Step inside the kitchen space behind
Whether undertaking a new build, an extension, a renovation, or a restoration, Perth-based practice
At the very centre of their Vine Street project in North Perth lies a highly personalised and functional cooking and entertaining space that State of Kin designed for a celebrated Chef and his young family. We caught up with State of Kin director Alessandra French to understand the design resolve behind this retro-inspired heart of the family home and to unearth the client’s culinary vision.
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Remastered to include a new modern extension to an existing character-filled home, the outline of this family’s existing Vine Street home was cleared and expanded to form a generous footprint. The blank canvas made way for a new kitchen and entertaining space. Engaged by the client, who is a well-respected chef, his wife and their family, to deliver a dream kitchen within this newly opened-up space, State of Kin designed a communal area fit for a culinary-loving family. Underpinning the key elements of the kitchen was the functionality of the space, followed closely by the desire to design a timeless space convivial for both cooking, entertaining and life as a young family.
As keen hosts, a generous central stone island forms a hub-like gathering point for the homeowners by offering a spot for casual dining, meal preparation and entertaining guests. An adjacent window servery opens out to the alfresco area, creating a connection to the outdoor zones. “Once the flow of the space is resolved around essential elements, we start to configure the areas in-between to maximise storage, accessibility, connectivity – opening and closing off specific zones,” Alessandra explains. For example, a cavity under the staircase becomes much-needed pantry storage with a combination of open shelves and ribbed glass doors which are framed in walnut battens and follow the angle of the stair overhead.
Delivering a playful fusion between modern and mid-century, the kitchen conveys a feeling of being warm and inviting through the materials selected and the nostalgic harmony of tones. A blended palette of bold and retro hues combines powder blues with rich chocolate and concrete greys, while the notion of connectivity sees warm, walnut timber cabinetry uniting these colours.
Offsetting this palette is the use of graphic, square tiling throughout the space including the splashback, which consists of creamy
As an experienced chef, the client’s emphasis on designing a kitchen with full functionality and his intention to incorporate high-end appliances guided the design. It was matched equally by the State of Kin’s own values. “The functionality of a kitchen is key specifically in terms of each appliance and where they are positioned within the space to allow for a greater flow of movement,” Alessandra says.
“Our client for Vine Street is a celebrated chef and he had a clear vision of the equipment that he wanted to see incorporated within the kitchen.”
– State of Kin director Alessandra French
As a standout piece within the kitchen,
Designed to be the central pulse of this home, the Vine Street kitchen illustrates State of Kin’s talent in applying finishes in thought-provoking and subtle ways. Cultivating an individual convergence between a chef’s culinary passion and family functionality, it’s the clever footprint, custom craftsmanship and elevated appliances that solidify its design as a strong combination. Cultivating a unique balance between innovation, form and function, this retro-inspired kitchen has earned a Chef’s seal of approval.
“If a kitchen is to withstand the test of time, to provide an enduringly beautiful and operational space, the equipment that is incorporated must be of high quality and functionality.“
– State of Kin director Alessandra French
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