SAGE ADVICE

from Bunnings Magazine July 2023

Violet rumble

A LONELY COOK NOOK IS NOW A GORGEOUS, FUNCTIONAL AND SOCIABLE SPACE

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN Photography CATH MUSCAT Styling TILLY ROBERTS

Keen renovators Tilly and fiancé Ray loved the ‘70s features of their Canberra townhouse, but the kitchen was one element not worth saving. “The rest of the house has high ceilings, which is one reason why we bought it, but the kitchen was small and poky in the corner of a large space,” says interior stylist Tilly (tillyrobertsdesign.com). Along with a lack of modern necessities – no dishwasher! – carpet butted up to the kitchen, and a benchtop upstand screened it off, isolating the cook. “It was really antisocial,” says Tilly. “When we had people over I’d be in the kitchen cooking by myself!”

Design smarts

In addition to opening up the kitchen to the dining and lounge areas, Tilly and Ray wanted to increase storage and make more efficient use of the space. They used the Kaboodle 3D planner to draw up their ideal kitchen, with budget top of mind. “We tried to work with the original framework where possible, keeping plumbing and electrics roughly in the same area to cut costs,” says Tilly. Demolishing most of the old kitchen themselves also helped to keep costs down.

Making use of the empty brick wall on the left resolved the storage shortage – it now houses a fridge, pantry, cabinetry and shelving. And while the U-shaped kitchen was the best use of space without major alterations, it did throw up a few logistical challenges. So to make pots and pans more accessible, the corner cabinets were fitted out with internal carousels, while an awkward leftover space beside the oven was filled with a handy pullout spice rack.

Paint job

Using Kaboodle raw board cabinetry (in Alpine profile) allowed their own choice of colour, with Tilly settling on a half tint of Taubmans South Wind, a subtle grey-green shade that marries well with the original timber in

Primed & ready to paint their 70s home. To further reduce costs, the pair prepped and handpainted the cabinetry, which gave it a beautiful soft finish. “I like that matt finish – it feels very natural,” says Tilly. It’s also easy to touch up if it gets damaged, and to change colour completely if they want a whole new look.

LEFT Kaboodle Kitchen 2400mm x 600mm x 33mm timber benchtops in American Oak, $660 each, I/N: 0246290, ‘Salento’ 96mm kitchen handles in Worn Gold, $8.70 each, I/N: 0175893†, and 150mm raw board wine rack, $81, I/N: 2668820†. BELOW 2 tier corner rotating baskets in Grey/Chrome, $166.50, I/N: 2667709.

Wood work

American oak benchtops were chosen to tie in with the home’s original timber elements, and offcuts turned into shelves. Tilly and Ray prepped and finished all the timber, and say the maintenance required – more sanding and re-oiling from time to time – is more than outweighed by its warmth, beauty and longevity.

The open shelves were a must for Tilly, who has a collection of lovely objects. “It makes the kitchen feel personalised – we can put the beautiful pieces out on display, rather than hiding them away in a cabinet,” she says.

ABOVE

Kitchen 400mm soft close pullout baskets in Grey/Chrome, $79 each, I/N: 2669878, and (above right) 150mm 2 tier soft close pullout baskets in Grey/Chrome, $104, I/N: 2667713. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. All hardwired electrical fittings and most plumbing work must be carried out by licensed professionals.