Room of the Week: A Groovy Transformation for a '70s Kitchen
A tiny townhouse kitchen is reimagined with a new layout, bold colour and subtle patterning
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Starting point
We were keen to respect the subtle ’70s vibe that had managed to survive a bad fitout for the property sale. Cues were taken from salvaged building elements, such as the retro timber wall panelling in one of the bedrooms, the modestly painted bricks, the chunky open staircase, and the bold, exposed floor structure.
We were keen to respect the subtle ’70s vibe that had managed to survive a bad fitout for the property sale. Cues were taken from salvaged building elements, such as the retro timber wall panelling in one of the bedrooms, the modestly painted bricks, the chunky open staircase, and the bold, exposed floor structure.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: The joinery was painted in Dulux ‘Bouyant’; the walls and exposed ceiling were painted in Dulux ‘Whisper White’, and the Thonet chairs were professionally custom-painted in Dulux ‘Navy Trim’ (I wouldn’t dare paint them myself!)
Materials palette: Factory-painted MDF cabinetry panels with routed lines in a custom pattern; Quartzite stone benchtops; pre-finished engineered oak flooring; In-teria oak cabinetry handles.
Colour palette: The joinery was painted in Dulux ‘Bouyant’; the walls and exposed ceiling were painted in Dulux ‘Whisper White’, and the Thonet chairs were professionally custom-painted in Dulux ‘Navy Trim’ (I wouldn’t dare paint them myself!)
Materials palette: Factory-painted MDF cabinetry panels with routed lines in a custom pattern; Quartzite stone benchtops; pre-finished engineered oak flooring; In-teria oak cabinetry handles.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings
Smeg fridge; Bosch stovetop and oven; Thonet chairs; eBay dining table; light fittings by Coco Flip and Roll & Hill (available at Space Furniture); artwork by Tonee Messiah (her artwork is available at Gallery 9).
Smeg fridge; Bosch stovetop and oven; Thonet chairs; eBay dining table; light fittings by Coco Flip and Roll & Hill (available at Space Furniture); artwork by Tonee Messiah (her artwork is available at Gallery 9).
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture and fixtures
That was very straightforward – the aim was to have as many functions in this small space as we needed for day-to-day living, without compromising on usability, circulation or aesthetics.
That was very straightforward – the aim was to have as many functions in this small space as we needed for day-to-day living, without compromising on usability, circulation or aesthetics.
What challenges did you work around?
Working with an existing shell comes with its own challenges and constraints, especially the truly solid parts such as the brick walls and concrete floor slab. Being smart about the re-use of existing services, such as water points, and only moving them where practical and beneficial to the overall outcome, was key to keeping costs down and the build relatively simple.
Working with an existing shell comes with its own challenges and constraints, especially the truly solid parts such as the brick walls and concrete floor slab. Being smart about the re-use of existing services, such as water points, and only moving them where practical and beneficial to the overall outcome, was key to keeping costs down and the build relatively simple.
Why do you think this room works?
It is beautiful, functional, easy to maintain and suits our needs perfectly.
Tell us
What do you love about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
More
Want more great design? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Short and Sweet Apartment Bathroom Revamp
It is beautiful, functional, easy to maintain and suits our needs perfectly.
Tell us
What do you love about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
More
Want more great design? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Short and Sweet Apartment Bathroom Revamp
Styling by Tamara Maynes
Answers by Lisa Breeze, owner and founder of Lisa Breeze Architect
Who lives here: Myself, my husband and our two fur babies, Darcy the Westie and Seb the cat
Location: Fitzroy North, Victoria
Room size: 32 square metres
Brief
The aim was to transform our small, inner-city 1970s townhouse into a chic, cosy and functional abode. The existing kitchen layout was clunky with plenty of wasted space. We wanted to transform it with simple, refined finishes, bold colours, pattern – and on a reasonable budget.
Storage was also in short supply and the aim was to get kitchen paraphernalia, and laundry and garden equipment into the new combined kitchen/living/dining area. I hate clutter and mess, so it was important for me to have a home for everything with easy access to the things we use regularly.