oak
melamine, bringing in additional texture with a wood-look element. Extending the height of the upper cabinets to reach the ceiling elongates the space to make it feel larger, while also providing extra storage. A glass splashback beneath reflects light from the nearby window into the room and cleverly works with the height to give the appearance of space.
The peninsula carries a waterfall edge of richly veined White Cloud porcelain Smartstone, which runs the entire perimeter of the kitchen before cascading down to the floor at the end of the seating/prep zone. Special ridged cove panels line the back of the peninsula beneath the white stone, providing a visual cue that complements the fluted butler’s sink.
Compact yet cosy, the sharp angles and linear planes showcased in this open, lightfilled room are softened by the curves evident in the two windows that sit either side of the sink. Mirroring the curved door that leads to the laundry room on one side and the arched openings that lead to the adjoining dining and living spaces on the other, the arched windows are a clever addition that offer plenty of character to this reimagined kitchen.
The inhabitants of this modern tale are sure to live happily ever after.
WE LOVE
The unique blend of modern and traditional character combined in the design
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Thermo black satin finish in a Hamptons profile (lower), Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt (upper)
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Smartstone porcelain in White Cloud
Handles Chosen by Impreshens Splashback Smoked Mirror
Bin Vauth Sagel
KITCHENS U BUILD kitchensubuild.com.au
Showrooms Bayswater, Carrum Downs, Cheltenham, Richmond, Pakenham, Ballarat, Traralgon, Geelong, Brisbane
P 03 9720 0082
E bayswater@kitchensubuild.com.au
Maintaining a few key features from the original architecture will help to blend a newly renovated space into an existing build
Showrooms at: 66 Whitehorse Rd. Balwyn/Deepdene, Cnr. Barnsbury Rd. Victoria 341 Bayswater Rd. Bayswater, Cnr. Canterbury Rd. Victoria
Contact: p 03 9816 9399 p 03 9720 2380 e kitchens@inset.com.au
Website: www.inset.com.au
We have the knowledge, experience, Australian manufacturing capability and award-winning team to unlock the full potential of your home and make sure you get ‘YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN’ and interior renovation. With Inset Kitchens as your renovation team, we can turn your renovation dream into a reality.
Where beautiful design meets affordability, de Wacht Cabinets and Design offer bespoke, boutique cabinetry. We’re based on the Mornington Peninsula, but we work with clients from all around Melbourne. At de Wacht Cabinets and Design we give our all. We ensure quality throughout all stages of all projects, from start to finish.
These two completely different rooms have a common theme, creating a feeling of cohesion through the use of moody black. Prior to the update, the rooms were looking a little dated and in need of better storage and a more modern feel. The homeowner wanted a functional and larger kitchen to suit a family of four, as well as a bathroom with a good shower and energising colour to add some life and personality.
To refresh the kitchen, the old U-shape was changed to create a more open feel as well as facilitate the addition of a kitchen island. The island not only added seating and room for food prep, but also more of the all-important storage. It was a fairly dark and enclosed space so to accommodate the colour choices, an additional window was added to bring in more natural light.
The bathroom required very little rearranging. The shower and toilet remained in their original location, while the basin was shifted to open up the room. Adding a walk-in shower brings a touch of luxury, while the sunset pinks and terracotta tones add the cheerful feel the homeowners were so keen to cultivate. An abundance of storage was included, framing the relocated sink with the matt black shade carrying through from the kitchen.
Design Judy Pringle
Build Let’s Talk Kitchens + Interiors
Photography Tim Turner
Keeping plumbing and electrics in their original locations can help keep costs down, giving you more budget for the finer details and accessories
WE LOVE
The textured glass that brings diffused light into the colourful bathroom and the cohesion the black adds to the two spaces
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Polytec
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Dekton
Feature tiles De Fazio
Bathroom basin Nood
Kitchen sink Oliveri
Creating dream homes with innovative kitchen, bathroom and laundry appliances since 1962, e&s is a powerhouse supplier offering competitive prices on an extensive range of leading brands.
Dedicated to offering its clients premiumquality products, e&s showcases a carefully selected assortment of products that ensure functionality and stylish design for any budget. Its latest inclusions encompass the Halo X Collection from Brodware, the Duravit Sensowash i Plus, the Kaldewei Meisterstück Oyo Duo, and the Shaws Shaker Sink.
Halo X features Brodware's signature knurling detail around a minimal face of solid brass. It is an ergonomic and elegant addition to the highly sought-after Halo range.
Available in over 20 specialty finishes and Made in Australia since 1964, the collection is available exclusively at e&s.
More than just a toilet, the Duravit Sensowash® i Plus offers a plethora of features, demonstrating an entirely new level of comfort in the bathroom.
Designed by Philippe Starck, the SensoWash® i Plus is a complete self-contained unit with electronic flushing system and modern bidet comfort. Featuring rimless technology, softclose mechanism, heated seat and auto flush, this technologically advanced toilet is a must for every modern bathroom.
A slim remote with Bluetooth-enabled app makes it easy to operate the SensoWash® i Plus, allowing users to select the desired
shower function after using the toilet. From RearWash to ComfortWash, or the specially designed LadyWash, users can adjust the water temperature, spray intensity and position, all to ensure the ultimate in toilet comfort and hygiene.
A masterpiece of German engineering, the Kaldewei Meisterstück Oyo Duo is an impressive egg-shaped, freestanding bath that provides maximum lying comfort within its elegant free-flowing form.
Inspired by Japanese porcelain design, the Meisterstück’s simple and modern profile is crafted from steel enamel. Its double-walled construction ensures durability and longevity, while its minimal organic lines will impress all who gaze upon it.
Producing quality sinks from the finest-quality fireclay since 1897, Shaws sinks are renowned for their beauty and durability. Handcrafted in England using a process unchanged for 120 years, every Shaws sink is stamped with the name of the craftsman who made it, providing a personal guarantee of quality.
Resistant to heat, odours, impact, chemicals, dirt and stains, a Shaws sink is made to last a lifetime. A thick dual-enamel coating also guarantees exceptional strength and shine.
The deep bowl and clean sharp lines of the Shaws Shaker Sink form an iconic and versatile design that is ideal for a range of modern, contemporary and traditional bathrooms.
From new builds to complete renovations, e&s has the leading brands you need to ensure performance and reliability for your fittings and fixtures.
e&s
eands.com.au
A Abbotsford, Blackburn, Chadstone, Clayton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Geelong, Moorabbin, Prahran and Preston P 03 9034 9503 E customer.support@eands.com.au
Crafted by master manufacturer Kaldewei, this award-winning bath comes in a range of coordinated colours with matching enamel click-clack waste and a 30-year guarantee.A workhorse in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry, a sink serves multiple purposes in every household. From cleaning to soaking, sorting and rinsing, the humble sink is often utilised for many of life’s grubbiest tasks — but that’s no reason for it to not look good.
Form combined with function is the pinnacle of good design, which is what you get with Schots Home Emporium’s range of terrazzo concrete basins and Kinsdale fireclay sinks.
A timeless aesthetic, terrazzo has been around for centuries. Made popular in suburban homes in the 1950s, terrazzo has untold design potential, is highly durable and requires no maintenance.
An ideal option for wet, messy areas like the bathroom, the Schots range of terrazzo concrete basins is crafted from high-quality, durable concrete and genuine stone chips. Built to stand the test of time and to always look good, the minimalist design and simple beauty of the Schots collection is the perfect accompaniment for contemporary interiors.
Create a unique statement in your bathroom with a terrazzo basin in a strong charcoal, a soft cream or a subtle grey, suitable for wall-hung or countertop vanities.
The Kinsdale fireclay sink collection is an exclusive addition to Schots’ extensive sink range. Boasting a traditional profile, the Kinsdale is a
classic beauty with limitless functionality. Its large rectilinear form gives kitchens and laundries plenty of room for soaking and scrubbing, and rinses clean when the work is done.
Crafted to last, this heavy-duty range is fired at high temperatures to guarantee its strength. Choose from a single or double-bowl configuration, and a fluted apron or plain apron front. With its classic high-gloss white finish, the Kinsdale range is suitable for a variety of kitchen or laundry aesthetics.
Additional add-on accessories including a chopping board, drying rack and stainless-steel sink protectors ensure the enduring functionality of this collection, giving you a host of additional features in one attractive unit.
SCHOTS HOME EMPORIUM schots.com.au
Fashioned in a Hamptons style to suit both traditional and contemporary bathrooms, Schots’ OC Classique range of freestanding vanities is versatile and functional enough to complement any home.
The Black Classique is constructed to the highest standards. The vanity features a black moisture-resistant timber frame and a highquality polished Italian white Carrara marble top, making it a stunning addition to any bathroom. You also receive a marble splashback that complements the vanity while providing a barrier between it and the wall.
The vanity’s rectangular basins, complete with overflow protection, balance its overall design. Its soft-close timber drawers with quality dovetail construction were designed to stand the test of time. The vanity also features plenty of storage inside the cabinet, with soft-close doors for convenience.
Importantly, this range features adjustable feet that allow you to modify them to align with your wall tiles. This means you can rest easy knowing it can be placed alongside any preexisting tiling seamlessly.
On the other hand, the Selina range is a breathtaking fusion of classic and contemporary
design principles. With solid oak cabinetry, a sleek quartz countertop and bevelled edges for a smooth finish, the Selina range is truly exquisite. This range is available in both light and dark timbers and can be customised with matt black or brass handles to suit your bathroom’s aesthetic. It is available in six sizes and can be paired with matching basins, taps and mirrors to complete the look.
FOR MORE INFO SCHOTS HOME EMPORIUM schots.com.au
This polished and luxurious en suite gave the homeowners the opportunity for a fresh start. They had lived in this beautiful Edwardian property for 20 years, but the en suite needed refreshing to fix old and rotten timber as well as to bring the space into line with the rest of the home. The previous en suite ate into the clients’ bedroom space and also had an adjoining, underutilised study. Their dream was to maximise both bathroom and bedroom space while also cultivating a luxurious and private oasis that would create an escape from their busy professional lives.
Reimagining the floor plan was the first task. The study was removed entirely to create the new walk-in wardrobe and the old window was covered up. A Velux skylight was inserted for
more natural light and privacy.
To create a feeling of space, full-length mirrors along with a high marble splashback at the his and hers sinks draw up the eye. The Oceania Verde marble from CDK Stone introduces the classic Edwardian greens that are complemented by the equally classic brushed brass tapware on the sinks and shower. By contrast, moody grey accents throughout bring in a more modern feel as well as helping to tie the en suite together with the wardrobe and adjacent bedroom.
The result is a modern and refreshed space for the homeowners that maintains the charm of the dwelling's original details.
Design Olivia Cirocco (GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens)
Build GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens
If you’re working in a narrow or smaller room, work vertically to create a sense of space
FEATURE FOCUS
Basin Alape
Benchtop CDK Stone
Handles Modar
Tapware Astra Walker
WE LOVE
The extension of the marble up the wall, bringing colour and texture into the bathroom
GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens giarenovations.com.au
A 855 High St, Armadale Vic P 1300 442 736
E info@giarenovations.com.au
CUSTOM SELECTION APPOINTMENT
FREE STORAGE* OF YOUR GOODS UNTIL YOUR RENO IS FINISHED
DELIVERY, REMOVAL & INSTALLATION*
This cool white kitchen sets the tone for relaxed family get-togethers and easy entertaining. Before the renovation, the existing kitchen had a ’70s vibe — it needed a complete rebuild to breathe life into the dark and uninviting spaces.
The clients are delighted with their new kitchen, built by Inset Kitchens, which has a clean modern aesthetic and is made up of modern functional components and plenty of storage. The custom-designed step-in butler’s pantry is a feature, maximising storage space and keeping benchtops clutter-free. Another innovative storage solution is drawers in the kick rails for platters and other slimline items. When friends drop by, there’s a glass feature drinks cabinet with room to store wine, and a selection of glasses and decor for easy entertaining.
As part of the renovation, an existing curved plaster bulkhead was removed which makes the space feel larger and more streamlined. The room was also square set to create a more contemporary look and feel.
New oak flooring works well with the white kitchen, and the new flooring seamlessly links nearby living spaces.
This stunning project has transformed the space and delighted the homeowners.
Design Ed Mamrot
Build Inset Kitchens
Cabinetry Flat Panel in Satin Imperite
Hinges & drawers Hettich
Benchtop Lavistone Winter Flow
Handles Innox
Oven Electrolux
Cooktop Asko
Rangehood Asko
Dishwasher Fisher & Paykel
Refrigerator Fisher & Paykel
Sink Franke
Taps Franke
The colour choice of white on white, with slivers of darker tones in the benchtops and black splashback
Thinking outside the box can give you more storage options, such as this corner drinks cabinet and hidden walk-in butler’s pantry
This warm and intimate family bathroom is light and luxurious. From the brushed-brass tapware to the beautiful tiles and mirror and natural colour palette, the modern style blends effortlessly with the home’s interior design.
Neutral tones and curved features unite to create a stunning wellness-inspired space. The shower is a dual set-up, offering different showerheads to suit the family’s needs. There are options for showering adults, kids and pets. The shower is fully enclosed, so it’s cosy on those chilly winter mornings. A skylight above allows ample light to filter through, warming the space.
Before the renovation, the previous bathroom had wooden walls, flooring and cabinetry. The new material selection has transformed the space by opening it up and inviting light to flow through.
The bathroom encapsulates curved features throughout its design. The shower screen system is a showstopper; it’s the first of its kind to feature three curved sliding panels that overlap, the custom LED backlit mirror continuing the curved look.
Of course, the GT&B tiles are the star of the
show. The matt-white herringbone tiles bring a beautiful design element, while the large lightgrey tiles lighten the space, complementing the timber-look vanity.
Design Zoe van der Chys
Build Build2Grow
Photography Supreme Digital Media
Vanity Grinter Cabinets
Benchtop Sandman Stone Geelong
Basins Sebastian
Showerscreen Vanders Glass
Shower Finley
Mirror Vanders Glass
Taps Elysian
Lighting Jet Electrical (mirror)
Tiles GT&B T-Stone White (wall & floor), GT&B Petti Bella Matt White Ripple (feature)
Accessories Elysian
The abundance of natural light that filters in through the skylight
Warm tactile touches are the hero of this beautiful bathroom by Yeomans. The large feature wall with a geometric-style textured tile invites you to reach out and feel its beautiful surface.
The bathroom is a quiet calming space, with a delightful connection to the bushland beyond its walls. Simplicity was key in the design so the feature tile and vanity could shine.
The space, designed with guests in mind, offers a contemporary bathroom that will serve the homeowner well over the years to come.
The previous bathroom was dark, so adding elements that introduced light was key. Extra space was also acquired in the renovation through the removal of a wall between the toilet and bathroom.
The client had a range of design ideas and after visiting the in-store display that highlighted the base tile and matching feature tile, her decision was made. A wise choice in an exceptional bathroom.
Design Yeomans PhotographyVanity ADP Clifton in Coastal Oak
Basin ADP Flume
Bath BNK Modica 1500
Taps Nero Dolce
Tiles Geostone Bianco Natural (wall & floor), Geostone Esagonetta Bianco (feature)
The muted colour palette that is inspired by nature
YEOMANS
yeomansbc.com.au
A 1/32 Bridge St, Eltham Vic
P 03 9439 2211
E enquiries@yeomansbc.com.au
Robbie CarusoBy opting for smaller elements, like the small bathtub, in a compact bathroom, you can still have all the features you’d like
Tasked with redesigning and renovating a small and dysfunctional bathroom, Select Kitchens & Bathrooms had an exciting challenge ahead. Located in a family home in Parkdale in Melbourne, the previous bathroom was due for a refresh to cater to the homeowners’ needs. The practical side of the brief asked for more space, while stylistically the owners wanted something fresh and modern, with grey as the core colour in the palette.
To deliver a more spacious room, the renovation required walls to be moved and the room expanded to increase the overall floor space available. A bath was added and by utilising a glass wall to divide the shower, the room maintains the open-plan feel. His and hers Brazos
sinks were added to enable more people to get ready during the morning rush, while drawers beneath the basins create more storage.
A stunning colour palette of warm grey tiles is used throughout, with the grainy timber drawers adding natural texture. Lighter tones across the vertical panelling draw the eye up, while the darker brushed tapware adds contrast and a subtle moody, modern touch.
The family now has a beautifully open-plan and functional bathroom that feels modern yet timeless.
Design Damian Smeaton Build Select Kitchens & BathroomsThe minimalist colour palette that allows the texture of the timber and stone to stand out
Cabinetry Otti
Tiles Omni
Tile Laminex (feature)
Benchtop Caesarstone
INFO
SELECT KITCHENS
selectkitchens.com.au
A 511 Warrigal Rd, Ashwood Vic
P 03 9885 9911
E design@selectkitchens.com.au
Tiling up to half the total height of the walls is a simple way to give your bathroom a more modern look
& bathrooms
This bold kitchen was a fresh start for the homeowners, who had worked with the same designers on their previous house. The owners’ brief was an important one that outlined their dream kitchen. It needed to be highly functional, with everything being easy to access. They also wanted to achieve that wow factor with the colour and design. The previous kitchen was classic ’90s beige and wasn’t making the most of the available space, so it needed refreshing to deliver room for cooking and entertaining.
The bold use of moody colours combined with crisp symmetry achieves that instant visual impact. This coastal home has ample natural light coming in from floor-to-ceiling windows. This enables the use of darker colours complete
with a matt finish to stand out without closing in the space. The wall oven tower delivers exceptional ease of use, along with pull-out drawers to make the deep recesses of the cupboards easily accessible.
The result is a bold and impactful kitchen the homeowners can enjoy for years to come. It not only delivers the wow factor, but also that all-important highly functional and easy-to-use design the owners were after.
Design Craig de Wacht
Build De Wacht Cabinets & Design
Benchtop Caesarstone
Sink Franke
Taps Blanco
Oven Miele
The mix of function and design that gives this kitchen a bold look without sacrificing utility
DE WACHT CABINETS & DESIGN
dewachtcabinets.com.au
A 3/9 Jennings Ct, Rosebud Vic
P 03 5982 3011
E sales@dewachtcabinets.com.au
Drawers within pantry cupboards create better storage access and make the most of any available space
This opulent kitchen by Kitchens by Peter Gill offers the best of both worlds: beauty and functionality. From the island benchtop to the large spacious pantry, this renovation is the true embodiment of stylish practicality.
Attention to detail is evident in every corner of this space. Created as part of a larger renovation, the team at Kitchens by Peter Gill have completely revamped this kitchen by ensuring every design element works harmoniously with the next for a pleasant kitchen experience. Opening the space was a priority for the client. To achieve this, they removed the original builtin cupboards. From there, tall cabinets and a stylish bar area were added with the benchtop for a truly open-space feel.
In addition to those changes, this renovation was designed to have separate zones that include a cooking, preparation and washing area for ergonomic ease and reduced traffic.
There are several outstanding features in this space: First is the enormous island benchtop that is both elegant and practical. Whether you’re preparing a feast for guests or need
extra space for dining, this benchtop has you covered. The use of Empira White Caesarstone perfectly captures the depth and beauty of marble design. Combined with stone mitred all around and the waterfall end on the sink, this savvy design trifecta enhances the overall sophisticated feel of the kitchen.
The second feature that sings out is the mesmerising bar on the side of the kitchen, providing extra convenience for the homeowners, especially when they need to entertain at a moment’s notice. Having all of this in a central location makes for easy access, reducing the amount of overall traffic in the kitchen. Just a few steps and you’ve got what you need!
The colour palette also deserves special mention. The combination of light cabinets and the benchtop finished with dark handles, along with the stools and appliances, all create a wonderful contrast in the space.
Meanwhile, the pendant lights balance everything to create a calm, relaxing and welcoming environment. But the clever lighting doesn’t actually end there. The design
team at Kitchens by Peter Gill added LED strip lights on the overhead cabinets, subtly placed on the underside to create a gentle glowing effect while functioning as a guiding light, which is especially helpful during the night. Along with the beautiful floor and integrated sink, each addition works together to give the kitchen a modern aesthetic.
Lastly, the amount of storage this kitchen affords is a dream for homeowners who love to be organised and neat. There is exceptional storage in the base cabinets, overhead cabinets and tall cabinets, easily housing all of your kitchen essentials. And let’s not forget the pantry, which deserves just as much praise. Made with bifold doors, it’s perfect for food storage and to hide away appliances to ensure a clutter-free kitchen.
The finished result is a retreat for families who enjoy entertaining or simply basking in a serene, organised space after a long hard day of work.
Designer Peter Gill C.K.D AUS, C.B.D AUS, C.O.I.D (RMIT) (Kitchens by Peter Gill)
Photography Patrick Redmond
KITCHENS BY PETER GILL kitchensbypetergill.com.au
A 51 Power Road, Bayswater Vic P 03 9839 3900
A 163 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn Vic P 03 9894 4550
E enquiries@kitchensbypetergill.com.au
For a touch of style that’s subtle and not too overpowering, consider quartz materials like stunning Caesarstone
The spacious drawers underneath the island benchtop for easy access to your kitchen utensils and essentials
Cabinetry Two-pack vivid white matt
Benchtop Caesarstone
Empira White
Handles Kethy
Splashback Caesarstone
Empira White
Kickboards Two-pack vivid white matt
Oven Asko
Refrigerator Liebherr
Sink Franke Kubus
Tap Zip Hydrotap Celsius Arc
Exuding a sophisticated yet rustic vibe, this family bathroom has a ton of relaxed charm coupled with the elegance of a modern masterpiece. Put together with skill by the team at Lion Ox Building Group, it meets all the requirements requested by a busy family.
Featuring multifunctional purpose, the largescale size of this spacious room serves not only as a wet room for bathing, but also as a laundry thanks to some clever joinery that discreetly hides a washer and dryer behind its folding timber doors.
A floating timber vanity sits below face-height cabinetry with mirrored doors, offering plenty of storage. Matching timber frames two large highlight windows, which allow in plenty of natural light without sacrificing privacy.
The numerous touches of natural timber, from the door and window frames to the vanity and cabinetry, give this room its rustic flair, complementing the imperfect-look ceramic tiles
on the feature wall. In subtle shades of soft blue, with a mix of embossed patterns, the random allocation of the feature wall tiles adds an artisan feel that sits beautifully alongside the textural variations of the timber accents.
Framing the rest of the walls from floor to ceiling is a stone-look large-format tile in a soft grey, which is carried across the floor in a larger size. Providing an ideal surface to prevent moisture damage in this dual-purpose wet room, the subtle colour palette is far from sterile. The varied texture, veining and blue/grey hues in the tile selection give the room plenty of movement without overwhelming the space, resulting in a relaxed ambience that doesn’t feel precious.
A clean, white bath and matching countertop basin add a crisp element that is most appropriate in a bathroom, while the fluted edges forming each fixture is in keeping with the room’s artistic flair and add another element of visual interest.
Rounding out this highly considered design is brushed nickel tapware and fittings. From the showerhead to the bath mixer, wall-mounted basin mixer and vertical heated towel rails, the elegant yet muted finish of these fittings is a subtle complement in the space, allowing the timber and feature wall tile to remain the heroes of the room.
A shower formed by a large frameless glass enclosure keeps the bathroom dry, while a wall niche lined with the same blue feature tiles ties the two sides of the room together. With plenty of light, innovative functionality and a visually appealing material palette, this family bathroom is a knockout.
Design & build Sharon Franco (Lion Ox)
The unique handmade texture of the stunning feature wall tiles
A heated towel rail is one of those luxuries that elevates the everyday and most agree that once they’ve used one, they would never choose to be without.
Now there’s no reason to have to reach for a soggy, wet towel ever again, thanks to a flashdrying towel heater that offers an alternative to the limitations of traditional ladder-style rails.
Standing at one metre high and just over 20cm wide, the Gordon’s narrow, streamlined design allows up to four towels to be hung lengthwise, using minimal wall space, and dries up to three times faster than traditional ladder styles.
Manufactured in the UK, the vertical design features four powder-coated, non-slip fins that enable towels to be hooked rather than
folded, meaning the unit is suitable for even the most compact of ensuites, while no in-wall components make for easy connection.
Reaching optimal temperature in 10 minutes, the Gordon is also highly energy efficient. The unit can be installed in new builds or retrofitted to existing spaces and is available in a choice of four neutral colour tones; White, Black, Dark Grey and Sandstone.
For further efficiency, a programmable timer switch can be added making the Gordon heated towel rail suited to a range of environments, adding ambient heat in cooler seasons and providing a fast, flash-drying option — to quickly dry and prevent mould — in humid climates.
ESKIMO HEAT
eskimoheat.com.au
A 111 Cranbourne Rd, Frankston Vic P 03 7018 1540
E hello@eskimoheat.com.au
@eskimo-heat
@eskimoheat
Designedwithperformanceandgood-looks inmind,Gordonflashdriestowelsuptothree timesfasterthanconventionalladderrails. Goodforbills,greatfortheenvironment. Eskimoisdedicatedtoproductdesign innovationtowarmyourspacewithout warmingourplanet.Thissleekrangeof stunning,architecturaltowelrails,presentthe bestinquality,design,andefficiency. Designed,engineeredandmadeintheUK.
Gordon’sdesignembracesthewaythatmost ofusalreadyhangordryourtowels. Itsspace-savingdesignisperfectforall bathrooms.Easytoinstallandequallysuitedto newbuilds,renovationsorexistingbathrooms. Compactandbeautiful,Gordon’sverticalfin designensuresthatyouneverhaveto experiencedamptowels.
AvailableinaSingle4finorDouble8finsize.
eskimoheat.com.au
0370181540
@eskimo-heat
Good design is evident in this kitchen that’s been built to make entertaining easy. It’s a new addition to a double-fronted Victorian home.
The owners wanted a sunny sophisticated kitchen where guests could mingle, but also a space with ample room to prepare food. Efficient storage solutions and a good-sized benchtop mean there’s plenty of room.
The black Falcon cooker was already chosen, so it set the direction and tone for colour choices and kitchen layout. The open blackbutt shelves complement the timber ceiling and provide plenty of room to display objects as well as offering additional storage. This type of shelving helps to clear clutter from benchtops and allows more space for food preparation.
The black cabinetry timber benchtop offers a dramatic contrast to the pearlescent pressedmetal splashback and white walls. Timber floors also add warmth. The retractable doors to the corner pantry open to a workbench, which can be easily closed off, hiding clutter.
This is a fabulous entertainer’s kitchen that is sure to impress.
Build Hove Kitchens and Haynes
Construction Group
Photography Nick Doolan
The dramatic textured timber-lined sloping ceiling and north-facing highlight windows
Cabinetry Polytec Venette
Hinges & drawers Hettich
Storage Häfele
Pull-out bins Wilson and Bradley
Benchtop Blackwood
Oven & cooktop Falcon
Dishwasher Bosch
Refrigerator Electrolux
Sink Oliveri
Taps ABI Elysian
Movement flow around a kitchen is one of the most important elements of planning a kitchen
THE GERMANY MADE IN 4 YEAR WARRANTY
AVAILABLE FROM
To begin the process, either Peter or Cliff will visit your home to discuss your specific requirements because quality and functionality are paramount. They take all the factors into account to ensure the design makes the best use of your space and suits your lifestyle.
They’ll measure your existing area/s prior to beginning any design on your kitchen, butler’s pantry, or any other rooms. Then for a modest fee and an agreed time, you’ll be presented with superbly crafted, detailed drawings for your consideration/approval.
Using our own Australian manufacturing plant, you are assured of the highest quality control, through the design, manufacturing and installation process.
Our combination of personal service, proven design abilities, cabinet or cupboard making skills and installation expertise, ensures your outcome will be second-to-none. It’s the recipe for success that’s driven our company for more than 30 years, and guarantees your satisfaction.
For over 30 years Peter’s credentials as a certified kitchen designer and a Registered Building Practitioner member, has set him above others. Another reason you can rest assured all our work is absolutely guaranteed, no ifs, no buts.
To see your dream kitchen design, or another area of your home become a reality; visit one of our showrooms and meet our expert team, or call and book an in-home consultation to discuss your wish list.
One of the great things about us, humans is that we adapt. We adapt to great and not-so-great conditions. Should we adapt to a poorly designed kitchen? If you look closely at few kitchens from various magazines or websites, you may notice some mistakes in planning, such as:
The preparation area is too small. The prep area is situated between the sink and the cooktop: it should be of a decent in size (ideally 900mm) and free of obstacles. The prep area should be designated only to cooking and preparation of food and should be separate from other activities such as storing appliances or having breakfast.
The dishwasher is situated between the sink and cooktop. This is the most common mistake some builders and some cabinet makers make
when planning a kitchen. As mentioned above, the area between the sink and the cooktop should be solely for cooking, with a dishwasher in the way, not only will it disrupt the flow of cooking, but could be hazardous.
The rubbish bin is far from the sink. You’re doing the dishes and have to unclog the sink. After scooping up the food residue, ideally, it should be relatively easy to get to the bin. When bins are anywhere but underneath or beside the sink or preparation area, the flow
of cooking becomes interrupted and can even be hazardous when what needs to be discarded is dripping with oil or water.
There is a tall tower between the sink and cooktop. You may be noticing a trend now… The space between the stovetop and sink is the crux of the kitchen. So, when there are obstacles in the way such as an oven-tall tower, it becomes a major hazard. All hazards should be avoided at any cost, and in this instance, it all starts with clear, thought-out planning.
Kitchen Design Academy was founded in 2012 in Melbourne and is a premier educator for kitchen and bathroom designers, approved internationally. To date, Kitchen Design Academy has trained kitchen designers from all continents.
It is a registered member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre) and is an approved member of IADL UK (International Association for Distance
Learning). The delivery is exclusively online, giving students the flexibility to learn at their own pace, from wherever they please.
We offer the following programs:
1. Certificate in Kitchen Design Essentials – 7 Modules (online only)
2. Certificate in Kitchen Design – 14 Modules (available full time or casualonline or distance)
3. Diploma in Kitchen and Bathroom Design – 18 Modules - (full-time online or distance)
4. Advance Certificate in Kitchen Design – 5 Modules (available full-time only-online or distance)
With these flexible learning options, students can forget the stress of exams and deadlines! They can take as long as is necessary, we want them to succeed!
We can all adapt to our environment, but in some cases, we don’t have to. Clients shouldn’t have to compromise the use of their kitchens because their kitchen designers didn’t know better. That’s what makes a professional kitchen designer stand out, they know how to get the best outcome from the beginning. www.kitchendesignacademyonline.net
Since 1975, Stocks Designer Appliances & Bathrooms has been family owned and operated. Our team, our service, and our showrooms reflect this family heritage. Let us help you to create your family’s heritage in your new build or renovation project.
Select and specify from our stunning ranges of beautiful kitchen and luxury laundry appliances. Visit our Clayfield showroom to view our selection of perfect bathroomware from Europe and Australia.
79 stewart road, ashgrove p 07 3366 4041 (appliances only)
797 sandgate road, clayfield p 07 3862 3855
Kitchens Bathrooms and Laundry Kitchens Bathrooms and Laundry
The knowledgeable team and premium-experience showrooms ensure clients receive the best advice when creating their kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
This home’s original ‘90s kitchen (also designed, manufactured and installed by Alan from Kitchen Shop Qld) and its blue pastel palette were beautiful in their heyday, but the homeowners now needed a room that was practical and userfriendly. They wanted the kitchen’s layout and functionality to be completely overhauled during the renovation, and requested a modern space that was worthy of the ocean views available.
The homeowners were drawn to modern country-style spaces, so elements of this were sprinkled throughout. The colour palette and Shaker-style cabinetry in particular helped bring this design style to life.
The appliances and storage solutions were all chosen with the family’s needs in mind. The island benchtop was extended to include seating for casual meals and entertaining, and open shelving was integrated above the stove for the homeowners to display ornaments and prized possessions.
The butler’s pantry includes plentiful prep and storage space as well as the family’s laundry needs. It has been hidden from sight by a partition wall, allowing the main kitchen to remain neat, tidy and beautiful at all times.
Designer Alan Schull (Kitchen Shop Qld)
This kitchen’s modern-country aesthetic
Hinges & drawers Blum
Storage solutions Blum
Pull-out bins Blum
Oven & cooktop Smeg
FOR MORE INFO
KITCHEN SHOP QLD
kitchenshop.com.au
A 7A Industrial Avenue, Caloundra Qld P 07 5491 6999
If you want your butler’s pantry or laundry to be easily accessible and hidden from plain sight, consider a partition wall
kitchens
Gloriously traditional, with all the features you need in a modern kitchen, this fully renovated space gives its owners the classic style they wanted combined with ample space.
Having not been updated since it was originally built, the kitchen in this home showed all the hallmarks of an arched profile typical of its time period. Prior to its overhaul, the homeowners had removed the old laundry that ran directly off the kitchen, opening up the space and bringing in more natural light through the addition of a window and new French doors leading out to the backyard.
In a canny move by designer Emma Pearce of Fresh Kitchens Solutions, a new laundry was created using an existing storage room located behind the kitchen, which could only be accessed from outside. Cleverly hidden behind matching cabinetry doors that make the entrance look like part of the kitchen, the new internal opening between these two spaces gives the owners a flexible laundry space and additional pantry storage within easy reach.
Opening up the space by removing the
original laundry room not only brought in more light, but also expanded the room to allow for extensive cabinetry and more functional bench space in the new kitchen design.
A statement rangehood of milled timber, inset panels and decorative corbels pulls focus, drawing the eye to the back of the kitchen where tiling that flows to the ceiling brings in a soft splash of colour. The same decorative timber elements can be found on the kitchen island, tying the traditional design together. Shaker-style cabinetry running the perimeter of the kitchen offers floor-to-ceiling shelving and plenty of deep drawers to house every culinary need.
Keeping the sightlines of the kitchen unmarred, the designer chose to place the oven in the island, hidden from sight but conveniently placed opposite the cooktop. In keeping with this theme, the island top remains free of insertions to ensure an uninterrupted surface that serves as both an entertaining zone and a usable area for food prep.
Light and bright with a wholesome and
traditional air, this elegantly appointed kitchen with hidden laundry and butler’s pantry is perfectly functional and a visual delight that will serve the owners well for years to come.
Design Emma Pearce (Fresh Kitchen Solutions)
Photography Niki Eeta Photography
WE LOVE
The cabinetry doors that keep the laundry and pantry hidden
FEATURE FOCUS
Cabinetry Two-pack Satin Dulux Lexicon
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Quantum Quartz Michaelangelo
Oven & cooktop Bosch
Rangehood Schweigen
Refrigerator Schweigen
Sink Schock Quadro
Bin Wilson Bradley Wesco
Storage solutions Blum
Making
This new build flaunts modern luxury with eye-catching elements that add character and bring life to the kitchen. With a brief to create an open-plan kitchen that complemented the aesthetic of the newly built living spaces and acted as an extension of the outdoor area, Simon Nicholas of Carrera Kitchens has delivered an exciting design that creates the ultimate setting for entertainers.
The spacious kitchen hosts a wealth of storage and bench space, while the large island provides a ton of countertop suitable for food preparation or entertaining needs. The adjoining butler’s pantry offers plenty of room to neatly tuck away appliances and helps keep the main kitchen clutter-free.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry not only provides an ample amount of storage, it also pairs well with the timber floating shelves and LED strip lighting that add dimension to the kitchen, and a touch of lux that softens and warms the space.
With room to prepare homemade pizzas and food platters, the large island workstation is perfect
for entertainers and culinarians alike. The cove panelling that wraps the curved end of the island adds texture and a modern charm, helping to create a kitchen that guests want to congregate in.
Enhancing the entertainer’s paradise, a dry bar was added to a nook sitting between the living room and the kitchen. Crafted from dark cabinetry and shelves that contrast with the kitchen’s predominance of white, the use of LED strip lighting and a mirrored splashback adds a complementary luxe factor that ties the two elements together.
Simon’s clever kitchen design effortlessly connects guests to the adjoining living spaces and alfresco dining areas, generating a seamless flow from one space to another. Built by Carrera Kitchens, this culinary masterpiece harmoniously combines functionality with architectural appeal. From couch to cocktail station, cooktop to courtyard, this kitchen has it all.
Design Simon Nicholas (Carrera Kitchens)
Build Carrera Kitchens
The curved edge of the island bench that adds creative flair to the modern kitchen
Hinges & drawers Blum
Benchtop Caesarstone, Smartstone
Oven & cooktop Miele
Rangehood Miele
Sink Seima
Bins Wesco
CARRERA KITCHENS
carrerakitchens.com.au
A 254 Prospect Rd, Prospect SA
P 08 8342 0966
E admin@carrerakitchens.com.au
Adding LED strip lighting to cabinetry can make a world of difference in highlighting the focal points of your space
1 Access is easy with the Extendo pull-shelves. nover.com.au
2 Open kitchen storage solutions with the modular ENHET system. ikea.com.au/en
3 Keep cutlery untangled with the Blum AMBIA-LINE interior dividers. blum.com/au/en
4 The Snello pull-out range is highly versatile. nover.com.au
5 Keep it simple and easy to access with a rod and hooks. Image Huckleberry Home.
6 The Baskets keep clutter contained in style. mustardmade.com
7 Simple and sorted with Soho magnetic spice containers. yellowoctopus.com.au
8 Adjustable storage remains forever useful with a plywood pegboard. pegandboard.com
9 Make storage attractive with the stylish Wave Baskets. gracesisters.com
From pretty containers to handy baskets, in-built spice racks and drawer inserts, keeping your kitchen clutter free has never been easier
Curatedby Nicole Mulloy
How did you discover Premier Kitchens and what made you choose them?
We had always driven past their Willoughby showroom so we thought we would step in and do some research. I absolutely loved their display and decided to choose them because they were able to offer us premium quality without the high price tag. The fact that their products are also manufactured in Australia was also very appealing — which turned out to be a massive advantage when the pandemic hit as it didn’t slow down our build process.
What was the design process and how did you feel going through it?
We worked closely with Premier’s interior designer Natalie Bristow, who made us feel so at ease throughout the process. The entire team were amazing and patient with us considering I had never done anything like this before. They really took the time to go back and forth with us to create a design that looked wonderful but also
worked practically. Natalie’s ability to deliver on all her ideas gave us certainty, as did the fact there were no hidden costs or surprises. From beginning to end, they delivered on what they promised.
How long was the build process and how did the home’s inhabitants cope during this period? The process took about three months, but we were not living in the house at the time. Despite being built during the pandemic, it honestly felt like a partnership with Premier Kitchens as they always kept us in the loop and met our requests every step of the way.
What is your favourite thing about your new kitchen?
Where do I start? There’s so much to love! Overall, I am stunned at the level of execution — it is quite spectacular. I truly love my kitchen island as it’s very long and gives me lots of space to prep food.
The design of the entire space is really
sleek, down to every detail including the handles. I also love the unique feature of having two dishwashers (one for pots and pans, the other for plates, cutlery etc). The symmetry of lines and the way it all fits together looks as though this kitchen has been here for 100 years. It was meant to be!
Premier Kitchens not only took care of our kitchen and butler’s pantry, but also the laundry, study, library, bedrooms, linen cupboards, fireplace joinery and hallway. They truly exceeded our expectations for all the rooms!
How has it changed the way you operate in your home?
The flexibility and convenience of now being able to multitask and be organised in this space has made it much easier to do the cooking. It is so pleasant and such a joy to be in this kitchen. I’m very impressed by the service I received from Premier Kitchens and quality of the finishes.
How did you discover Impala Kitchens & Bathrooms and what made you choose them?
I dropped into the Impala showroom at Pennant Hills one morning and spoke with the receptionist. As Impala offered a design service, I agreed to meet with one of their designers, Hilary. I already had an idea of what I wanted but Hilary was able to bring it all together. I felt comfortable that Hilary understood my vision and so we moved through the process together.
What was the design process and how did you feel going through it?
I already had a basic design in mind, I needed help to bring my ideas on door profiles and colours etc together. Through the process we changed the glass splashback to a large picture window to capture the beautiful outlook,
which was a great decision. I immediately had confidence in Hillary’s thoughts and opinions. She listened to my concerns and helped me make a decision that I was comfortable with.
What is your favourite thing about your new kitchen build?
As we are a large family of six, I love the practical elements such as two dishwashers, garbage bins and sinks (one in the main kitchen and one in the butler's kitchen). I also love my shallow shelf pantry where items no longer get lost or forgotten about.
How has it changed the way you operate in your home?
I feel really organised in my new kitchen, there is lots of storage room and I find it very easy to keep tidy.
This satisfied homeowner shares her journey with Impala Kitchens & Bathrooms
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