BLUE PACIFIC BACH
Functionality is resolved within a calming interior, and Blue Pacific has become a retreat for the next generations. It’s soothing for the soul; indoors and out. This much-loved family bach was built in the early 1970s, and the kitchen was in original condition. The layout of the 50-year-old kitchen was tight, pokey, lacked storage, impractical for entertaining, and had a cumbersome relationship to the living spaces.
The client wanted to modernise the space, increase storage, and enhance the functionality and flow of the kitchen. Ultimately they wanted the space to feel like a dreamy, fuss-free beach retreat that could be enjoyed by future generations for another 50 years. It was important for the new design to retain the unassuming bach character and subtly pay tribute to the nostalgia of generations past.
The colour palette and finish selection of the Blue Pacific bach is a surrender to the tranquil coastal environment on the bach’s doorstep; simultaneously paying tribute to the original character and nostalgia of this much-loved family bach. Warm teal cabinetry is the cornerstone of the design; subtly changing hue in the afternoon light; mimicking the colour changes of the Pacific Ocean just a stone’s throw away. Crisp white accents evoke the white caps of crashing waves, and veins of grey running through the benchtop mimic the dark sandy beach. Woodgrain and textural, natural materials feature throughout; reflecting the dunes, tussocks and seaweed found on the beach.
The kitchen floor plan was completely reorientated to create a functional modern kitchen, by removing the original rounded benchtop return, enclosing the sliding door to make use of a previously underutilised wall, and removing a window to redirect focus to the beach view. A new triple sliding door opening onto the deck reinforces the bach’s connection to the beach; full height glazing enhances the view and its ease of operation has increased the client’s use of the deck all year round. This reorganisation of space drastically opens up the kitchen, adds light and improves functionality.
The rounded benchtop + cabinetry ends are a fundamental element of the overarching design vision. They are a subtle tribute to the semi-circular benchtop of the original kitchen, and add warmth and femininity to the entire space. Critically, they enable the kitchen to feel like an extension of the living space; perfect for lazy days inside, relaxed hosting and providing the all-important flow onto the deck for summer barbecues.
