Before & After: Mount Colah, NSW
A clear vision for an open plan kitchen with a bold and dark colour palette led homeowners Nick and Helen to undergo a full renovation to transform a tiny and dated 1950s design into a glamorous space perfect for their family. They turned to Freedom Kitchens to bring their vision to life, and gave their laundry a fresh makeover at the same time.
Read on to hear about their kitchen and laundry joinery.
Before.
The original kitchen hailed from 1950s, and while it was charming in its own way, it lacked the functionality and storage, and most importantly was s operate room within the house, not part of an open plan space.
Who lives here? Homeowners Nick and Helen, and their two children.
The brief.
Nick and Helen wanted their new kitchen to be the centre of an open plan living space, and the heart of their home. They love to gather as a family, as well as to entertain, so their wish list included an island bench, butler’s pantry and plenty of storage. Style wise they wanted to achieve a timeless all-black colour palette that would contrast against white walls and timber flooring.
After.
The design.
Nick and Helen opted to remove the original kitchen, which gave them a blank canvas when it came to deciding on the layout and size of their new kitchen. No longer a small and cramped space, the new design is a generous 7.9 metres long by 3.4 metres wide. The L-shaped layout accommodates several appliances, a large island bench, as well as a butler’s pantry.
The style.
Dark hues of different tones and textures reign supreme in the kitchen, achieved with Alaskan Black Ultramatt cabinetry, Caesarstone® Black Tempal benchtops and a tiled splashback from Di Lorenzo (illuminated by LED Strip Lighting). These contrast beautifully against white walls and Blackbutt flooring, creating a dramatic effect. To keep the look sleek and seamless, cooking appliances have in the main been integrated, and black hardware has been used as seen in the choice of Black Anodised Lip Pull handles.
“We wanted something different, as well as timeless, Helen explains. Black was the perfect choice, especially when it’s layered with different textures and tones.”
A focus on functionality and the couples love of cooking is reflected in the placement of cooking appliances throughout the kitchen. The back bench is the workhorse of the room, consisting of two ovens, an induction cooktop and a dishwasher. A sink, tap and bin also feature.
A black Electrolux Bottom Mount Fridge blends with the joinery and has been placed close to the island bench allowing for easy packing and unpacking of groceries. Next to it sits an enclave that can act as a bar or coffee station- perfect for entertaining as well as every day living.
Spanning a generous 3.2 metres, the island bench provides plenty of seating space. It also includes nine drawers meaning that storage of cutlery, utensils and larger items such as pots and pans is a breeze. It is also Helen and Nicks’ favourite part of the kitchen. “It really is the heart of the home, says Nick. It acts as a large servery when we are entertaining, and a great spot for breakfasts and casual dinners as a family.”
The butler’s pantry sits to the left of the main kitchen and flows on from the back benches but can’t be seen when you are looking front on at the kitchen. Storage is plentiful thanks to several cupboards and the additional countertop allows easy storage of small appliances such as kettles and toasters.
The laundry.
In contrast to the kitchen, the laundry showcases a fresh white colour scheme with pops of black. The galley design includes a main working zone featuring plenty of wall and base cupboards in White Satin from our Value Range, ensuring that there is plenty of storage. A Fisher & Paykel washing machine and clothes dryer have been placed side by side, creating a long bench space in Caesarstone’s® Black Tempal, perfect for folding.
Opposite, a tall broom cupboard provides the ideal place to store essential items such as brooms, mops and an ironing board. The Black Hanging Rail is a great addition, allowing for clothes to dry or air out without creasing. Two more cupboards and a small countertop complete this functional and stylish room.
The Freedom Kitchens experience.
“We had a great experience, says Nick. We really enjoyed the design process. Our designer was very collaborative and really used her knowledge to bring our vision to life. The follow up service was also exceptional. We have already recommended Freedom Kitchens several times!”
Inspired to create your dream kitchen with Freedom Kitchens?
Click HERE to book a free design appointment at your home or via video call, or click HERE to download our latest Designer Range catalogue.
Photography: Patrick Moran, Styling: April Sharratt
Kitchen details: Cabinetry: Alaskan Black Ultramatt Benchtops: By homeowner Handles: Black Anodised Lip Pull 200mm (12-K-109), Touch Catch Kickboards: Matching Alaskan Black Ultramatt Splashback: Tiles from Di Lorenzo Tule Merchants Tap: By clients Sink: Franke Urban Granite Double Bowl Accessories: Cutlery Trays Lighting: LED Strip Cool. Pendant from Beacon Lighting Appliances: By clients. Includes Electrolux Bottom Mount Fridge EBM5100SCRH, Asko Fully Integrated Dishwasher DFI654BXXL, Siemens 60cm Built-in Oven HB875GDB1A, Siemens Combi-Microwave Oven CM833GBB1A, Siemens Induction Cooktop EX975LVC1E, Qasair Undermount Rangehood WES90L-2 Flooring: Blackbutt Hybrid floor
Laundry details: Cabinetry: White Satin (Value Range) Benchtops: Caesarstone® Black Tempal Handles: Black Lip Pull 200mm (12-K-109), Touch Catch Accessories: Hanging Rail Black Sink & tap: By clients Appliances: By clients- Fisher & Paykel
