Breath-Taking Craft: A Kitchen that Marries Form and Function
When acclaimed interior designer Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design describes her latest kitchen project as “something that takes your breath away,” she is speaking from a well-earned place of experience. After 19 years shaping spaces from her Wollongong base in NSW, Nolen’s work has earned a national reputation for turning architecture into a living sculpture. The kitchen at the heart of this statement project is more than a room; it’s a carefully choreographed flow that connects daily ritual with timeless beauty.
Feng Shui with a Contemporary Edge
The homeowners, originally from China, asked for a home that honors heritage while embracing modern finishes and practical living. The design responds with subtle Feng Shui cues that influence the layout, materials, and energy of the space. Nolen explains that the goal wasn’t to literalize ancient practice but to translate its spirit into a contemporary home that feels balanced, calm, and inviting. The result is a kitchen and adjoining spaces that function seamlessly for family life and entertaining, without compromising on aesthetic impact.
A Sculptural Kitchen: Materials that Speak
The heart of the design is a tactile interplay of materials chosen for their quiet luxury and tactile resonance. The splashback and a discreet doorway to the wet kitchen are finished in microcement, a modern material that offers a subtle, continuous texture. This contrasts with the warm, natural luminosity of French Vanilla marble used on both the floor and the benchtop. The marble’s creamy veining and soft glow unify spaces while maintaining a distinguished, contemporary look.
The Wet Kitchen: Practical Beauty in Daily Life
Beyond its visual appeal, the project lifts daily life with a practical hub—the wet kitchen. This secondary kitchen is designed to handle mess, heat, and routine food preparation while preserving the main entertaining areas in pristine condition. Generous benchtop space, clever storage, and a discreet layout mean the wet kitchen supports efficiency without interrupting the home’s sculptural elegance. The design philosophy here is clear: keep beauty front and center, but never at the expense of function.
Architecture and Interiors in Concert
What makes this project stand out is not just the materials or the finishes, but the way architecture and interiors converse. The kitchen acts as a hinge between spaces, with a fluid, thoughtful flow that mirrors the home’s overall sculptural language. It’s a space designed for living—where every corner, surface, and transition has a purpose and a voice. The blueprints were guided by a deep collaboration between client and designer, a partnership built on trust and an openness to explore a shared vision.
Trust as the Cornerstone of Design
“They were open from the very beginning,” Nolen recalls. “They didn’t come to us with fixed ideas. They gave us the freedom to shape the vision—and they loved it.” That collaborative spirit enabled Birdblack Design to push boundaries while honoring the clients’ heritage and lifestyle. The result is a kitchen that does more than please the eye; it elevates everyday rituals, turning cooking and gathering into a sensory experience that feels both luxurious and accessible.
Why This Kitchen Resonates
In a landscape of rapidly changing trends, the project stands out for its restraint, warmth, and thoughtful use of space. The combination of microcement, marble, and a seamless flow creates a sense of calm and clarity—an architectural whisper that makes a bold statement without shouting. The design respects its context, acknowledging cultural heritage while embracing contemporary living and the practicalities of modern Australian life.
Design as a Living Practice
Sarah Nolen’s kitchen is more than a finished space; it’s a testament to design as a living practice—one that adapts to clients, context, and daily routines. For those seeking a home that feels like a sculpture in motion, where every detail serves both beauty and purpose, this project offers a powerful blueprint. It’s a reminder that excellent design is not merely about visual impact but about crafting environments where people can breathe, move, and live with intention.
