Some people know exactly what they want. In fact, some people are so sure of what they want, you can’t change their minds. Even when they’re wrong. That’s why people like Verity and David are such a delight to work with. At first, they weren’t at all sure of what they wanted with this project and sometimes doubted their own minds. But when they turned to our friends at Aaron Martin Construction and, through them, to SpaceCraft for the kitchen zone, they listened and took our advice, even when they weren’t sure. And, sure enough, as the project went on, their confidence blossomed, so that by the end, all their decisions and their own style inputs were proven absolutely 100% fabulous. But they had to get through a lot of sleepless nights first.

Home to Verity and David is a 1920s bungalow in Strathalbyn, where they live with their fur-child, Harry. Verity works at the Mount Barker post office and David works for SA Power Networks. The house is perfectly situated in the heart of town, backing onto the Angas River. But whilst you can’t argue with the position of their abode, its condition left a lot to be desired.

For two long years, they lived with the house as it stood whilst they saved a budget and tried to figure out exactly what they desired. At that point, the house had the classic lean-to addition at the back. Not only was it dark (according to David, you needed the lights on even during daylight hours) but the principal colour was mission brown. And, no: not in any way, shape or form was it an ironic, cool, funky use of mission brown. It was brain sapping.

It must have been with great relief, therefore, that they engaged our local builders, Aaron Martin Construction (AMC) to design and build a new extension. The design AMC came up with, however, was a sleek combination of limestone, Zincalume that was to be mounted horizontally, and recycled laminated merbau. And this was the first challenge… for Verity and David. They just weren’t sure about this bold look. But, in the end, they embraced it.

Second challenge… again, for Verity and David: as the extension progressed, it became apparent that this gorgeous back section was really let down by the old front. So, after a bit more tossing and turning, they bit the bullet, packed up and moved out while AMC gutted the lot and got on with a whole-house renovation. In truth, they were probably relieved to have finally come to this decision. And that’s an important lesson when renovating: sometimes, trying to save money can end up costing you money.

AMC introduced us to Verity and David for the kitchen design and installation, and for a nice change, Nathan’s design didn’t have to fit in a shoe-box or around any existing problems. He still managed to flex his mind and come up with some really nice and unique solutions for a couple who appreciated the effort and inspired him to go even further.

Perhaps the first physical feature you notice is the unusual, beautifully curved corner of the island bench. Not only does that link to an exterior limestone wall it actually inspired; a straight corner would have felt too obtrusive, cutting against the flow from the hallway into this open-plan section. But the curvature then continues into the delightful detail of the circular notch-outs in the cabinetry instead of boring old handles.

Looking up, the overhead cupboards feature Blum Aventos HK lift-up doors, one now providing the ideal hiding place for David’s ‘Gin Night’ supplies. (And if you get an invitation to this, things really are looking up.)

The colour palette plays bright white against earthy tones (a playful nod to the mission brown?). On the one hand, there’s the two-pack white door/ drawer fronts and open-shelving feature; on the other, there’s the V-groove timber panels and intricate tiles, which Verity picked out and duplicated throughout the home (a truly inspired choice, we think). Again, her earthy paint selection for the walls works beautifully, which she’s again carried over from room to room.

As Susie at AMC described it, this was nothing less than, ‘a long project, with a very long lead-time’. And while she says Verity and David really doubted their own decisions at first, they would always listen to the advice they were given and, ultimately, accepted it. In the end, however, they were the ones who pulled all the rooms together with some excellent selections. With our combined professional guidance, they have created a beautiful home and they are now thrilled with the result. And for two really lovely people, who were the perfect clients, you couldn’t wish for anything less than that. Except, maybe, an invitation to Gin Night…

Postscript.

In the photos, you’ll see a gorgeous little dog, Harry. Sadly, having lived through all the disruption of the renovations, the little fellow finally succumbed to a serious illness. As their tribute to Harry, Verity and David chose to show him exploring the new domain that he only got to enjoy for such a short time. So, whilst it may be a new kitchen, it’s already filled with love and memories. That’s why it truly is the heart of their home.