Kitchen alterations reasonable without replacing whole lot?
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!
Comments (12)
lynnh100
8 years agohome_economist
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help with builder deviating from contract without consultation
Comments (16)Hi Azzopardi As previously stated, it's all about your contract.... and the events subsequent. Firstly, I would suggest you post an example ie the details of an item that is being changed that you are unhappy about the most, including the original item specified and the item that is now being installed, together with the background on how that change came about. We can then perhaps give you some advice on that. Also, what type of contract is it? Is it a fixed price / design and construct / cost plus? Thirdly, I suggest you start reading your contract. In it you will find a couple of items you need to look for specifically... They are; 1. Variations - there is a set process whereby any changes to the contract need to follow a methodology. The builder needs some form of approval from you to make changes and it is detailed in this part of the contract. Equally, if you have made changes to the works you have asked your builder to perform then you need to follow the process ie in writing. Have you been having site meetings / progress discussions with your builder? 2. Disputes - there are often disagreements during the building process particularly where one persons recollection of events are different to others. That is why it pays to do everything in writing. That said, there is a mechanism in the contract telling you what to do and how to resolve a dispute with your builder including the use of an independent arbitrator etc. If you follow the steps and put it in writing you will soon find out why the changes are made. Cheers...See MoreHow do we modernise an art deco room without losing its charm?
Comments (23)I'd echo most others views -- personally , I could live with the aircon and the lights , but the furniture and the mirrors would go ! Again , just personally , I don't have a problem with the mirrors sizes , it's the silver that doesn't suit . I'd go approx 20% smaller mirrors , BUT with really nice wide sculpted dark wooden frames , and lift them a bit -- they almost look like they are sitting on the mantlepieces at present -- lifting them would show more balance IMO . Lounge suite I'd go big , boxy , good quality bright red leather . A modern corner suite would probably suit , or one with a moden interpretation of a chaise , but in big boxy red leather . Or maybe a more classic looking buttoned leather suite , just not in brown -- that would be too much brown . Red or white would work well . The dining suite could be a large 8 seater wooden table in darker brown ( that mahogony one clashes to me ) , or glass top and stainless if you want to be more modern , and modern red chairs -- several styles would work , depending on what table you choose , and how modern you want to be . And for a more modern twist on the windows -- wooden slat blinds -- I have done very similar in my own 95 year old place , and it works well ! My place is similar , although it doesn't have those higher picture rails -- my place has carved rails approx 1.2mtr above the floor level , and Rimu panelling ( a NZ wood ) below that -- has that 'gentlemans club' feel . I did the walls above that in a mid steel blue in some rooms , a grape colour in others , english cream in a couple , and an earthy orangey-brown with white gloss tiles in the kitchen ! And in most rooms , I did a feature wall , wallpapered in complimentary colours to the other 3 walls in that room ! Strange sounding I know , but it works ! In the larger rooms and entrance foyer , I have large gold waterfall chandaliers , the other rooms I have gold curved light bars with 4 to 6 led spotlights -- all with crisp white ceilings similar to yours , and art deco inspired ceiling roses and architraves . I love the mix of classic and modern , with a twist of class...See MoreKitchen Splashback Tile replacement
Comments (26)I hope you kept your overhead cupboards to be used elsewhere or sold them as they appeared to be in good condition. I have only just seen this post, and was going to show you a picture of a house that had just painted the cupboards and what a difference it made. If you like the beach colours, now is the time to add some of the colours suggested above as part of your accessory colours.....even via spatulas/utensils, tea towel, toaster, jug etc.....See Morekitchen remodel - put the sink under the window?
Comments (5)Hi Heather and Malcolm, thanks so much for your input! Good to know about the face panels, Malcolm, that would be way cheaper and easier than getting the window shortened, I’m guessing. The handle on the sliding opening window is movable so we can slide it higher and will still be easily accessible. I wonder if it would be hard to clean down in the sill space behind the face panels. Sorry, I should have said - yes we are intending to have an island of bench in the middle there, same spot as current bench left of current sink. The dishwasher is in it, actually, just left 90degrees of the current sink, so I’m a little worried that might be weird having it away from sink when sink has been moved. Maybe we should move both dishwasher and sink and put side by side in new kitchen? As for the fridge, it’s on the back wall (photo below) so we’ll just leave that in current position I think, probably....See More
scottevie
8 years ago
PROInternational Design - Interior Architecture
8 years ago
Hi Lovely HE,
I would love to help you!
Please see:
http://www.internationaldesign.vpweb.com.au
Warm Regards
Liz
farsideb
8 years agodanikc
8 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 danikcdanikc
8 years agoTilly
8 years agokt20
8 years agotambyrne
8 years ago
Jenni