A Brighton East transformation
Custom contemporary just got cosier.
When it comes to kitchens, white doesn’t have to mean sterile. For David and Kate, it was essential to create a warm and homely atmosphere, so we worked our magic – crafting the perfect concoction of comfortable contemporary. Minimal, yet stylish and elegant, this kitchen is irresistibly inviting.
And we didn’t stop there.
During the design process, we worked collaboratively with the pair to see where else it was possible to integrate key design features within their home. Confident in our expert advice, the plan evolved to incorporate the home’s laundry room and butler’s pantry, an innovative under stairs wine storage solution and two spacious bathrooms. The result? Nothing short of exquisite.
David and Kate were seeking a house transformation which they could not only enjoy today, but importantly one which would entice potential buyers when they decide to downsize in the future. Everything needed to work in perfect harmony. So, we designed it to do just that.
*Hot Tip*
If you are thinking about doing your own kitchen renovation, it’s smart to include any other rooms, nooks and corners that need an upgrade. Doing it all together not only saves time and money but helps create a sense of flow. You can then say hello to perfect storage solutions and complimentary cabinetry throughout your whole home.
Behind closed drawers.
The kitchen itself needed to be welcoming – and practical. Working with our team of custom kitchen designers, we stepped through each part of the couple’s daily routine to ascertain what areas needed focus. Entertaining and family get-togethers were a priority, so we looked at making the space functional yet relaxed.
Game-changing storage was a must, hence we replaced existing bulky cupboards with Blum drawers encased in stunning handleless cabinetry. This created oodles of space and made finding items a breeze with the smoothest soft-close technology.
Blum cutlery inserts were added to make organising utensils a breeze. It may sound simple, but its mechanisms like these which make life easy – helping to keep your kitchen spick, span and in order when life’s chaos inevitably creeps in.
We also installed the ingenious pull out Hafele Euro cargo bin, making waste disposal faster and easier. Check out our recent blog on sustainable waste if you’re looking for a little rubbish inspiration (… it turns out we’re pretty good at talking rubbish).
Looking for handles? There aren’t many. The beauty of handleless cabinetry lies in its sleek finish and minimal style. It helped embody the modern aesthetic they were looking for, making the room feel as clean and light.
But with the high gloss fixtures checked, we were on a mission to add warmth.
Enter Quartzite natural stone from Victoria Stone Gallery.
The dappled benchtops in Diesel Blue added the perfect amount of contrasting textures and hues to the bright Whisper White cabinetry. Originally Kate and David were looking for a lighter colour, but this marbled finish brought the kitchen design the edge it needed.
Note: It’s always important to be open to adaptations during the renovation process. Minds can often change, and designs can level up.
Functional and stylish handles were added on the fridge and pantry doors in Oxidised Tin Matt by Kethy. The industrial tones harmonise with the natural stone and darker elements of the kitchen superbly. Rich and earthy elements blend flawlessly with the simple layout.
But simplicity on the outside doesn’t always mean simplicity on the inside.
Meet the appliances.
They’re smart, they’re savvy and they are the secret to effortless kitchen living.
When we begin a design, we always think about our client needs in conjunction with our trusted suppliers. We then put our match-making hats on to find the perfect formula for your space.
Part of that formula is always appliances.
For David and Kate, we wanted to make sure that the room was functional and flexible with their lifestyle, which is where clever integrations make all the difference. Solving the bugbear of noisy kettles boiling, they opted for the Inksinkerator 3N1 Multitap which can produce instant filtered boiling water. Ideal for steamy winter coffees and tea on the go.
The Franke Fragranite sink paired beautifully with the natural stone benchtops and is practically indestructible. It’s made to withstand any dents, chips or stains, so that's one less thing to worry about when it comes to the washing up.
Sticking to the streamlined contemporary style, the couple chose a Fisher & Paykel cooktop, rangehood and oven. This, alongside the integrated fridge, added to the seamless design of the kitchen and created extra room for clever storage solutions. A smooth bulkhead above the overhead cabinets also meant a sleek finish with less pesky dusting - win win! Everything was designed to slot together like Tetris – it’s the perfect fit.
Even the lighting was carefully considered and chosen. The Beacon bar pendant and Hafele strip lights work together to create the right atmosphere, whatever the occasion. Romantic dinner? Family get-together? Some afternoon reading? It’s all covered.
Adding elbow room.
Laundries can be a great opportunity to make space. Often they are overlooked, but when appropriately designed, they can be a full extension of the kitchen and more.
We turned David and Kate’s laundry into a part butler’s pantry with an added sink and stacks of room for extra cleaning up. They wanted simplicity, so we brought through the 2 Pack Whisper White cabinetry from the kitchen and complimented it with Caesarstone benchtops in stunning Cosmopolitan White.
This gave a sense of continuous design with a change-up of materials for some textural variation. It helped create that all-important journey through the home.
And the quest continued…
Picture a basic cupboard under the stairs. It’s usually crammed with odd-ends that tend to spill out once in a while... Now feast your eyes on the custom cabinetry we added to this nook. Game changing.
Storage is the backbone of organisation in any home, and we wanted to strengthen joinery solutions in every section we could. Custom cabinetry now sits comfortably here, commanding attention and making plenty of room for keepsakes. In fact, this open shelving is David’s most loved feature of the entire renovation. Whether it’s your sip worthy wine collection, a library of books you’ve devoured, or even your mint-condition vintage toy collection – it’s a space you can make completely your own.
Freshening up.
Last (but certainly not least), we freshened up the bathrooms with new vanities and custom benchtops.
The beauty of full customisation is that you can make storage work in any space.
Downstairs we kept the colours bright and pure with 2 pack Whisper White cabinetry and Caesarstone benchtops to match the laundry and bring a spacious feel to the powder room. It’s simple yet welcoming.
In contrast, the upstairs washrooms had floating custom vanities with Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt cabinetry that added light and comforting tones to the dappled grey tiling.
The Kado Lussi basins introduced a soft, rounded finish to the otherwise sleek lines of the space. This flawless mix of materials, shapes and aesthetics helped create an enviable room, inviting you to soak and indulge in heavenly self-care moments.
A true transformation
We loved working with David and Kate to bring out the best in their home through contemporary design. It ticks all the boxes they were looking for, striking a delicate balance between functionality and warmth.
With interiors this stunning, we wonder if it might just take a little longer for them to sell up and downsize…
We know we would.
If you’re thinking about a renovation, we will ensure it’s the precise fit for you - communicating constantly to work renovations around your lifestyle.
Where to start? Get in touch with us to book in your kitchen consultation. We’ll answer any questions you may have and start creating a kitchen designed around your hopes, wants and needs. Get ready for the ideal customisation.
We're always here to help, so give us a call on 9557 2988 and let's get started.
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“What started with a kitchen revamp, ended up with us renovating a laundry, 3 bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe & finally cupboards & wine racks under our staircase!! Many thanks to Jordan & his team at Wood Wizards, as we love our new renovations.”
Project Details
Price Guide
Whole House Cabinetry $85,000 - $95,000
Kitchen Cabinetry $35,000 - $45,000
Kitchen Quartzite $20,000
Prices are an estimate for cabinetry or stone only, including installation. Please view The Budget Checklist for further details on the various elements involved in a kitchen renovation – we will quote your total investment including trades following your initial design consultation.
Products, Partners & Suppliers
2 Pack cabinetry in Whisper White Satin
Polytec Estella Oak
Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt
Victoria Stone Gallery Diesel Blue Quartzite
Caesarstone Cosmopolitan White
The Porcelain Factory Stone Mason
Kethy HT017 handles in Oxidised Tin Matt
Hafele Euro Cargo bin
Hafele strip lights
Blum drawers and cutlery inserts
Cellarack wine rack
Franke Kubus Fragranite Onyx sink
Inksinkerator 3N1 Multitap in Brushed Steel
Franke laundry sink
Oliveri Essente tap
Brodware City Stik tapwear
Kado Lussi Vessel basin
Fisher & Paykel integrated fridge
Fisher & Paykel oven
Fisher & Paykel cooktop
Fisher & Paykel rangehood
Fisher & Paykel integrated dishwasher
Bosch dryer
Brighton Flooring Bora Bora French Oak
Beacon Lighting LEDlux Avenue LED pendant
Kmart bar stools