It’s In The Details
The kitchen – it’s often considered a sacred space, a place where we gather to celebrate, raise a glass and indulge in a feast. Yet, if you look a little deeper, it’s more than just a functional area; it’s a space where even the smallest detail can play a large role in the aesthetic and design of your kitchen. Josephine Day from Melbourne Kitchen + Bathroom Design sits down with Simon Weir, Founder and Managing Director of SC Weir Cabinets, to explore how these seemingly insignificant details can have a profound impact on the design and feel of a kitchen.
Designing a kitchen can be an overwhelming task, whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. It’s easy to get caught up in the big decisions like choosing the right cabinet colours or countertops. While these choices are important, focusing too much on them can cause you to overlook the smaller details that can truly enhance the space and make it more functional. As one of the most used rooms in the house, a well-designed kitchen can make daily life significantly easier. Small changes, like swapping cabinets for drawers, adding a striking splashback or choosing a larger sink to hide dirty dishes, can improve both the aesthetic and functionality of the kitchen. Each element plays a vital role in creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also efficient. Here are some key tips and tricks to inspire you and highlight the importance of those often-overlooked details.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
The kitchen plays a crucial role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of a home and making design choices – whether large or small – are incredibly important. As we approach a new year with design trends ever-changing, it can be challenging to know which styles and fixtures best suit your space. This is where the professionals come in. Established in 2002 by Weir, SC Weir Cabinets initially focused on small works and contract installation for local kitchen manufacturers. Over time, the company has transitioned to collaborating with architectural builders and designers, offering custom and architectural joinery packages.
Weir’s passion for kitchen design stems from the unique nature of every space, allowing for personalisation and creativity. One of his favourite design moments was the introduction of island benches, which transformed kitchen spaces and contributed to the open-plan living trend. “As we work closely with interior designers and architects, we are fortunate to see a wide variety of design styles and emerging trends, most notably the island style kitchen with expanded spaces and central island benches working sympathetically in shaping a large part of modern open plan living.”
Today’s trends in kitchen fixtures and hardware emphasise a balance of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. Sleek, minimalist designs with clean lines and finishes like matte black, brushed gold and stainless steel are highly sought after. Small fixtures such as sinks and taps are key in creating a cohesive design, with trends shifting toward burnished bronze & gunmetal finishes and ceramic or composite granite undermount sinks. Weir advises a “less is more” approach, recommending minimalist joinery, natural materials like natural timber, veneers and stone, and contrasting finishes for a cohesive kitchen design.
SHADES OF STYLE
Colour has the power to transform a space, boosting mood, reflecting personality and creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. While white kitchens continue to offer timeless elegance, the use of colour is becoming increasingly popular. Adding bright or soft hues to your kitchen design can elevate the space, bringing an unexpected vibrancy that, when done tastefully, creates a stunning effect.
Dark, earthy and neutral tones make a strong appearance in kitchens, offering warmth and sophistication. Weir suggests introducing colour subtly through elements like tap ware, knobs and door handles, allowing you to inject personality without overwhelming the space. “In many cases, colour is less critical when selecting door furniture and hardware,” he explains, emphasising that the style and finish of the furniture should be the first consideration. As these pieces can be more limited in availability along with joinery colours, selecting the right styles and finishes can help elevate the overall design. Door furniture with natural finishes such as timber, can enhance the look of simpler joinery, offering an economical way to add flair. Weir also notes that combinations of knobs and pulls provide visual variation, while handleless designs on wall cabinets create the illusion of height. Reducing the bulk of handles in base units can soften the overall aesthetic, particularly in large, open spaces, reducing the clutter effect and creating a more harmonious design.
FINISHED TO PERFECTION
As you approach the final stages of designing your dream kitchen, it’s an exciting time, but also one that comes with important decisions. While the finish line is in sight, there are still many factors to consider, such as selecting durable appliances and materials that are built to last. After all, the last thing you want is to spend money replacing items that are still relatively new.
One of the most challenging aspects of creating a kitchen is deciding on materials that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The sink, though a small feature, is arguably the most important in your kitchen because, alongside the cooktop, it is one of the frequently used fixtures. The placement and design of your sink can define the space and it’s a detail that should not be overlooked. As Weir mentions, “the consideration for sinks and taps is important when considering the design of a kitchen. Consider whether the sink will suit the style of the joinery and whether the size, shape and quantity of the bowls are suitable for the application.”
It’s also crucial to ensure the materials you select match the overall aesthetic and complement your space. For example, dark timber and veneer finishes in a small kitchen can make the space feel more confined, so it’s important to think critically about your vision. Finally, as Weir emphasises, durability and style should go hand-in-hand when choosing materials. Stainless steel, composite granite and ceramic butler sinks each have their advantages and risks, such as versatility and “wear and tear over time,” so balancing longevity and appearance is key.
Images courtesy of SC Weir Cabinets.