The clean lines of so-called contemporary architecture – which rather stretches the definition of the word ‘contemporary’, as it can actually date as far back as 70 years or more – lends itself perfectly to modernisation and updating. Contemporising the contemporary always works. That’s why the mid-century modern movement continues to gain traction, with the complementary work of great modern furniture designers once again in great demand.

For us at SpaceCraft, it’s always a joy to become partners in the process of bringing contemporary homes sensitively into the 21st-century. And that’s been our delight with this project. Our clients, Megan and Ben, bought this 1980s exposed-brick home with great spaces and soaring timber ceilings in the peace and tranquillity of Aldgate five years ago and have been patiently building the funds to put their stamp on it. Especially as Megan, who was a midwife and nurse for 25 years, is in the midst of studying interior design. What this meant was she knew exactly how to give Nathan a clear creative direction. And, whilst she knew exactly the materials she wanted to use, she was keen for Nathan to bring all his experience – and passion for this era – to bear.

But there was more than just a mental connection at play. Ellen realised she’d known Ben, who is now an IT guru and software engineer, back in the ‘90s when he was part of the Instantaneous Productions crew who put on dance parties/raves around Adelaide. (Do we dare tell the Wundersitz kids about their mum’s ‘interesting’ past?).

Given Megan’s obvious talents, we were surprised to discover the couple had actually been working with an interior designer before coming to us. Unfortunately, the results of that partnership failed to resonate with their personal style.

Through a referral, they came to SpaceCraft looking for – in their words – a “unique, contemporary, quality design with a mid-century modern influence tailored to our family. Someone with advice and experience willing to incorporate our ideas, whilst being honest about whether something is going to work or not.” In other words, they needed Nathan, our very own kitchen whisperer.

What they specifically wanted to achieve was a more open living area by reducing the visual barriers between the kitchen, living and family rooms and out to the backyard beyond. This would entail the removal of the brick island-wall between the kitchen and the dining room that housed the fridge, as well as a brick wall that separated this area from the lower living spaces. As a nicety, they also wanted to include some timber elements, in keeping with the funky mid-century vibe.

Removing those two brick walls has made the home luxuriantly spacious. At once, the floorplan seems much more unified and generous. Subsequently, Megan and Ben have painted the raked timber ceilings white, which has also made the ambience much lighter and brighter.

Pride of place in that beautiful new space is Nathan’s groovy new kitchen with its curvy island bench and its fascia of half-round battens fashioned from blackwood, the darling timber of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The same timber was then used to create the overhead shelving and the svelte cabinetry handles, as well as two other delightful features. First, there’s the slatted solid blackwood screen, which not only riffs on the mid-century inspiration but also creates a coffee/breakfast nook that’s defined without being cut-off. The other feature that truly caps off the kitchen is the blackwood pendant light, designed and built right here in-house at SpaceCraft.

With that blackwood literally taking the spotlight in the starring role, the cabinetry plays perfect support in a crisp polar white satin two-pack finish, with Ambassador Valour stone benchtops and Fibonacci Freckle terrazzo splashback tiling sealing the deal.

But Nathan had one more trick up his sleeve: to house Ben & Megan’s turntable and vinyl collection (perhaps a throwback to those dance party days and definitely right at home in the mid-century) Nathan created a custom-built shelving unit in the family room with slatted sides and upholstered seating for the DJ. And, of course, it’s in blackwood. The perfect LP groove.

So, what’s it like to live the dream for Megan and Ben? When we called them recently to see how they were getting on, Ben told us to quote this: “Working with SpaceCraft was an absolutely brilliant experience, and the finished product just blows us away. Every step was a great experience and they arrived exactly when they said they would. Friends comment on how clever the space is.”

We’re very grateful for the gracious praise. But we’re also very grateful for two clients who knew exactly what they wanted, yet still allowed us the creative freedom to take their vision to a level beyond.