Nikole Ramsay
This weatherboard house oozed period charm and grace but its 20-year-old kitchen had seen better days. It wasn’t very functional, particularly for a family of five. The classic U-shape had a lot of wasted space in the middle of the room and not enough storage, the cupboards were falling apart and the black laminex benchtops screamed dated. The original room was gutted and a small window at one side was replaced with French doors, opening up the kitchen to the natural light and lush tones of an adjacent courtyard, and the room given a luscious makeover, with beautiful timber cabinetry and exotic finishes.
Black-and-white tiles from Moorabbin Tile impart a Moroccan-flavoured layer on an otherwise neutral palette. Timber-look laminate cupboards, paired with gleaming 2-pac white cabinetry, contrast perfectly with the all-singing, all-dancing splashback. The cabinets are a mix of Nat Arlington oak laminate by Nikpol and 2-pac in Natural White by Dulux.
A palette of earthy tones enlivens the immaculate space. While luxe Turkish marble in Silver White from G-Lux was something of a splurge on the benchtop, it brings a large serve of glamour. An Abey ‘Tinkd-b’ pull-out sink mixer in matt black, by Armando Vicario, was selected for its striking contrast against the white marble and the tile splashback – not to mention its smudge-resistant qualities. The sink is a Franke ‘Ariane’ double sink from E&S Trading.
The original dark and narrow hardwood floors were replaced with 220mm wide, American oak engineered floorboards in Latte in a durable matt finish. Height-adjustable Ikea bar stools make the island bench a versatile spot for breakfast, casual dining or homework.
Find more stunning timber kitchens here.
