In this mid-century, Japanese-inspired home, a suite of integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances fold seamlessly into the design, providing practicality without impacting on the home’s visual connectivity, and bringing daily life to the fore.
In the Skelton Studio House, originally designed by Group Architects in the 50s before a meticulous renovation in 2013 by Piers Kay, the emphasis is on open, liveable spaces. The home’s design was crafted with the nuances of daily life in mind, and as such, is anchored on the kitchen and dining areas where the business of family life leads its inhabitants to spend the majority of their time.
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Here, in the dwelling’s sleek kitchen, a simple dining table sits in lieu of an island bench. A multi-functional addition, the table informally makes space, and practically transitions between an extension of both the cooking and dining areas. The bench tops stretch throughout the room, with the table sitting close by, bringing an ease and casualness to the considered space. It’s here, atop the bench, that a Fisher & Paykel induction cooktop with a downdraft induction fan discreetly sits — the first of many quiet, clever practicalities brought about by the use of Fisher & Paykel’s innovative, design-led appliances.
Given the home’s clean, wabi-sabi aesthetic, it was important that the integration of appliances was subtle, so as to not disrupt the flow of the space — instead sitting as part of the overall design. As such, the Integrated French Door Refrigerator Freezer and Integrated Double DishDrawer™ sit completely hidden — blending into the mono-coloured cabinetry, while the Combi Front Loader Washer Dryer sits obscured from view in the interconnected laundry.
Every aspect of the Skelton Studio House is unfussy yet refined, and pays homage to the home’s heritage. From the tranquil colour palette and natural textures of its interiors to the social, open plan layout, and the soft, tonal landscaping, at every turn the design promises to add to daily life instead of demand from it. The clever use of Fisher & Paykel appliances only furthers this ethos, adding to its soothing, time-honoured design, while subtly ushering it into a contemporary place — acknowledging the past while speaking to the present.
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