COUNTRY RETREAT

Kinsman gives this classic country kitchen a contemporary twist with the use of luxurious finishes, rich colours and clever cabinetry to create a true entertainer’s paradise.

Homeowners Jesse and Tori love to cook, so when they set upon building their home in Victoria, the pair knew they needed a skilled and creative design expert to oversee the project. Naturally, they chose to work with Kinsman, who was able to seamlessly integrate the couple’s dream inclusion: an island bench with cooktop and integrated rangehood. “This was our non-negotiable item,” says Tori. “We spoke to our designer about how we would achieve this and they designed the kitchen around it.” Kinsman’s classic shaker-profile Somersby cabinetry in matte white and a striking navy blue were chosen for the home and finished with Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo benchtops. A farmhouse sink, brass pendant light, golden handles and tapware complete the modern country look. “The experience was brilliant. To have a one-stop shop for our entire build saved us time and money,” says Tori. “It was amazing to watch our design come together.”

WE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH THE DESIGNER

Although it was built as part of a spec home, this kitchen is anything but generic. It forms part of a central living zone in a holiday house located at Mount Martha, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where the interiors were conceived to reflect the laidback beach environment. “We wanted to create a kitchen that was both fresh and relaxed, with expansive benches that could accommodate extended family,” says interior designer

Lauren Li. “A holiday home should be somewhere you feel like you can slip off your sandy shoes, chill out and revel in the peacefulness of the space.”

Colour-wise Lauren drew inspiration from the Australian landscape.“The walnut cabinetry and stone bench are warm and earthy in tone, while the brass shelf and decorative pendant add quiet luxury.” The brass shelf, a crown-like flourish, has become the defining feature of the space.

The focal point of the room is the 3.6m-long Caesarstone island, which is the perfect gathering place for family and friends. The location of the bench, which has a direct line of sight to the pool, was an important factor in the decision-making process. “Being able to see the pool from the kitchen is a lovely aspect and also allows the homeowners to keep an eye on the children when they’re playing.”

Enhancing the kitchen’s functionality is a not-so-little butler’s pantry, where the fridge and other appliances are located to keep the main kitchen zone clear and uncluttered. “Since the butler’s pantry takes care of many of the practical needs of the kitchen, the kitchen itself can be a more social space – the real heart of the home,” says Lauren.