We speak with Nathan Wundersitz of SpaceCraft Joinery, winner of the KBDi Australian Certified Designer of the Year, about his award-winning project that is perfectly balanced, cleverly restrained and truly timeless. Read our exclusive interview with Nathan as he reveals how he was able to meet the client's brief for a 'clutter-free, functional, open-plan space' and his prediction of future design trends.

What was the initial inspiration or concept behind the winning project?

• Appliance integration, clean minimal lines. De-clutter and open space.
• Create a warm, inviting space through caramel, honey hues.
• The island to sit in the space like a freestanding furniture piece, with gentle soft curves for free movement within.
• Natural stone bench-tops were to create a subtle but bold statement.
• The concept was to always use natural products, such as the American oak timber and the natural stone.

What is your personal design aesthetic or philosophy?

• I'm a big lover of MCM (Mid-Century Modern) design and architecture. 
• The bold, brave use of colour with timber pop is so appealing.
• The often refined, master craftsmen details that you find with MCM pieces, always inspire.

My philosophy which is also SpaceCraft's:

• Considered and creative design, followed by meticulous craftsmanship, improves our clients homes and the way they live in them.
• Be renowned and most acclaimed designers and makers, for creating unique, One Of A Kind, exceptionally crafted joinery.

How important is collaboration with other professionals (e.g. interior designers, architects, builders, suppliers) in achieving a successful project?

• Collaboration is key to any success. Surrounding yourself around industry professionals and like minded people helps develop and deliver ones project. 
• Bouncing ideas and talking to people within the industry, helps with continual growth, which in return helps deliver and achieve greater outcomes.

What are your predictions for future kitchen/bathroom design trends?

• I feel like people are becoming braver with colour choices. Bringing back the 1970s mustard carpet :)
• Warm, earthy, organic, textural tones.
• Shift from greys to browns.
• A movement towards natural materials-timbers and stones.

What are the biggest challenges facing the kitchen/bathroom design industry today?

• People-clients have a wealth of knowledge, often obtained from online sources, this can be great but also problematic. Can create confusion and choices that do not always compliment each other. On the upside this is where a designer can assist and bring all together harmoniously.
• Currently with the engineered stone ban, re-selection of stone and pairing materiality has been a challenge to work through.
• General increase in cost of living and material costs.

What advice would you give to aspiring kitchen/bathroom designers?

• Clear and precise communication with the client. Be a great listener. 
• Be confident and proud of what you design, this will show through your presentation-hence getting closer to selling the product.
• Aspire to inspire.
• Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, sometimes tricky briefs or spaces can end up having great outcomes.
• Source as much information from the client at the brief stage, colours, materials, how they live, do they entertain, seating, function of the family, what they don’t like is as important as what they like.