IN CONJUNCTION WITH
Best kitchen and Room of the year Winner
SPONSORED BY
1 Smooth move
Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke, Arent&Pyke
Given the owners’ zest for entertaining, the design of this kitchen in their heritage cottage in Sydney was a priority for interior designers Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke. “While the kitchen is certainly opulent, it isn’t overly formal, and that’s just what we wanted. The pendants add a sculptural touch. The walk-in pantry keeps it ready to perform for surprise visits, too!” says Sarah-Jane.
Arent&Pyke, Surry Hills, NSW; (02) 9331 2802 or arentpyke.com.
ROOM NOTES
Island bench and splashback in Esmeralda Verde marble, Granite & Marble Works. Custom cabinetry in Dulux Vintage Green and island doors in Poplar Burl Timber veneer, all by Arent&Pyke. Vilo mixer tap in Chrome, Oliveri. Spine barstools, Great Dane. Flos ‘Diabolo’ pendant light, Euroluce. With all my heart, 2021 artwork by Ildiko Kovacs, Martin Browne Contemporary.
2 Treetop retreat
Madeleine Blanchfield, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Capturing the vibrant energy of its beachside location in Sydney, the upper-level kitchen was designed to connect to the street and community while maintaining a sense of seclusion. “With a view into the canopies of the street trees, the kitchen engages in a spirited and playful way with its wider beachside context,” says architect Madeleine Blanchfield. Flipping the layout so that the kitchen is on the top floor has been a hit with the owners. “Our home feels like a sanctuary,” they say.
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, Paddington, NSW; (02) 9212 3343 or madeleineblanchfield.com.
ROOM NOTES (2)
Island in Spectra honed marble, Artedomus. Artek ‘Bar Stool 64’, Anibou. Custom ceramic artwork on splashback by Ben Mazey. Untitled (2012-2013) artwork by Brendan Huntley.
3 Island life
Alexandra Donohoe Church, Decus
The harmonising colour scheme in the kitchen of this 1940s family home in Sydney’s east reflects the owners’ northern European roots, while durability and maintenance were also important to them. “The robust and durable granite underscores the fusion of practicality and aesthetics,” says Decus co-founder Alexandra Donohoe Church. “The kitchen island caters to both family meals and social gatherings – an embodiment of the owners’ love for hosting.”
Decus, Woollahra, NSW; (02) 9363 4004 or decus.com.au.
ROOM NOTES (3)
Custom joinery designed by Decus and installed by Blank Joinery. Custom rangehood in Flemish glass with brass frame. Kitchen island in brushed Antique Granite, SNB Stone.
4 European farmhouse
Kate Nixon with LiveIn Design
The brief for this Sydney home was to create a kitchen that felt polished and practical, equally at ease with elegant entertaining and everyday family life. A refined, European farmhouse feel was introduced. “We were endlessly inspired by classic and contemporary European detailing, which was sensitively applied to restore and elevate the home to its historically significant status,” says designer Kate Nixon.
Kate Nixon, Rushcutters Bay, NSW; (02) 9363 4318 or katenixon.com.
ROOM NOTES
Joinery by Kreative Kitchens in Porter’s Paints Aqua Satin Enamel in Cinnamon Sugar. Walls and ceiling in Porter’s Paints Cashmere half-strength. Plasterwork, Hinton Linings. Custom windows, Ganci Steel. Chiltern double pendant light, The Urban Electric Company. Chevron parquetry, Precision Flooring.
5 Coastal tones
Lauren Foy, Tecture
The owners of a new build on Victoria’s picturesque Bellarine peninsula were keen to reflect the beachside location of their new abode, but for it to be very much a family home rather than a beach house. “We were able to imagine the kitchen space in relation to the architecture we created and take references from the coastal and organic nature of the area,” says Lauren Foy, architect and head of interior design at Tecture. The owners love the tonal quality of the minimal selection of materials.
Tecture, Collingwood, Vic; (03) 9417 2854 or tecture.com.au. .
ROOM NOTES (5)
Island bench, benchtop and splashback in Ocean Black travertine from Artedomus, Natural Stone Geelong. ‘City Stik’ mixer, Brodware. Andro downlights, Ambience. Alta table lamp, Kelly Wearstler. ‘Jack’ leather and wood stools in Tan, Lostine.
6 Creative geometry
Justine Anderson, Sam Crawford Architects
When an artist and musician decided to update their 19th-century terrace in inner Sydney, they bought some hexagonal grey tiles, which have proved an inspiring element in their new kitchen. “They had an eclectic collection of art, a love
