functionalityA TOUCH OF

By delicately balancing classic and contemporary design, this kitchen oozes provincial style and modern functionality.

Story by Katarina TaurianPhotography by Murray Rix, Rix Ryan PhotographyStyling by Interiors by Darren James

COUNTRY KITCHENS

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The island bench is conveniently placed in a central position, and acts as the kitchen’s focal point.

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Nadine and Stephen Jones’s colonial-style home, complete with antique furnishing and fi nishes, sits on a large acreage in Brisbane’s west. So when they decided to renovate their

kitchen, they needed something classic to complement their home’s style, and something contemporary to satisfy their day-to-day needs.

“Th ey were searching for something comfortable, relaxed and eclectic that would suit their home, but they still required up-to-the-minute function and modern conveniences,” says Darren James, of Interiors by Darren James. “In other words, they wanted their kitchen to convey the right aesthetic, and still be high performing.” What they got was a simple, charming kitchen that re-creates the provincial style of yesteryear.

LIGHT AND BRIGHTTo rejuvenate and illuminate the kitchen, the lighting arrangement was redesigned. A new window was positioned to maximise natural light, and also to better frame the views of the surrounding rainforest garden the house is built around. “With the new window, sunshine now pours in, and the owners can take advantage of the view,” Darren says.

KITCHEN ESSENTIALSBenchtops – Black granite, Australian recycled hardwood

Flooring – Pine timber fl oorsCooker – Falcon freestanding oven/cooktopSink – Villeroy & Boch double butler’s sink

Kitchen cabinets – Hardware BlumDrawers and door fronts – VJ-profi led gloss-lacquered doors.

Overhead cupboards with LED light insertsSplashback tiles – Handpainted and handmade Portuguese tiles

Handles – Pantene steel handlesKitchen design – Interiors by Darren James

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Th e renovated kitchen also has LED lighting in the overhead cupboards, with downlights behind them, to illuminate the colourful glass doors. Th ere are also downlights under the overheads, which brighten the lively splashback.

Although redesigned, the lighting blends eff ortlessly with the remainder of the home, in particular the adjoining living areas, which have sunny-yellow walls. Combined, these features give the kitchen space a bright and welcoming feel, and give new life to the elements that were retained, particularly the existing weathered pine timber fl oorboards.

CLEVER DESIGNTh is kitchen has been carefully crafted, with stand-out features that are both functional and aesthetic. A particularly eye-catching feature is the splashback, which consists of handmade and handpainted Portuguese tiles. Th e vibrant colours boldly contrast with the white cabinetry and black granite benchtops and perfectly suit the eclectic nature of the home.

In addition, a beautifully shaped large island bench with a timber top acts as a centrepiece to the kitchen, while providing ample bench space. Th is was a welcome inclusion, as it unites the kitchen and family room, and complements the exposed timber beams.

Although bold design features defi ne the room, extensive attention was paid to fi ner details. White enamel paint brings crisp defi nition to the VJ panelling, and highlights detail in the cabinetry and joinery. Finishing details include decorative corbels and fl utes as well as kick plates and a mantel-style concealed rangehood. Th ese features are distinctly emblematic of provincial-style kitchens and are eff ective in creating a charming country-home feel.

STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITYA large number of work zones, appliances and storage solutions within the kitchen ensure the family can use the area effi ciently at all times.

“Th e appliances support the homeowners’ frequent culinary endeavours,” Darren says. Included are an integrated Miele dishwasher, a Falcon six-burner cooktop with large free-standing oven, and a Gaggenau Combi steam oven. Th e sink area consists of a large white double Villeroy & Boch butler’s sink, with a three-bin system conveniently placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard.

Th ere is also plenty of drawer storage – even in the already-large pantry there are pull-out inner drawers. Space has been further optimised with Blum’s Slow Motion drawers, which provide simple and easy access to stored goods.

Th e kitchen has also been fi tted out with the full range of Blum organisational accessories including spice racks, knife racks as well as an Orga-Line dividing system for cutlery and utensils. To top it all off , a feature plate rack displays the Jones’s favourite china.

THE PERFECT FITSince the kitchen was installed, the Joneses have never looked back. “Many of their friends remark on how much personality the kitchen has – they love the use of the colours,” Darren reveals. Th is kitchen is testament to a successful blend of old and new. It’s crisp and inviting, and is a precise refl ection of one family’s desire to remain true to the architecture of their home, while still reaping the benefi ts of a modern kitchen.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: The window was re-positioned to allow more natural light into the kitchen.

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: The white cabinetry beautifully accompanies the hardwood benchtop.

ABOVE: LED lights and downlights illuminate the colours of the overhead cupboards’ glass inserts, and the splashback.

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