Here’s how you can get the Scandi Kitchen look.

Choose a neutral colour palette

White as a kitchen colour scheme underpins Scandinavian design, and this goes for cabinetry as well as the walls. To avoid erring on the side of clinical, choose shades of white that carry subtle peach, pink, or yellow undertones and warm up the space with wooden flooring and countertops.

Choose light coloured wood like beech or ash and make sure to avoid stained or varnished woods for countertops – the raw, natural, untreated look is much more in-keeping with Scandinavian style. Finally, bring in some houseplants to add colour and welcome the outdoors in.

Cabinetry makes a difference

One of the primary elements of a Scandinavian kitchen is the cabinetry.  A Scandi-style kitchen can work with various types of cabinetry, but a plain door really speaks to the cleanliness and simplicity of Nordic design. Opt for push-to-open mechanisms or finger pulls over door handles to preserve that streamlined look.

Image by Everlong Joinery

Lighting is king

The days in the northern hemisphere are extremely short throughout winter meaning there’s only a few hours of daylight. Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design, with many interiors focusing on creating bright, well-lit spaces.

To achieve this, a variety of different light sources should be used including dimmable LED downlights, task lighting under cupboards and pendant or overhead lighting over dining areas. You won’t use them all at once, but each play a crucial role at some point. Remember that a layered lighting scheme is always preferable to a single source in any style of design.

This kitchen has a mix of pendant, under cupboard and downlights

Add warmth with metallic accents

To add some warmth and contrast, include some metallic accents in your design. This can be via cabinet handles, kitchen accessories such as kettles and tapware.

When choosing a kitchen tap for your Scandi kitchen, a kitchen mixer with a minimalist design is key. Phoenix Tapware’s Vivid Slimline Pull Out Sink Mixer is a great option with it’s refined, slender profile and thin, elegant, fixed pin lever. For the finish, brushed gold will elevate the warmth in the sink area or you could go for a more classic look and choose a chrome finish.

Another contemporary option that would work well in a Scandi kitchen is Phoenix’s new Axia Hob Sink Mixer Set Gooseneck in chrome.

Image by @blendedinteriorsanddesign. Pictured: Phoenix Vivid Slimline Gooseneck Sink Mixer in Brushed Gold

Pay attention to the details

Functionality is important in Scandi style, but form comes a close second. When considering furniture for your kitchen, pieces should be pared back to their simplest form. Whether it’s a table, a dresser, a kitchen chair, or a storage unit, look for items that have clean-cut lines and a simple, elegant aesthetic. Avoid anything overly ornate or with lines and features that detract from the otherwise minimalist design of the room.

For more information

Phoenix Tapware

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“Originally a small, closed-in space, this gorgeous neutral kitchen has been opened up considerably to create a light-filled, open room perfectly suited to a big household.

The client requested a timeless style that wouldn’t date and a design that could grow and change with their family. A dedicated homework area was added to allow for easy supervision of younger children, and it’s packed with clever features including additional power points to allow for charging of multiple gadgets.

Handy features such as a TV, loads of storage and a huge kitchen island make this a truly multipurpose space – equally well suited to large-scale entertaining and casual family meals. Pops of bright colour and rich texture add interest, while the neutral palette allows for easy updates as trends change.”

For more information

wholesalekitchens.com.au
Sydney and Melbourne
1800 332 223

Originally from Kitchens & Bathrooms Quartlerly, Vol 23, No. 1

The post Family-focused kitchen design appeared first on Completehome.

“When designing this kitchen, it was important for the space to be free flowing and open plan. The old kitchen was closed in and some of the existing walls needed to be removed. The owners were after a timeless design — nothing too modern or country.

By installing a large island with dining table, the kitchen now has a centrepiece and functions as a modern kitchen, dining and work space. The room is quite large, so it was essential to get the proportions just right when selecting the benchtop, window splashback and appliances. =QUOTE=
The colour palette is very simple, with white gloss juxtaposing brilliantly against timber grain. I didn’t want the kitchen to detract from the outdoor area, but to flow effortlessly from one space to the other — perfect for entertaining.–
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This kitchen allows the owners and their family to interact, whether cooking, eating or doing homework. It is essentially the perfect family space.”

Designer: Phil O’Brien for Designer Kitchens

For more information

designerkitchens.com.au

435 Montague Road,

West End QLD

(07) 3844 1500

The post A timeless design: family kitchen appeared first on Completehome.

“This warm and inviting kitchen is an upgrade from the previous basic kitchen that was lacking natural light and storage space, and didn’t suit the lifestyle of the homeowners. Our clients love a neat and clean environment and wanted to have a place for everything. As this was a combined kitchen, dining and living area, they wished it to be a spacious room for entertaining and one that was easy to navigate.

The large island bench contains an integrated bar fridge and is finished with a beautifully veined Caesarstone benchtop. An overhang was incorporated on three sides of the island to accommodate seating and act as an informal dining area.–
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We converted the previous laundry space into a much-needed butler’s pantry, which provides our clients the storage and additional workspace they desired. Part of any good kitchen design is the consideration of work flow, so the distance between the island and the cooktop was specially designed to allow for easy navigation between the cooktop, sink and dishwasher, which provides an effortless flow.

For more information

Kitchen Trends

Website: kitchentrends.com.au

Address: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads Qld

Phone: (07) 5522 0770

Address: 8 Edmondstone Street, Newmarket Qld

Phone: (07) 3856 6556

Originally from Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly magazine, Volume 22 Issue 3

The post Neat and clean: kitchen design appeared first on Completehome.

“The clients wanted to create a functional family kitchen with a seaside living vibe. Materials were chosen to create a sleek, seamless aesthetic and to make the kitchen durable enough for the family as well as for entertaining. Designed as a galley kitchen, the space features ample storage with a butler’s pantry and extensive cabinetry.

A feature wall of kitchen panelling creates interest and conceals the pantry access and integrated fridge. The unique island design provides a lowered seating area and has a beautiful off-white quartz stone benchtop. The light and neutral colour scheme incorporates colour and texture to enhance the space and create an inviting, relaxing kitchen.”
This project was designed by Simon Petrou for Jag Kitchens

For more information

Website: jagkitchens.com.au
Address: 25 Anzac Highway, Keswick SA
Phone: 08 8371 1420

Originally from Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly, Volume 22, Edition 2

The post Functional family kitchen appeared first on Completehome.

This pool was a triumph of construction given the unique qualities of the site. The owners had always wanted a pool and spa but, due to very difficult site access, the cost was always prohibitive. This led FreeStyle Pools to quote on just a 4m × 2m spa, which the owners were happy to proceed with.

Things changed when the landscaper (Peter Yorke Landscapes) decided to crane a hydraulic excavator onto the first-floor balcony of the house and drive the excavator through the residence into the backyard, prompting the owners to re-evaluate the pool and spa decision. Having the excavator in the backyard now meant the most complex and costly component of the pool construction became much more straightforward and opened up more possibilities regarding the pool design. FreeStyle Pools worked closely with Peter to ensure his and their works happened concurrently without delay or obstructions. The project is a great example of seamless co-ordination of pool construction and landscaping.

The owners wanted the pool and spa to convert their backyard to a more functional and enjoyable outdoor area. They went with a large paved area around the spa, creating a multi-purpose space to allow both lounging and entertaining. This enables them to enjoy the pool without having to be sitting in it — perfect for typical family use.

The team at FreeStyle Pools believe the principle of good design is the efficient use of space, ensuring the pool blends seamlessly with the house and landscaping. This pool has the right dimensions for the space available in the yard to create a perfect combination of grassed area, entertaining space and, of course, a functional pool and spa area.

The choice of finishes adds to the quality appearance and brings the whole backyard together visually. Not all pools get completed with a well-landscaped yard. As this pool has been integrally designed and built in parallel with the backyard landscaping, it stands out as a beautifully finished backyard conversion.

FreeStyle Pools knows how important pool and spa design and quality are. FreeStyle has been run by the Hitchcock family since 1992 and has best met its customers’ requirements by considering the smallest details required to make a concept turn into a perfect product. Specialising in individually managed and serviced pool construction with a more personalised approach, FreeStyle Pools spends more time with customers and on site during construction to ensure all client expectations are met. As a member of the Master Builders Association of NSW, the company prides itself on providing the highest-quality equipment and service.

For more information

FREESTYLE POOLS

Originally in Poolside 40

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