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Kitchen alterations reasonable without replacing whole lot?

11 years ago

We have a QLD Blackwood kitchen. I would like to make it a little wider, change the laminate benches to stone, put in a new larger cooktop, range hood and a 2nd oven. I know of a company here in Sydney which manufactures the doors to match. I have had no luck finding a kitchen renovation company that doesn't just try to convince me to get a new kitchen entirely. Am I being unreasonable? We plan on moving this fridge section back about 80cm and creating a larger pantry where the existing one is. The new 2nd oven is a compact one, to go in the space where the microwave now is. I would also like to remove the dresser style section of overhead cupboards and knock out the wall above the microwave to open the room to the dining room behind.

I like my timber doors and do not want a modern looking, white kitchen. I like traditional, country style. I designed this kitchen myself 16 years ago, and I still like it! What is in fashion is not important to me as we plan on keeping the house for many more years, but as our family has grown to include 4 children, I need more storage and cooking space. Any design advice would be welcome!

Featured Answer

Jenni

11 years ago

Hi I've kept my lovely tassie oak kitchen because like you I love the timber. The refresh included glass splash back straight over cream tiles, stone overlay straight over laminate, new retro inspired knobs, new sink/tap plus cooktop.
The extra reflection of light from the surfaces really made the timber pop and while its small compared to yours some of these changes might work for you too.
Love to see the end result.

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Comments (12)

lynnh100
11 years ago
what about a bigger or wider window area - and can you add an island ??
home_economist
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the reply. We can't add an island as the space is too narrow. The fridge section is only a door width from the bench where the microwave is. There is a main traffic flow through there too.
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scottevie
11 years ago
I don't think you are being unreasonable for wanting a timber character kitchen rather than something that isn't your style. However, if you break down your current kitchen components and compare that to a list of what you would be able to keep in your new kitchen with all the alterations you have listed then I am not sure that it is necessarily the best move for you (compared to being able to start from scratch and design a layout that is not restricted by the room plus the remaining elements). Larger pantry means new cabinet plus doors. Does the larger cooktop need a bigger cabinet to accommodate it? It looks like the wall cabinets above it would need to be replaced to allow for a wider rangehood Will the sink and therefore sink cabinet remain? Does moving the fridge allow you to reuse the panels and overhead cabinets or does it change the size/shape cabinetry? Hopefully a kitchen expert on here can offer advice! Have you contacted any local cabinet makers rather than the bigger kitchen reno places, you might get a more sympathetic response from someone who appreciates the value of the wood.
PRO
International Design - Interior Architecture
11 years ago

Hi Lovely HE,

I would love to help you!

Please see:

http://www.internationaldesign.vpweb.com.au

Warm Regards

Liz
farsideb
11 years ago
Liz your blatant advertising on all the 'help' threads is neither helpful or appreciated.
danikc
11 years ago
We have almost the same kitchen but ours is older,built in the 80's and had Blackwood bench tops and really ugly tile splash backs and a huge copper range hood. After being flooded in 2012,the bench tops were ruined but cupboard doors still good so we had all the insides replaced but put the doors back on.we decided on granite tops for durability and went for black with a copper fleck to match the range hood (hugely expensive to replace) and then added slumped glass splash backs in a light color (dulux hazelnut metallic). I couldn't be happier with the result! It still fits with the rest of the house-we have lots of timber and exposed brick walls but now it looks modern and even the copper range hood looks trendy! The black tops look stunning and granite is the best thing ever with kids-we put the same tops in the laundry too.... Will see if I can add some photos.
home_economist thanked danikc
danikc
11 years ago

Here are a couple of pics that I had on my iPad,not the best but you get the general idea.We also had the double oven put in the same place,just cut the hole bigger and added an induction cooktop -well worth it! Hope this helps and good luck!
home_economist thanked danikc
danikc
11 years ago
By the way,I was a little worried about the black making the room darker as we have timber ceilings too but it actually has the opposite effect,the bench tops reflect the light and seem to open up the space and make it seem bigger!
Tilly
11 years ago
I changed all my Laminex tops using Granite transformations.
Basically they clad with a stone bench top. Really beautiful product. I also altered the design and they did the lot.
I then did glass splash backs on the cooking wall and mosaics on the rest. Granite Transformations can also do the splash backs.
I used a Perth company, not sure if they are Australia wide.
kt20
11 years ago
Liz,

You have beautiful cupboards. I love your integrated dishwasher, and the designed space for the microwave. It should fit your new oven perfectly.

But here's the thing: the thing that makes your cupboards beautiful is the timber doors. As wood mellows, it would be hard to match in new "door" elements - you could tell the old/new.

If you are basically happy with the layout, then refreshing the benchtops and a new stovetop doesn't need a kitchen company. You need to work out your new stovetop, as you need to know your cutout. Then get some graph paper from the newsagents, and measure up. You can go directly to a local stonemason for a quote, or use a refurbishment company to overlay your existing top (e.g Granite transformations). (A new sink is relatively cheap and works wonders to update the kitchen!)

A good handyman (or even better, a builder who just wants a bit of work on the weekend) can rip out the existing cupboards, mount a new range rangehood, and would probably be willing to take a hammer to break your connection to your dining room. Most plumbers (if its gas) or electricians are willing to connect in a new stovetop and sink for a reasonable price.

It sounds to me that the only really "new" add -in is your new pantry area. You might need to be a bit clever to make that blend, even if you can't get a 100% match. If it's a full length pantry, one option might be to consider an off the shelf "door door" or even bifold, with a similar profile, so that it's sympathetic . You could then stain, or paint, or varnish to either blend in or make a contrast.

Best of luck!
tambyrne
11 years ago
If you know what size cabinetry you want you can use cabinets on demand (online) to get your carcasses and then use the place you found to do your doors, easy!

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