It’s not often we get a kitchen brief that includes a solution to an extensive record collection.  Or a colour scheme influenced by a particular piece of art, for that matter. Nastassia and Shawn gave us both. This job meant dealing with two very cool, individual senses of style.

As busy members of a blended family (including two gorgeous dogs, Ralph and Toby) they were after a unique, light, lively and balanced kitchen. Plus, a functional laundry that matched the vibe (featuring a washing machine and dryer stack, utilities unit, area for linen storage and a decent sized tub).

Just FYI, we also fashioned them some funky bedroom robes. We don’t mind venturing beyond the kitchen sink as part of a bigger job.

When Nastassia and Shawn mentioned fun-colour blocked mid-century, they were speaking our language. Along with terrazzo and a tiled benchtop. Then came the rub. “No more timber”. Say what now? Mid-century screams timber. But they felt the timber flooring brought in enough of that natural element.

Timber-free was nervously scrawled alongside the need to reflect the pinks, yellows, greens and blues of their artwork. Followed by a request for curves and points of interest, integrated fridge and dishwasher, and limited handles.

They wanted to be able to use the kitchen as a dining space, without feeling like they were sitting at the island all the time.

As for the record collection, they weren’t joking when they said large. It’s enviable. Their dinner soundtracks must be wild. Sarah needed to design something that would feel like a standalone piece of joinery, accommodate all that vinyl and the beloved record player, but still work in with the kitchen, dining and living space.

And don’t forget storage for everything else. That had to be effective (and ample) without making the space feel too heavy.

As lovers of bespoke design, honouring Nastassia and Shawn’s great aesthetic vision and vibrant style was a joy. Like crafting the ultimate playlist from a bunch of awesome songs. Which, incidentally, they can now do every night over dinner!

Our nervousness about the “no timber” request was alleviated by some further research into Danish Mid-Century and the use of bold colours. Those cool cats were onto something with their colour blocked vision and an artwork providing a palette to work from. It inspired us to bring a happy vibe and big personality to the kitchen space.

We used 2pack finish in yellow and pink to achieve the colourway. Benchtops and splashbacks were a combination of patterned terrazzo and tiles – adding that quintessential mid-century flair – while picking up the painting’s pink and soft colours. Every hue found its place. Even in the grout.

For all those records, we designed a large feature open shelf unit, wall mounted and highlighted by yellow framing. The player sits on a terrazzo covered bench below, backed by tiles, with further storage options beneath. The record station links through to the kitchen via a matching overhead shelf and tile trim in the same colour. Different bench heights indicate the separate spaces. Music on the left. Meals on the right…

By keeping the main island clear of any sinks or cooktops it acts as the main work bench and remains uninterrupted. We added a tiled dining table section, supported by a fun bright yellow cylindrical leg, that can comfortably seat five. No island lingering required.

Handles were kept to a minimum by using push-to-open mechanisms and integrated pulls wherever possible. Most are a flush routed finger pull detail with a painted finish – ticking off the desire for curves too. We opted for a physical handle for the integrated dishwasher and fridge for ease of use. This posed a small challenge when we discovered our original choice was discontinued, but we didn’t give up until we found a suitable alternative.

We were similarly determined when it came to maximising storage without making the space feel heavy. How? Lots and lots of drawer space. We even included it to the back of the island.

Vertical storage was restricted by the need for the height of the kitchen to sit under an existing window height, but that also helped to stop it feeling overbearing or like it towered into space.

As for points of interest, designer Sarah made sure they appear no matter which angle you’re on. From the previously mentioned handles and cylindrical table leg to the dining table corners, sink run end, tile pattern and trim, and variety of cabinetry shapes and sizes.

The fun didn’t end there either. Sarah ensured the laundry followed a similar aesthetic but gave it a twist. It featured the same Fibonacci benchtop and tiled splashback as the kitchen but a 2pack cabinetry finish of pink and green block colours. Nastassia and Shawn picked a fun new floor tile in a deep green to complement the whole space and Shawn picked a funky green tap that Sarah approved of wholeheartedly.

Practically speaking, the design housed a washing machine and dryer stack, utilities unit and space for linen storage. The desired overhead hanging rail sits atop a large tub which will accommodate pooches Ralph and Toby’s bathing needs. An easy-to-reach towel makes sense!

This project was all about embracing colour, fun and mid-century charm while creating fully functional spaces. No wonder it’s one of Sarah’s favourites.

As for clients Nastassia and Shawn, they’re tickled pink, which fits the aesthetic perfectly!