Originally a late Victorian mansion, the building which houses Rose’s Kitchen has evolved through many iterations, eventually being repurposed into nine separate apartments. The kitchen and dining spaces of this home which Without Studio were engaged to re-design, occupy the former verandah, complete with grand openings, pillars and moulding.
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Underfoot, a striking geometric pattern of tessellated tiles lends the space an unmistakable old-world charm. Whether original to the mansion or introduced during its 1920s conversion, the flooring became a defining feature of the renovation, with the owners committed to preserving its character.

The brief was to improve the kitchen’s functionality for modern family life without compromising its architectural integrity or significantly altering the existing U-shaped layout. With Rose’s freestanding cooktop and oven taking pride of place at the centre of the kitchen, the original positions of the stove, sink and fridge were retained. New cabinetry extends further into the long, narrow room, delivering almost two metres of additional marble bench top space.

Along the dividing wall, disconnected cabinets were replaced with custom, double-sided joinery that connects the kitchen and dining room. Crafted from durable walnut laminate, the addition incorporates a generous pantry, concealed storage and a practical drop zone for everyday essentials, including shoes, keys and dog leads. A sliding door was seamlessly integrated into the joinery, allowing the kitchen to be closed off from the dining area when required.

The material palette balances heritage character with contemporary detail. Vixel tiles from Artedomus form a textural mosaic splashback, offering a modern counterpart to the original tessellated flooring. Croissant-shaped handles and a brass utility rail introduce playful detailing, adding warmth and personality without overwhelming the existing architecture.

Following the kitchen renovation, Bob and Rose returned to Without Studio to complete the adjoining dining area. A custom oak dining table and banquette seat featuring a tessellated pattern extend the material narrative, creating a subtle connection to the apartment’s original tiled floors.