A white minimalist kitchen renovation with the outdoors at its heart.
When Jackie and Charlie Reilly enter their outdoor entertainment area they no longer feel it is separate from their kitchen. Thanks to a recent kitchen renovation by Dan Kitchens, there is now a seamless transition from one area to the next as both spaces incorporate greenery, natural light and have a modern feel.
The Wahroonga residents first found Dan Kitchens in March 2015 and their kitchen, wardrobe and vanity were completed in September 2016.
Before: The original timber kitchen circa 1990’s.
After: A completely different feel to the room. The original small room that was connected only via the kitchen is amalgamated into a single large space.
A narrow window between the benchtop and wall cabinets delivers light and nature inside.
Seamless transition from kitchen to garden
The Reilly’s enjoy entertaining and they wanted a large and open kitchen that connected to their outdoor area and garden.
“We wanted lots of natural light and to bring the greenery of our trees and hedges closer,” Mrs Reilly said.
“We now have a large, modern, bright and functional kitchen that extends our house via large sliding doors to our garden.
“The island, benchtops, lighting and glass splashback create a great sense of space.”
When designing the kitchen, Mrs Reilly wanted a significant change from her Tasmanian oak kitchen. The previous kitchen was smaller and was a traditional L-shaped design.
“Our kitchen space, which is now integrated with our outdoor entertaining area creates a very different atmosphere and feel to the house,” she said.
Outdoors and indoors are now connected via large sliding doors.
Large sliding doors were added delivering light to a once dark room.
Bells and whistles plus functionality
Mrs Reilly said her kitchen was perfect for entertaining because of its practical and interesting design elements. The kitchen features a Miele Brilliant White Oven with chrome handles as well as an integrated Miele dishwasher. The kitchen also has a KWC tap, Franke sink, Sub-Zero refrigerator hidden behind integrated doors, Miele induction cooktop and the under bench corner cabinet has a Kesserbohmer Le Mans unit. Mrs Reilly said the marble and white benchtops and walls created a modern, sleek kitchen.
The island uses Smartstone Calacatta Blanco and other surfaces in the kitchen use Smartstone Absolut Blanc. The splashback uses a smoked mirror, glass window and Smartstone Calacatta Blanco. The doors are gloss polyurethane. There is also a fixed window above the sink that looks directly at the hedges.
Whilst the kitchen looks and feels luxurious, it still includes all the practical design elements necessary for preparing family meals and entertaining.
“Our kitchen features lots of free space for preparation,” Mrs Reilly said.
“We have power points in many locations which means all space is usable and we have lots of cupboard space to ‘hide’ appliances when not in use.”
Mrs Reilly said she and her husband loved the spaciousness and functionality of the kitchen because it was bright, clean and uncluttered.
“The finishes are five-star and the fixed window above the sink is a great feature as it brings the greenery right into the house,” she said.
“Also the mirror splashback behind the cooktop is magnificent as you can see the entire backyard including the pool and greenery while cooking.”
Mrs Reilly said she would not change any elements of the kitchen because she and her husband spent a lot of time refining the design, finishes and features.
“We are very happy with the outcome,” she said.
Kitchen island featuring the marble-like Smartstone Calacatta Blanco.
High-end fittings and appliances were specified throughout this kitchen renovation (Fully integrated Miele Dishwasher, KWC Eve tap and Franke sink shown here).
Taking the journey with Dan Kitchens
The Reilly’s kitchen was inspired by designs in magazines such as Grand Designs and House and Garden. They researched the web for designs, finishes, marbles, glass, doors, cabinetry and appliances. The Reilly’s discovered Dan Kitchens in Grand Designs and they loved the clean and modern layout and finishes.
“Vagn and Bente never rushed us and took the time to listen to what we wanted,” Mrs Reilly said.
“Then they interpreted what we told them and came up with initial designs.
“They provided their experienced opinion on materials, finishes and colours. We then refined the designs.”
However, it was not all smooth sailing for the couple who waited a long time for council approvals.
“We had contracted a builder to do major works by opening up the back of the house to install very large sliding doors,” Mrs Reilly said.
“The builder also took down walls between the previous kitchen and dining room.
“We had a long delay getting council approvals before we could finalise our kitchen measurements and designs.
“And we are thankful that Dan Kitchens coordinated with our builder seamlessly.”
Mrs Reilly said Dan Kitchens provided a five-star service when it designed and installed her kitchen.
“If you want the best then you won’t go wrong by selecting Dan Kitchens,” Mrs Reilly said.
“The team will not let you down. Vagn and Bente take ownership and great pride in the full service they provide from initial chat to follow up after installation.
“We would have no problems in recommending Dan Kitchens.”
The couple did have some extra advice for others who wanted to renovate their kitchen.
“Use the space to full advantage,” Mrs Reilly said.
“Develop at least two options then sleep on it before deciding the best way to go.
“Don’t rush the decision.”
Additions like beech drawer organisers add a sense of luxury.
Swing out corner units are ideal for utilising hard to access spaces.
Not far off the final design: An early 3D illustration produced by Dan Kitchens during the design process.
Dan Kitchens have been in the kitchen renovation field for over 30 years and is regarded as one of the most trusted in the industry. Contact their Design Studio on 02 9624 2344 to enquire about your own kitchen reno project. Alternatively, visit the Dan Kitchens showroom and speak to a Designer in person.