We know the decision on whether to go dark or light in your kitchen can be one of the toughest choices! Both options can be equally as beautiful as the other, but each with their own feel and overall visual outcome in your home.

So today we’re casting our sights on ‘Dark Kitchens’ for our first edition of our Colour Study Series. Sharing some of our favourite dark kitchens from the recent years, their material specifications and what makes each of these projects special. An ode to our dark kitchens, the luxurious aesthetic going dark can create and the clients who trusted us! 

So if you’ve been stuck on the fence about whether to go dark in your kitchen, or you’re itching to know what colour / material we put into these projects  -this ones for you! Introducing our line up of dark kitchens…

 

 

Ascot House

American Oak Timber with X2 coats ‘Black Japan’ stain 

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All the elements of the design combine to give this traditional home a modern and glamorous edge and a kitchen that is both functional and luxurious, suitable for both the needs of everyday use and to meet the demands of catered everts and parties.

Due to the client’s preference for custom detailing, bespoke black japan stained oak custom timber doors were designed throughout the space including both recessed and projecting panels. Additionally, herringbone detailing was designed for the tall joinery doors. To contrast the rich moody palette brass detailing was introduced throughout the new design with a rail detail on the island bench as well as brass internal shelving and inlay strips to highlight the timber. The luxurious feel was elevated by the use of leathered Negresco stone benchtops and ceiling mounted sconces from New York design duo Apparatus studio.

 

 

 

Redland Bay House

‘Anthracite’ Oak Veneer – Sandblasted

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This is a true statement kitchen that is both luxurious and liveable. The beautiful combination of finishes from the ‘Anthracite’ sandblasted oak veneer to the dark porcelain splashback , the Laminam clad island bench to the solid walnut servery which all make the space a rich exploration of materiality. Customisation is evident in all areas of the space from the bespoke brass table legs, powder coated handles and concealed drink station. Custom metal handles, timber tables, and built-in bench seating were also featured throughout. 

Spatial changes were made to create a galley style kitchen with the functional space blending into a casual seating area which features built-in bench seat with custom leather upholstery. This combined with island bench seating allow for many to enjoy the space. This linear design extends the kitchen to connect with the outdoor entertainment area and the landscape beyond.

Creating flow from the entry of the house, through to the kitchen and then out to the outdoor entertainment area was a big focus to capture the external views and maximise entertaining. We approached this by repositioning multiple hallways into the kitchen and ensuring a view from all living spaces to the kitchen in the centre of the home.

 

 

 

Woolstore Apartment

Laminam ‘Calce Nero’ Textured Porcelain

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The main intentions with this design was to create a modern industrial kitchen that worked in the architectural style and building heritage, sitting timelessly within the unit no matter what furniture surrounded.

We chose many finishes for the space such as textural patterned tiles, large format Porcelain panels, and powder coated metals to create this moody industrical feel. Working within the existing kitchen’s architectural footprint was the main challenge of the design, ensuring the layout worked effectively within the exposed structural beams and gave them intention in the space rather than divergence. The benchtops and joinery fronts within the kitchen were completely cladded in a dark and light compact Laminam porcelain, 12mm for the benchtop surface and 3mm for the joinery fronts. The dark ‘Calce Nero’ colourway linked in beautifully with the black metalwork, and added a sense of depth and texture. 

 

 

Gumdale House

Resene ‘Quarter Ironsand’ 2pac

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A galley style kitchen was design for the space and at the heart of this is a large island bench that focuses on engagement and congregation and provides seating for 6. Acting as the activity hub of the kitchen, the island consists of split level benchtop which provides additional serving space for this family of avid entertainers.

The modern design of the space is evident through the clean lines, layering of materials and striking rich palette. The dark kitchen joinery is complimented with the natural finishes and rawness of the timber. The refined lines of the slimline Dekton benchtops complimented by the dark ‘Quarter Ironsand’ 2-pac and large format tiles make for a timeless scheme with an industrial edge. A fireplace was installed in the seating nook off the kitchen which was clad in rustic recycled timber,  creating a textural element as well as bringing in warmth and a sense of softness to the large open space.