Photography: Lisa Cohen
It can be tempting to stick to a white palette when working within a confined space, such as a galley kitchen. While light tones can create the illusion of size, interior designer Camilla Molders opted for a different approach in this Melbourne home, one that used bespoke details to create a visually engaging space. In particular, the use of a light green quartzite on the benchtop and splashback adds colour, subtle veining and beauty in spades.
Situated at the front of a townhouse, the kitchen perfectly complements the architectural layout of the home. Instead of making structural changes to open the space, Camilla and the homeowner crafted the perfect palette. “She wanted a kitchen that would truly inspire her to cook,” shares Camilla. “A space that felt inviting and creative.” As an avid art collector, being able to display beloved pieces was a must. This came in the form of solid timber open shelving, which also made the narrow space feel wider. Oranges in a Bowl by Sven Janssen and an 1869 painting by Oswald Brierly grace the shelves, while larger pieces by Charles Bryant and Les Bavardes are positioned at either end of the kitchen.
Quartzite benchtops
Even in a kitchen filled with quality materials, quartzite is undoubtedly the hero. On the benchtop, the soothing, light ‘Emerald Haze’ quartzite from Marella Granite & Marble feels expansive. This stunning stone continues upwards, creating a sizeable splashback that reaches all the way to the open shelves on either side of the kitchen. “The quartzite stone exudes a beautiful elegance – refined yet unpretentious,” says Camilla. “Paired with the darker timber veneer joinery, it creates a sense of balance, transforming this small space into one that feels both inviting and intriguing.”
The homeowner, who lives alone but entertains regularly, loves that the kitchen is a harmonious and artistic space. It’s easy to see why, with Camilla meticulously selecting every detail with intention and care, right down to the grain of the hand-stained oak veneer joinery. As Camilla says, “It feels like a piece of artwork in its own right!”
Bespoke detailing
Vertical lines were incorporated in the joinery, along the top of the base cabinets. “It adds a subtle layer of interest and texture to the space without overwhelming it,” explains Camilla. “The profile detailing creates a lovely transition between the benchtop and the cabinetry below, softening the visual weight of the materials. This can elevate cabinetry from being purely functional to something that feels bespoke and crafted.”
Galley kitchen design
Making a galley kitchen feel spacious is simple with a few key considerations. “We used light, reflective surfaces to bounce natural light around the room, creating a sense of openness,” advises Camilla, who opted for Dulux Natural White on the walls above the open shelves. “The cabinetry features clean lines and minimal detailing to maintain an uncluttered look. Storage was optimised to keep everything out of sight.”
Antique brass and bronze hardware
Dark tones ground the space and add grandeur. The American Oak veneer from Bord was hand-stained in Feast Watson Brown Japan. This deep tone allows the grain of the veneer to shine through. The ‘Pegasi’ M curve sink mixer from Faucet Strommen, in Antique Brass, and ‘Chelsea’ handles in Bronze, from Castella, provide patina and depth.
Interior design: Camilla Molders, camillamolders.com.au.
Joinery: Cabinet Smith, cabinetsmith.com.au.
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