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Summary
- Style
- Contemporary Kitchens
- Cabinet materials
- Wood
- Designer(s)
- Catherine B. de la Sablonnière Laurie Campeau
The Driftwood Kitchen
Contemporary Kitchen
Some places have an immediate, almost intangible sense of well-being the moment you step inside. This kitchen, custom-designed by Ateliers Jacob, is one of them. Like surf culture, this kitchen embodies a way of life grounded in mindful listening—to the environment and the natural rhythm of things. Every design choice feels intentional, guided by the desire to slow down, and live more mindfully, with sustainable materials chosen for their timeless beauty. From the grain of wood beneath the fingertips to the coolness of natural stone and the comforting aroma of morning coffee—everything invites us to fully seize the present moment. Beyond its functionality, this kitchen transforms into a soothing haven, a daily touchstone where we pause, reconnect, and realign.
This kitchen is inspired by the “Hollywood” project by Oscar Sainsbury Architects (OSA), located in Smiths Beach on Phillip Island, Australia. Steeped in surf culture, this architechtural approach blends seamlessly into the landscape, allowing light and the beauty of nature to take centre stage. This philosophy inspired every design choice, from the warm maple wood to the ultra-thin Laminam porcelain surfaces, materials that create an airy, weightless aesthetic while offering the durability needed for daily life.
The Epitome of Wood, by Ateliers Jacob
At the heart of the design, the cabinets, refrigerator panels and central island are crafted in maple from Ateliers Jacob’s Collection Bois. The natural grain of the wood, subtly nuanced, becomes the unifying thread throughout the room. There are no sharp contrasts or deliberate accents: the ensemble plays on homogeneity, fostering a hushed aesthetic where wood doesn’t decorate, it structures. This monolithic use of material evokes an architectural language devoted to visual ease. With no abrupt shifts in tone or texture, the eye glides effortlessly across surfaces. The design recedes, allowing the space to speak.
A Kitchen Island as an Anchorage Point
The central island, carefully custom-designed by Ateliers Jacob, featuring a Laminam porcelain countertop, perfectly embodies harmony and simplicity. The exceptionally slender worktop contrasts subtly with the surrounding light wood, bringing a mineral and luminous touch to this living space. Chosen for its aesthetic and technical qualities, Laminam porcelain stands out for its ultra-thin surface (between 3 mm and 12 mm) combined with remarkable robustness. Resistant to scratches, heat, stains and UV rays, it is also non-porous, making it hygienic and low-maintenance. Made of natural, recyclable raw materials and free from toxic resins, it is manufactured responsibly, with reduced water and energy consumption. This choice aligns with the spirit of the place: functional and rooted in a sustainable conscience.
Sculpted for Everyday Life
Discreet, but ever-present in Ateliers Jacob projects, functionality is expressed in every detail. A coffee station housed in an alcove, a subtly revealed gas stove, integrated appliances: each element follows a simple, intuitive logic. Here, design adapts to life, not the other way around.
This soft architecture approach, with noble yet understated materials, echoes a certain philosophy of everyday simplicity. It is rooted in Scandinavian sensibilities: the warmth of wood, morning light filtering through the trees, the aroma of freshly ground coffee.
Coffee, in fact, is not simply regarded as a routine task, but elevated to the status of a sacred rite, inserted into the very fabric of the space. It’s a daily sensory pause, symbolizing the importance we attach to the pleasure of living, like preparing a perfect café au lait. In this way, the kitchen becomes more than design. It expresses a lifestyle, on of gentle rhythm, attention to subtle details, and the soothing beauty of well-executed craftsmanship.
