Scene- Stealing Kitchen

Traditional without being fussy, functional without sacrificing style; this scene- stealing kitchen shines in the details

- Vanessa Keys

layout

The owners’ impressive small-appliance collection and mission to keep their benchtops uncluttered called for smart storage solutions. First, retractable doors were installed in a cabinet neighboring the fridge to keep breakfast and coffee items out of sight. Within the island (below & opposite), extra storage was added to accommodate less frequently-used appliances, such as the ice-cream maker, while power outlets have been concealed in flip-down drawers. Inside the sink, there’s even a small flip-out compartment to hide sponges.

Commissioned to design a kitchen for an Apple employee and his wife, San Francisco-based interior designer Christine Sheldon knew the project would focus on the details. “They wanted a kitchen that was great for entertaining, super functional and provided storage for everything so the counters remained uncluttered,” says Christine. “Just like the Apple aesthetic, it had to be functional but also beautiful.” To increase space, Christine and her team removed an adjoining pantry, which allowed for a much bigger island with lots of storage and also an under-mount sink. “We also moved the windows on either side of the rangehood to incorporate a 1200mm range, which allowed the island to be centered,” she says. The homeowners’ precise attention to detail extended to the cabinetry. “They wanted a profile more detailed than a Shaker-style but not as traditional as a raised-panel door,” explains Christine, who opted for an applied-molding panel door and drawer style, to add visual interest without fuss. Accents of marble, gold, and blue-grey counter the expanse of white, resulting in a space to sigh over.