Our main focus in a kitchen renovation – is always to improve flow, form and function. With this city beach residence, we looked at the three areas cohesively and how we could maximise the effective interaction between them. A kitchen renovation transformed into the creation of a new dining space, as well as the improved design and functionality of a laundry, scullery and powder room. We purposely selected appliances that were user friendly, practical and positioned strategically to suit the client’s needs; one example of many, of how interior designers should aim to future-proof a home for its users.”
HOME BY HOME INTERVIEWS
We interviewed Kate to bring to you the steps-by-steps of how Kate tackles a project the way she does. From looking at the original condition of a client’s home, to how and why she addresses challenges with particular solutions, we discussed Kate’s jobs from her eyes.
- City beach residence
Looking at a recent kitchen-renovation turned multiple-room renovation at City beach, Kate explained what this project required of her and her team at Moda Interiors and the steps taken to address the challenges of the home.
What did the project originally present like?
“The house was in its original 60’s condition, and all finishes were in the original state. What we saw needed addressing included a lack of storage, dated appliances, and a general dysfunctionality of the kitchen for the residence’s needs.”
What challenges did the clients have with the home?
“We had to change from cork to timber flooring to match seamlessly with the existing floor in the family room; but the adjacent family room and all other rooms were in good condition. There was a load-bearing wall that had to be dealt with, and though there was no lack of natural lighting, the light fixtures needed to be improved. Our main objective was to create a designated dining space into the kitchen, which it previously didn’t have.”
What process did you go through to come to the solution you did?
“As always, first we took the clients brief, and then dug deep into the challenges and needs of the home and its users. We looked at what acts we needed to take to improve the client’s lifestyle and future-proof the house.
We thus presented a concept design for the clients with a couple variations of what would best suit, followed by samples of the finishes to be chosen between. Once all plumbing and appliance selections were completed, and the clients confirmed they were happy with all selections, we were well on our way into design development.
From there, once they were happy with 2D drawings, we raised 3D perspectives to enable clients to really see, and better understand, how their choices were about to be translated into their homes. From the 3D perspectives we reconfirmed all true samples of finishes, including custom colours, door profiles and cabinet handles.
The final step was to hand the project on to our client and the builder, where it then went into construction. A successful handover can only be achieved after you’ve really understood the needs and family dynamics of a home, and have worked to accommodate them, especially where health related challenges like mobility are concerned.
Our main focus is always to improve flow, form and function. With this city beach residence, we looked at the three areas cohesively and how we could maximise the effective interaction between them. A kitchen renovation transformed into the creation of a new dining space, as well as the improved design and functionality of a laundry, scullery and powder room. We purposely selected appliances that were user friendly, practical and positioned strategically to suit the client’s needs; one example of many, of how interior designers should aim to future-proof a home for its users.”
Kate’s key design principles:
“I always focus on form, functionality, flow and design. Repetition of design details, such as colour, shape, style, texture and scale, are like motifs in a text, and are used to create consistent visual experience. When used in harmony together, they’re advantageous in developing cohesiveness and flow in and amongst the home to connect living spaces.”
How long did it take?
“The design phase for his project was spread over a month and took about six weeks in construction.”
Did you have any unexpected challenges?
“There’s often unexpected challenges when working with homes, and it’s important to think quickly, creatively and efficiently when faced with them. On this project there was an unexpected load bearing wall, but the builder took responsibility of properly engineering it before we proceeded.”
