With effective kitchen design, the immediate
environment is almost always a key driver. This
kitchen forms part of a major cottage renovation
that dismantles its classic, claustrophobic feel –
instead, opening up the residence horizontally
and vertically for dynamism and visual richness.
Architects Melonie Bayl-Smith and Andrew
Lee of Bijl Architecture undertook the kitchen as
part of the wider space- and light-bringing refit.
“We wanted the kitchen to be open to the
living area without imposing on it visually or
dimensionally,” says Bayl-Smith. “As a part of
this, the perimeter cabinetry and appliances
were nestled back into the rear and side walls in
a seamless match of 2-pac polyurethane joinery
and flat black and crisp white paint finishes.”
The understated cabinetry is matched with
veined engineered stone benchtops and a drinks
station splashback that add colour to the design.
The two-tone walls and marble-look surfaces
connect with the living room finishes. Plus, the
island’s bronzed cupboard links with the cabi-
net handles and nearby balustrade and handrail.
“The pendant light creates minimal visual
disruption to the space, while the introduced
skylight brings natural light into the kitchen.”
Previous pages: A bronze cabinet
door on the island stands out,
while much of this kitchen by Bijl
Architects nestles back into the wall
planes – harmonising with the wider
cottage renovation.
These pages: The home renovation
plays with the dynamism of separate
yet interconnected elements, the
architects say. And the new kitchen
plays a part in this, being almost
literally part of the wall structure but
still enjoying a distinct personality.
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