The Kitchen with a Dark Secret

This gorgeous home was a visual treat. Paintings, sculptures, impressive artworks and stunning furniture pieces were placed to delight the senses. Sadly, the same could not be said for the kitchen. It was dark, dingy and disappointing. Time to create a kitchen as inspiring as the rest of the home. But the charismatic owners had a dark secret, which partly explained why the kitchen area had been neglected. They didn't cook and preferred to eat out. Their kitchen had to be functional, but it was all about the look and emotional impact, just like the artwork. So it was a blank canvas! Walls were removed, stud height lifted. A large single pendant was added to help distinguish the seating and social space. The materials had to be restrained and not attempt to fight with the art. Silestone Calacatta gold was used as the bench surface, splashback, floating stone shelf and drawer fronts. The seating area was an integral feature in the design, where you could relax, admire your surroundings, (perhaps your companion) as you stroked the warm American Oak. This kitchen is all about creative use of texture, layers, contrast and details. Should the owners ever have a change of heart and embrace cooking, the cooktop and sink were placed close to each other and close to the food to create a functional working triangle. This kitchen is like a beautiful piece of art, the more you look at it, the more you see.