A light and bright real kitchen reno

Homeowner: Jessie Harvey

Cost: $28,000

This family kitchen is the hub of the home and it’s hard to believe it was once dark, dingey, uninspiring and all kinds of brown! Homeowner and mum Jessie Harvey, tells us what they did.

“We opted for a new kitchen as a makeover was not an option due to the condition of the old carcasses, which were literally falling apart! We installed Granite Transformations Trend Surfaces in Bianco Real on the main benchtop and Trend Surfaces in Venus Grey on the island benchtop. Gloss white doors opened up the space and a mirror splashback reflects the light and garden opposite the kitchen.” Add to the mix some IAG appliances and concrete effect wallpaper above the overhead cupboards to tie in with the grey island benchtop and create some texture, and the kitchen was given a whole new lease on life.

“The space before was dark and closed in by walls so we wanted to open it up by removing two walls on either side of the kitchen,” Jessie explains. “It’s a much more open space now with the lounge and dining room opening to the kitchen. The removal of one of the walls also means there’s a view to the backyard, perfect for watching the kids outside while cooking.”

The family, including kids Bonnie-Willow (seven) and Banjo Lee (four), didn’t used to want to spend any time in the kitchen. “Now, I’m always in there,” Jessie says. “My kids are always doing homework, craft activities and anything messy really on the benchtops so it was essential to have surfaces that could allow them to do this without any staining or marking. The stone surfaces are amazing. The kitchen really is the centre of the house now.”

Jessie is most happy with the amount of benchtop space she now has and loves the feeling of openness. “I can watch the kids in most spaces of the house from the kitchen now. I also love putting the pendant lights on over the island benchtop at night time as it creates such a relaxed and calm mood.”

And here are the before photos…

I don’t think I need to ask which you prefer!

We’d love to hear about your kitchen makeovers. Drop us a line.