Whilst that title may lead you to expect a story about outer space – especially given our company’s name – this is actually all about inner space. Because this collaboration between Fabrikate and SpaceCraft is a universal object lesson in how to make small interiors feel much bigger. Through Fabrikate’s clever design of seamless integration, and our meticulous manufacture and installation, the client’s life was transformed along with her home. So, short of borrowing Doctor Who’s Tardis, how do you defy the physical limitations and take a small kitchen to another dimension?

When Kate Harry from Fabrikate first visited this female client, the challenge was immediately apparent. The original layout of the modest apartment separated the kitchen from its adjacent living/dining area by a counter and a floor-to-ceiling cubicle for the fridge, making it dark and boxy. The client wanted to open up the space but wasn’t sure how to go about it and, all credit to her, was willing for (and trusting in) Kate to create a solution. Her only prescriptions were that she abhorred bling (amen) and wanted something warm, light, inviting and feminine. She also loves the look and feel of timber, so that was also on the agenda.

In a very small volume, therefore, Kate had to fit in as much kitchen bench space and storage as possible, along with a place to dine, entertain and study. And if she were going to remove the fridge’s hidey-hole, that had to go somewhere, too. Our Nathan was almost glad he didn’t have to solve this one. Then again, they say that the best ideas are born in adversity…

Kate used some timeless strategies to create a stressless space. Her first step was to remove The Great Dividing Range that separated the kitchen from the living space, letting in light and opening opportunities. In its place, she had us build a seamless, L-shaped kitchen-bench-cum-dining-table-cum-bar-cum-study-area. Not only is this a place the client now loves to linger in; its multi-function facility allows her to, whether alone or with friends.

Then, there’s the colour palette, which is light, too, and carries through the whole zone, integrating it and making it feel larger, as a result. Look closely at the kitchen bench: it sits atop a lighter-coloured kick panel, which is rebated and rises 20 centimetres, making the whole thing seem to float. That and the 13-millimetre, thin benchtop take away the usual heaviness of most cabinetry and adds to the airiness.

Another great trick: Kate had us hide the appliances. The slim-line fridge, the dishwasher and range hood all disappeared into the same units as the pantry and cupboards, which are the same colour as the walls, creating a united front. (The bittiness of having all these items individually on show in a small kitchen can turn it into a crowded house.)

The way the tiling has been laid is another case in point. By stretching it all the way up to the bulkhead behind the open shelving, it tends to make the room look taller. (And don’t those Anchor Ceramics tiles add a lovely warmth to the whole area?) Which brings us to the timber. As our client wished, the kitchen zone has become a little woodland, with the lower cupboard doors, shelf frames and those chunky handles bringing natural delight, without ostentation. This is where our Nathan made his greatest contribution, suggesting the type of timber, the linear grain and the finish for the effect Kate was looking for.

Last but by no means least, there’s the built-in bench seat. And with that extra addition on top of the other built-ins, you can subtract the need for a lounge suite, study desk and dining table. So, not only has this saved space but money as well.

It was an absolute delight working hand-in-glove with Fabrikate to create a life-changing outcome for this client. Happily, the whole job was as smooth as that beautiful, sleek benchtop. We hope you’ve gained some small insight into how, together, we can conquer space. It might not be rocket science. But it is quite an art.

Check out more of Fabrikate’s beautiful design work here.