Shania Shegedyn
This inviting Provençal-influenced kitchen proves that good things really do come in petite packages.
Bathed in light and infused with a remarkably spacious feel that belies its relatively compact 16 square metres, the elegant cooking and dining zone features a timeless French provincial-inspired palette of crisp white and pale grey, not to mention plentiful bench space and myriad concealed storage options that keep clutter well and truly at bay.
Here are six ways this kitchen gets ‘small and stylish’ right.
1. Colour
An expanse of bright white cabinetry and benchtops does wonders to visually enlarge a smaller kitchen. “To create more light in a space, use white as a base colour,” says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “Then, implement different finishes that create interest and give the space personality.”
2. Bar stools
Gorgeous copper-coated ‘The Flynn’ bar stools with quilted felt seats from Quazi Design are a crowd-pleaser.
3. Splashback
Jasmine used ‘Astrid’ hexagonal porcelain tiles in Grigio from Perini for the splashback, and extended them across the wall next to the island bench for a seamless look. “We were trying to give the kitchen a modern French provincial spin,” says interior designer Jasmine. “This tile brings in the grey as well as texture and pattern.”
4. Benchtops
Jasmine selected low-maintenance Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for the benchtops. “It has the appearance and pattern of marble, without any of the pitfalls,” she says.
5. Cupboards
When space is at a premium, minimising benchtop clutter is important. Compartmentalised cupboards, such as one for chopping boards and an always-functional appliance cupboard, ensure bigger items are easy to access from behind closed doors. “Cutting boards are used a few times a day, so that’s why I have them easily stacked and ready for use without being seen,” explains interior designer Jasmine.
6. Cabinetry
Jasmine specified a combination of 2-pac cupboards and Blum soft-closing drawers, as well as feature overhead V-groove panel doors, all in Dulux Natural White. Everything has a spot and it’s easy clean and put things away after entertaining.
