Material crush
Statement stone steals the scene in a kitchen that is both dramatic and an entertainer’s delight.
It was, for all concerned, a case of love at first sight. From the moment the owners of this home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore spotted the extraordinary slab of intricately veined Cambrian
Black granite, they realised their search was over. And their designers, Corben Architects, agreed.
“They all knew it was perfect,” says Karina Kerr, the firm’s senior interior designer. “It looks spectacular from a distance, but up close it’s magic. It feels like you can see into the stone, and the leathered finish has an alluring tactility that invites you to run your hands across it.”
Indeed, the first thing you notice when walking into this kitchen is the 4-metre-long island encased in the inky granite. “The monolithic stone island bench takes what is a functional kitchen to another level, and creates a visual separation between the dining area and kitchen,” says architect Amy Eccles, an associate at Corben Architects. “We wanted to put this amazing slab of stone centrestage.”
Providing the perfect support act is a rear workbench topped in stainless steel, and cabinetry in contrasting finishes that range from wenge veneer to stainless steel and two-pack polyurethane. The concealed appliance cupboard and pantry keep clutter at bay, while an integrated fridge-freezer is in keeping with the behind-closed-doors vibe. A window splashback draws in the garden vista.
“The lustre of the stone and reflectivity of the stainless steel are offset with the simple, clean lines of the design, so the materials sing,” says Amy. “And the flow of the kitchen works seamlessly.”