Smith & Smith Kitchens Project 27

This project takes juxtaposing concepts and combines them to create a balanced kitchen. With the client’s design brief calling for a ‘1970s modern’ feel this balance of opposites is appropriate, as the project balances clean, contemporary lines with materials that feel warm, familiar and enduring. Other elements of balance include softness balancing the structure and function balancing feeling. 

The use of Polytec’s Tasmanian oak and white cotton laminates boost the nostalgic quality of the kitchen and matches the vintage aesthetic of the client’s home. This is also perfectly complemented by the rosy colour of the bar stools, combined with the neutral Dekton stone benchtop and splashback. 

Warmth is further infused into the project through the homely placement of warm-toned white strip lighting used to brighten the shelving and parts of the walls. The gold-coloured tapware completes the look. 

Matt finishes on the surfaces draw light into the space and avoid hard reflections. This combined with rounded edges on the island benchtop creates a soft space that will feel modern and timeless long into the future. 

The space was designed with practicality in mind and ample storage space. It is open-plan to suit the needs of the young family it was built for, with no bottle-neck areas and minimal obstructions to maximise efficiency. 

Featuring a ‘power’ drawer to accommodate charging devices and keep them off the benchtops and a Blum servo drive powered automatic drawer for the waste and recycling bins enabling hands-free bin operation. 

The Bora downdraft induction cooktop removes the need for a noisy rangehood, and the two-edged island benchtop seating allows for cohesive family time that includes the household chef in family life.