Room Of The Week
Popular Houzz Series
Popular Houzz Series
Appears in
See also
Fun HouzzFrom The ProsHouzz Around The WorldProject Of The WeekStickybeak Of The WeekQuizzesCreatives At HomeAt Home With...Best Of The WeekRoom Of The WeekDesigner Profiles3 Things I Wish My Clients KnewHow Do I...Buyer's GuidesExpert EyeInnovation AlertSo Your Style Is...Spotted!Picture PerfectBefore & AfterBudget BreakdownHome TimeMade Local
Before & After
Before & After: A Frumpy Kitchen Reborn as a Contemporary Space
Timber, a moody hue, an island bench and storage space form the makings of this crisp and contemporary kitchen
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
The kitchen after works. Next to the fridge is a walk-in pantry. What looks like two cupboards above the fridge are actually just panels hiding the stairs, which the fridge is wedged under. It took careful measuring to get this right.
Brief
The main aim was a contemporary look with a striking ‘wow’ factor. Timber elements were an important feature to bring warmth and contrast.
It was important for an island bench to be present despite the room size. The island needed to comfortably seat two to four people for entertainment purposes and to accommodate a wine fridge.
Another important factor was to hide away the stair wedge, which we achieved with the location of the fridge and pantry space.
Brief
The main aim was a contemporary look with a striking ‘wow’ factor. Timber elements were an important feature to bring warmth and contrast.
It was important for an island bench to be present despite the room size. The island needed to comfortably seat two to four people for entertainment purposes and to accommodate a wine fridge.
Another important factor was to hide away the stair wedge, which we achieved with the location of the fridge and pantry space.
The kitchen before works, showing the placement of the stairs (stair wedge) behind the wall.
Are you in need of inspiration for your kitchen renovation? We have millions of photos to inspire you here
Are you in need of inspiration for your kitchen renovation? We have millions of photos to inspire you here
Need a pro for your kitchen renovating project?
Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Let Houzz find the best pros for you
Starting point
The client was particularly impressed with another kitchen project of ours, which had similar finishes to those they were attracted to.
The island was the main feature to work with, which was a challenge. However everything else fitted beautifully into place.
The client was particularly impressed with another kitchen project of ours, which had similar finishes to those they were attracted to.
The island was the main feature to work with, which was a challenge. However everything else fitted beautifully into place.
Key design aspects
Colour palette:
Materials palette:
Colour palette:
- Resene ‘Foundry’.
- Resene ‘Half Alabaster’.
- Laminex Natural Teak in Nuance Finish.
Materials palette:
- Upper cabinetry in Laminex.
- Two-pack polyurethane shadow pull on all base and tall cabinetry.
- Benchtops in WK Quantum Quartz Calacutta Primo and Smartstone Nieve White.
The kitchen before works
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures
Once I had the island configuration in place, the rest flowed beautifully.
We had also opened up a side window into French doors, which connected the kitchen to a gorgeous outdoor terrace that overlooked Sydney Harbour. This was a bonus in allowing the owners to entertain by functionally connecting their kitchen to their barbecue and outdoor seating area.
Once I had the island configuration in place, the rest flowed beautifully.
We had also opened up a side window into French doors, which connected the kitchen to a gorgeous outdoor terrace that overlooked Sydney Harbour. This was a bonus in allowing the owners to entertain by functionally connecting their kitchen to their barbecue and outdoor seating area.
The kitchen before works
Challenges you worked around
The island was a particular challenge with fitting so much into such a limited space, however it works without compromise. The stair wedge behind the fridge and pantry was another challenge but this has paid off and the use of the white cabinetry makes the room feel much bigger than it is.
Challenges you worked around
The island was a particular challenge with fitting so much into such a limited space, however it works without compromise. The stair wedge behind the fridge and pantry was another challenge but this has paid off and the use of the white cabinetry makes the room feel much bigger than it is.
Why do you think this room works?
All of the elements play a role with this kitchen. The use of the colours and textures really transform the compact room into a striking, sun-lit area.
The island benchtop and matching splashback draw your eyes to the back wall. I’m particularly glad the owners trusted my judgement on the colour combination and the opening of the window into a doorway.
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 Before & After: An Entertainer’s Kitchen in Soft Tonal Hues in NZ
All of the elements play a role with this kitchen. The use of the colours and textures really transform the compact room into a striking, sun-lit area.
The island benchtop and matching splashback draw your eyes to the back wall. I’m particularly glad the owners trusted my judgement on the colour combination and the opening of the window into a doorway.
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 Before & After: An Entertainer’s Kitchen in Soft Tonal Hues in NZ
Answers by Gemma Haddock, designer, Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Who lives here: A couple with children who have now moved out
Location: Clontarf, NSW
Room purpose and size: A 4 x 5-metre kitchen
Approximate budget: $75,000