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Bushland Retreat Designer Kitchen by Sublime Architectural Interiors

By Eric Meunier

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Kim Duffin, principal of Sublime Architectural Interiors has sent us photos of a recently completed high end kitchen in Brisbane, Australia.

Duffin won the 2011 KBDI Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year with this project.

Bushland Retreat Designer Kitchen by Sublime Architectural Interiors:

“This intriguing home is located backing on to a natural Brisbane bushland reserve and was designed to take in all the advantages that this type of location can provide to inner city living.  The kitchen was one of the key spaces and the designing of it was completed very early in the overall home designing process.  The clients wanted something that would not only enhance the building but their lifestyle as well.  They wanted a space that would act as a centre point for all activities so it was important for the design to be innovative and strong to help carry the occupants through their busy daily schedules while having the sophistication to be the entertainer’s kitchen on weekends.

Relying on the natural elements that surround this home, it decided quickly to use the glass splashback as the canvas to showcase the external colours chosen for the home but to also bring the outside in.  A custom designed graphic was used to help introduce the vines and bush flowers that surround the home into the kitchen.  Drawing the eye across the glass doors, behind the cook top and out to the deck.

A simple colour scheme of natural tones was chosen and highlighted with the use of a textured wood grain laminated suspended ceiling that runs the full length of the kitchen and extends out to over the outdoor kitchen as well.  The textured wood grain laminate has also been used in the floating feature shelves, suspended in the glass splashback with steel supports, and in the storage box at the front of the island bench.  This again keeps the elements of the kitchen, both inside and out, connected. This connection remains strong with the use of the aluminium channelling throughout the cabinets and on the door panels.  This channel provides a strong linear line that draws the eye in and around the kitchen and out to the cabinets on the deck.  

There are many zones within this space.  The key zone is housed within the Scullery where the main food storage, preparation and clean up is located.  The clients wanted to segregate these tasks from the presentation part of the kitchen but did not want to be doing the washing up in a back room.  So the Scullery was created with a large corner window and synchronised glass cavity sliding doors.  The room can then be connected to the main kitchen when in use then hidden from view when required.  Once the doors are closed the main kitchen is in presentation mode where foods can be cooked, served and eaten .For easy access to utensils, cutlery, plates and other kitchen item Bum soft close drawers, inner drawers and aventos lift system doors to overhead cupboards, were used throughout the space.  This feature brings the kitchen to the user and helps maximise space and increases the overall ergonomics of the kitchen.

One of the key features of this kitchen the island, houses a bespoke, fully customised stainless steel sink and fully integrated dishwasher both the height and width of the island help create a complete dining or entertaining experience in its self.  The hand selected single piece of Statuario marble, featured at the end of the island, is supported by two mirror finished stainless steel columns.  These give the island an illusion of it “floating” and once the bi-fold doors are open, the space between inside and out is blurred.  The island can then be used in the morning as a breakfast bar and in the evenings for pre dinner drinks.

The refrigerators, oven, microwave and warming drawer have been grouped together and placed within easy reach of the scullery.  The Smeg Induction cooktop and matching circular Island range hoods have centre place on the back wall of the kitchen.  The location of the cooktop was selected to maximise the space and provide for ease of use.  Where possible fully integrated appliances have been used to help retain the overall “minimalist” feel.  Encouraging the style and flow of the space, a Vintec Wine Fridge and Beverage Centre has been used just inside the rear bi-fold doors.  These have been strategically placed to be of use both inside and out.  Again enhancing the clients need for the blur between spaces.

Lighting has been applied extensively throughout the indoor/outdoor space giving it a luminescent appeal.  It all starts with the LED lights running above the laminate ceiling, followed by the LED lights Task Down lights housed under the same ceiling and extending to the shelving.  The LED lights then continue, accenting the underside of the island bench and floating box at the front of the kitchen.  Under cabinet LED lights are also used to create sufficient task lighting in the Scullery.  Glass pendants are used over the island bench to create adequate lighting for all duties performed.

Thinking outside the box is the hallmark of contemporary interior architecture, and it is very clearly reflected in the design of this new space.  In this kitchen, meal preparation is much more of a special event with guests and hosts enjoying the social interaction and its beautiful backdrop.  So, whether the clients are serving a family lunch, or hosting a grand party, this kitchen is ready for any occasion.”

Photos courtesy of Sublime Architecural Interiors

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About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

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