Kouzina

"The cork literally warms up everything,

Plaster walls and stone countertops bring texture and earthiness to the space.

The sink and countertop are one piece of hand-carved river stone — eight people were required to carry it inside. “It was so heavy it scratched the floor when they brought it in,” says Mesdag.

Australian expats Carla and Paul Tucker tasked designer Dan Gayfer with expanding their Melbourne bungalow without adding any square footage. In the kitchen, a soft palette of wood, laminate, and tile created cohesion, impressive considering the clients didn’t see a single finish, color, or material in person prior to their homecoming. The kitchen cabinets were clad in Russian birch plywood, and the countertops were concrete.

The kitchen features bleached red oak storage cabinets custom-made by L&Z Specialties, Inc. The dining table is from Areti, paired with Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs from the client's collection, and a distinctive mobile from Gam Fratesi adds a commanding accent.

The dining area features a custom table designed by Taylor Knights and built by Tescher Forge, paired with Gubi beetle chairs in a dark green velvet upholstery. The pendant lighting is from Great Dane Furniture and the framed photograph, Mineral Matter IX, is by Australian artist Brooke Holm.

Opaque, white masonry walls alternate with large glass expanses throughout to create a visual palette of shadow and light.

Extensive glazing continues into the chef's kitchen, another space offering direct outdoor access. Light-hued custom cabinetry complements the stone tile and black countertops.

Solk fit a compact bathroom upstairs. It combines Heath Ceramics 2"x12

The backsplash is Duro Design Cleopatra cork in the color "Peach."

The office moved to the mezzanine level, and this inset portion became a bar for entertaining, with a panel-ready wine refrigerator included.

The team also created a kitchen island with a gray lapatro-finish granite top and a rose gold stainless steel base. The vase is from Domo.

Rich wallpaper and inky-toned finishes make for a dramatic scheme in the small powder room, that contrasts with the bright hallway. The wall sconce is by In Common With.

The pantry lines the wall to the right.

There’s now enough space for a large island with seating at the center of the room.

A pair of Splügen Braü pendants from Flos hang near a kitchen island topped with black Swedish granite. The faucets are from Vola and the appliances are from Siemens.

A soapstone island contrasts with white oak cabinetry and flooring in the kitchen. The stools are from Palecek.

Architecture and landscape firm LMNL breathed new life into a dilapidated 1840 Dutch dwelling by preserving the home’s historic facade while completely gutting the interior. The kitchen became the nucleus of the home, with ample storage and a marble-clad island, connected fluidly to a newly landscaped garden.