Building The Bespoke Timber Kitchen Of Our Pinterest Dreams
There's something truly special about a kitchen that not only meets the demands of daily life but also serves as the heart of the home. When designing and building our dream kitchen, we had a vision: functional, large, and perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. We wanted a space that was a joy to cook in and showcased Al's skills as a carpenter and maker. The result? A bespoke timber kitchen that exceeded our Pinterest dreams.
The benchtops are crafted from stunning hardwood Tasmanian Oak, sealed with Fiddes Hardwax Oil in a satin finish providing a warm, inviting feel that is both durable and beautiful. This choice of timber brings a natural elegance to the kitchen, creating a seamless blend of style and practicality. To complement the benchtops, we chose Tasmanian Oak veneer for the cabinetry. This not only adds to the cohesive look but also ensures a high-quality finish that's built to last. The natural grain and tones of the timber add depth and character, making the kitchen feel both modern and timeless.
Functionality was key in our design, and that’s why we opted for solid hardwood dovetailed drawers. The craftsmanship here is second to none, and the dovetail joints ensure strength and longevity. Paired with soft-close drawer runners by Häfele, each drawer operates smoothly and silently, adding a touch of luxury to everyday use. Keeping everything organised was a priority. We installed Häfele drawer organisation inserts, including a spice drawer, cutlery drawer, and utensil drawer. These inserts keep our kitchen tools neatly arranged and easily accessible, making cooking a breeze.
Our concealed 4-bin system is a perfect blend of practicality and education. Hidden within a soft-close drawer, this system features colour-coded bins: green for green waste, blue for glass, yellow for recycling, and red for general waste. The concealed lid ensures everything stays tidy and odour-free. This setup is not only convenient for waste management but also a great tool for teaching our 3-year-old daughter, Goldie, about recycling and responsibility. The bright colours make it fun and easy for her to help with the bins, turning a household chore into a learning experience.
Our sink and tapware selections, sourced from Geelong Tile and Bathware, are both stylish and functional. The black Arquite double sink is sleek and modern, while the raw brushed brass tapware by Faucet Strommen adds a touch of elegance. Together, they make a striking statement and are a pleasure to use.
For the splashback, we wanted something both stylish and practical. We opted for a micro cement finish, which offers a seamless, contemporary look that's easy to clean and incredibly durable. The smooth, matte texture of the micro cement provides a beautiful contrast to the natural timber elements, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. Plus, its versatility in color and finish allowed us to perfectly match it to our design vision.
At the center of our kitchen is a large island bench 1170w x 2750L - a true centerpiece designed for both prep work and casual dining. With 12 sets of drawers, it offers ample storage and keeps the space clutter-free. This island is perfect for everything from rolling out dough to hosting a buffet-style family dinner.
To complete the modern aesthetic, we chose all-black appliances. They seamlessly blend into the design, providing a sleek and cohesive look throughout the kitchen. Cooking for a crowd has never been easier, thanks to our double ovens and induction cooktop by Chef. These appliances provide precision and efficiency, making meal prep a joy rather than a chore. Finally, our Haier S+ 3 Door fridge is a game-changer. It offers ample storage space, smart features, and a sleek design that fits perfectly with the rest of our kitchen.
Building this bespoke timber kitchen has been a labour of love, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s not just a place to cook; it’s the heart of our home, where we gather, entertain, and make lasting memories. This kitchen truly embodies our motto: good design for good people. We hope it inspires you to create your own dream kitchen.
Photography & Styling
Imogen Roberts
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G’day! We’re Al + Imo
We’re a husband and wife duo, building our dream life one DIY project at a time.
We firmly believe what you learn should be shared which is why we created our Journal. A place where you can learn new skills and be inspired by other creatives.
