‘Architecture isn’t just what you see, it’s really about the way it works.’ – Rachel Nolan.
Around six months ago (before life as we know it changed immeasurably!) we had the great privilege of capturing one very inspiring creative collaboration. Heritage Australian brand Laminex had engaged award-winning Melbourne Architecture firm, Kennedy Nolan, to design a series of stunning contemporary kitchens inspired by Laminex’ distinctive range of laminate surfaces.
We were invited along to document this process – which meant getting a close up look at Laminex’ Melbourne manufacturing plant, as well as sitting in on a design meeting at Kennedy Nolan, and absorbing just a little of their collective genius!
Rachel Nolan, co-founder and principal of Kennedy Nolan, explains that for her practice, ‘architecture isn’t just what you see, it’s really about the way it works’. This pragmatic design philosophy underpins all of Kennedy Nolan’s projects – and there is no room where this approach is more important than in the kitchen!
At the centre of Kennedy Nolan’s collaboration with Laminex is an expansive, sculptural family kitchen, created using a neutral palette of French Cream, Paper Bark and Whitewashed Oak Laminex laminates. Whilst muted, the palette is surprisingly warm and textural, with the soft green undertones in the Paper Bark surface hinting at Eucalyptus and the Australian native landscape. This generous, contemporary and very functional space feels to us like the quintessential modern Australian kitchen!
View more about the Laminex x Kennedy Nolan collaboration, and order free samples of the French Cream, Paper Bark and Whitewashed Oak finishes used in this kitchen, right here!
Videography by Sirap, photos by Derek Swalwell and Amelia Stanwix (BTS), Styling by Natalie James, Creative Direction by Ortolan,
Kennedy Nolan’s kitchen design for Laminex, using Laminex Whitewashed Oak, French Cream and Paper Bark laminates. Flooring – Fibonacci Pavlova, splashback – Artedomus Inax Renga Border REB4, Muuto Nerd Bar Stools from In Good Company, Sussex Taps. Photography – Derek Swalwell, stylist – Natalie James, art direction – Ortolan.
Kennedy Nolan’s kitchen design for Laminex. Laminex Whitewashed Oak and Paper Bark seen here in the scalloped cabinetry. Photography – Derek Swalwell, stylist – Natalie James, art direction – Ortolan.
Kennedy Nolan’s kitchen design for Laminex, using Laminex Whitewashed Oak, French Cream and Paper Bark laminates. Flooring – Fibonacci Pavlova, splashback – Artedomus Inax Renga Border REB4, Muuto Nerd Bar Stools from In Good Company. Photography – Derek Swalwell, stylist – Natalie James, art direction – Ortolan.
Laminex Whitewashed Oak, French Cream and Paper Bark laminates alongside Fibonacci’s Pavlova terrazzo flooring tile sample, and Artedomus tile samples in the Kennedy Nolan studio. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
