FROM THE ground up

A BLANK CANVAS AND SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP GAVE THESE VICTORIAN HOMEOWNERS THE FREEDOM TO BRING THEIR DREAM KITCHEN TO LIFE

Creating your ideal kitchen in a new build can be exciting but also nerve-racking. After all, with a blank canvas you have unlimited opportunities to bring every feature you’ve ever wanted to life. At the same time, the sheer abundance of options can feel overwhelming. For homeowners Danielle and Michael, working with Kinsman designer Ariel Baird helped to translate their dreams into reality. It also streamlined what can otherwise be a major undertaking. The entire process of designing, manufacturing and installing the kitchen only took three months. Now they’ve shared their process with us so you can reap the benefits with our step-by-step guide.

THE DESIGN

After buying a block of land 40 minutes’ drive north of Melbourne, Danielle and Michael spent two years drawing up a home design that was contemporary, with nods to Mid-Century influences. “We wanted a space where people felt welcome to gather around our island bench,” says Danielle.

As a kitchen designer, Ariel worked with the couple to assess their needs and understand the space in which the kitchen would be located. She then placed these details into a line drawing, so Danielle and Michael could easily visualise the plans. Since they wanted an openplan layout throughout the home, Ariel decided to create an L-shaped design with a nearly three-metre long island bench in the middle. This allowed the cooking, cleaning and prep zones to all exist within easy reach of each other but also avoided one of Danielle’s main concerns. “I didn’t want a sink in the island bench because this becomes a cluttered zone,” she explains.

The entrance to the butler’s pantry was positioned between the freestanding Fisher & Paykel fridge and the glass window splashback. As well as adding ample storage, the room now serves as a breakfast bar zone too.

“MONOCHROME KITCHENS CAN SEEM COLD, SO WE TRIED TO BRING IN WARMER ELEMENTS WITH TIMBERS AND THE TEXTURED BENCHTOP” Danielle, homeowner

THE PALETTE

Selecting materials and finishes was the next step in the process. The brief was sombre and ambient, yet feminine. “I knew I wanted something unique but also something that wasn’t going to date too quickly,” explains Danielle. While a monochrome scheme features predominantly, the couple were adamant the space needed some extra warmth. This came in the form of ‘Amazon’ Mid Grey timber-look tile flooring from Beaumont Tiles.

Ariel then transformed the layout, design and materials into a CGI design plan so Danielle and Michael could see the finished result and make any adjustments.

THE INSTALLATION

After hours spent poring over tiles and hardware, the couple’s dream kitchen finally came to life and that final step was perhaps the simplest, with the Kinsman kitchen delivered to their builder, ready for installation. “My favourite aspect is the functionality,” says Danielle. “I feel we nailed it.”

Source book

Kitchen design: Ariel Baird, Kinsman Designer, kinsman.com.au, instagram.com/kinsmangroup.

“I’VE ALWAYS ENVISAGED MYSELF LIVING IN A HOME THAT WAS TAILORED TO OUR NEEDS AND STYLE” Danielle, homeowner

Opposite: A Bora pure induction downdraft cooktop (try Winning Appliances) was built in to the island. It works with a charcoal filter, which circulates through a void in the back, ensuring proper ventilation. Storage for pots, pans, cutlery and crockery are situated on either side. Vertical fluting on the Kinsman ‘Avoca’ Classic White Matt cabinetry adds contrast and texture.

1. ‘Tavola’ ceramic subway tile in Aqua, $180/sqm, Perini. 2. ‘Clare L839’ curved handle in Brushed Rose Brass, $24.86, Kethy. 3. ‘Lunar’ cylinder pendant in Black/Smoke, $189, Beacon Lighting. 4. Oak floorboards in Mink Grey, from $121/sqm, Royal Oak Floors. 5. Cast iron casserole dish, $275, AGA Australia. 6. Phoenix ‘Vido’ flexible hose sink mixer in Chrome/Black, $819, Cook & Bathe. 7. ‘Dwell’ mug in Sage, $9.95, Ecology Homewares.