A Brick and Timber Dream Kitchen That Belongs to Its Surroundings
Set on a generous rural property in St Andrews, the Neston project presented an opportunity to create something grounded—kitchen design that responds to the character of the landscape as much as it does to the client’s way of living. With original brick floors underfoot, timber ceilings above, and a home that already had its own quiet rhythm, the approach here was more about tuning in than starting over.
Designer Catherine Sedgewick worked closely with the homeowners to guide the project, sharing her insight into how to honour the home’s original materials while creating a more functional, contemporary kitchen.
“From the beginning, it was clear that this home had a strong existing character,” says Catherine. “Our role was to work with those elements, not against them.”
Catherine drew on the homeowners’ practical needs and the natural palette just outside the windows. A green-and-white cabinetry scheme offers a subtle reflection of the bushland beyond. “The clients knew they wanted a green and white palette to tie in with the landscape outside. We explored a few shades together before settling on one that felt just right,” she shares. Timber, already present in the vaulted ceiling, was left to lead, anchoring the space with its grain and warmth.
“The vaulted ceiling already had such presence. Our role was to frame it, not compete with it.”
NESTON - BEFORE
Working with the existing brickwork presented both constraint and opportunity. “The walls were too textured for a traditional tiled splashback, so we suggested a micro-cement finish instead,” Catherine explains. “It added a tactile, handmade quality that complemented the existing materials perfectly.” Micro-cement’s matte surface speaks to texture rather than gloss and has become an increasingly popular, low-maintenance choice in modern Australian kitchen design.
The custom kitchen cabinetry carries much of the design’s intent. Grounded in a muted green and lifted by white overheads and trim, it creates balance—practical, visual, spatial. The vaulted ceiling remains untouched, yet feels framed and lifted by the lightness below.
Storage was rethought with purpose. Every cupboard, drawer and surface was reconsidered to follow the homeowners’ routines. “We mapped out where everything needed to go,” Catherine says. “It’s about designing a kitchen that moves the way you do.” A handcrafted timber island, built by the owners themselves, sits at the heart of the room. “The timber island was crafted by the homeowner himself, using recycled timber. It adds a really personal, grounded element to the kitchen,” Catherine notes.
A new butler’s pantry adds spaciousness by removing visual noise from the kitchen’s primary axis. It also opens the space to the view—something the original layout hadn’t quite managed. “It’s these quieter moves that make the biggest difference day-to-day,” Catherine reflects.
The overall result doesn’t shout. But it holds its ground—with a quiet confidence, a clear sense of place, and a thoughtful blend of traditional materials and modern kitchen design thinking.
NESTON - AFTER
At Smith & Smith Kitchens, we believe every home deserves a design that listens and responds—to the needs of the family and the local environment. Neston is the result of that approach—a kitchen shaped by collaboration, context, and considered detail. When you work with us, your Smith & Smith designer will take the time to understand how you live and what you value. The result is a space that is truly yours.
To start your own design process, book a complimentary consultation (normally valued at $165). It’s a conversation, not a commitment—and the first step toward achieving your very own dream kitchen.
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