Kitchen of the Week: A Bright and Stylish Space With Clever Storage

Kitchen of the Week: A Bright and Stylish Space With Clever Storage- Craving a new kitchen and an improved living space, the owners of this home contacted Gardiner Architects to ask for help in realising their dream of a renovated home. Gone is the dated 1990s extension that once housed a dark and insular kitchen, dining and living area; instead a bright and airy entertaining area has materialised in its place.

Gardiner Architects

Photos by Rory Gardiner

Room at a Glance
Who lives here An older couple whose children have moved out
Location Melbourne, Australia
Size 48 sq m (kitchen and living area)
Architect Paul Gardiner and Amelda Berkley of Gardiner Architects

The team at Gardiner Architects worked alongside carpenters Leonard Interiors and builder JIAS Malpco to completely transform this kitchen and the adjacent living space. ‘The aim was to introduce an abundance of natural light and a direct connection to the outdoors,’ says architect Paul Gardiner.

Before the renovation, the space was in desperate need of updating. It was weighed down by an old-fashioned timber kitchen with a very sombre colour palette. The windows were small and didn’t make the most of the nautral light, while a mix of pine and cork flooring added to the dated feel.

Gardiner Architects

‘My clients remained living in the house during the renovation,’ says Gardiner. ‘They transformed their front patio into a makeshift dining room for the duration of the work.’

Pendant light, Coco Flip. Timber veneer cabinets in Blackbutt Wave, Laminex. Feature wall painted in Olive Leaf, Dulux. Walls painted in Natural White, Dulux.

Gardiner Architects

The renovation was completed in about five months, but not before offering up a few challenges – the main one being a leaking shower in the bathroom above the kitchen. ‘Once we’d fixed that, the ceiling and wall cladding were replaced, and insulation was added to improve the overall thermal performance of the property,’ says Gardiner.

New external motorised louvre windows were installed to control the amount of light and ventilation into the space. To ensure the kitchen was a slip-free zone, the builders laid rubber flooring so the owners, both keen entertainers, have a soft surface to stand on while they cook.

Flex rubber floor tiles, Signature Floor Covering.

Take a look at 10 floors that will transform your kitchen

Gardiner Architects

The clients chose their materials and colours in collaboration with Gardiner and his team. ‘We offer interior design services as well,’ he explains. ‘Together, our aim was to create a fresh, calm and light environment, so we choose timber laminate for the cabinetry and a 20mm-thick grey engineered stone worktop to add to the sophistication of the space.’

Open shelves break up the solid row of overhead units, making them feel less dense. It also gives the owners the opportunity to show off some of their favourite kitchenware.

Worktop in London Grey, Caesarstone.

Gardiner Architects

To give the couple a place to sit at the breakfast bar, tractor seat bar stools were chosen for the island. This seat is a design classic, which doesn’t just look great, but is hugely comfortable, too. Both the homeowners and design team agree they are the perfect choice for the space.

Gardiner Architects

Perhaps the most clever part of this renovation is the large pantry, which utilises the existing area under the stairs. It adds a huge amount of storage space to the kitchen and is lined with a charcoal-coloured laminate, ensuring the pantry is just as stylish as the rest of the kitchen.

The fridge is cleverly concealed behind a wall opposite the tower of ovens, which leaves the main space open and uncluttered.

Gardiner Architects

The kitchen cabinetry was carefully and cleverly planned by the team at Gardiner Architects to optimise storage in the available space. The units are bespoke and feature Frost handles.

Pull-out bins for general waste and compost, a designated oil and condiments drawer, and an organised spice compartment ensure that everything in this kitchen has a home within easy reach.

Additional light falls onto the worktop as it filters through the new splashback window, which also creates a connection between inside and out.

Need more worktop space? Discover ways to clear up clutter

Gardiner Architects

‘Extra floor space was gained in the living area by pushing the bespoke window seat into the existing external wall, and using some floor area from an adjacent room for the cabinetry, which cleverly houses the TV hidden behind recessed folding doors,’ explains Gardiner.

Floorboards in Spotted Gum, Boral. Sofa, Arthur G.

TELL US…
What do you think of this kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.

http://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/kitchen

Tweet