Social Life

Style aficionado and TV personality Neale Whitaker reveals the results of his own kitchen makeover

- Elizabeth Wilson

For Neale Whitaker the kitchen is where the stuff of life happens. Conversations, decisions and dreams all percolate here, along with the coffee. “I’ve always believed life tends to be lived at the kitchen bench,” he says.

So, when he came to plan and design his new kitchen, a crucial ingredient was the inclusion of a large, welcoming island bench where he and his partner David could sit, chat, philosophise, eat together and socialise with friends.

Neale and David recently fulfilled their long-held dream of a tree change. They relocated from Sydney to a 1930s-era brick cottage in the rolling hills near Berry on the south coast of NSW, two hours from the city. From the moment they saw the home they loved its bones, character and general floor plan. But the kitchen needed an overhaul. Its layout was basic: all the appliances were lined up against the walls, there was no island bench and no connection to the living/dining areas. “We wanted a high-functioning contemporary kitchen that respected the heritage and style of the house,” says Neale.

The new kitchen, built within the footprint of the old kitchen and dining space combined, occupies a generous 3.56x6.75m. It’s cleverly configured to bring all the cooking activity – and people – into the centre of the space. “The new configuration is more logical, functional – and sociable!” says Neale.