Designed for a multi-generational family of passionate home cooks, Clay Hills reimagines the kitchen as a highly efficient hub where cooking, entertaining and everyday family life seamlessly intersect. Shared by parents, visiting adult daughters, a mother-in-law and a busy household that includes pets, the kitchen needed to support multiple users at once while prioritising function above all else.
The renovation centred on reconfiguring the existing kitchen, converting an adjacent office into a dedicated scullery and improving flow between the kitchen, dining and pantry zones. Inspired by warm Mediterranean interiors with subtle commercial kitchen influences, the design combines olive-toned cabinetry, clay-coloured walls, brass detailing and natural textures to create a rich, layered environment that feels both welcoming and hardworking.
A key challenge was working around existing structural timber beams, bulkheads and limited access to pantry areas. Through careful spatial planning, cabinetry was advanced to create concealed service zones, improve circulation and accommodate integrated waste management systems, including multiple recycling and waste streams. The layout promotes a circular workflow, allowing preparation, cooking and clean-up to occur simultaneously without congestion.
The adjoining scullery houses large appliances, extensive storage and dedicated clean-up functions, keeping the main kitchen organised and social. Stainless steel surfaces, integrated lighting, bespoke storage and sustainable material selections further enhance durability and functionality.
The result is a beautifully resolved family kitchen that balances warmth, performance and longevity, creating a space designed to support gathering, cooking and connection for years to come.
John Williams
Specifications
Cabinetry Exteriors: Prime Melamine Timberland in French Oak, Prime Melamine Timberland in Charred Walnut, Archant Brixton Mesh in Antique Brass. Benchtop: Cosentino Dekton in Velnu. Sinks: Archant Robiq Whisper sink in Brass, Mercer Chester Single Bowl sink. Tapware: Zenith HydroTap in Brushed Gold, Plumbline Buddy Pro Kitchen Mixer Round Spout in Brushed Chrome. Appliances: Fisher & Paykel Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer, Schweigen Undermount Rangehood, Fisher & Paykel Integrated Single DishDrawer, Miele Dishwasher AutoDos Built-Under. Hardware: Blum CLIP top BLUMOTION hinges, Blum MERIVOBOX, Hafele Salice 105 Air Hinge (for glass fronted cupboards). Lighting: Hafele Loox Recessed LED Lighting. Accessories: Hideaway Concelo Bin System in Cinder, Fit Pull-Out Tea Towel Rails, Hafele Spice Drawer Tray and Salsa Pro Spice Insert in Anthracite, Blum SPACE TOWER, Enko Vibo Fly Box corner unit in Orion Grey. InSinkerator.
Specifications
Cabinetry Exteriors: Prime Melamine Timberland in French Oak, Prime Melamine Timberland in Charred Walnut, Archant Brixton Mesh in Antique Brass. Benchtop: Cosentino Dekton in Velnu. Sinks: Archant Robiq Whisper sink in Brass, Mercer Chester Single Bowl sink. Tapware: Zenith HydroTap in Brushed Gold, Plumbline Buddy Pro Kitchen Mixer Round Spout in Brushed Chrome. Appliances: Fisher & Paykel Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer, Schweigen Undermount Rangehood, Fisher & Paykel Integrated Single DishDrawer, Miele Dishwasher AutoDos Built-Under. Hardware: Blum CLIP top BLUMOTION hinges, Blum MERIVOBOX, Hafele Salice 105 Air Hinge (for glass fronted cupboards). Lighting: Hafele Loox Recessed LED Lighting. Accessories: Hideaway Concelo Bin System in Cinder, Fit Pull-Out Tea Towel Rails, Hafele Spice Drawer Tray and Salsa Pro Spice Insert in Anthracite, Blum SPACE TOWER, Enko Vibo Fly Box corner unit in Orion Grey. InSinkerator.
