Kitchen Tour – Welcome to my happy place
Welcome to my kitchen. Welcome to the heart of our home. I’m excited to show you around my favorite space today. My happy place, if you like. This is where I create delicious food from scratch and develop all recipes you find on this website. Keep scrolling for a full kitchen tour including our open plan design, antique cupboards, storage solutions, and the THE view of the Pacific Ocean of course.
Open plan design
I dreamt of an open plan barn-style kitchen, dining, and lounge layout for many years. When we found this property during the lockdowns and it came with a stunning view from the kitchen sink, ALL my kitchen dreams came true.
The dining table is placed next to the large kitchen bench which makes serving food so handy. I love that I can put on my favorite YouTube shows or chat with the family in the lounge while cooking. The fireplace is also right next to the kitchen which makes cooking extra cozy during winter and helps with proofing my doughs.
The view
The outlook changes constantly as the tide comes and goes, boats and ships pass by, and sheep and chickens are enjoying the front paddock. Depending on the season the sun rises straight ahead over a mountain range or slightly to the left. In winter the kitchen and dining area gets flooded with light early on which makes the space look its best thanks to the golden sunshine.
Antique cupboards
Besides the view, I love the unfitted kitchen design, thanks to two large antique French cupboards. At first I wasn’t sure about the color but over time I’ve learnt to love it. It’s not quite the French green or woodland green I would go for, but close enough. Paired with hessian-like fabric, and some of my favorite antiques I collected over the years, they hold the majority of food and tools in this kitchen.
Bench space is at a premium around the stove and I find myself re-arranging it frequently depending on seasons and cuisine we’re into at the time. My Hawos grain mill has a permanent spot though as it fuels our daily bread making and many delicious desserts. Here are more reasons of why I love grinding my own flour.
We recently got a new 6-burner gas stove and oven. I love cooking on gas and the large oven holds two large trays at the same time which comes in handy during my Sunday meal prep, during the festive season, and when friends and family from overseas come to stay.
The solid wooden benchtop is another favorite of mine. I love the warm tones and soft sound when putting dishes on it. Let’s be honest, it’s rarely that tidy as it quickly clutters up with drink bottles, lunchboxes, and appliances, but it’s great to have such a large working space facing the view.
Storage
I’m a bit of a glass snob thanks to my time in the wine industry, and I love seeing the light coming through my glass vitrine.
Especially as a food content creator, the space lacks storage, but I’m able to utilize extra space in my studio in the garage for appliances, props, and supplies. The plan is to replace the large refrigerator in the kitchen with a walkway to a butler’s pantry and the studio. I’ll keep you updated!!!
