This stunning kitchen in Rushcutters Bay has continued to captivate design enthusiasts since its debut. Designed by Marianne of Blue Tea, it won multiple accolades in 2017, including the prestigious KBDI Kitchen Designer of the Year Award and the NSW Large Kitchen Design Award. Today, we revisit some of the striking design details that made this Sydney kitchen a standout achievement.
Why Blue?
Choosing blue cabinetry was a bold departure from the neutral palettes often favored in modern kitchens. Marianne’s vision was to capture the client’s love of the harbour and the surrounding waters through a vibrant, expressive hue. After extensive sampling, a bright, shimmering blue was selected—mirroring the sunlight reflecting off the waves of Rushcutters Bay.
The high-gloss finish not only enhances the richness of the colour but also amplifies natural light, creating a dynamic, lively space. In combination with understated wall and ceiling tones, the blue cabinetry becomes the focal point without overwhelming the space.
The Benchtop
The clients requested a Corian benchtop, a material they had loved in previous homes. Corian is prized for its seamless appearance—once installed, there are no visible joins—and for its versatility in custom shapes and designs.
Marianne selected Venaro White Corian, a crisp, bright shade that complements the kitchen’s walls and ceiling, helping the space feel airy and open. Corian is softer than stone, so minor surface scratches may appear over time, but these can be easily buffed away, keeping the benchtop looking pristine.
A standout feature of this kitchen is the adjustable, electronic island, which can change height depending on the activity—whether it’s cooking, dining, or entertaining guests. The island’s mirrored base creates an illusion that the thick benchtop is floating above the floor, adding a futuristic and luxurious touch. This multifunctional approach ensures the kitchen is both practical and visually stunning.
The Splashback
To add warmth and visual intrigue, a copper mosaic splashback was installed. Copper’s natural sheen reflects light beautifully, creating a luxurious contrast against the white benchtop and walls.
The mosaic design is thoughtfully detailed with silver accents toward the floor, evoking the passage of time and the transition of sunlight over water. By allowing the mosaics to cascade subtly down the wall, Marianne created a dynamic, flowing effect—striking yet restrained, avoiding overpowering the space.
The Butler’s Pantry
For functionality, a hidden butler’s pantry was incorporated, providing a space for food preparation, storage, and appliance housing away from the main kitchen. This secondary area ensures that the front-facing kitchen remains uncluttered and visually polished.
Inside the pantry, there’s an extra sink, dishwasher, microwave, ample storage, and additional bench space, allowing most of the kitchen’s “work” to happen discreetly out of sight. This design ensures the main kitchen can serve as a showpiece for entertaining, while the pantry handles the practical tasks seamlessly.
Lighting and Details
Lighting plays a critical role in this kitchen’s impact. Carefully positioned recessed ceiling lights illuminate the space without creating harsh shadows, while under-cabinet lighting highlights the Corian surface and backsplash details. Marianne also integrated subtle accent lighting within the pantry and island areas, emphasizing functionality while adding a touch of drama.
Other thoughtful touches include soft-close cabinetry, high-end appliances integrated seamlessly into cabinetry, and custom hardware that complements the blue tone, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.
Conclusion
This Rushcutters Bay kitchen exemplifies how bold design choices can be both practical and elegant. By embracing vibrant color, multifunctional elements, and luxurious finishes, Marianne and Blue Tea created a kitchen that is functional, flexible, and visually arresting. The thoughtful integration of a butler’s pantry, adjustable island, and bespoke materials ensures that this kitchen is not just a workspace, but a living, entertaining, and inspiring space—truly deserving of its award-winning recognition.
