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Award Winning Excellence - Come along on a virtual tour
Leongatha Kitchens • Dec 07, 2020
Proud Winner! 2020 HIA Regional Kitchen + Bathroom Awards
Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms have won the Kitchen Design award in the 2020 HIA Eastern Regional Housing, Kitchen + Bathroom Awards.
Drive Along |
But first, imagine if you can - driving through the regional rolling hills of Bass
Coast, on your way to Inverloch, at the mouth of the Anderson Inlet and renowned for its lifestyle and surf beach. Where many Melbournians come to holiday, our seaside town is much quieter these days, a place where everyone truly ‘knows your name’.
You’ve Arrived!
WELCOME HOME
A new home, built by Hotondo Homes Inverloch, in a new subdivision of newly released land, next to Inverloch’s surf beach. As you walk through the front door, you are immediately struck by the home’s unique and high-quality finishes and design. Rustic brick feature walls, matt black fixtures and fittings draw you along the ‘Fire Streak’ solid timber floor hallway, which winds along the house’s front bedroom and living spaces towards the centre of the home into the open plan kitchen, adjoining dining, alfresco and lounge areas.
Meet the Family
NATURE, WELLBEING & COASTAL INDUSTRIAL NOIR
The clients are busy professionals, made even busier with a pair of on-the-go teenage boys. They love to entertain, as well as nestle home in solitude.
They self-describe their home and kitchen as “coastal industrial noir”, along with their meticulously placed healthy flowing house plants, providing an immediate feeling of warmth, home, nature and wellbeing. Together, the designer and clients created a cutting-edge, modern, industrial style to blend with the existing black and timber floor, furniture and decorative flair of the home.
Meet the Designer
TRUSTED REGISTERED BUILDER + INDUSTRY EXPERT
Dan Bruce is a multi-award (HIA) winning, 2nd generation designer and cabinet maker. With over 20 years experience, Dan has a Cert. III in Building/Construction and Carpentry/Joinery and Cert. IV in Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces. Dan is a Registered Building Practitioner with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) (DB-L 64755, CDB-L 66067). He is also an accredited HIA GreenSmart Kitchen & Bathroom Professional. Dan is responsible for client liaison, design, quoting and project management. He has a deep passion for design and the vision to see entire projects completed in full detail.
“We knew the basic colour scheme we were working towards but Dan perfectly recommended the style and design placement of the black, timber, white and concrete elements. It just feels balanced and perfect for the space. And I love the black kickers contrast on the timber floor.”
- Home Owner
Come Closer, Look Within!
And you will see the undoubtable impeccable quality of craftsmanship and detail. The client’s vision was expertly interpreted with black, white, concrete and timber components carefully intertwined for a polished and chic design. The crisp Unique Calacatta Essastone island purposefully blends with the white walls and high ceiling, making the room look composed with neat and clean lines. The concrete benchtops are extended up the textured masonry tile backsplash, creating a clean and industrial look, further accented with low-hanging industrial style pendants. The space is high in design complexity with the added advantage of modern ergonomics, proving that industrial style does not need vintage elements to work.
Natural Light Meets Asymmetrical Balance & Contrast
Creating Light in a Dark Palette
The dark black style feels bold and contemporary, highlighted by the floor-to-ceiling black accent wall, in Haymes Chimney Ash, which adds personality. A challenge to overcome was ensuring ample natural light when working with a dark palette. Here, the large skylight funnels sunlight into the kitchen to stop the space feeling closed in and oppressive. The high slanted ceiling makes the kitchen feel big and bright, turning the ceiling into a unique feature. In addition, the wooden cabinetry section adds a light and warm aspect to the room, holding up delicate houseplant greenery. Further, the copper pull handles against the traceless Matt Black cabinetry and distinct black pull handles against the timber grain cabinetry adds contrast that draws the eyes into the purposeful details of the intermixed design.
Careful Combination of Elements & Principles of Design
Hidden Storage Solutions
The butler’s pantry is so well hidden, even our professional photographer forgot to photograph it! The butler’s pantry full kitchen sink and dishwasher allows for easy use and concealed clean-up. Even so, movement from the main kitchen space to the hidden butler’s pantry. This classic butler’s pantry proves a timeless smart and creative storage solution, essential for keeping kitchen clutter at bay.
ONE SPACE, MANY OPTIONS
Customised for a Busy Lifestyle and Entertaining
The multifunctional large island offers ample bench space as a place to serve and eat food, doubling as a great laptop space for after-hours work, truly making the kitchen the power centre of the home. As crowds tend to congregate in the kitchen, the challenge was to create a multifunctional space for the clients’ busy lifestyle and hosting guests. Designed with intention for entertaining, the innovative addition of seating to both sides of the island means the host is not left standing the entire night.
Zones Designed for Multi-tasking
Functional floor plan to accommodate a multitude of tasks including cooking, preparation, entertaining, dining, after hours work and other lifestyle needs.
Strategic location of an island bar sink, butler’s pantry kitchen sink, wall ovens, stove and fridge allowed for careful planning and placement of functional storage and work zones, providing a place for everything.
Workspaces are creatively defined by contrasting benchtops and cabinetry colours, adding major drama, differentiating the kitchen zones in this open floor plan, adding sophistication and warmth to the space.
Features include undermount sinks, pull-out bin, concealed rangehood, Blum Legrabox 40kg soft close drawers and integrated island dish drawer.
Winners to be announced in an online ceremony on 3 December 2020. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates!
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Leongatha, Victoria: Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms multi-award-winning cabinetmaker and designer, Dan Bruce, has today announced that they have been named as award winners in the Kitchen Design category in the 2020 Housing Industry Association (HIA) Eastern Victoria Regional Housing, Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. The awards were held in on online ceremony on 3 December. The judging criteria emphasises quality of workmanship, design appearance and innovation, technical compliance and presentation drawings and specifications. Established in 1980, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms (formerly Don Bruce Kitchens) are a family-owned and operated professional design and custom cabinet making company, collaborating with local clients and builders. “This win is certainly the perfect highpoint of our 40-year anniversary celebrations this year,” shared Carrie Bruce, Leongatha Kitchens Business Manager. “It goes without saying that the past year has been one-of-a-kind. We have truly been humbled by support from our community during COVID-19 and the increased interest in renovations and new home projects. We are proud to be recognized to have reached the pinnacle of building standards demonstrated in these quality homes.” The win follows national recognition earlier this year in several categories for the 2020 HIA GreenSmart Awards and the Women’s Business School’s AusMumpreneur Awards, in the categories of GreenSmart Professional and Sustainability, Making a Difference (Environmental Impact). Through the years, Leongatha Kitchens have won several HIA awards for kitchen design and construction. The winning kitchen is in a newly built home by Hotondo Homes Inverloch. Nestled next to the Inverloch surf beach, it features an entertainer’s kitchen with a generous butler’s pantry as the heart of the home. Hotondo Homes Inverloch Directors Trent and Caroline Allen are thrilled to be a part of the win. They commented on the “effective design that exceeded the owner’s expectations”. The project showcases “excellent workmanship and attention to detail. The cabinetry work is exceptional.” The home’s owner describes the style as “coastal industrial noir” style, with black, white, concrete and timber components carefully intertwined, further accented with low-hanging industrial style pendants, copper and matt black fixtures and fittings throughout. “We knew the basic colour scheme we were working towards, but Dan perfectly recommended the style and design placement of the black, timber, white and concrete elements. It just feels balanced and perfect for the space. And I love the black kickers contrast on the timber floor,” says the homeowner. The space is high in design complexity with the added advantage of modern ergonomics, proving that industrial style does not need vintage elements to work. For further information or an interview, please contact: Carrie Bruce, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms, 0488 361 027
By putting quality at the heart of our purpose, Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms continues to be a model design firm, as well as our region’s leading custom cabinet maker. We have attracted significant recognition for both design and workmanship, winning several awards for kitchen design appearance, innovation and customer service. AWARD WINNING DESIGN + WORKMANSHIP The HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards recognise Australia’s best kitchens and bathrooms. The awards acknowledge the talents of designers, manufacturers and installers to plan safe, functional and innovative kitchens and bathrooms. Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms are the proud winners of: 2005 HIA Victoria Home of the Year - Official Cabinet Maker 2008 HIA SE Victoria Kitchen of the Year 2009 HIA Victoria Special Needs Kitchen of the Year 2011 HIA SE Victoria Kitchen of the Year 2012 HIA SE Victoria Kitchen of the Year 2012 HIA Victoria Outdoor Kitchen of the Year 2013 HIA SE Victoria Kitchen of the Year 2013 HIA Victoria Outdoor Kitchen of the Year 2015 HIA SE Victoria Kitchen - Finalists 2019 HIA SE Victoria Home of the Year – Official Cabinet Maker 2020 HIA Eastern Victoria Kitchen Design BUSINESS + CUSTOMER SERVICE RECOGNITION Australian Business Quality Awards 2013 HIA Victorian Business Partner of the Year 2014 Gold Award - Excellence in Customer Service 2020 HIA GreenSmart Professional - Finalist 2020 AusMumpreneur Awards, Sustainability - Gold Award 2020 AusMumpreneur Awards, Making a Difference (Environmental Impact) - Bronze Award
Leongatha Kitchens & Bathrooms very own multi-award winning Dan Bruce announced as finalist for the 2020 HIA GreenSmart Professional Award
As always, we offer free consultation and quote! In this new era of COVID-19, we are thinking outside the box and have launched the option for zero-contact online or phone consultations. NEW! CONTACTLESS DESIGN + CONSULTATION @ ONLINE OR PHONE Let’s meet! New homes and renovation projects - submit your project details here and our designer will contact you with easy step-by-step instructions to get started on preparing for your Contactless Design + Consultation appointment. @ OUR SHOWROOM Virtual showroom tours are available via our new Contactless Design + Consultation Service TRADITIONAL DESIGN + CONSULTATION @ HOME We continue to offer traditional consultation services with our accredited kitchen and bathroom designers by appointment. Rest assured that we are following the strictest guidelines for health and hygiene ( read more here ). Organise an on-site measure and consultation with one of our accredited designers for ideas, plans and 3D visualisation. @ OUR SHOWROOM Our showroom remains open for private one-on-one consultations and professional colour and material selections. Effective August 2020, showroom entry is strictly by appointment-only for existing and new clients. Please contact us to make an appointment. Our obligation-free quotation includes a 3D computerised design and floor plan. Ready to get started? Let's meet! Virtual appointments are now available.
How much does it cost to build a new kitchen, outdoor kitchen or bathroom? It depends! Many factors go into pricing; an accurate quotation requires detailed designs, specifications and plans. Kitchens Like all projects, the cost of a kitchen varies by scope. A finishes-only project on one end of the spectrum to a full-gut, moving-walls transformation on the other. A consultation and plan from one of our designers is necessary in order to provide the most accurate quote. Outdoor Kitchens The cost of building an outdoor kitchen is as diverse as the types of alfresco living available. Size, finish selection and site are all factors that affect cost. Plans from one of our designers are necessary in order to provide the most accurate quote. Bathrooms Like all projects, the cost of a bathroom remodel varies by scope. Cost will differ by size and type of project – a powder room versus master ensuite, for example. Factors like finish choices, current plumbing configuration and range of ‘extras’ (think heated floors, added skylights, soaking tubs) also contribute to the pricing of a project. Contact us today and we can talk to you about your requirements and provide you with an obligation free quote.
We have a goal – to provide you with the best design solutions, exceptional customer service and meet your needs by manufacturing cabinetry to the highest standards using the best materials available. You can be fully assured of our attention to detail in every project and precision workmanship. STATE-OF-THE-ART WORKSHOP Your cabinetry is custom built in our technologically advanced and fully equipped workshop. Our state-of-the-art machinery empowers us to create everything from intricate to elegant to simple modern profiles. PRECISION CRAFTSMANSHIP We’re incredibly proud of our people. We employ fully qualified and apprentice cabinet makers, carpenters and joiners that are highly skilled, trustworthy and innovative. Our project managers are experts at time management and organization. Your project is safe in their hands. PREMIUM PRODUCTS Our craftspeople work with the very best materials from FSC-certified to salvaged wood and custom fabricated steel. All our projects are manufactured using the highest quality products. They meet Australian requirements, are built for Australian conditions and stand the test of time – something you won’t find with cheaper, inferior products. Benchtops We supply a range of quality benchtops including laminate, granite, solid timber and engineered quartz and marble. We offer a comprehensive range of colours and styles including classical, contemporary and traditional. Doors We offer a wide variety of doors and panels including melamine, vinyl, timber, 2 Pac painted, aluminium framed and glass doors. We have an extensive range of colours, profiles and surface finish options. Accessories We have a high-quality selection of handles and fittings. We use high-level functional fittings for all our doors, pull-outs and lift systems. We also offer a range of handle-free doors and drawers. Appliances We are commercial suppliers of home appliances. Our direct link to the supplier helps save you money. We also offer free delivery on all Smeg brand appliances. Sustainable Products We offer a range of eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable products and materials. Product Lines We offer the best industry brands such as Laminex, Formica, Polytec, Nikpol, Wilsonart, Tekform, Hettich, Wilson & Bradley, Blum, Caesarstone, Smartstone, Essastone, Omega, Smeg and Oliveri. Hardware + More than 20 manufacturers of cabinet hardware.
From start to finish we want to be part of your project team. Our process for completing projects is one that has developed from years of experience. This is the basic procedure for a renovator or new home builder: Start by thinking about what sort of style would suit your home in addition to how much you would like to invest in the project. Meet on-site or at our showroom to discuss your specific needs. We design a preliminary computerised custom floor plan. Meet to discuss preliminary design and floor plan, colours, materials and accessories. We provide an obligation free quotation. Finalise design and selection of colours, materials and accessories. We check-measure the space and order materials. We organise any trades required (electrician, plumber, tiler, plasterer, builder). We custom build and install your new cabinetry.