Fran and Murray, together with Janet and Geoff Philson, are co-directors of Finesse Residential, so with half the design and build team living on the property Fran didn’t have far to look for reputable renovation specialists.
And she pretty much knew the design she wanted. Fran’s a natural with colour, balance and proportion, so selecting colours, materials and appliances wasn’t a problem. Caroline Charman from Jag Kitchens helped Fran pull the overall design together and was very well-placed to do so. A consultant at Jag Kitchens for nearly three years, she’s married to restaurateur Larry Charman who established the iconic Meridian Restaurant (now Barracuda) in Bucklands Beach.
In the 20-year-old Kee/Kent Howick cedar home, a galley-style kitchen was designed to work with the open plan living space, and is formed on one side by a generous island bar measuring 1 x 2.5 metres. A3-metre bench features under the window on the other side. The benchtops, in engineered stone, colour Pebble Reef, were made and installed by Gran Marbello. Fran is delighted, and claims they are a wonderful alternative to granite.
The 3-metre bench accommodates a 29” Scholtes gas cooktop and electric oven, and one deep sink with wastemaster included. Autel supplied all appliances, and the piece de resistance is the large, eye-catching commercial tap fixture by German company Jado. It manages to be extremely efficient and beautiful at the same time.
“Initially, I thought the tap might look a bit much, but the living spaces are generous with high ceilings, so the design could handle a statement. We’re really glad we went with it.”
Fran has designed and been in enough open plan kitchens to know that people more than ever like to congregate in them. And she knew her island bar would be the perfect shape for people to drape themselves over while shooting the breeze with friends.
But Fran doesn’t much like an audience when she’s rustling up a meal and suspects she’s not alone in this. Unfortunately, for shy cooks, it can be problematic when hungry revellers block access to all-important ingredients and implements located in the most favourite feature of a home.
Rather than put an end to enjoyable soirées, she decided to incorporate a scullery in the overall kitchen design, and that meant everyone would be happy.
Positioned a short distance across the hallway from the kitchen, the scullery measures 4 x 5 metres with a sliding door. It can be closed off when required. Because it operates as a private workspace too, Fran felt cupboard or drawer faces weren’t necessary, so there are open shelves above the bench and pullout wire storage trays below.
One side of the scullery holds plates, platters and glasses, with food, condiments and kitchen appliances on the other side.
A sink is positioned along the back wall, with filtered water plumbed in and there’s an eye level window above – a permissible luxury because the scullery faces an exterior wall.
Because of the scullery’s generous size, Fran doesn’t mind being tucked away behind the scenes.
“Many sculleries are created today as an after-thought, with a little extra space tweaked behind the kitchen. This one was planned down to the millimetre and it works really well. Although it’s separate, the scullery, together with the stove and fridge are still within the work triangle, which means it’s efficient to work in and I still feel part of the action.”
A blended and busy family, with either Kee or Kent children coming and going, their dietary requirements from breakfast to all day snacks are easily catered for via the scullery. And for cooking convenience, a few items are replicated in the scullery and the kitchen, such as oils and condiments.
Fran and Murray’s new kitchen suite is a great hit. “After careful planning, it feels like it’s a combination of goodies that has exceeded all expectations,” Fran says.
The soirées have started again and she’s delighted to report the response has been extremely positive. “It’s classy and workable, and that’s exactly what I wanted.”
Builders & Project Managers: Finesse Residential Kitchen Design & Manufacture: Jag Kitchens Benchtops: Gran Marbello Appliances: Autel Appliances
