Set within a coastal town in north-eastern New South Wales, this kitchen was designed to feel relaxed, collected and connected to its coastal surroundings, while still feeling sophisticated.
The original kitchen was arranged in an L-shaped configuration, which restricted the flow and connection between the kitchen and the surrounding living spaces. Our approach was to open up the layout and create a more generous, functional kitchen that would feel naturally integrated within the home.
A palette of soft coastal tones and warm natural textures forms the foundation of the design. The cabinetry is finished in Laminex Wood Absolute Grain, bringing warmth and subtle texture to the space, paired with crisp white matt hardware for a clean, understated finish.
The island bench was designed to become a feature in its own right. Rather than treating the island simply as a functional work surface, we tiled the benchtop, sides and front profile in Zellige tiles, creating a beautiful handcrafted element that adds depth, movement and texture to the centre of the kitchen.
For the splashback, we introduced Hatsu Hand Glazed Japanese Mosaic Tile in White. The slim Kit Kat-style porcelain mosaic has a beautiful glossy, handmade finish, adding another layer of texture while keeping the overall palette light and coastal.
Texture continues throughout the space with the introduction of raffia wallpaper, bringing warmth and a tactile element to the walls and contrasting beautifully against the cabinetry and tiled surfaces.
One of the practical challenges within the room was the centrally positioned air-conditioning unit. Rather than allowing it to become a visual distraction, we designed custom 2-Pac joinery to house and conceal it within the overall scheme. A white steel decorative recessed panel was incorporated into the joinery, turning what could have been an awkward necessity into a considered design feature.
The custom 2-Pac bookcase was finished in the same colour as the walls, allowing it to sit quietly within the room while providing space to display the client's collection of books, artwork and decorative pieces.
While the foundation of the kitchen is deliberately neutral and textural, pops of colour were introduced through the styling and decorative elements. A vintage floor runner sourced by Rachel Elizabeth Interiors from India adds warmth and character underfoot while complementing the client's existing collection of artworks and collected pieces.
Caesarstone benchtops were used throughout the outer sections of the kitchen, providing a practical and durable surface while allowing the tiled island to remain the hero of the space.
The result is a kitchen that feels layered and collected rather than overly new - a relaxed coastal interior grounded in natural materials, handmade finishes and pieces that tell a story.
