Maggie and Theo called on us for a major renovation to their two-story shack at Aldinga Beach. Perched on the upper level the kitchen has not one but two amazing views (ocean to the west and foothills to the east.) The task was to create a sleek but warm and entertaining space devoid of overheads and full of functionality. 

Lets just underline major in that opening sentance. The existing fit-out was a full-blown 70's confusion of patterned tiles, busy wallpaper, textured flooring, and the mandatory orange and brown laminex finishes. It was the kind of kitchen that seemed to trap the server inside thanks to an elevated set of shelving opposite the kitchen sink. Yep, also orange and brown. There were lots of things that needed to change. 

The wish list we were presented with included a kitchen island that would stand out as a furniture piece, integrated appliances, hard-wearing textual benchtop surfaces, and a hidden appliance nook because, let's face it, it's no longer the 1970s, and no one loves claustrophobia or clutter.