The Challenge…
This kitchen sits within a striking, architect-designed home defined by soaring 3.6‑metre ceilings and bold materiality. While visually impressive, the original layout lacked everyday practicality. The overhead cabinetry stretched beyond reach & the black internal finishes made even the simplest items difficult to locate. Storage was inefficient, the oven had been poorly installed & the dark, heavy joinery felt disconnected from the otherwise light-filled, open-plan interior. Despite the home’s architectural acclaim, the kitchen was a clear failure in functionality. It needed to be accessible & genuinely tailored to the way the owners live each day.
The Solution….
I reimagined the kitchen to feel both grounded and graceful. By introducing a combination of fixed joinery panels and a bulkhead, I was able to both visually and practically lower the overall joinery height—bringing the space to a more human scale and creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The new bulkhead discreetly houses the air-conditioning unit, maintaining the kitchen’s clean architectural lines. Cabinetry in Polytec Boston Oak adds warmth and visual cohesion, subtly echoing the texture and earthy tones of the adjacent rammed-earth wall
Every functional detail was carefully selected:
– Blum Avento HF lift‑up doors paired with Häfele iMove pull‑down systems for effortless access to upper storage
– Blum Revego bi‑fold pantry doors that open into a thoughtfully organized, functional pantry
– Sleek, low-maintenance & resilient Corian benchtops in ‘Artista Canvas’
– Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge, Miele ovens & dishwasher & a combined Asko gas and induction cooktop
– Refined accents such as Lo & Co Tubby brushed nickel pulls on fridge and dishwasher doors
– An extended layout featuring a bar area with two under‑bench Vintec wine fridges, perfect for entertaining
Every detail now works together to create a space that’s both beautiful and immensely liveable.
- Interior Designer & Building Consultant Kylie Sargent offers tailored interior design & renovation advice across Greater Geelong& the Surf Coast in Victoria, as well as Hobart & surrounding regions in Tasmania.