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Before & After: A Quietly Quality Kitchen That Kept Its Layout
The layout couldn't be changed, but a clever approach to storage and colour transformed this Melbourne kitchen
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
When it came to designing their dream kitchen, our client had a clear vision in mind. They wanted a clean, white base that was easy on the eye and would not overwhelm with strong colour.
While they love the simplicity of white, they weren’t interested in a cold, contemporary look. Instead, they wanted a warm, cosy atmosphere with classic touches that would stand the test of time.
When it came to designing their dream kitchen, our client had a clear vision in mind. They wanted a clean, white base that was easy on the eye and would not overwhelm with strong colour.
While they love the simplicity of white, they weren’t interested in a cold, contemporary look. Instead, they wanted a warm, cosy atmosphere with classic touches that would stand the test of time.
The kitchen before works.
They aimed to achieve a premium feel without over-the-top luxury. Functionality was also a top priority, with the kitchen needing to be easy to use and clean, while maximising storage space. Our client was particularly fond of matt finishes, and required door handles that were a breeze to pull in and out.
Looking to transform a tired kitchen? Find specialised kitchen designers on Houzz and read testimonials from previous clients
They aimed to achieve a premium feel without over-the-top luxury. Functionality was also a top priority, with the kitchen needing to be easy to use and clean, while maximising storage space. Our client was particularly fond of matt finishes, and required door handles that were a breeze to pull in and out.
Looking to transform a tired kitchen? Find specialised kitchen designers on Houzz and read testimonials from previous clients
The kitchen before works.
Starting point
As we were working on the rest of the house too, it was crucial that the colour scheme flowed seamlessly from the kitchen to the rest of the space.
While we couldn’t make the kitchen any larger or change the layout, we were determined to make the most of the existing space. Knowing that the client loves white, choosing the perfect shade for the joinery was our top priority. We steered clear of a crisp, contemporary white that can come across as too cold and hard to maintain. Instead, we opted for a slightly creamy, dirty white with a hint of yellow called Surf from Laminex.
Starting point
As we were working on the rest of the house too, it was crucial that the colour scheme flowed seamlessly from the kitchen to the rest of the space.
While we couldn’t make the kitchen any larger or change the layout, we were determined to make the most of the existing space. Knowing that the client loves white, choosing the perfect shade for the joinery was our top priority. We steered clear of a crisp, contemporary white that can come across as too cold and hard to maintain. Instead, we opted for a slightly creamy, dirty white with a hint of yellow called Surf from Laminex.
The floor plan.
We chose a matt finish for a premium feel and paired it with a pale timber finish for the open shelf to keep it subtle and in line with the warm white of the cabinets.
Once the joinery finishes were decided, we selected the rest of the materials. For the benchtop and splashback, we landed on a stone with a crisp white base, soft veins and hints of brown, which complement the warm white of the cabinets perfectly.
We chose a matt finish for a premium feel and paired it with a pale timber finish for the open shelf to keep it subtle and in line with the warm white of the cabinets.
Once the joinery finishes were decided, we selected the rest of the materials. For the benchtop and splashback, we landed on a stone with a crisp white base, soft veins and hints of brown, which complement the warm white of the cabinets perfectly.
For the handles, we went for a gunmetal finish with a metallic feel that oozes luxury but is softer than pure black. The handles have a hint of brown that ties in with the cabinet finish, creating a cohesive look.
To maintain the calming aesthetic, all the top cabinets are opened with subtle finger-pulls.
And to add an interesting element without sacrificing the kitchen’s low maintenance, we added just one open shelf.
To maintain the calming aesthetic, all the top cabinets are opened with subtle finger-pulls.
And to add an interesting element without sacrificing the kitchen’s low maintenance, we added just one open shelf.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Colour palette:
- Warm and cool whites.
- Light timber.
- A touch of warm gunmetal.
- Yellow-toned timber floor.
- Stainless-steel appliances.
Materials palette:
- Kitchen joinery in Surf AbsoluteMatte from Laminex.
- Calacatta Arina benchtop from Lavistone.
- Open shelf in Bleached Elm from Laminex.
- Byron handles from Linear Standard.
- Tapware and sink from ABI Interiors.
- Appliances from Miele.
- Qasair range hood.
What was your thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures?
The appliances in the new kitchen are arranged similarly to the old one, with the exception of the cooktop being moved to a safer and more central location. The layout of the kitchen couldn’t be changed, but we were able to get creative with the joinery layout to maximise storage space for our client, who loves cooking and uses a lot of spices and condiments.
We added two spice drawers on either side of the cooktop and utilised the opposite wall to fit all of the appliances.
Despite limited cabinet space due to the dishwasher, sink, and bin, we were able to lower the position of the oven slightly and provide ample storage with two deep drawers for larger items.
We made a skinny cabinet above for extra storage and left space for a microwave. By lowering the appliances, we created more storage options and made everything more accessible.
The appliances in the new kitchen are arranged similarly to the old one, with the exception of the cooktop being moved to a safer and more central location. The layout of the kitchen couldn’t be changed, but we were able to get creative with the joinery layout to maximise storage space for our client, who loves cooking and uses a lot of spices and condiments.
We added two spice drawers on either side of the cooktop and utilised the opposite wall to fit all of the appliances.
Despite limited cabinet space due to the dishwasher, sink, and bin, we were able to lower the position of the oven slightly and provide ample storage with two deep drawers for larger items.
We made a skinny cabinet above for extra storage and left space for a microwave. By lowering the appliances, we created more storage options and made everything more accessible.
The walk-in pantry is now the key storage area for this kitchen. Previously, it only featured shelves, though we made significant improvements by maximising the height and depth and creating sections for different categories of items.
The bottom shelf is ideal for large, heavy items while the smaller shelves at the top work well for light, small items.
We included a dedicated spot to store small appliances and installed a power point inside the pantry so appliances can be used inside the walk-in pantry instead of taking up valuable benchtop space. Most of the shelves are adjustable, making the pantry more flexible and able to store more items despite its unchanged size.
The bottom shelf is ideal for large, heavy items while the smaller shelves at the top work well for light, small items.
We included a dedicated spot to store small appliances and installed a power point inside the pantry so appliances can be used inside the walk-in pantry instead of taking up valuable benchtop space. Most of the shelves are adjustable, making the pantry more flexible and able to store more items despite its unchanged size.
The pantry before works.
What challenges did you work around?
As an interior designer, I excel at selecting the perfect colours and finishes for any project. However, my biggest challenge with this project was working with the existing space. I had to be creative in maximising every centimetre since there was no room for any significant changes.
Although I would typically recommend a butler’s pantry for such a client, I had to find a way to fit everything in without sacrificing functionality. I made sure to avoid dead corners and maximised the internal joinery to create more storage space.
What challenges did you work around?
As an interior designer, I excel at selecting the perfect colours and finishes for any project. However, my biggest challenge with this project was working with the existing space. I had to be creative in maximising every centimetre since there was no room for any significant changes.
Although I would typically recommend a butler’s pantry for such a client, I had to find a way to fit everything in without sacrificing functionality. I made sure to avoid dead corners and maximised the internal joinery to create more storage space.
Why do you think this room works?
A classic colour scheme can always be relied on, but there’s more to it than just picking a pretty white. We considered how the colour will impact the overall aesthetic of the space and how it will complement the rest of the home. Small details such as this can make a big difference in the overall feel of the project.
Luckily, we had a clear brief from our client on how they wanted to feel when they entered the space. This gave us the confidence to create a design that we knew would work and that our client would love.
A classic colour scheme can always be relied on, but there’s more to it than just picking a pretty white. We considered how the colour will impact the overall aesthetic of the space and how it will complement the rest of the home. Small details such as this can make a big difference in the overall feel of the project.
Luckily, we had a clear brief from our client on how they wanted to feel when they entered the space. This gave us the confidence to create a design that we knew would work and that our client would love.
Your turn
Which ideas would you borrow from this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great kitchen transformations here with this story: A Sydney Kitchen That Caters to a Couple’s Love of Entertaining
Which ideas would you borrow from this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Catch up on more great kitchen transformations here with this story: A Sydney Kitchen That Caters to a Couple’s Love of Entertaining
Location: Kew, Victoria
Who lives here: A family of three
Room purpose and size: An 18-square-metre kitchen that includes a walk-in pantry
Approximate budget: AU$50,000
Did you use Houzz for this project?
Yes, I mainly used Houzz Pro for invoicing.