SIMON WHITBREAD
Inspired by New York, this kitchen in a Sydney apartment puts style and space high on the priority list. Interior designer and Home Beautiful regular Victoria Waters transformed the former pale blue melamine kitchen to maximise storage and bench space, and to give the area a flavour reminiscent of The Big Apple.
Before the kitchen was tired and rather dull. The new, fresh modern look comprises Shaker-style cabinetry painted in the lightest shade of ecru and teamed with snowy Caesarstone benchtops.
Victoria included Shaker-style cabinetry from Provincial Kitchens finished in 2-pac polyurethane in 10 per cent Dulux Grand Piano, a warm off-white that contrasts with the Caesarstone benchtops in Snow and the glossy tiled splashback, also sourced from Provincial Kitchens. Stainless-steel ‘E2126 Roma’ handles from Kethy Australia are a neat touch, while a pair of undermounted sinks teamed with a single mixer reduce necessities on the benchtop. The cabinetry continues around the window enclosure at a lower height and is topped by a comfy L-shaped banquette to provide a cosy window seat.
“The space at the end was narrow, so it was difficult to include a dining area,” explains Victoria. “The bench seating has lift-up lids for storage, and allows for dining or a daybed for a quiet reading spot.”
The window seat, upholstered in Warwick Fabrics’ ‘Lumiere’ velvet in Sky by Jade Upholstery, is a hot spot in the apartment. The bench seats lift up, allowing for extra storage underneath.
Osborne & Little ‘Pompadour Du Barry’ wallpaper (available from Seneca Textiles) dresses the wall. Victoria tied in the feature by using the same pattern on cushions on the bench seat. A pair of oversized linen-covered ‘Hampton’ drum pendant lights from Magins add the final flourish.
Incorporating a tea and coffee station within the pantry, frees up space on the benchtop.
