“I LOVE THE NATURAL WHITE MARBLE BENCHTOP – IT’S CRISP, CLEAN AND CLASSIC” ~ SALLY, HOMEOWNER
This part of Melbourne’s east is renowned for classic heritage-style properties, so when Sally and Jehrom set out to build a new home in the area, they wanted it to sit harmoniously within the streetscape. Inside, it was crucial that their kitchen suited the home’s generous scale and exuded the same timeless appeal. To devise their dream scheme and project-manage the entire fit-out, they consulted interior designer Justin Bishop. “The brief was for something simple but beautiful, classic but not old-fashioned and very livable,” says Justin. Topping Sally’s wish list was a spacious scullery to function as a second kitchen, where a lot of meal prep could be done behind the scenes. “I also wanted a French La Cornue oven, because they look so beautiful,” she says of the impressive cooker that takes pride of place. Against a white-on-white backdrop, crafted details such as handpainted cabinetry, aged nickel finishes and bespoke lighting (Beacon Lighting’s ‘Alfred’ pendant is similar) give a look layered with texture and tailored sophistication. A true entertainer’s kitchen that caters to the couple’s three teenage daughters and a “revolving door of visiting friends”, it couldn’t perform any better. “One of our favourite features is the giant island bench where we can all be in the kitchen at the same time, cooking, talking and congregating,” says delighted Sally. >
“WE WANTED THE KITCHEN TO HAVE SOUL AND CHARACTER AND FEEL LIKE IT HAD BEEN HERE FOR 100 YEARS” ~ JUSTIN, INTERIOR DESIGNER
“OUR KITCHEN NEEDED TO MATCH THE HOUSE’S PROPORTIONS” ~ SALLY, HOMEOWNER
BESPOKE JOINERY
“This kitchen has a pared-back country style, with character introduced through the joinery and architraves,” says designer Justin of the look carried through from the kitchen (here) to an adjoining butler’s kitchen (right). He used simple profiles in a classic English style, with bronze knobs from Pittella. An arc hides the rangehood, and the base cabinetry has recessed kickers. “This lovely detail lets you stand closer to the bench,” says homeowner Sally.
STATEMENT OVEN
For years, Sally coveted a French La Corneu oven, and the design for her kitchen centred around getting the brand’s ‘Grand Maman’ cooker. “They can be customised in almost any colour but we went with classic stainless steel and tapware to match,” says Justin. Sally also wanted a Perrin & Rowe pot-filler from
The English Tapware Company.
“It’s so handy when filling up pots on the cooktop or using a wok,” she says.
PALETTE
“The right white is essential for a timeless yet contemporary look – and, here, a slightly cooler white is fresh and inviting,” says interior designer Justin of the Dulux Snowy Mountains. On the benchtops (below), elegant marble from CDK Stone is joined by splashbacks of subway tiles. “Glossy surfaces can look harsh, so we kept sheen to a minimum, using a satin finish for the paint, matt for the wall tiles and oak flooring.”
HANDPAINTED CABINETRY
The decision to have the cabinetry hand-painted (left) was twofold.
“In the past we’ve had 2pac which has chipped – and I felt that if we had handpainted timber cabinets, they would be far easier to patch if needed,” says Sally of the satin finish in Dulux Snowy Mountains. “I also love the fact that you can see some of the brush strokes and they aren’t perfect. It really adds to the kitchen’s overall character.”
FLOOR PLAN