With entertaining playing a major role in this family’s social life, generous bench space and durable materials were combined to satisfy the brief. Toni created an easy connection through to the outdoor living spaces and designed a sizeable scullery for additional preparation area.
As featured in Kitchen Trends Vol28 No.10 2012 photography by Jamie Cobel
The island was conceived and rendered using 3D computer modelling and features a layered treatment of contrasting materials. While stainless steel provides the hard-wearing work surface, the thick stained timber core penetrates the entire depth of the island. “I included a vertical plane of timber to help brace the weighty timber and visually ground it too” Toni explains. The added advantage is, it is a forgiving surface against which a stray rugby boot might kick!”
To help balance the 3.2m high ceilings, Toni incorporated overhead open shelving recesses with 2 LED up-lights to each to great effect.
The u-shaped scullery incorporates another dish-drawer, large sink, integrated bins and microwave with plenty of bench space to layout pre-prepared platters. Toni housed the instant hot water tap here to keep the island clutter free, as a safety precaution and to service the coffee zone adjacent.
The open plan space is the nerve centre of the home. With this in mind, Toni created a dedicated home planning zone where day-to-day organizing can be carried out. Following through the layered effect, the benches are at different heights to comfortably accommodate either standing or sitting positions.