Great entertainer Design flair renews a dated cooking area

THIS INSPIRING KITCHEN MAKEOVER IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF FORM MEETING FUNCTION

Lizzie and Mark always knew there was much to love about their inner-Melbourne terrace. Yet the couple, who share the late-1800s home with adult children Rebecca and Sam, were aware that their kitchen could do with an update. The dark, poky space was the antithesis of the stylish, functional hub they wanted. Ready to make a change, they brought in senior interior designer Carmel Wylie of renovation specialists GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens to expand the floor space and install picture windows, glazed doors and skylights – and a striking new fit-out, complete with a butler’s pantry.

Original room: “The kitchen had last been renovated back in the 1960s,” says Lizzie. “It was in desperate need of some TLC.”

Time frame: Six months from design to completion.

Why the makeover? To create a light and airy cooking and casual eating space for the family and for entertaining.

The works: A wall was removed on one side of the house and the kitchen extended to the boundary and the rear garden. The old space was gutted, with a new preparation and eating zone taking its place.

major changes: New windows, luxury finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and a plethora of open and concealed storage have delivered a smart, user-friendly room. “The sense of space and light we now have has really made the world of difference,” says Lizzie.

Lessons learned: Be adaptable. Lizzie originally planned to use a matt-finish reconstituted stone on the benchtop, but she was willing to reconsider. “I was worried about it marking more easily, so ended up choosing this particular Silestone, which has a high-gloss finish,” she says. “I couldn’t be happier that I did.”

APPLIANCES

Keen cook Mark opted for an energy efficient AEG induction cooktop (above). A Fisher & Paykel pyrolytic oven, rangehood and two stainless-steel fridges, as well as a Smeg dishwasher, complete the key appliances.

STORAGE

A wealth of storage options lies behind closed doors and drawers, with two floating shelves (left) accentuating the kitchen’s relaxed feel. Functionality extends to the butler’s pantry (right), which includes a Franke sink and Teknobili mixer.