With fun and playfulness at its heart, colour and creative cabinetry are the heroes of this the story. Even in the smallest of spaces, Nest Kitchen proves anything is possible for your next design.

Embarking on any kind of renovation can seem daunting, but by breaking it down and finding a theme that works for your space and personality, an original and creative kitchen can be achieved.

Nest Kitchen is an amazing demonstration of how a playful approach to colour can produce extraordinary results. Studio Doherty start with a neutral base, in this case Laminex Surf, to form a solid foundation to build upon.

“We knew people might feel conflicted by the choice of blue and green as a combination,” says Mardi Doherty, director of Studio Doherty, but in doing so found that the “two finishes together just made a lot of sense.” Their playfulness and cheery demeanour outweighed any negative reactions. The advice? Find your personality. Whether tonal or contrast, your choice in colour is what will make your kitchen a success. Work off a neutral base to ensure longevity and long-term enjoyment.

Studio Doherty also know that by including some bespoke touches, a small kitchen can be elevated to a great one. For Nest, the team included shadow lines on the island, at the base and benchtop, and step handles on cupboard doors. With consistent weight, the kitchen feels connected and complete. The deep contrast of the suspended pantry to the left of the kitchen delivers pop and drama. Its use of elevated materials like Laminex AbsoluteMatte makes it a pleasure to touch and incorporate into your daily routine. Featuring the wonderfully yellow Laminex Coastal Sunrise the interior is all energy and joy, with double bullnose shelves adding a tailored quality that are easily specified from Laminex via your fabricator.

At every turn, Studio Doherty asks the question, how can this be done differently? Solutions to storage are fun; a large drawer in the circular seating, interiors clad in contrast colours, concealed fridge and whitegoods with practical but fun handles and details. Even the splashback gets pale blue grout, and paint is matched to the pantry feature wall.

With your palate settled and your requirements met, how will you apply your signature?

The Laminex Colour Collection is at your disposal, ask your designer or maker for samples to bring your story and dream kitchen together.

Contributors
Campaign: Laminex
Design: Studio Doherty
Photographer: Derek Swalwell
Stylist: Natalie James
Art Direction: Ortolan
Joinery: Evolve Interiors
Splashback: Artedomus
Appliances: Fisher & Paykel
Floor: Woodcut

Featured in these designs
Back Bench

Laminex Surf
Laminex Just Blue
Laminex Terril (Internal)
Artedomus Sugie Series (Splashback)
Fisher & Paykel Appliances
Linear Standard Brave Handle

Island Bench, Hanging Shelf and Banquette
Laminex Just Blue
Laminex Olivine
Laminex Weathered Ply

Table
Laminex Olivine
Laminex Smoked Birchply

Pantry
Laminex Kalamata AbsoluteMatte
Laminex Coastal Sunrise
Laminex Just Blue
Laminex Pale Honey

Floor
Woodcut European Oak in Pearl White