When designing a kitchen to suit a large, open-plan space it’s critical that the proportions of the elements within the room are in keeping with the surrounding area.  This Manly kitchen is a great example of how to design a highly functional room to suit a large space and the key is the impressive island bench.

With enough seating for six or more, the island is the focus of the design and the area. Stretching from one end of the kitchen to the other, it is a multifunctional space that makes the kitchen the perfect gathering place for a large family or when entertaining a crowd. The island also defines the entry and exit points from the kitchen, assisting its ability to merge within the open-plan area in which it sits.

The rest of the kitchen sits against the back wall with carefully positioned work areas ensuring that the space is used efficiently. At one end the designer has grouped the cooking appliances with the cooktop sitting next to a column of ovens and the double-door refrigerator alongside the pantry. The other end of the room houses cleaning items with the double sink and dishwasher placed accordingly.

The designer has chosen a single element, the CaesarStone benchtop and splashback, to unite the pieces within the kitchen and provide continuity throughout the space. Adding waterfall edges to the island bench only serves to make this piece of furniture more stunning. 

This is a big kitchen in a very large area. It could have easily been overwhelmed by the space if not for a very clever design that combines subtlety in colour and texture with state-of-the-art appliances, fittings and fixtures.