Room of the Week: The Warming Up of a Simple Baker's Kitchen
More storage and the warming up of a clinical dated space were key in this downsizer's unit
Vanessa Walker
26 April 2021
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Images by Carla Atley
Styling and answers by Lisa Skender, interior designer at Primrose Hill Interiors
Who lives here: The owner is a retired downsizer. She recently purchased the cottage and was eager to give it a facelift to make it more practical and functional before she moved in.
Location: Willagee, WA
Approximate budget: $30,000
Other professionals: The builder, Add Value Group, contacted me to assist their client.
Styling and answers by Lisa Skender, interior designer at Primrose Hill Interiors
Who lives here: The owner is a retired downsizer. She recently purchased the cottage and was eager to give it a facelift to make it more practical and functional before she moved in.
Location: Willagee, WA
Approximate budget: $30,000
Other professionals: The builder, Add Value Group, contacted me to assist their client.
Brief
The brief was to provide more storage in the kitchen as the owner loves to bake and to make the space feel warmer.
Keen to revamp your kitchen? Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz
The brief was to provide more storage in the kitchen as the owner loves to bake and to make the space feel warmer.
Keen to revamp your kitchen? Find a specialised kitchen designer near you on Houzz
The kitchen before works
Starting point
The floor and walls had previously been painted white, so we wanted to reduce the harshness and the clinical feel. But at the same time, the kitchen faces south, so there wasn’t a huge amount of light coming into the space. The client requested a space that was light and simple but not cold.
The floor and walls had previously been painted white, so we wanted to reduce the harshness and the clinical feel. But at the same time, the kitchen faces south, so there wasn’t a huge amount of light coming into the space. The client requested a space that was light and simple but not cold.
The kitchen before works
Materials palette & fixtures:
- Laminex Essastone benchtops in Marmo Bianco.
- Bianco and Blum hardware to make use of every inch of space in the tricky corner cabinets.
- Tapware in brushed nickel.
- Pendant from Beacon Lighting.
- We also included an appliance cupboard next to the fridge (not yet installed in this photo) to free up bench space from the coffee machine, toaster and kettle.
The floor plan
Challenges you worked around
The biggest challenge was the lack of light but I think the calm palette has added warmth without darkness.
Your turn
What do you like about 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
Craving more kitchen makeovers? Take a look at this Room of the Week: Dazzling Stone is Centrestage in This Kitchen
The biggest challenge was the lack of light but I think the calm palette has added warmth without darkness.
Your turn
What do you like about 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
Craving more kitchen makeovers? Take a look at this Room of the Week: Dazzling Stone is Centrestage in This Kitchen
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
Elegant but cold
So lovely to see those jarrah floors revealed!
Lovely and not over the top in price like so many we see. Great work.