What does the idea of an Italian-style kitchen
conjure up? Strong, honest materials? A degree
of hand-worked elegance, perhaps? And is it also
likely to reflect a driving passion for cooking?
This transformed kitchen ticks all these boxes.
For the renovation, designer Shane George
was asked to create a dramatic new kitchen in
an authentically styled Italian country villa.
“The existing kitchen lacked the functional-
ity now required by the family, and it was also
starting to show its age,” he says. “I was asked
for a more up-to-date look – still sympathetic to
the house style, but with added wow factor.
“Plus, the owners regularly entertain large
groups, so the kitchen had to have an excellent
workflow – almost semi-commercial in nature.”
One challenge was creating the new kitchen
within the footprint of the old one. And as the
walls, floor and ceiling are solid masonry, new
mechanical services had to be integrated into the
back of the cabinetry.
In terms of aesthetics and tying back to the
home, Shane George emphasised an artisanal
look. The cabinets are finished in a pearl lustre
paint with textural over-brushing and the splash-
back is in bagged brick pattern tile. The large
Previous pages: Same space, quite
different agenda – this reinvented
kitchen stands in the footprint of the
old one. Intelligent work triangles
bring functionality and convenience,
while the large feature pantry adds
storage and a dedicated baking zone.
These pages: The pantry door
frames, pendant lights, wrought
iron shelf brackets and even the
metal cabinetry handles and large
flagstone-like floor tiles all add to the
rustic-meets-commercial feel.
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