- In Press
Island bench focal feature
New Homes Kitchen & Bathroom May 2015
Luxurious cabinetry, minimalist details and geometric simplicity are the hallmarks of this North Perth kitchen.
“It needed to be an integrated working environment that allowed ample area for preparation, cooking, cleaning and storage of specific appliances due to them being coffee aficionados,” Aquila Homes director Josie Nardelli said.
The clients requested a striking focal feature, which is provided in the statement island bench at the entry to the open-plan living area. “At one end, a three-sided stone plinth wrap connects the expansive benchtop to the ground providing structural presence,” Aquila Homes design manager Chris McMahon said.
“The opposite end sees a structural steel plate integrated into the cabinetry allowing the benchtop to float over the lower cabinet and create a lighter more ethereal detail for visual impact.”
Ms Nardelli said the white rectangular monolithic element to the bench appeared to “effortlessly float above the ground by increasing the depth of the tiled kicks and allowing the floor finish to disappear underneath”.
The top tier of the island cabinetry subtly references the roof line and a long, lineal custom-made bar light in wood is suspended over the island bench. The plywood used to line the cabinetry at the coffee bar ties into the warm timber.
The home’s ensuite was designed with similar attention to detail. “The clients wanted a high-impact room that provided a relaxing escape from everyday life,” Ms Nardelli said. The dark floating vanity has a full-width mirror to make a dramatic impact. “Lifting the cabinet off the ground allows for more depth to the wall and also provides an additional clean surface under the cabinet for the bold colours to play off,” Mr McMahon said. “In addition, white gloss rectified wall tiles provide a blank canvas for all fixtures and fittings to play against.”
An opulent open shower recess behind the vanity dividing wall features an oversized showerhead. The freestanding bath is emphasised by large hi-lite windows, while the toilet recess is hidden behind the vanity via a separating wall and frosted-glass panels. “This gives the room that resort-like feel and reduces the impact of closing in the room, which a solid painted door would have,” he said.