Interiors

Before + After: This Classic Kitchen Renovation Has Revived A 1980s Childhood Home

The owner of this 1986 house in Melbourne’s Mill Park first lived in the home as a child.

He eventually bought the house from his parents, then rented it out for years, before recently returning to the property with his wife.

By this stage, the original kitchen was in need of a refresh. Working with M.J. Harris Group, the owners have introduced more functional and calm spaces through a serene colour palette, considered orientation, and curved joinery.

Written
by
Amelia Barnes
|
Photography
by

Laminex Sarsen Grey lower joinery. George Fethers & Co HAR 91.47 cellupal upper joinery. Greenhill Timbers Straw flooring. Caesarstone Organic White benchtops. Academy Tiles Plimepaplika splashback tiles.

Laminex Sarsen Grey lower joinery. George Fethers & Co HAR 91.47 cellupal upper joinery. Caesarstone Organic White benchtops. Academy Tiles Plimepaplika splashback tiles.

Custom dining table made by Beeline Design. Ay Illuminate pendant light. Laminex Sarsen Grey grey joinery. Academy Tiles Plimepaplika splashback tiles. George Fethers & Co HAR 91.47 cellupal joinery. Greenhill Timbers Straw flooring.

Custom dining table made by Beeline Design. Ay Illuminate pendant light. Laminex Sarsen Grey grey joinery. Academy Tiles Plimepaplika splashback tiles. George Fethers & Co HAR 91.47 cellupal joinery. Greenhill Timbers Straw flooring.

Custom dining table made by Beeline Design. Muuto Dots Wood hooks. Ay Illuminate pendant light. Laminex Sarsen Grey grey joinery. Academy Tiles Plimepaplika splashback tiles. George Fethers & Co HAR 91.47 cellupal joinery. Greenhill Timbers Straw flooring.

The before shots featuring the original 1986 kitchen.

Writer
Amelia Barnes
Photography
23rd of June 2023
Interior design
Location

Mill Park, VIC/Wurundjeri Country

This 1986 house has huge sentimental value for the current owner, who lived in the home growing up.

He and his wife recently returned to the  Mill Park, Melbourne home (in the city’s north east) to live in permanently.

After years of family living and being rented out, the property was looking tired and dated, so the owners brought in M.J. Harris Group with interior designer Naomi McLean.

Their plan was to transform the kitchen without moving its position within the home. The space needed additional storage, a more open layout, and auspicious orientation in line with their cultural values.

The updated kitchen layout mirrors the original, featuring full new height cabinets on the right hand side, allowing the cooktop to face east.

Structurally, a wall separating the kitchens and living spaces was demolished to open up the space. ‘We also changed the entrance to the kitchen from a conventional door to a plastered arch opening, further enhancing a feeling of openness,’ says Naomi.

A built-in dining nook with a timber slat wall was also created to offer intimacy while maintaining an open atmosphere.

For the material selections, Naomi opted for a light and serene colour palette emphasising spaciousness and enhancing natural light. ‘Hints of green and pale grey can be seen to promote a sense of calm, making the space a perfect spot to unwind after a long day at work,’ she says.

Small square tiles on the kitchen splashback create visual interest and texture, while wood grain laminate and timber flooring add warmth.

A cohesive use of gentle curves across the upper timber shelves, benchtop edges, arched entryway, and dining tabletop unites the overall scheme.

Finally, more storage has been integrated through the addition of overhead cabinetry in the kitchen as well as in the mud room and custom bench seat.

The renovated home is more practical, light, and inspiring, with the kitchen now the proud centrepiece. Naomi says the couple are ‘looking forward to creating many more memories in this beloved family home.’

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