Light-filled and harmonisation defines the kitchen transformation. Replacing kitchen cabinetry with kitchen furniture, quality design elements and stylistic features has transformed it from tired retro-country to glorious French Provincial. Cabinet doors and drawers have been finished in an Alabaster Matt Vinyl with Argentina profile.
This kitchen in Berwick was no longer servicing the needs of its family. Even with a generously spaced walk-in pantry, the limitations on storage and useful bench space were imposed from strict conventions and a limited design. The wall space, while utilised vertically, had not been taken advantage of horizontally. A wide gap between the entrance door and bench allowed for the inclusion of a small shelf for a telephone and a bar fridge, but is otherwise uneconomical. A cavity for a twin, or side-by-side, fridge/freezer unit is now empty, wasted space. The island unit sporting the sink is narrow with an overhanging bench top. While the intent was for this space to be utilised as a breakfast bench, the reality is that it became an impromptu storage area. Fortunately, the corner pantry provides a generous space for this. Open shelving units, however, do not provide any barrier to the appearance of clutter no matter how well organised the items. Dark colours throughout the kitchen, a blue laminate bench top, plus stained timber doors, drawers and grey marl tiles, not only date the kitchen but also absorb the light, detracting from the natural radiance of the room.
The kitchen is transformed utilising light and harmony. Replacing kitchen cabinetry with kitchen furniture, quality design elements and stylistic features has transformed it from tired retro-country to glorious French Provincial. Cabinet doors and drawers have been finished in an Alabaster Matt Vinyl with Argentina profile. The wall cabinets have been extended to close the gap as near as practically possible to the entry door. The use of plain glass in French-framed overhead cabinets and internal down lights invites the eye to admire glassware and collectables. Finishing the look is the antique pewter and ceramic fixed drawer handles, coupled with the antique pewter finish cupboard knobs. A clever combination of metabox drawers and narrow pull-out units maximises the available space below the hotplates. Dead space is now revitalised with a spice drawer and a wine rack is nestled beside a modern plumbed-in fridge and freezer unit.
The island bench retains its purpose for housing the sink and dishwasher, and now sports a dedicated bin-drawer unit. While space has been retained on the outside edge for seating purposes, twin storage cabinets now flank the bench, utilising the space more effectively. Decorative corbels grace the ends of the island bench adding a touch of flair to the formal pillar ends. Electrical outlets have been added at the end of the bench, providing an alternative charging location from the wall outlet. Within the pantry, the transformation continues. Creation of discrete open spaces, drawers and cupboards provides a place for everything. An open bench adds an extra preparation and work area whilst also giving everyday appliances, such as the kettle, a home of their own. Access to the blind corner in the pantry was resolved with the installation of a Hafele LeMans pull-out unit. Uniting the benches within the pantry and the kitchen is the 40mm bull-nose edged Ceaserstone Shitake manufactured stone bench tops. This material, apart from being hardwearing and versatile, compliments and enhances the timber flooring and matt vinyl Alabaster kitchen furniture.
