3 CLEVER DESIGN SOLUTIONS
1SPLASHBACK
The encaustic tile splashback by Ca’pietra is a real talking point in the kitchen. ‘Most of the house is in restful shades of grey,’ says Julian. ‘So the splashback tiles really shake up the simple cabinetry.’ Unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, encaustics need to be sealed to protect against moisture and stains. You may need to reseal every one to two years, so do check with your supplier. The chalky surface is incredibly tactile and, as each tile is handmade, the results are unique.
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BOILING TAPS
The couple love their boiling water tap, which has speeded up cooking and drink making. Interestingly, they chose a separate boiling water tap, rather than a three-in-one design that caters for boiling, hot and cold water in the same spout. ‘It was primarily a safety concern. As a separate unit, we can tell any younger children that it’s off-limits. There is a safety catch but we’d hate for anyone unfamiliar with how it works to get scalded when trying to wash their hands or get a drink,’ says Julian.
3
PRACTICAL ISLAND The island is fully loaded with storage on both sides. Under the breakfast bar, three generous units provide ample space for extra tableware, board games and other paraphernalia that might otherwise clutter the living areas. The size of the island was dictated by the largest single slab of quartz available to them (1.58x3.2m), as Julian and
Julie didn’t want a join in the surface.