Fitzroy Warehouse Conversion

Entertaining was at the core of this brief. The 4.5-metre island was deliberately kept free of the sink and cooktop, serving as an uninterrupted focal point while accommodating generous seating on three sides.

Key design features:

• Sociable island with wine fridge and generous seating for gathering and conversation
• Pull-out pantry drawers and fully adjustable shelving for easy-access everyday storage
• High overhead units for longer-term items, with integrated bin, dishwasher, and refrigerator
• Linear under-cabinet lighting combined with recessed spotlights for versatile ambient settings

To honour the industrial character of the warehouse setting, natural walnut cabinetry was paired with a concrete-finish island and matching panels framing the cooktop and sink. Vertical black channel handles add a bold industrial accent, providing a graphic counterpoint to the warmth of the timber tones and grounding the palette in the spirit of the building.

The worktop material was Dekton Laurent, selected for its deep grey base and rich brown veining, which complements the walnut cabinetry beautifully. Cladding the island entirely in this stone introduced a strong, cohesive industrial aesthetic that ties the whole scheme together. Notably, the owner first encountered Dekton Laurent during a visit to the Häcker showroom, and it quickly became the foundation around which the entire kitchen design was built.

Integrating a fully functional laundry without compromising the kitchen’s clean lines required a thoughtful solution. A German-engineered pocket door system was employed to conceal the washer, dryer, and sink, keeping the laundry completely operational while ensuring it remains entirely hidden from view when not in use. To achieve the generous island footprint with seating on three sides, a suspended steel frame was incorporated at one end, providing structural support without the need for bulky cabinetry legs, and preserving the open, airy feel of the space beneath.

The finished kitchen is a confident, characterful entertainer’s space that feels entirely at home within its warehouse surroundings. Relocated from its original position within the home, the kitchen has not only adapted to its new setting but has claimed its rightful place as the undisputed focal point of the renovation. Industrial in spirit, refined in execution, and built to Häcker’s exacting German standards, it is a space designed to be lived in and loved.