Kitchen on the move

Rework your home’s floor plan and achieve magic results

have you ever sat back and thought, gee, the kitchen is really in the wrong room? You’re not alone! Take inspiration from this renovation where the clunky old kitchen was demolished and replaced by a new model – constructed from scratch – further along the narrow floor plan. The outcome?

A striking black, white and brass installation you can learn from, set among period ceiling detailing, chandeliers and fabulous timber floors.

1 If you have an original fireplace,

draw all eyes to it with a coat of near-black paint. To achieve this look, prime then paint the mantelpiece in Dulux Aquanamel in Maximus. Up the overall impact by coating the surrounding walls and island bench in the same dramatic hue.

2 You’ll achieve a graphic scheme

by offsetting the dark and moody room features with allwhite cabinetry, main walls and ornate ceilings. Take note how the brass splashback and glitzy chandeliers elevate this room to grand heights.

3 When you’re entertaining,

the kitchen quickly becomes the hotspot to gather, so set up a mirror-topped drinks buffet nearby, loaded with all the necessities.

6 While in the planning stage, aim to align new and old design elements (demonstrated here with the chandeliers, island bench and artwork) so your kitchen is strikingly beautiful from every angle.

7 The old kitchen

was removed and is now a useful extension of the small bedroom space.

8 The unusual floor plan

of this flat lands one of the two entry doors by the kitchen. Design note: if your room oozes classic charm, choose a door with traditional detailing.

9 Out of sight,

but not out of mind, a butler’s pantry is ideal for hosting your fridge, a secondary sink and wallloads of open shelving.

10 In the splash zone, complement DIY cabinetry (here, from Kaboodle Kitchen) with a sensational splashback. This 1.2mmthick brass panel, fitted to a ply substrate, will develop a gorgeous patina as it ages.

11 Hide your regularly used appliances –

think microwave, toaster and kettle – behind the closed doors of a handy appliance centre. PS, plan to have your electrician install power outlets inside the cabinet.

12 Provide open shelving

with a bookcase fitted to one side of the island bench. Before painting, run a router around the outside edge of the balustrade frame for a rounded finish, if desired.