Above: Working with limited space,
the distances between island and
perimeter benchtops and the depth
of the island itself were all critical
to consider. The black tapware
and undermounted sinks connect
with the island’s stained finish
and the black tile splashback. The
wood-finished bulkhead and the
wooden door and window frames
add warmth to the mainly two-tone
design.
search | save | share at
Laying the thin slab on top of a timber base,
also meant it didn’t look too chunky.
Stainless steel was used for the perimeter
benchtop, its more practical, utilitarian surface
ideal for the harder working part of the kitchen.
Matt black subway tiles were chosen for the
splashback, to ground the back of the kitchen.
A wall-mounted extractor above the cook-
top is painted in a matching matt black to blend
in seamlessly.
“This is a practical solution – due to the
height and space restriction along the back wall.”
Cantilevered shelves, made from recycled
Matai also used in the original part of the home,
flank the extractor. A thin channel milled out
of the underside of the shelves holds an LED
strip for task lighting. A similar strip was added
along the edge of the sculptural bulkhead.
The white cabinetry beneath features a shal-
low v-notch, as does the rear of the island,
bulkhead and window seat – creating the sense
of tongue-and-groove. This softens the look and
ties the kitchen back to the original home.
However, it’s the generous use of black that
predominates in the design. Seen on the stained
timber island and splashback, black also features