News Articles & Media Releases

29/10/11
Stylish kitchen suits all tastes
Writer: Maureen Eppen
Publication: The New Homes Guide – The West Australian

A decidedly upmarket kitchen, with an innovative layout and plenty of bench and storage space, is one of several features already impressing visitors to the new Phoenix display by Homebuyers Centre at Baldivis.

The main section of the kitchen is on one side of a central thoroughfare that connects the front half of the house with the main living zone at the back, and its U-shaped layout provides plenty of bench and storage space, with the cooking appliances, sink and uncluttered work area on separate sides.

On the opposite side of the thoroughfare, the fridge recess and pantry frame a recessed bench area with three-deep pot and crockery drawers below, offering an ideal spot for a kettle, coffee machine, toaster or other frequently used appliances within easy reach yet tucked out of the way.

Sales manager Josh Crowe said the Phoenix was designed to appeal to a broad range of people, including first-homebuyers, young families and people looking for a comfortable home for a low-maintenance block.

“We are also really conscious of the importance of affordability and we have been successful in coming up with a great design that really works well for narrow lots yet still addresses the issue of affordability for our clients,” Mr Crowe said.

The kitchen had already become the most talked-about feature of the new display, promoting positive feedback from visitors.

“Every single person who has walked through the display – whether they are management, sales representatives or customers – has said that the kitchen is just great. It certainly has widespread appeal.”

Visitors to the display had also appreciated the inclusion of two separate living areas – the theatre room in the front half of the home, and the family room in the back section of the main living zone, linked to the alfresco area.

Although the home was designed to fit on a narrow lot, efficient use of floor space ensured both rooms were on a comfortable scale and shaped to allow for easy furnishing.

The theatre room is on the left side of the central thoroughfare beyond the long entry hall, with stylish shoji screens used in the display to effectively define the space without totally enclosing it. Across the hall, the open study could also be used as a home office since it is close to the front door.

Beyond these 2 rooms, a doorway leads to the main living area zone, with the kitchen straddling the thoroughfare and the dining area and family room sharing a long broad space that allows for furniture to be switched around depending on the needs of individual homebuyers.

Big windows along the outside wall brighten this space and a glazed door at the back opens to a good-sized alfresco area.

Two minor bedrooms are in a separate wing to the left of the family and dining area, divided by the bathroom and laundry. Each bedroom has a double robe with mirrored doors, and the bathroom and laundry make excellent use of available floor space.

“Sell-down” versions of the home are also available, to appeal to homebuyers on a minimal budget.