Innovative solutions star in a beautiful Fyfe kitchen

Part of a large-scale renovation, a sleek Fyfe kitchen complements cool 1970s character, incorporating innovative Hafele storage solutions and fittings for calm, clutter-free efficiency.

Fyfe designer Kira Gray’s clients loved the high Douglas Fir sarked ceilings, timber trusses and exposed block work—typical of ‘70s architecture—of their living area but, it was dark and dated. The kitchen, too, lacked storage for a family of four and did not have enough bench space.

They asked her to freshen up the area with a sleek, minimalist, fuss-free contemporary kitchen that would have a strong visual impact when viewed from the rest of the room.

“The challenge was how to retain the architectural edge and stay true to the original design without ruining the home.”

Kira treated the whole space as one, transforming it into a beautifully blended architectural statement. Ceilings were blonded, beams darkened and existing block walls smoothed with a Rockcote finish. Darkly painted cabinetry recedes and blends with the timber window joinery and floors.

To maximise bench space and storage, Kira retained the original U-shape of the kitchen because it suited the space, providing separate cooking, washing and serving zones.

She used stainless steel for a hard-wearing surface around the sink and Caesarstone for a softer look on the cooking and servery benchtops above clean-lined soft-closing Grass Nova Pro Scala drawers from Hafele.

The servery bench is cantilevered and lit by Hafele’s ‘LOOX’ LED ribbon lighting, it appears to float, creating a feeling of space. Above the sink area, an opaque diffuser is rebated inside and along the top of a Hafele Smart Cube shelving system creating a light and airy place for the client to display her plants and knick-knacks.

“We joined five cubes together and added a base and top that run through the whole system. It’s flexible and can be used in so many different configurations and shapes to create a nice look,” explains Kira.

Cool white LED downlights strategically placed throughout the kitchen, under the vertical timber battened wall units above the cooktop and the coffee machine provide practical task lighting, giving a stunning glow, which makes the kitchen pop.

The clients were keen on a scullery. But Kira couldn’t make the space work around an exterior door in the walkway at the end of the kitchen.

“We decided to put the pantry and tall storage units, the fridge/freezer, the crockery pantry and coffee station into the walkway zone. Because it was narrow, we didn’t want the doors to stick out, which is why we chose Hafele Hawa folding Concepta 25 doors.”

With bifold pocket doors and a door sensor switch that turns on lights when they’re opened, the system is very practical.

“The doors run smoothly and they’re easy for children to open.”

Hafele Grass Nova Pro Scala drawers with internal fronts already fixed keep plastic containers tidy in the walkway area, where Kira also managed to add a workstation designed for small appliances.

A Neolith Calacatta Silk stone splashback was added behind the cooktop for a touch of movement and impact and handle-free fronts keep the minimal appearance.

As good-looking and practical on the inside, the cupboards conceal other clever Hafele products like the Kessebohmer cleaning pull-out and double Hideaway Deluxe waste bins for rubbish.

The result is an extremely functional, good looking kitchen that blends beautifully within its surroundings and keeps the whole family happy.