Kitchen Closeup | Coogee House by Lane & Grove

Lane & Grove approach design with a refreshingly modern Australian lens, specialising in bespoke residential projects along Sydney’s coastline. Their signature relaxed coastal aesthetic has led them to their newest home in Coogee, transformed from a tired, worn-down beachside bungalow into a light-filled family home with a functional kitchen designed for entertaining.

Founders and directors Margot Lane and Deborah Quigley share insights on designing a contemporary kitchen within the confines of a heritage home and the importance of quality, hardwearing materials and appliances in a family kitchen.

Produced in partnership with Bosch

Margot Lane describes the original two-storey 1920s brick bungalow as ‘tired, pokey and dark’ and in contrast to the client’s desires for a light-filled, spacious home for their family that took advantage of the view of Coogee valley. The kitchen became central to unlocking the best aspects of the site; a functional space that accommodated busy lives, cooking for a large family as well as entertaining friends.

The kitchen typifies modern Australian design through a monochromatic colour palette warmed with small accents of timber. Deborah Quigley says the thorough use of black oak throughout the kitchen was in response to how natural light entered space. “The western orientation meant we had to really consider materials and colours due to the intense glare,” Deborah says. “The black oak is a bold statement, but the balance of materials creates a calmness when the afternoon sun streams into the home and frames the incredible view.”

An open dining table-like island bench with timber legs punctuates the ebony joinery letting light cut through the kitchen and making for a secondary informal dining space. Handleless cabinets conceal storage throughout alongside the rangehood, french door refrigerator and integrated Bosch appliances, while a honed Carrara marble benchtop and splashback evoke a quiet sense of sophistication. 

Lane & Grove specified integrated Bosch series 8 appliances in the kitchen for their quality and streamlined aesthetic. “The glossy black Bosch appliances disappear into the background within the black-stained oak joinery in the kitchen, decluttering surfaces and focussing attention on the more natural qualities of the space,” Margot says.

The Bosch series 8 pyrolytic built-in oven and Bosch series 8 built-in compact oven with microwave are conveniently stacked in a tower formation as part of the cabinetry. The Bosch series 8 80cm induction cooktop with PerfectFry seamlessly integrates into the benchtop; the contemporary black finish in dialogue with the matt black kitchen sink and tap. The black fixtures and appliances contrast with the white stone, creating visual interest throughout the compact space.

Deborah Quigley says integrated Bosch appliances were an obvious choice. “The kitchen is the heart of the home – a space that gets used multiple times each day, so it’s important to invest in quality,” Deborah says. “The owners are avid cooks and entertainers, so they prioritised good quality appliances to ensure the best result for both longevity and appearance.”

Lane & Grove’s Coogee House is a testament to the hardworking family kitchen. Through a pared-back design approach, this century-old coastal bungalow is ready to enjoy Coogee views for years to come. 

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