Leading Sydney kitchen designer Art of Kitchens won three awards at the HIA NSW Kitchen & Bathroom Awards held recently. Their 2013 Cammeray kitchen renovation won the Kitchen Design and Large Kitchen over 15sqm categories before going on to win the ultimate 2014 HIA NSW Kitchen of the Year honour.

According to the judges, ‘this kitchen exhibited standout craftsmanship throughout. All of the materials were balanced and used effectively, with the overall design well suited to the house in every way’.

Art of Kitchens’ design plan revolved around making the kitchen the central hub flowing easily through to the dining and entertaining areas. In addition to the overall harmony of the space, the design is strengthened by repetition, creating a balance by tying together individual elements. This can be seen in the reuse of Calcutta marble on the island and splashbacks at either end of the room as well as the dark timber of the cabinets above the window.

The contrast provided by the abundance of natural light, dark cabinetry and timber highlights key elements of the kitchen. The mirrored cladding reflecting the flooring accentuates the floating sensation of the kitchen creating the impression that the island is hovering within the space.

The lighting design elements included skylights providing natural light throughout the day, task lighting concealed on cabinetry, and strip lighting on the kickboards for mood lighting in the evening.

The homeowners sought a kitchen with a multifunctional environment for everyday use as well as to accommodate growing teenagers and guests. A key brief requirement was a design that functioned like a kitchen, but did not look like a kitchen.

Art of Kitchens is a reputed Sydney-based kitchen designer offering award-winning kitchen design and craftsmanship with manufacturing premises at Mt Kuring-gai and showrooms at Thornleigh and Cammeray.