A 1960’s Kew home gets a well deserved kitchen and laundry update
When Emily and Lynton purchased their first ‘forever’ home in Kew they were thrilled.
The 1960’s classic mid-century gem was full of character and charm. However, it was hard to ignore the worn out old kitchen and non-existent laundry. Moving into a home with two young children will quickly bring you back to reality, and you soon find out what isn’t working for you.
For a young family the two most important spaces are the kitchen and laundry. Most of our daily routines revolve around these two key spaces, so you really want them to be functional and efficient. It was obvious to the young couple that the issue needed attention immediately.
Budget and time were major factors to consider
Having never done a renovation before they consulted a good friend who was a builder. On inspection of the new property, they discovered the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room was not load bearing. This was a decisive moment in their renovation dilemma. With the wall gone they could create an open kitchen, living, and dining space with views to the parkland. The seed was planted!
It was time to crunch the numbers and find out what was possible with their budget, and time frame.
Why working with Kitchen Shack was the best choice
Emily was first referred to Kitchen Shack through a friend and when visiting the showroom was impressed with the quality of their product.
Wondering how to update their kitchen and laundry on a budget, the couple knew they would need to project manage themselves. This is one of the best way to save money on a renovation. They also valued working one on one with the same designer from start to finish to make their process easier.
When Emily attended her showroom appointment with San at Nunawading the dream kitchen and laundry journey began. The team covered all the essentials, taking every detail into account, such as;
☑️ Budget and timing
☑️ Natural light and layout
☑️ Functionality and workflow
☑️ Family dynamics and how they use the spaces
☑️ Style and aesthetic of the existing home
Putting your trust in an experienced kitchen designer
Working with San, the Kitchen Shack designer, on her project was a rewarding experience for Emily. San listened carefully to her ideas and concerns, making sure he had a good understanding of the brief. Having a one-on-one design and touchpoint throughout the renovation process was incredibly reassuring.
Renovating can be stressful and add two kids under 6, work commitments and lack of sleep, and you’re one step away from total meltdown! The value of an experienced kitchen designer can never be underestimated.
San suggested changing the doorway that could then provide a full row of cabinetry including double appliance cabinets keeping benchtops free of clutter. The workflow and functionality created great storage solutions.
Emily and Lynton were grateful for San’s experience and knowledge, in delivering the perfect design brief.
Designing a family friendly kitchen and laundry
Creating a space that will grow with your family can sometimes be challenging, but Emily found it easier with her kitchen designer guiding her on budget, design and practicality.
For their home, Emily and Lynton chose a minimalist design with warm touches to make it their own. Being their ‘forever home’, a timeless and functional design was key.
Kitchen highlights
💥 A large central island bench, with impressive waterfall ends, is the ideal space for family chats.
💥 White Canvas AC Stone benchtops creating a subtle textured look and spacious feel.
💥 Streamlined white handle-free cabinetry with timber laminate overheads for warmth.
💥 Deep drawer stacks including pot drawers under the cooktop – a favourite of Emily’s and one of San’s many brilliant suggestions!
Laundry makeover
The outdated space is now super functional with loads of storage, bench space, a tall broom cabinet and pull out landry baskets.
Emily saved money by sourcing tiles, lighting and tapware herself, a tip for all budget conscious renovators. The final finishes for their kitchen and laundry can be found below.
On time and on budget
For first time DIYers, Emily and Lynton were super impressed with how smooth the process was. The design, installation and trades made it easy and always happy to answer their questions, no matter how basic! When you’re doing this for the first time the learning curve is steep and having a supportive team by your side takes a lot of the stress out of the situation.
Working with the trades and Nexus Stone for the benchtops was a delight. Special mention to the tiler whose craftsmanship completing the space adds the perfect mix of colour and texture, along with personality. A touch of paint and chosen pendants were the final touches that make the space truly shine.
Best Part of The Kitchen and Laundry Renovation
The standout features included the stunning cabinetry, a spacious island bench, well designed storage and an abundance of light!
With two busy kids, the extra storage is amazing, everything stays tidy and hidden when guests drop in. Opening up the space allowed for even more storage including a pantry and two appliance cupboards with power points. No more cluttered bench tops and tangled cords. Everything from the toaster, blender and mixer is tucked away out of sight – organised functionality.
Kitchen Shack helped them transform their kitchen and laundry on a tight budget, delivering amazing results. If you want a kitchen that will suit your budget and your needs get started by booking a free in-store design. Or, if you need further inspiration take a look at our Prahran Kitchen Renovation it’s sure to impress!
Curious about the renovation process? Watch Emily’s full renovation journey below.
