Coastal Charm: A Seaside Kitchen Transformation by Interior Designer Jodie Gibbons
Interior Designer Jodie Gibbons masters the delicate balance of blending coastal charm with functional elegance for her clients seaside abode in Kiama.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your business and what you do?
I am an interior designer, decorator & photography stylist based on the South Coast of NSW, Australia.
Could you share a brief overview of the kitchen design project you worked on? What were the primary goals and objectives that were set for this project?
The owners decided to renovate an old 1960s beach house. The brief was to transform the space into a relaxed north coast style beach house with simple but sophisticated finishes while keeping some of the original features of the home.
Where did you draw inspiration for the kitchen design? Are there specific themes or styles that influenced your choices?
The view of the coast is spectacular from the kitchen dining area so we really wanted to keep the kitchen very low key and not dominate the open plan living space. The owners originally came from country NSW, spent lots of time in Byron & travelling to South America so a modern rustic style definitely inspired the design choices.
Were there any unique challenges or client preferences that inspired the design?
The original design had a generous size table style island bench looking out to the deck, the owners wanted lots of bin space next to the sink so we had to change the style of the island bench due to space constraints, but that’s all part of the design process.
How did you choose the color palette for the kitchen? Were there specific reasons behind the color selections?
Rustic farmhouse meets Peruvian mountains meets Byron Bay hinterland would probably describe the overall style.
The interior furnishings mixed timbers like rustic oak & walnut, weathered brass, lots of linen, handwoven rugs & olive green & clay accents so naturally that was the colour choice for the kitchen.
What materials were used in the design and what as the thought process behind their selection?
The budget was quite healthy so high end materials were chosen but with rustic finishes, so the feel of the kitchen was sophisticated but the look was simple, relax and timeless.
What considerations did you take into account when planning the kitchen layout? How did you optimize the available space to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements?
We designed a galley style kitchen with lots of drawers to maximise storage, not just for aesthetic reasons but because we couldn’t extend the existing pantry section without losing space in the already tiny laundry area.
What inspired the choice of furniture and fixtures in the kitchen? How did you ensure they complemented the overall design? Were there any custom pieces created for this project?
We chose walnut timber for the cabinetry as it was a good match with the cedar windows & doors, the tiles were rustic handmade with a hint of blue green in the glaze, Fench green for the island bench and weathered brass taps which we used throughout the house.
How closely did you work with the clients during the design process? Were there any specific requests or preferences that significantly influenced the final outcome?
I have been very lucky to have worked on several projects with the clients so they really trusted me & were happy to let me make a lot of the design decisions.
Can you share insights into the final touches and styling elements that were added to complete the kitchen design?
The owners travel a lot so the shelf space was perfect for all their beautiful hand made ceramics.
What advice or tips do you have for homeowners considering a kitchen renovation or redesign?
Consider the longevity of your kitchen design, is this your forever house?
Are there any current trends or timeless design principles that you would recommend to our readers?
I believe timeless design always wins over current trends, but that doesn’t mean you have to play it safe with a white kitchen. Choose good quality materials and tap ware that will always look beautiful.
With an eye for style and detail Andromeda Lembo’ newly renovated home showcases a dining room that evokes a sense and feeling of being at a luxurious resort. After featuring her gorgeous kitchen we couldn’t resist sharing more of her beautiful home with you.