Light Waves: A Kitchen That Doubles as Sculptural Architecture
When acclaimed interior designer Sarah Nolen was asked to describe her latest kitchen project—the one that recently earned the 2025 HIA Australian Kitchen Design award—her answer was simple: “It takes your breath away.” In the studio and on the page, that sentiment translates into a space that is both a visual statement and a functional hub.
Based in Wollongong, NSW, Sarah has spent 19 years shaping spaces that balance aesthetics with daily liveability. Her design firm, Birdblack Design, has built a reputation for projects that feel inevitable—like they always belonged to the architecture and the people who inhabit them. This kitchen, more than most, embodies that philosophy.
A Space that Feels Like It Was Always Meant to Be
“It’s like nothing that’s ever been seen in Australia,” Sarah notes, underscoring how the project pushes the envelope without losing warmth or practicality. The home’s kitchen design is a study in fluidity: architectural lines flow into surfaces, and every material choice reinforces a sense of calm, intention, and everyday usefulness.
Central to the home’s philosophy is Feng Shui, guiding the arrangement of spaces, movement, and energy. The clients—originally from China—treasured these subtleties, hoping for a space that honors heritage while living in a contemporary Australian setting. The result is a kitchen and living environment where beauty and function coexist in thoughtful dialogue.
Materials and Details That Tie Form to Function
A defining feature is the microcement splashback that loops behind a discreet door to the wet kitchen. This finish melds seamlessly with the French Vanilla marble floors and countertops, creating a continuous, refined palette across the home. The choice of microcement adds a tactile, modern edge while maintaining a sense of warmth through its soft, almost maritime tone.
The wet kitchen—often tucked away behind a clever door—serves as the practical heart of daily life. It’s designed to handle cooking, prep, and cleanup with ease, yet it never disrupts the pristine, inviting moment that greets guests in the main entertaining zones. Ample bench space, smart storage solutions, and a careful attention to proportion ensure the area remains calm and organized, even during busy meal periods.
How Feng Shui Shapes the Layout
Beyond aesthetics, Feng Shui informs the kitchen’s geometry and flow. The arrangement encourages positive energy, effortless movement, and a sense of balance that resonates with the home’s broader design. In practice, this means everything from the location of the sink to the way the main island aligns with dining and living areas—a choreography that makes daily routines feel natural and unforced.
Trust as the Cornerstone of Creativity
What truly sets this project apart is the trust between client and designer. “They were open from the very beginning,” Sarah recalls. “They didn’t come to us with fixed ideas. They gave us the freedom to shape the vision—and they loved it.” This collaborative spirit allowed Birdblack Design to translate a dream into a tangible space that respects heritage, celebrates modern craft, and honors the clients’ lifestyle.
The result is not only a kitchen that wins awards but a home that reads as a cohesive sculpture—crafted for living, entertaining, and quiet, intimate moments alike. It stands as a testament to how contemporary design can honor cultural roots while embracing Australian sensibilities.
Why This Project Resonates in 2025
In a market saturated with trend-driven kitchens, this project offers a grounded counterpoint: a design that prioritizes light, texture, and the natural beauty of materials. The use of French Vanilla marble, microcement, and careful lighting creates a luminous environment where every surface invites touch and every corner serves a purpose. It’s a reminder that the best design doesn’t just look impressive—it improves the way a home lives.
