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Before & After
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Before & After: An Open-Plan Kitchen Goes from Boring to Boss
After scouting Houzz for designers, this couple found the right match in a local designer who transformed their space
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
How did this project begin?
My client found me on Houzz when researching designers in their area. They looked at various portfolios and then contacted me. This was two years prior to when we started working with them.
My client found me on Houzz when researching designers in their area. They looked at various portfolios and then contacted me. This was two years prior to when we started working with them.
Brief
- To create a stylish and sophisticated, but highly functional and practical, family and living spaces.
- To include a new gas fireplace and focal point to the room, which was lacking personality and inspiration.
The kitchen before works.
Starting point
We were asked to retain the original kitchen, which was a decent kitchen but was not particularly well constructed. In the end my client decided it was worth upgrading the kitchen to get the results (both in form and function) that we all wanted.
My client already had lovely timber door frames throughout the home. They appreciated the warmth of natural timber and wanted to retain that look to a degree. We also retained the existing tiled floors.
We were asked to retain the original kitchen, which was a decent kitchen but was not particularly well constructed. In the end my client decided it was worth upgrading the kitchen to get the results (both in form and function) that we all wanted.
My client already had lovely timber door frames throughout the home. They appreciated the warmth of natural timber and wanted to retain that look to a degree. We also retained the existing tiled floors.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Materials palette:
Key pieces of furniture and fittings:
Colour palette:
- Warm timber tones using walnut.
- Dark-blue splashback tiles.
- Grey-toned granite benchtops.
- Iron and black details in cabinetry hardware.
Materials palette:
- Joinery in Polytec Notaio Walnut Ravine.
- Granite.
- Porcelain tiles.
Key pieces of furniture and fittings:
- AEG oven and induction cooktop.
- Fisher & Paykel fridge.
- Asko dishwasher.
- Turns pendant lights from Dezion Studio.
- Mizu sooth mixer from Reece.
The adjacent living room before works.
The living room after works.
Thinking behind arrangement of furniture and fixtures
We wanted to create a warm welcoming space where people could gather around the fire and inevitably, the kitchen island – everyone loves hanging around the island! It’s the heart of the home.
Thinking behind arrangement of furniture and fixtures
We wanted to create a warm welcoming space where people could gather around the fire and inevitably, the kitchen island – everyone loves hanging around the island! It’s the heart of the home.
We wanted the spaces to function well for small and larger gatherings. We made the island slightly larger than the previous one, so it can quite comfortably seat four adults at the bar stools.
The living space was designed with two large sofas and single arm chairs, a coffee table with two ottomans tucked underneath so that as the groups expand and contract, so can the furniture!
We added wallpapered pivot screens where there used to be shutters in openings between the living room and adjacent pool room. The spaces are very flexible with how they can be used and configured.
The rooms while being generous (we weren’t trying to find extra space!) were bland. There was little definition within the rooms.
Challenges we worked around
Covid-19! I did presentations to my clients over Zoom during lockdowns. While the presentations went well, it’s very hard for clients to fully grasp the beauty of materials and finishes without being able to see and touch them in real life.
Challenges we worked around
Covid-19! I did presentations to my clients over Zoom during lockdowns. While the presentations went well, it’s very hard for clients to fully grasp the beauty of materials and finishes without being able to see and touch them in real life.
Why do you think this room works?
The kitchen living and dining spaces are warm and inviting while functioning extremely well. There is the strong focal point of the fireplace, which draws you in. We created dimension here by not only adding the fireplace wall, but creating interest with the beautiful textured glazed bricks, walnut veneer shelving, and wallpaper. The battened screen leading in the adjacent pool room also helped define the living spaces. The addition of the bulkhead over the kitchen island was a simple addition that completely changed the look and feel of the space.
The kitchen living and dining spaces are warm and inviting while functioning extremely well. There is the strong focal point of the fireplace, which draws you in. We created dimension here by not only adding the fireplace wall, but creating interest with the beautiful textured glazed bricks, walnut veneer shelving, and wallpaper. The battened screen leading in the adjacent pool room also helped define the living spaces. The addition of the bulkhead over the kitchen island was a simple addition that completely changed the look and feel of the space.
The floor plan.
My client and their guests can move around the spaces with ease. Everything has been resolved with careful attention to the finest of details: right down to the custom designed spice rack in the pantry!
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.
My client and their guests can move around the spaces with ease. Everything has been resolved with careful attention to the finest of details: right down to the custom designed spice rack in the pantry!
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.
Sponsored
Who lives here: A professional couple with young adult kids (older teenagers)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Room Purpose and Size: Combined kitchen, dining and family Room. The kitchen is approximately 20 square metres and overall spaces are approximately 63 square metres.
Approximate budget: AU$175,000. This was the overall cost for kitchen, living, pool room and study renovations. The kitchen was approximately AU$65,000 including bulkhead and other trades.
Did you use Houzz Pro for this project: Yes! I used Houzz Pro Project Management. I use idea books for my own reference when researching a project.