Kitchen makeover: Stylish and streamlined

Task lights

Three Erik Magnussen ‘Porcelight’ pendants from Cult supply task lighting over the island: their porcelain shades create a soft glow at night and add warmth to the space.

Splashback

Colour-backed glass in Dulux ‘Bronze Fig’ blends effortlessly with the colour scheme.

Island
The whole island is ‘wrapped’ in Caesarstone in Osprey, which gives it a sleek look.

Storage

A wall of cabinetry houses a large pantry and an integrated Liebherr fridge/freezer. The cupboard conceals the kettle and toaster, and there’s an ‘everyday’ pantry next to the V-Zug wall oven and microwave.

Materials

Interior designer Fiona Austin used a mix of colours and textures. “Timber veneer, as well as the lights and shelf details give the room interest,” she says. “The white satin 2-pac cupboards and drawers and the walls are finished in Dulux Natural White to keep the space light and bright. The oak-stained timber veneer matches the floor and unifies the space.”

Insider tip

It’s easier to turn problems into opportunities if you work closely with the builder. “As with any renovation, you often have surprises when you peel back the walls and surfaces,” says designer Fiona Austin. “The open shelving unit at the end of the island bench wasn’t in the initial designs. It actually conceals a support that we discovered couldn’t be removed!”

Interior designer: Fiona Austin, Austin Design Associates (03) 9592 6411. Builder: Atkinson Pontifex, (03) 9585 1165.