We speak with Sarah Nolen of Birdblack Design, winner of the KBDi Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year, about her award-winning project that masterfully blends innovation with tradition. The design seamlessly integrates the home's distinctive curves with Feng Shui principles, catering to the clients' unique culinary and entertaining needs. Read our exclusive interview to find out more about the challenges faced, her design philosophy, and insights into future trends.

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

The home's design is defined by its distinctive curvature, and the interior layout thoughtfully aligns with this unique structure, seamlessly following the curves. The design process incorporated the client's request to integrate Feng Shui principles, with a strong focus on spatial planning and the functionality of living spaces. The clients specifically desired a Wet Kitchen dedicated to cooking, while the Main Kitchen was intended as an elegant space for entertaining. Given their preference for stir-frying and wok cooking, which generate considerable heat and steam, the clients stressed the need for a separate area to contain mess and odours. The design, therefore, was tailored to meet these culinary requirements while enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A significant design challenge emerged with the Main Kitchen Island, which featured multiple opposing curves. This required close collaboration with manufacturers to develop an innovative solution. The internal structure, resembling a boat's hull, was meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless finish, with hidden seams and joints. Additionally, integrating appliances into the curved design required careful coordination.

The island's liquid metal finish, achieved through nearly 100 meticulously applied coats, became a focal point. The finish graduates from dark to light, adding depth and visual intrigue, complementing the island's curvature and the rangehood. The overall design, features muted finishes that harmonise with the home's aesthetic, allowing the liquid metal accents to stand out. This restrained palette highlights the sculptural elements, prioritising elegance and form over excessive textures or patterns.

What is your personal design aesthetic or philosophy?

While I have a personal affinity for Mid-Century and Palm Springs aesthetics, at Birdblack Design, we don’t adhere to any single style or aesthetic. Instead, we thrive on the challenge of blending multiple styles our clients love into a unique and bespoke fusion. Our designers excel at crafting these personalised and harmonious spaces.

At Birdblack Design, our core philosophy is centred around creating functional homes. We prioritise strategic spatial planning and thoughtful layouts, knowing that while beauty is important, functionality has a lasting impact on our clients' lives. We strive for seamless transitions within spaces, ensuring easy living as a key design principle.

Our designs are also crafted with longevity in mind, ensuring that our clients will continue to love their homes for years to come. For growing families, we consider their evolving needs, designing spaces that adapt to the different stages of life. By focusing on both the immediate appeal and the long-term functionality, we create homes that not only look stunning but also remain practical and relevant as our clients' lives change.

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

Building strong relationships with all parties involved is crucial to the success of any project. As Interior Designers, we believe in collaborating with Building Designers, Architects, and Builders from the very beginning to enhance creativity and ensure smooth logistics. At Birdblack Design, we maintain close connections with every facet of the process, ensuring that our high standards and commitment to excellence are met throughout.

Quality workmanship is the foundation of a successful design, and without skilled trades, even the best designs can fall short. That’s why it’s essential for everyone involved – Plumbers, Tilers, Electricians, Joiners, and Stonemasons – to approach the project with the utmost care and respect. Their dedication ensures that the design is not only executed to perfection but also performs flawlessly. We value these relationships as they are key to bringing our vision to life and delivering exceptional results for our clients.

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

Open and practical kitchen layouts are poised to remain at the forefront of Kitchen design trends in 2025, particularly in Australia, where these concepts have gained significant traction. Australian Kitchens are increasingly designed to integrate effortlessly with adjoining Living and Dining areas, creating a unified, cohesive space that enhances the overall functionality of the home.

The trend emphasises not just the aesthetic appeal of open layouts but also their practicality, fostering a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and socialising. This approach encourages interaction and connectivity, making the Kitchen a central hub for family life and entertaining. As we look toward the future, this focus on creating versatile, interconnected environments will continue to shape the evolution of Kitchen design, redefining how we use and experience these essential spaces in our homes. Whether for casual family meals or hosting gatherings, the open Kitchen layout will be a key element in meeting the demands of modern living, ensuring that Kitchens remain both practical and inviting.

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

In our experience, one of the most significant challenges facing the design industry today is the rising cost of construction. Prices have increased across the board, making it difficult to accurately price a project based solely on concepts and elevations. At Birdblack Design, we’ve adapted by involving our builders early in the concept stage, working collaboratively to establish a rough estimate. This approach allows us to proceed with designing floorplans, elevations, and selections with a clearer understanding of potential costs.

We take our role very seriously, maintaining close relationships with brands and suppliers to stay informed about material and appliance options. This diligence enables us to budget effectively, ensuring that our designs remain aligned with the overall construction costs. By staying proactive and detail-oriented, we strive to deliver exceptional designs that are both beautiful and financially feasible.

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

I strongly advocate for a solid educational foundation, particularly at the degree level, as it's crucial for establishing a lasting career in the design field. A well-rounded education equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of design, providing the critical thinking and technical expertise necessary for success. However, education alone isn't enough; I also urge aspiring designers to consistently think outside the box. Innovation is the key to setting yourself apart in a competitive industry.

Breathe life into ideas that haven't existed before. While it's important to stay informed about current design trends, colours, patterns, textures, and materials, it's even more vital to approach these elements with a fresh perspective. Don't just follow trends – reinterpret them, infuse them with your unique flair, and create something that stands out.

Innovation and creativity should be at the heart of everything you do. Experiment with different ideas, materials, and techniques. Push the boundaries of what's possible and let your creative instincts guide you toward original and bespoke design solutions. The design field is ever evolving, and those who succeed are the ones who continue to grow, learn, and adapt while staying true to their creative vision.

In short, build a strong educational foundation, stay curious, and always seek to innovate. This combination of knowledge, creativity, and a willingness to explore uncharted territory will help you carve out a successful and fulfilling career in design.

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Project Credits

Hai Lang Residence

Interior Design & Furniture Curation: Birdblack Design
Building Designer: JIH Building Design
Builder: Aspire Constructions
Joiner: Bober Furniture
Liquid Metal: Liqmet

Photographer: Prue Ruscoe