Design Meets Detail
THE BRIEF
With the architectural concept and initial specifications already established, our clients came to SMJ to take the kitchen through its next stage.
Working closely with them, we refined the final design and worked through the material and hardware selections, providing samples to help finalise the details for the project.
The project also grew to include a new laundry. To create a consistent look throughout the home, this was designed and manufactured using the same materials and hardware as the kitchen.
With a strong mix of materials, considered lighting and impressive architectural features, the brief called for precision in the details and a high level of craftsmanship from manufacture through to installation.
THE SOLUTION
At the heart of the kitchen is a striking 6mm solid stainless steel plate benchtop – a bold architectural feature that demanded considerably more than simply fitting cabinetry underneath it.
We worked closely with the engineer to ensure the cabinetry provided the support required for the stainless steel benchtop and that its installation could be completed accurately and securely.
The island presented another interesting challenge. Powder-coated tubular steel framework beneath the benchtop needed to do two jobs at once: create a strong visual detail within the kitchen while also helping to support the stone benchtop overhang. The result is a feature that is both decorative and functional.
Overhead, an oversized boxed bulkhead spans the full width of the back wall. Manufactured in three separate pieces, the vertical grain was carefully matched from one section to the next and finished to give the appearance of one continuous feature.
Lighting was another important part of the design. Integrated LED lighting, internal task lighting and mood lighting were incorporated throughout, adding functionality where it’s needed while creating warmth and atmosphere after dark.
Open shelving provides a dedicated display for the clients’ record player and vinyl collection, bringing a personal element into the kitchen and creating a feature that reflects how the space is lived in and enjoyed.
The laundry was custom designed and manufactured by our team, carrying the kitchen’s material palette and hardware through to create a cohesive finish across both spaces.
THE RESULT
The finished kitchen has a bold, architectural feel, balanced by the warmth and detail of the custom joinery.
Strong material choices and clean lines give the space its contemporary character, while the integrated lighting adds another dimension and allows the kitchen to shift from a practical working space to a more relaxed setting in the evening.
The open shelving gives the record player and vinyl collection a place to take centre stage, adding personality to the room and making the kitchen feel distinctly connected to the people who live there.
Carrying the same finishes and hardware into the laundry creates a natural sense of continuity between the spaces and gives the joinery a considered feel throughout the home.
It’s a project where the impact is in both the big architectural features and the finer details , all brought together with the precision and quality of custom-made joinery.
