Glen Iris Green

The guiding vision for this project was a communal family space anchored by a spectacular standalone island. The diamond-shaped stone-clad post elevates the island beyond a functional workhorse, giving it the presence of a sculptural installation at the heart of the home.

Key design features:

• Standalone island crafted from Esmeralda Green Quartzite slabs as the room’s primary focal point
• Reorganised pantry with dedicated benchtop space and housing for two bar fridges
• Multiple configurations explored in close collaboration with the owner to maximise storage for an avid cook
• Integrated drawer block at one end of the island for crockery, glassware, and entertaining ware
• Back cabinets housing the cooktop, sink, dishwasher, and bins to keep the island clear and uncluttered

Häcker’s lacquer stainless steel door fronts on the island and base cabinets were selected to complement the quartzite, paired with stainless steel benchtops on the back run. The combination delivers a light, airy feel with a subtle industrial edge that allows the natural stone to remain the undisputed star of the space. A light green cabinetry wall provides generous storage and transitions gracefully into a curved baton wall, leading the eye through to the rest of the home.

A mirrored splashback completes the scheme, reflecting natural light from the large windows and framing a view of the pool area beyond, further expanding the sense of space and connecting the kitchen to its outdoor surroundings.

Transforming a cramped pantry with a sloping ceiling into a genuinely functional space required a full rethink of the layout.

Solutions incorporated:

• Disorganised shelving was replaced with a new dedicated benchtop for additional workspace
• Overhead shelves reinstated in a considered, accessible configuration
• Wine fridges and drawers are integrated to free up space on the main kitchen counters
• Appliances relocated off the primary worktops, improving flow and reducing visual clutter

The finished space achieves exactly what the owners envisioned: a warm, communal kitchen where the cabinetry works in harmony with the natural stone rather than competing with it. The island has become the true heart of the home, a place for the family to gather, cook, work, and entertain in a setting of quiet, considered luxury.