The Retro Reno
Exceptional tiles in a 70s style
To truly appreciate this kitchen design, you first need to understand our client’s story. You see, everyone is different - and uniqueness should be celebrated throughout a renovation, seeping into every corner. But it’s more than simply aesthetic, the design needs to fit in with the individual’s plans, personality and particulars. And this client had a few particulars…
When we realised we were partnering with Melbourne’s tiling Royalty, we knew we were in for a treat. Dara is the Founder and Tile-EO at Byzantine Design, “the most beautiful tile store in Melbourne.” Despite dreams of becoming an archaeologist, Dara found herself working in the renovation industry, so naturally with her curiosity for history and earth, there was one aspect of work that drew her in most… Stone.
This passion led her on a path to becoming a renowned tiling expert, and so she’s certainly no stranger to kitchen upgrades. This wasn’t just another job for her though, this was her very own personal renovation. And for the first time ever Dara had the chance to put her stamp on a new home that told an all-important story.
Initially, Dara dabbled in Ikea or Bunnings fit-outs, but after some contemplation, it was clear these quick fixes were not the answer. Instead, she needed something a little more reflective of her personality - and the Wizards helped bring this in bucketloads.
The right start
Dara’s home is a 70’s architectural treasure, with original mid-century flare. Think warm tones, wooden features and an elegant minimal finish. It was essential therefore that we wove this into the design, creating a cohesive yet contemporary style.
But where to start?
Dream kitchens don’t always begin in the same place. Floors, splashbacks and benchtops can all be the spark that ignites a truly magnificent space. Sometimes it’s even the physical location which presents unique building blocks for the ideal kitchen design.
For Dara, it all began with the flooring. Since she lives and breathes tiles, it was only natural that picking the right material was top priority. And where else to go but the best tile shop around?
In true 70’s fashion, Dara selected Byzantine Design Biscotti Tumbled Travertine floor tiles - warming up the room and laying the perfect textured foundation. Then it was time for the statement piece.
Dara is someone who classifies “leopard print as a neutral”, so we definitely needed to go bold. After some deliberation, she settled on the Byzantine Design Verde Marinace for the benchtops. Its leather finish and beautifully chaotic pattern gives “crazy paving” with a contemporary twist, which was the perfect retro vibe. Every inch is covered in asymmetric lines and a dappled aesthetic that served as the ideal springboard for the rest of the renovation.
Punchy with purpose
This kitchen was not made to be timid. The stonework speaks for itself on that front. But bold design alone is not enough, each and every piece within the brief needed a purpose.
To elevate the room and let the benchtops do the talking, we paired-back cabinetry, opting for Polytec Topiary Green Venette laminate for a clean and elegant touch. This earthy shade reflects the warm granite tops and travertine flooring without overpowering them.
The pantry needed to work with the building too, especially as it’s the first thing you see when you enter the front door. It had to feel bespoke - separate from the kitchen cabinets, while still part of the whole story. We introduced the Polytec Calcutta profile here to make it look like a custom piece of furniture, and wove this into the rangehood cabinetry to bring the space together.
The splashback was a make-or-break decision. We didn’t want it to take away from the design choices already made. Equally, it couldn’t be too dull. It needed to shine without distracting from the rest of the space, and Byzantine Design Riad Natural kitchen tiles do just that. Their reflective quality fits perfectly with the rest of the materials, making the room feel complete.
*Hot Tip*
Not sure where to begin on a design? It’s best to go back to what you love. If there is something that’s caught your eye or got you excited, listen to that feeling. It’s a great place to start as it can often inform the rest of a renovation, so SCROLL through PINTEREST, MAGAZINES or just look around your home and in Marie Kondo style – think about what sparks joy. No matter what IT may be, we can help you create a cohesive, beautiful interior to match your style.
Before & After
Inside and out
The design may have retro vibes, but when it comes to innovative kitchen solutions, it really packs a punch. Its tight floor plan dictated that all of the features - including storage and appliances - had to be both considered and deliberate.
The pantry contains tucked-away drawers ready with ingredients for practically any recipe you can think up, and the pull-out Hafele One2Five bin is a game-changer. The Westinghouse oven, cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher nestle in perfectly with the cabinetry, which ensure cooking essentials are always in arms reach.
Soft-close Blum drawers house all the kitchen items Dara might need, and Kethy Walnut timber slant curved handles bring the whole design back to the house’s original 70s thread.
These carefully chosen features make it a kitchen that’s groovy on the outside and genius on the inside.
Expanding your horizons
Kitchens shouldn’t just “end”. The feeling you get from the heart of your home should weave its magic through to more of the house. So where to next? The laundry room, of course - and a floorplan redesign was in order.
The current space, albeit small, was underutilised and we knew there was a better way forward. By extending the kitchen in line with this room, it allowed for more space including a small powder room. With additional floor area came more design freedom, and naturally Dara grabbed it with both hands.
The Byzantine Design Amazon marble tiles are 100 x 100mm squares of artistic perfection. Their unique colourful swirls are peppered with smatterings of darker tones, reflecting the kitchen benchtops and making this area anything but bland.
*Hot Tip*
Laundry rooms are the place to go wild (with design, that is). Since these spaces are normally smaller, you can afford to MAKE bold, beautiful and eclectic SELECTIONS. Just make sure they nod back to your kitchen in some way if they’re neighbouring.
A match made in reno heaven
Working with Dara has been a dream. She’s no stranger to the renovation world and understands exactly how it works. When she came to us with her clear vision, we knew it would be an wonderful partnership.
When it comes to her own business Byzantine Design, Dara assures she’ll “ tell you how it is in a direct manner, whilst staying true to your vision” and that’s exactly what happened with this project. We loved working with Dara’s creative spirit and her bold choices made this a project worth capturing. So this collaboration really was a heavenly match.
Every client is an individual. And it’s that individuality which gives each project its map. You effectively set the direction through your kitchen requirements, distinctive character, future home goals and wild ideas. And if you aren’t quite as sure as Dara of what you want, that’s more than fine too. It’s our job to ask the right questions and plan the perfect kitchen for you.
So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us to book in your kitchen consultation and find out how we can take your interior dreams and make them a reality. Call us on (03) 9557 2988 and let's get started.
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“I just knew from the moment I spoke to Jennifer and Darko in the showroom that Wood Wizards were my people. And I was right. From that first consultation to subsequent meetings with Jordan, Jason and Darko, and dealing with all of their tradespeople, my renovation has been extraordinarily efficient and easy. Communication has been great through all of the stages. I would recommend Wood Wizards to everyone, and my finished kitchen is even better than I could have imagined.”
Project Details
Price Guide
Kitchen & Laundry Cabinetry $35,000-$40,000
Benchtops & Splashbacks - By Client
Prices are an estimate for cabinetry only, including pull-out and 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
Polytec Topiary Venette laminate
Polytec Topiary Calcutta 2 pack cabinetry
Polytec Florentine Walnut Woodmatt shelving
Kethy Walnut timber slant handle curved
Hafele One2Five bin and laundry rail
Blum drawers
Byzantine Design Verde Marinace Leather Finish benchtops
Byzantine Design Riad Natural kitchen tiles
Byzantine Design Amazon marble laundry tiles
Byzantine Design Biscotti tumbled travertine floor tiles
SMI Stone Mason
Westinghouse oven, cooktop, rangehood and dishwasher
Oliveri sink and taps
ABI Interiors laundry sink
Petrina Turner stylist
Robert Gordan Pearl Stone wall sconces
Adriatic bar stools
RJ Living laundry hooks
Red Olive Studios laundry artwork