A Home Designed Around Connection
An open, contemporary layout forms the foundation of this 3-bedroom home, bringing together the kitchen, living and dining areas in a cohesive flow. Thoughtful planning balances the homeowners’ desire for an open kitchen and dedicated dry pantry with the practical needs of everyday family life, creating a home that feels spacious and considered.
The entrance introduces the home’s clean and functional approach. A recessed shoe cabinet makes use of space created by removing the original entryway wall, while a change in floor tiles subtly defines the transition into the home.
To the right, the open kitchen takes centre stage, anchored by a generous island that wraps around an existing structural pillar. An open display shelf and wall light transform the pillar into an intentional feature, while the sink sits discreetly behind it. Above, skylight lighting adds a sense of brightness and openness to the space.
Across from the kitchen, the dry pantry and wine area provide dedicated storage and preparation space. A mirrored backsplash, paired with a clean sintered stone countertop, adds depth and light to the compact pantry.
Beyond these spaces, the living room is kept clean and cohesive with a sleek TV console against a feature wall that conceals cables.
In the master bedroom, a king-sized bed sits alongside a full-height wardrobe, while a concealed doorway leads into the master bathroom. A customised vanity with his-and-hers sinks and integrated storage completes the space.
Interior Designer's Thoughts
The homeowners came to us with a clear priority: an open kitchen that would feel naturally connected to the rest of the communal space. Achieving this meant reworking the original layout and removing several walls to create a more generous kitchen footprint.
One of the key challenges was an existing structural pillar within the kitchen. As it could not be hacked, the design had to work around it without compromising the openness of the space. The island was therefore carefully planned around the pillar, allowing it to become part of the overall kitchen composition rather than an obstruction.
The existing stove position also could not be relocated, which limited the possible placement of the sink. We worked within this constraint to position the sink behind the pillar, giving it a degree of visual separation from the communal areas while maintaining an efficient kitchen layout.
The dry pantry and wine area was another key requirement from the homeowners. Rather than treating it simply as additional storage, we gave the space its own visual identity with a mirrored backsplash. The reflective surface helps to create a greater sense of depth within the pantry, while the sintered stone countertop provides a practical and durable work surface.
Across the home, the approach was to work with the existing conditions rather than against them. By carefully balancing fixed constraints with the homeowners’ requirements, each space could be integrated into the overall layout without compromising functionality or the sense of openness.
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