A Victorian terrace home in Sydney’s inner-city suburb of Paddington was completely restored to create a more liveable, stylish and functional space for the owners.

Located in a neighbourhood of colourful Victorian terraces that have been carefully restored and given a new lease of life, the home was in a bad condition with the owners discovering its mediocre construction and defects on every level. This meant the entire interior space had to be gutted but it also presented an opportunity to start afresh, experiment with the floor plan and create something completely new.

Local interior architecture studio Minosa Design was engaged by the owners – a family of four – to create a statement kitchen as part of the renovation project. Since the family loved to cook and entertain, the kitchen had to be functional with plenty of storage, space to entertain and fit in a long dining table, as well as a connection to the outdoor area.

The designers had to work around several challenges including the long and narrow building, an odd layout, as well as the existing concrete slab. Through clever design details of ample floor-to-ceiling cupboards that line both side walls and a built-in bench in the dining area, the designers were able to fulfil the clients’ requirements without overwhelming the space.

Striking elements such as gold edging on the cupboards offset by classic black and white colours not only add the wow factor desired by the clients but also prevent the kitchen from dating quickly. This sense of luxury is matched by the appliances specified including a sleek and minimal stove that doesn’t take up much space on the benchtop.

Another element of luxury is the Zip HydroTap Arc in Matte Black that takes pride of place in the square sink. Chosen by the client who wanted the convenience of instant chilled, sparkling and boiling water on tap, Zip HydroTap Arc not only fit in with her affinity for entertaining and wanting to provide guests with a variety of filtered water options at the touch of a button, but also worked with the limited space, eliminating the need for kettles or bottles of water on the countertops.

Efficient, stylish and full of personality, this kitchen shows that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages.