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Before & After: A Small Beachside Unit's Funky Kitchen Makeover
Removing structural walls opened up this isolated kitchen, while adding retro tiles livened up the look
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
The kitchen before works.
The once-poky kitchen was separated from the rest of this small beachside unit.
The once-poky kitchen was separated from the rest of this small beachside unit.
Brief
By removing structural walls, the space was converted from a restricted footprint into an open-plan galley kitchen that links to the dining and living areas.
By removing structural walls, the space was converted from a restricted footprint into an open-plan galley kitchen that links to the dining and living areas.
The client wanted to maximise storage and bench space, have a neutral colour palette with a ‘funky’ tile introduced for a pop of colour and personality, plus add pops of Tasmanian oak and brass for extra detail.
The floor plan before works.
The floor plan showing which structural walls were removed.
Starting point
A funky tile for the splashback was the starting point, something with personality and a pop of colour.
This tile was the main influence in the design: the curves in the pattern were linked to the design by a curved end to the benchtop, which softens the entry to the kitchen and hallway. And the open shelves were curved at the same radius to continue the softened, retro aesthetic of the kitchen.
A funky tile for the splashback was the starting point, something with personality and a pop of colour.
This tile was the main influence in the design: the curves in the pattern were linked to the design by a curved end to the benchtop, which softens the entry to the kitchen and hallway. And the open shelves were curved at the same radius to continue the softened, retro aesthetic of the kitchen.
I suggested the Pink Retro Star tiles from Jatana Interiors. As the splashback was only small (1500 millimetres wide), I also proposed tiling the island kicker, connecting the galley kitchen from the front to back bench and creating a little extra interest.
Browse more contemporary Australian kitchens with galley layouts
Browse more contemporary Australian kitchens with galley layouts
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Colour palette:
- Modern neutral.
- Soft khaki green and off-white colour scheme.
- Pops of Tasmanian oak.
- Glamorous brass details.
Materials palette:
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- Khaki and Dawn melamine from Wilsonart.
- Tasmanian oak veneer.
- Brass handles and sanitaryware.
- Concrete-look benchtop.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- Brass handles from Lo & Co Interiors.
- Sink and tapware from ABI Interiors.
- Caesarstone Primordia on the 20-millimetre thick benchtops.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures:
Maximising bench space and storage was top of the list for the client; tall items were grouped together, cabinetry was filled to the ceiling and extra storage was incorporated to the back of the island bench.
Maximising bench space and storage was top of the list for the client; tall items were grouped together, cabinetry was filled to the ceiling and extra storage was incorporated to the back of the island bench.
Drawers were chosen over doors to maximise depth and accessibility of storage, including inner drawers in the pantry, a pull-out to the left of the cooktop for spices, oils and vinegars, and drawers below the sink housing the bin system.
What challenges did you have to work around?
A budget-conscious project, suitable materials were selected and proposed, and cost-effective solutions were suggested for hardware, fixings and fixtures.
A budget-conscious project, suitable materials were selected and proposed, and cost-effective solutions were suggested for hardware, fixings and fixtures.
The kitchen before works.
The client’s existing 450-millimetre-wide dishwasher was reused in the new kitchen as it was compact and tucked into the right of the sink unit.
The client’s existing 450-millimetre-wide dishwasher was reused in the new kitchen as it was compact and tucked into the right of the sink unit.
The kitchen before works.
Why do you think this room works?
I think this room works as it ticks all the client’s boxes. It provides ample storage, is compact in size but is fun and playful, reflecting the retro, coastal brief from the client.
Your turn
Which ideas would you steal 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 your next great transformation here with this Before & After: From Impractical to Artful, a Bathroom in Blue
I think this room works as it ticks all the client’s boxes. It provides ample storage, is compact in size but is fun and playful, reflecting the retro, coastal brief from the client.
Your turn
Which ideas would you steal 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 your next great transformation here with this Before & After: From Impractical to Artful, a Bathroom in Blue
Who lives here: A family with one child and one mini schnauzer
Location: Hove, SA
Room purpose and size:
A kitchen approximately eight metres square
Designer: Space Craft Joinery
Approximate budget: AU$35,000