Oxford Street

by Design + Diplomacy

The Oxford Road project by Design + Diplomacy transforms a clients general lifestyle through the contemporary renovation of a large kitchen space in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood.

The clients, a young Melbourne couple, wanted to update the general look and feel of their kitchen and completley update the space. The overall aim for the team from Design + Diplomacy was to make the kitchen more interactive and practical with guests, whilst introducing more commercial functionality and storage. This goal was achieved through the introduction of a butler’s pantry and additional refrigeration space.

The clients’ requested a dark kitchen which would also throw hints to the industrial aesthetic of the iconic Foy & Gibson building in which it is located. The original design did not utilise the vast space, resulting in unused areas that the clients could not properly use. By extending the footprint of the kitchen to the window with a return Design + Diplomacy were able to double the original storage. The stunning steel island benchtop was manufactured and folded in Hobart by Cordwell Lane builders.

The overall aim for the team from Design + Diplomacy was to make the kitchen more interactive and practical with guests, whilst introducing more commercial functionality and storage.

All joinery was manufactured by Mark Gauci at Complete Interior Design who custom-made the round pull-function for this project. The design team wanted to create a functional space while working with the restrictions of existing obscure angles. By sticking the monochrome palette, Design + Diplomacy were able to layer different textures and maintaining a reasonably minimal outcome. The interior footprint of the apartment was then extended by moving the original external doors to the side and tiling what was an extension of the courtyard, creating a sunroom.

The clients, a young Melbourne couple, wanted to update the general look and feel of their kitchen and completley update the space.

Design + Diplomacy wanted to repeat the linear motif throughout the space. This is seen through the bluestone Turkish mosaic tiles, the brass panel splashback, security glass under island bench and existing brickwork. The design team introduced the contrasting round pull function on the draws and cupboards to soften the harsh lines. They were conscious to use as many raw materials as possible, bluestone, brass and steel, adding natural textured elements which will all patina and wear overtime, evolving and enhancing the space as it ages.

All joinery was manufactured by Mark Gauci at Complete Interior Design who custom-made the round pull-function for this project.

The juxtaposition of all kitchen elements with the virtually indestructible Fenix benchtop will give the kitchen longevity. The lighting is completely customisable with the island on a dimmer and each of the five arms on the Serge Mouille sconce on a separate switch, making this kitchen particularly beautiful at night.