Mr Smith. City living

Transforming an Apartment Kitchen into an Urban Oasis

Client Background: Mr. Smith, a passionate musician living in the heart of the city, approached kitchen designer Mary Maksemos with a challenging task. His apartment’s kitchen was outdated, clumsy, and lacked the sophistication he envisioned for his urban lifestyle. He desired a modern, functional, and stylish kitchen that would not only be a practical space but also a reflection of his love for music and entertainment.

The Initial Challenge: The existing kitchen had an uninspiring design, featuring dated blonde timber laminate and a predictable layout. It did not cater to Mr. Smith’s needs as an entertainer and musician. Mr. Smith sought Mary Maksemos’ expertise to transform this kitchen into a space that would serve as the focal point of his home, combining elegance with practicality.

The Consultation and Vision: During the consultation phase, Mary Maksemos engaged Mr. Smith in a detailed discussion to understand his preferences, lifestyle, and specific requirements. Mr. Smith expressed his desire for a glossy, contemporary kitchen with a black and white color scheme. He also had a unique request – to incorporate a baby grand piano into the kitchen design, which would reflect his love for music.

The Design Solution: Mary Maksemos, armed with a clear vision and Mr. Smith’s aspirations, presented a stunning design that exceeded expectations. The new kitchen adopted a galley shape, optimized for ergonomics. It featured a timeless color palette of glossy black and white, creating a sleek and sophisticated ambiance.

Key design elements included:

1. Large Island: The centrepiece of the kitchen was a spacious island that doubled as a functional workspace and a casual dining area, ideal for Mr. Smith’s entertaining needs.
2. Ample Storage: Wide soft-close drawers and cabinets were strategically placed throughout the kitchen, offering abundant storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free.
3. Piano Integration: The grand piano was seamlessly integrated into the kitchen design, becoming a captivating focal point. It allowed Mr. Smith to combine his passion for music with his love for cooking and entertaining.
4. Cooking and Fridge Zones: The rear wall of the kitchen housed a well-organized cooking zone, complete with top-of-the-line appliances. Nearby, a stylish wine fridge was intelligently positioned, creating an elegant drink and entertaining area.