Brisbane’s big rambling old Queenslanders, need a big chunky rustic kitchen.

These beautiful homes, these historical structures and dying breed have stood the test of time and deserve a strong rambunctious kitchen to solidify their future longevity. The kitchen hearth is the heart of the home. If you’re thinking about renovating the heart of your home, consider these few examples which really focus on functional longevity open space kitchen design apt to usher in the future. It’s all about soul, fortitude and future proofing.

The flow through living/dining/kitchen trend is slowing down and making way for unified yet unique spaces in what I would call the central trifecta the living-dining-kitchen zone. We are now after, open space kitchen design that keeps the kitchen as the hero. Consider these options to boost the appeal:

• Dark earthy tones reminiscent of wrought iron and wood that is clean and polished and timeless.
• Hanging light fixtures, almost industrial to make the room seem larger and more substantial.
• Differing levels between functional spaces. consider elevating the kitchen floor a little higher than the living area to create a maturity and authority to the space.
• Even consider celebrating Brisbane’s mild climate with an outdoor dining setting.
• Very good quality hard wood features in big chunks, as shelves or chopping blocks or even the splash backs if you’re really keen to make a point about the sturdiness of your kitchen that won’t mess around.
• We are going for square as in dependable, not abrasive. Ensure a solid shape to the oven and other appliances.
• Solid colours focusing on texture rather than pattern. For example matte dark grey that looks like suede.
• Exposed beams and rafters.
• For goodness sake just say no to white plastic appliances.
• Beams, rafters solid wood Vertical Joists if your super keen but keep in mind a good wood here because VJ’s can be hard and costly to replace. Make sure the building can encapsulate your wooden wall coverings, if moisture affects the walls in 5 years it would be a real shame, and if the wood is unique, potentially irreplaceable.

Loyal and more authentic, these types of kitchen don’t muck around. There is no need for the stressed look as this type of kitchen is not stressed. This type of kitchen has absolutely everything under control.

The dark square shapes inspire confidence. I can trust this type of kitchen will cook a fantastic roast and won’t let me down. By keeping a contemporary edge to material and appliance choices, ushering in the burgeoning age of sensor networks to the entire home that will hub from the kitchen living area will seem natural. Do not be surprised when the fridge starts organising grocery orders. It’s all part of the kitchens personality.

Wood softens the firm practicality offered by the square solid industrial inspiration of the kitchens bones. Functional and honest.