Before & After: A Dowdy Kitchen Made Shaker-Style Spectacular
An '80s beige and black space is transformed into a stunning Shaker-style kitchen that speaks of modern sophistication
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The client always wanted to enjoy eating breakfast within the kitchen while maintaining as much free benchtop space as possible, so they could return to their love of cooking and baking.
Scope of work
The client always wanted to enjoy eating breakfast within the kitchen while maintaining as much free benchtop space as possible, so they could return to their love of cooking and baking.
Scope of work
- Removal and disposal of old kitchen.
- Preparation for plumbing and electrical work.
- Sheeting of wall where required.
- Tiling of floor throughout kitchen, dining and living area.
- Specified a new window to replace a boarded-up glass brick window.
- Installation of new Shaker-style cabinetry.
- Installation of stone benchtops.
- Specified new cornices where required.
- Reconnected plumbing and electricals.
- Tiling of splashback.
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The kitchen before works
Starting point
There was an existing window splashback, which overlooked a beautiful garden at the back. It had, however, been covered up in the kitchen prior to this renovation. It was an attractive element that we as the designers, as well as the client, wished to bring back.
Starting point
There was an existing window splashback, which overlooked a beautiful garden at the back. It had, however, been covered up in the kitchen prior to this renovation. It was an attractive element that we as the designers, as well as the client, wished to bring back.
The kitchen before works
The client also enjoys watching the news and TV at breakfast while cooking, so it was important to have the TV in an ideal location.
The client also enjoys watching the news and TV at breakfast while cooking, so it was important to have the TV in an ideal location.
The new floor plan
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Materials palette:
Colour palette:
- Cabinetry in Dulux White Polar (quarter strength).
- Benchtop one around the periphery of the kitchen: Caesarstone in Symphony Grey.
- Benchtop two on the island unit: Caesarstone in Cosmopolitan White.
Materials palette:
- The floor throughout the kitchen, dining and living area was replaced with large silver travertine tiles, and a soft light-white Dulux colour was chosen for the joinery.
- Two different coloured benchtops were chosen to complement the different tones in the travertine.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings:
- Shaker-style cupboard and door fronts.
- 600-millimetre-wide bin drawer.
- Pyrolytic oven from Slide & Hide.
- Compact Neff oven with microwave.
- Neff 900-millimetre gas cooktop.
- Smeg concealed range hood.
- Franke sink
- Miele dishwasher.
- Manor Three-Light Bar pendant from Beacon Lighting.
- St James dining chairs from Coco Republic.
Thinking behind the arrangement of fixtures:
The main requirement was plenty of benchtop space in each zone, and a casual dining space for breakfast and entertainment, which gave a modern-country feel. We believe the end table, which is attached to the kitchen island, achieved this.
Browse more contemporary Australian kitchens for inspiration
The main requirement was plenty of benchtop space in each zone, and a casual dining space for breakfast and entertainment, which gave a modern-country feel. We believe the end table, which is attached to the kitchen island, achieved this.
Browse more contemporary Australian kitchens for inspiration
The covered-up splashback before works
Challenges worked around
Fortunately, there were few challenges with this room, which made the layout feel so much more natural. The only slight difficulty was the existing window splashback, which required resizing and additional works to allow it to sit as nicely as it does.
Fortunately, there were few challenges with this room, which made the layout feel so much more natural. The only slight difficulty was the existing window splashback, which required resizing and additional works to allow it to sit as nicely as it does.
Why do you think this room works?
It’s a beautiful space that is flooded with natural light and views in many directions, which the layout lets the occupants enjoy. It provides generous space in each zone to allow for comfortable entertainment and casual dining without crowding.
Your turn
What do you love 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 great interior makeovers? Take a look at this UK Before & After: A Derelict Outbuilding Gets a New Makeover
It’s a beautiful space that is flooded with natural light and views in many directions, which the layout lets the occupants enjoy. It provides generous space in each zone to allow for comfortable entertainment and casual dining without crowding.
Your turn
What do you love 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 great interior makeovers? Take a look at this UK Before & After: A Derelict Outbuilding Gets a New Makeover
Answers by Gemma Haddock, designer, Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Who lives here: A retired couple who lived in Seaforth, Sydney before they retired, but found Seaforth too busy and noisy. They moved to Church Point, which is quiet, and they have taken up canoeing as it’s a short stroll to the bays of Pittwater.
Location: Church Point, NSW
What year was the renovation: 2020
Room purpose: The kitchen and casual dining area
Approximate budget: $80,000