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Interiors Addict Laundry The Block

Every detail of The Block 2022 laundries and mudrooms

Aside from Kitchen Week, laundry, mudroom and hallway (aka hell) week is one of the biggest on The Block. With a jaw-dropping 25 spaces to present to the judges, the contestants overcame a series of obstacles to deliver stunning spaces that are sure to appeal to buyers come auction day. Brimming with mudroom and laundry room ideas, step inside each house to discover each room in more detail.

House 1: Tom and Sarah-Jane Score: 26.5 Place: 2nd

Throughout The Block 2022, the judges have applauded Tom and Sarah-Jane for their design choices and finishes and this week was no exception. Walking into their mudroom Neale Whitaker praised the choice of the bold navy Sierra Oxford Matt paired with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts. “It’s such a luxurious layering of finishes. It’s homely and it’s luxe but it’s also highly functional, he said. My god I’d love this in my home.”

Awash with natural light, Tom and Sarah-Jane’s laundry is a chic and calming space. Echoing their kitchen, the couple selected Sierra Oyster Matt doors, pairing them with Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles for a classic and timeless look. The galley-style layout provides plenty of storage as well as folding space on Caesarstone Arabetto benchtops.

Tall broom cupboards feature alongside under-bench laundry cabinets, while touch-catch wall laundry joinery sits above the sink and tap. Laundry day is a breeze thanks to a washing machine, clothes dryer, and drying cabinet, all from Asko. The internal storage accessories are the unsung heroes of this space, with Tom and Sarah-Jane including four Wire Laundry Baskets, plus Inner Drawers to double the storage within. The addition of LED Strip lighting ensures that washing can be done night or day, as well as highlighting the beauty of the joinery and tiled splashback.

Perfect for country living, their mudroom showcases a dramatic yet warm palette. Darker cabinetry has been selected with navy Shaker-style Sierra Oxford doors with Patina Brass Mesh Inserts creating a modern country aesthetic. The continued use of Caesarstone Arabetto benches and Brushed Antique Bronze Knob handles connect this room with the rest of the house, in particular the kitchen and laundry. The judges loved how Tom and Sarah-Jane had selected to use “complementary but contrasting” coloured cabinetry in a Shaker-style profile to distinguish the two zones since they are part of the same space.

While effortlessly stylish, this mudroom ticks all the boxes design-wise. A wealth of storage is on offer with generous cupboards providing space to store items including shoes and bags. The seating area is another must-have, and the addition of the Arched Pet Bed is a stroke of genius with a series of drawers nearby providing space for pet bowls, food, and other essential items for the four-legged members of the family.

Laundry Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details

  • Laundry Cabinetry: Sierra Oyster Grey Matt
  • Laundry Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
  • Laundry Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Inner Drawers, Federation Capping
  • Laundry Appliances: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Laundry Sink: By Asko. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Tap: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
  • By contestants: Tiled splashback, hanging rail


Mudroom Hardware and Surfaces Details

  • Cabinetry: Sierra Oxford Matt with Patina Brass Mesh Insert, Oiled Legno Chalk
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Arabetto
  • Handles: NEW Brushed Antique Bronze Knobs in Matt Finish 22-M-39, Touch Catch
  • Splashbacks: Tiles by contestants
  • Accessories: Arched Pet Bed, Laundry Wire Basket
  • Lighting: Warm LED Strip lighting

House 2: Rachel and Ryan Score: 25 Place: 3rd

Coming off their win from Living & Dining Week, Rachel and Ryan were excited to continue to bring their fresh, modern style into their home. Drawing inspiration from some of the finishes in their kitchens such as the slim-Shaker Cora Amaro Matt cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and pull handles in Dull Brushed Nickel, the pair also mixed things up a little. This was seen through the bold Caesarstone Primordia benchtops and brick-look floor tile- both of which the judges loved. “It does make me wish we’d seen this in the kitchen, said Darren Palmer. They could have won!”

Rachel and Ryan delivered a laundry design layout that balances style with substance. The washing machine and clothes dryer, both from Euromaid, have been placed side by side, producing a generous Caesarstone Primordia benchtop above. Slim Shaker-style Cora cabinetry in Amaro has been used throughout, with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles providing the perfect level of contrast and glamour.

Laundry design ideas abound in this space. Here, storage is king, with tall linen cupboards framing a large window which brings in plenty of natural light. A bank of cupboards sits below the window, some containing internal drawers, allowing easy organisation of various laundry and cleaning essentials. Open shelving breaks up the banks of joinery while providing the perfect space for displaying styling décor.

Mirroring the neutral colour palette of the laundry, the mudroom is as practical as it is stylish. Rachel and Ryan selected Cora Amaro cabinetry with Solid Brass Knob and 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull handles, both in a Dull Brushed Nickel finish, creating a seamless look between their laundry and kitchen.

The galley-style design has been divided into two zones. A seating zone, with open storage under a bench seat, provides easy storage of boots and shoes. On either side sit broom and linen cupboards, providing ample storage. Opposite, the inclusion of the Samsung Air Dresser as well as more tall storage, including a tandem pantry, ensure that this mudroom is an important addition to the home.

Together, these elements all came together in a space that the judges loved from the finishes, colours, and appliances, Shaynna Blaze declaring that the room is “Heaven”. “Buyers are going to love this stuff, added Scott Cam. Despite your issues finishing this week, the judges think that your home is really unfolding as a contender for one of the best houses on The Block!”

Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details

  • Cabinetry: Cora Amaro Matt
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Primordia 40mm
  • Handles: NEW 35mm Solid Brass Knob in Dull Brushed Nickel 34-M-42, NEW 160mm Solid Brass Bar Pull in Dull Brushed Nickel 45-M-54, Touch Catch
  • Splashbacks: By contestants
  • Accessories: Laundry Wire Basket, Inner Drawers, Black Hanging Rail (within cabinetry)
  • Appliances: Euromaid and Samsung, Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Laundry Sink: By Abey. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Tap: By Gessi. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting

House 3: Ankur and Sharon Score: 23 Place: 4th

“Drama” and “House 3” seem to be two phrases that go hand in hand at the moment and while the judges were conflicted about how they felt about Sharon and Ankur’s hallway they were in perfect agreement about the success of their laundry and mudroom zone. Shaynna’s face lit up upon entering the room, describing it as a “dog’s paradise” in reference to the built-in dog bath.

Indeed, it’s not often a laundry includes a tiled pet bath, yet this is the case in Sharon and Ankur’s impressive laundry room! Spanning a generous 7.5 metres, the large laundry room layout ensures style, storage, and functionality are all achieved in spades. An organic and earthy scheme has been evoked with a mixture of Shaker-style cabinetry in Sierra IV Dry Sage and Sierra Alabaster, with open shelving in Nordic Oak. The inclusion of Caesarstone® Empira Black countertops and Black Timber Bar with Copper Leg handles tie the space to their main kitchen while adding a modern touch.

The pair opted for a series of base cabinets and placed Samsung laundry appliances side by side, creating an expansive bench perfect for sorting and folding clothing. Hidden behind joinery, two laundry hampers sit next to the sink, while a broom and linen cupboard have also been included. The Samsung AirDresser completes the luxe space.

Sitting across from the laundry, a simple yet effective mudroom is the perfect addition to the home. Providing a wealth of storage due to Nordic Oak open shelving above the seating area, the design also includes space for hanging clothes behind Sierra Alabaster doors plus under-bench storage for footwear. Being placed within the same area as the laundry ensures that the homeowners will be able to keep the rest of the house clean.

The judges clearly loved the laundry and mudroom space, their score reflecting their thoughts about the hallway. As Darren said of what Ankur and Sharon had created “This is the balance of everything, where they made that sweet spot of being courageous and of interest, but also saleable.”

Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details

  • Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, Sierra Alabaster Matt, NEW Nordic Oak Woodgrain
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Empira Black 40mm
  • Handles: Black Timber Bar with Copper Legs 15-K-98, Touch Catch
  • Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Black Hanging Rail, Federation Capping
  • Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Sink: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Tap: By Oliveri. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Lighting: Warm LED strip lighting
  • By contestants: Splashback, Wall Panelling, Pet Area

House 4: Dylan and Jenny Score: 27 Place: WINNERS

It’s hard to believe that tradie couple Dylan and Jenny haven’t had a win this season, but the look of sheer delight on their faces when they realised that they have clinched the win this week was priceless! All three judges loved what the pair had created in their hallway and there was even more to love in their laundry and mudroom. Shaynna loved the inclusion of two sinks, Neale loved the Dry Sage Sierra IV cabinetry and Darren loved how the spaces connected to the butler’s pantry. “It feels really coherent, really complete,” he stated.

An exciting addition to House 4 and worthy of being on any home tour, Dylan and Jenny have designed a winning laundry that ticks all the boxes. Echoing the colour palette of their kitchen, the room showcases Freedom Kitchens’ new Sierra IV cabinetry which features a 40mm rail door profile for a contemporary take on the classic Shaker look. The Dry Sage colour of the doors marry perfectly with Oak Woodgrain exposed shelving, Caesarstone Riverlet benchtops and matte brass handles. Warm LED Strip lighting illuminates the tiled splashback and joinery.

Spanning a generous 4 metres, the cleaning portion of the large laundry room layout consists of a sink and tap, wall cabinets, Samsung appliances and a span of countertop, perfect for folding and sorting clothes. Within the floor cupboards 3 Laundry Wire Baskets and Inner Drawers provide plenty of laundry room storage and easy organisation. Opposite, banks of tall cabinetry make space for storing items such as brooms, mops, and ironing boards, as well as shelving for linen, and room for a Samsung AirDresser.

Flowing on from the laundry, Dylan and Jenny’s mudroom has been designed to be the perfect place to enter and exit the home. With plenty of space to store shoes, bags, coats, and the like, the design also includes another sink and tap, ideal for washing off muddy boots after being out in the countryside! Sierra IV Dry Sage and Oak Wood joinery, a Caesarstone Riverlet bench and Hampton Wide Cup Pull and Round Knob in Matt Brass handles evoke the ease and charm of the Farmhouse style.

A wealth of storage has been achieved with the inclusion of wall and floor cabinets on both sides of the galley-style layout. The seating nook is a stylish and practical touch, with open cubby holes beneath the bench which can be left open or filled with pull-out baskets. There’s even concealed hanging space for coats, plus a cupboard for TV data items.

All the judges agreed that these spaces will greatly appeal to buyers and that they add a lot of value to what is already a stunning home.

Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details

  • Cabinetry: NEW Sierra IV Dry Sage Matt, NEW Oak Woodgrain Benchtops: Caesarstone Riverlet 40mm
  • Handles: NEW Hampton Wide Cup Pull in Matt Brass 96mm 12-M-34, NEW Hampton Round Knob in Matt Brass 32mm 12-M-36
  • Splashbacks: Tiles by contestants
  • Accessories: Laundry Wire Baskets, Federation Capping, Inner Drawers
  • Appliances: By Samsung. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Sinks: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Taps: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting

House 5: Omar and Oz Score: 20.5 Place: 5th

The boys in House 5 had endless hurdles to overcome this week, failing to get across the finish line due to a series of unfortunate events. Dubbing it ‘Shut Down Week Omar and Oz kept working until the end but last nights episode could only give the judges a hint of what they were trying to achieve with their laundry and mudroom combo. However, we can now share the finished rooms which are another wonderful addition to this modern and glamourous home.

Light and bright, Omar and Oz’s laundry ensures washing day is a breeze! A large window above the sink and tap offers plenty of natural light and a pop of greenery against the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in Matt White. The boys opted for Touch Catch doors for a sleek handleless look, while the choice of Caesarstone Riverlet benches add to the overall neutral colour palette. Warm LED Strip lighting brings warmth to the space, highlighting the beauty of each finish the pair have selected.

The U-shaped design of the room allows for a plethora of storage options, ranging from cabinets, soft-close drawers, and linen and broom cupboards. The boys have considered every inclusion that a laundry might need which is reflected in two Laundry Canvas Hampers and even smaller details such as the drawers placed beneath the appliances to allow for easy sorting of clothing. The V-ZUG washer, dryer and Refresh Butler complete the design.

The mudroom connects directly to the laundry, a logical choice that allows muddy clothes and shoes to be placed straight into the sink or washing machine upon entering the home. The showpiece of the all-white colour scheme is Freedom Kitchens’ new Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts within the Shaker-style Sierra joinery in White Matt. The design consists of seating area with storage below for footwear, two tall cabinets for storing coats as well as space for bags.

Laundry & Mudroom Hardware, Surfaces and Appliance Details.

  • Cabinetry: Sierra White Matt, NEW Matt White Perforated Metal Inserts
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Riverlet 40mm
  • Handles: Touch Catch
  • Splashbacks: Caesarstone® Aluminous 12mm Porcelain
  • Accessories: Laundry Canvas Hampers
  • Appliances: By V-ZUG. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Sink: By Blanco. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Tap: By The Galley. Supplied by Appliances Online
  • Lighting: Warm LED Strip Lighting

For more on Freedom Kitchens

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Expert Tips Kitchens

Kitchen ideas: Spring clean yours in three easy steps!

Freedom Kitchens

Often overlooked when it comes to spring cleaning, the kitchen is one of those household spaces that could really use reorganising on the regular. From rearranging the pantry to simplifying your drawers and sorting out the mess that is the space beneath the sink, we caught up with Freedom Kitchens for their step-by-step advice on how to overhaul your kitchen this spring.

Freedom Kitchens

Organise your pantry
As one of the hardest working parts of your kitchen, the pantry (whether a butler’s or simple single unit) is often one of the first spaces to become disorganised and overwhelming. If every time you open your pantry door something falls out (we’re looking at you Tupperware containers!), or you spend what seems like a lifetime trying to find that pasta sauce you need for tonight’s dinner, now is the perfect time to transform your pantry into one of your favourite kitchen spaces.

Pantry
A rather serene looking pantry

Step 1: Remove everything from your pantry. Throw out anything that is out of date and group the rest into ‘like’ items. Store tinned items together, then flours, sugars, pasta and rices, oils and sauces, herbs and spices and so forth. This allows you to find a given food item within your pantry quickly and easily.

Step 2: Clean the pantry shelves and internals.

Step 3: If beautiful, matching, clear containers and pretty labels are your jam, now is the time to place all items in them, keeping all like items together of course!

Step 4: Strategically place items back into the pantry. Keep go-to items at eye level (such as cereals, pasta, and other cooking staples) while placing treats and baking items up high on top shelves (out of sight, out of mind yes?!) and small appliances at the lower levels.

Step 5: Step back and admire your pantry! Oh, and try to repeat this process at least every six months so that it remains an organised masterpiece.

Hot tip: If you have children, consider placing healthy snacks on the bottom level so they can select items themselves with easy access. Also, it’s best to put small appliances up high and out of harm’s way.

Freedom Kitchens' pull-out pantry drawer
Freedom Kitchens’ pull-out pantry drawers

Simplify your drawers
A simple and effective way to spring clean your kitchen is to tidy your drawers containing cutlery and utensils. Afterall, how many wooden spoons does one kitchen really need?

Step 1: Take everything out of your cutlery and utensil drawers. Keep all like items together.

Step 2: Put aside any duplicate utensils. Do you need all ten wooden spoons or whisks? If not, consider donating them to a charity or daycare/school. The same applies to any damaged or mismatching cutlery. The more edited your collection, the easier it will be to store.

Step 3: Wipe and clean out empty drawers.

Step 4: Put all the items back into the drawers.

Freedom Kitchens has a great range of cutlery trays with adjustable dividing elements

The unexpected hero: Tidy under your kitchen sink
Another area of the kitchen, that can be your best friend or enemy, is the area under the kitchen sink. Ensure it’s the former by throwing out anything that you don’t use, or have duplicates of, and then group all like items together.

Consider space savvy storage solutions such as specially designed pull-out racks, or an under-sink drawer to make this organisation even easier. From cleaning products to brushes, gloves and sponges, this makes it much easier for you to find your cleaning essentials.

For more | Australian kitchen trends: Spring 2019 edition

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Kitchens

Australian kitchen trends: Winter 2019 edition

Bertazzoni
The Bertazzoni Heritage collection

From chic vintage inspired ovens to the arrival of Australia’s first domestic blast chiller, Aussie kitchen design is looking more interesting and stylish than ever this winter.

Bertazzoni cooking appliances: The company was founded in Italy in 1882 and the Bertazzoni range features stylish, high-quality appliances unlike anything we’ve seen before. While there’s a ‘Professional’ and ‘Modern’ series, it’s the vintage styled ‘Heritage’ oven collection that really piqued our interest. Available in matte black, charcoal and ivory with chrome and stainless steel or copper trims these are seriously chic ovens. $2,299.

Bertazzoni
The Bertazzoni Heritage collection

Bertazzoni electric oven

Bertazzoni oven

Freedom Kitchens: Created around the idea of the ‘anti-kitchen,’ the new Freedom Kitchens cabinet colours are designed to push the boundaries of traditional ‘neutrals’ and help the kitchen meld seamlessly with the rest of your living space. The colour palette features five on-trend moody shades including two deep blues (French Navy and Oxford), two grey tones (Stone Grey and Fox) and a gorgeous green (‘Green Slate’).

Freedom Kitchens' new 'Green Slate' cabinet fronts
Freedom Kitchens’ new ‘Green Slate’ cabinet colour

Freedom Kitchens' new French Navy cabinet colour
Freedom Kitchens’ new ‘French Navy’ cabinet colour

Dekton by Cosentino: Cosentino has introduced two new dark matte Dekton surfaces to their Natural and Industrial collections, ‘Bromo’ and ‘Milar.’ Reflective of the dark and moody kitchen trend, the material can be used for façades, kitchen and vanity bench tops, floor tiles and wall cladding both indoors and outdoors. It’s also available in 8, 12 and 20 millimetre thicknesses, and large-format sizes that allow for continuous surfaces without cuts or joints.

Dekton by Cosentino's new 'Bromo' surface
Dekton by Cosentino’s new ‘Bromo’ surface

Dekton by Cosentino
Dekton by Cosentino’s new ‘Milar’ surface

A contrast to the above, Dekton also recently released the ‘Stonika’ range of surfaces too. Comprised of seven colours, the range has striking veined patterns and textures and draws inspiration from natural stone.

Dekton Stonika 'Bergen' finish
The Dekton Stonika ‘Bergen’ surface channels Portobello stone

The Dekton Stonika 'Olimpo' finish is inspired by Carrara marble
The Dekton Stonika ‘Olimpo’ surface is inspired by Carrara marble

Smeg: Featuring a range of ovens and cooktops as well as a coffee machine and a wine cellar with sommelier drawer, the latest outing from Smeg (the Linea collection) boasts a clean mirror finish and simple yet sleek lines. The range is available in black, white and silver.

smeg Linea collection
Smeg Linea collection

The brand also launched the Dolce Stil Novo Blast Chiller recently, Australia’s first domestic blast chiller that allows for the sort of home of home cooking, storage and food preservation that was once only available to chefs. The appliance has eight functions including rapid deep freezing, quick and even thawing, low temperature cooking, delay start programming, temperature holding, fast beverage chilling, proving and sanitising modes. $7490.

Smeg blast chiller
Smeg Blast Chiller

Australian kitchen trends: Autumn 2019 edition

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Designers Kitchens

Darren Palmer’s house: new kitchen tour!

We took you inside Darren Palmer’s Bondi home last year and while it looked fabulous, it was a self-confessed work in progress. Something of a kitchen expert (the one in Darren’s Edgecliff renovation was a real beauty), his latest effort is a super stylish Scandinavian inspired space. And while the home’s original kitchen wasn’t old (it was installed in 2010) it was along basic lines and Darren wanted something more high-tech.

Darren in his new kitchen
Darren in his new kitchen

In keeping with the high-tech vibe, the kitchen features a hero wall of sleek metallic cabinetry – Darren chose the anthracite-toned Titan from Freedom Kitchens. “Metallics have been popular in interiors for a couple of years now, but the Titan cabinet doors are an evolution and expansion of the use of metallic surfaces in interiors which also lend a subtle, sophisticated sheen to the kitchen,” says Darren.

The indoor plants are a highlight of the space
The indoor plants are a highlight of the space

Darren was drawn to the grey metallic finish as it complemented his smart new French door fridge. “The metallic range from Freedom Kitchens was the perfect way to achieve the integrated look I was after,” says Darren who further enhanced the sleek finish by using push button doors rather than handles on the upper cupboards. “I chose touch-catch doors to keep it sleek, but then tied back to the metallic with anthracite handles on the timber-look lower cabinets.”

Darren Palmer's Bondi kitchen

A standout feature, the kitchen’s myriad indoor plants really pop against the upper cupboards that feature Freedom Kitchen’s Iceland White finish. The plain white cupboards really help create Darren’s desired modern Scandinavian feel.

For more | Check out Jen’s kitchen reno budget tips

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT Smart Home The Block

Julia & Sasha share kitchen, mudroom and laundry

Photography by Marcel Aucar

Last time we caught up, our kitchen and laundry had just been installed but the finishing touches were a mere pipedream. Fast forward to 2018 and we’re done and dusted. If we’d ever questioned the notion of love at first sight, we don’t anymore. These spaces have far exceeded our expectations and we’re walking around with all the heart eye emojis. If you’re not yet familiar with our design and installation process, you can read about it here. Go on… I’ll wait.

Kitchen

Now we’re on the same page, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve always loved the process of fixing stone bench tops as it pulls the entire look together and adds an element of luxe. We opted for Caesarstone in Calacatta Nuvo for its marble-like appearance and ability to blend classic meets contemporary. It’s also extremely low maintenance and more cost-effective than natural stone. At this point in the renovation, any saving is a good saving and we’re thrilled to bits with the end result. We opted for a frontal waterfall on the island as it defines the sink from the prep area and looks bangin’ to boot.

There’s still more than enough room for three stools and ample space to hang about. Our island measures 3000mm x 1200mm, the maximum when using only one slab of stone. We’re not big fans of longer benches as they require multiple slabs, resulting in an extra join on the surface.

We stuck with the same stone for the splashback in the kitchen but changed it up in the butler’s pantry. The zone opened up ten-fold by using a smoked mirror and we love how it defines the spaces. There’s still a seamlessness as the cabinetry and bench tops are consistent but the use of mirror adds depth and interest. It’s also really easy to keep clean which should always be the MO in any prep area (or so I tell a very messy Sasha).

Among our favourite things are the soaring Sierra cabinets in Matt White from Freedom Kitchens. The Sierra range is a beautiful Shaker-style profile which looks modern yet classic at the same time. We love a generously proportioned space and one of the best ways to achieve this is by taking joinery sky high. The upper cabinets are readily available and measure 1250mm. There’s more storage than you can poke a stick at and they make the room feel infinite. It’s a great trick to implement if you have limited floor space but want to increase the grandeur of your kitchen. You can thank us later, alligators.

Drawers were always big on our list of must-haves and we crammed in as many as we could. They’re so much easier than cupboards when storing everyday items like crockery, containers, and pots and pans. I once did my back while searching for a mixing bowl which was very inconvenient as I had a party to attend and wound up sitting at the dessert table with my friend’s grandma all night. There’s no chance of that happening at Little Willow as we have drawers for days! Freedom Kitchens are clever folk and added some nifty storage solutions like cutlery dividers, a walnut knife holder, and our amazing spice rack. We could buy all the spices from the supermarket and still have room left over. Clever, indeed.

Of course, cupboards are still handy for those things used less often and they’re in abundance in the butler’s pantry. I’m crazy for the corner carousel shelves they installed in the corner cupboard, previously known as the place ‘where things go to die’. It makes such perfect sense and is also really fun to play with. The added depth of our island made way for extra storage in the seating area. Big props to our designer Jack for working so hard to maximise functionality by utilising every inch of available space.

Another big hit are the white sinks. When we settled on the gold tap, we knew we had to skip the standard stainless steel as it can be hard to mix metals. White was a natural alternative and the effect it has is seamless. The sinks are made of composite granite so they’re durable and virtually scratch-resistant. We’re more than happy to share the love so if you need one in your life, head to Reece and ask for the Franke Impact Granite Undermount in White.

On The Block, we were lucky enough to work with Gaggenau and we loved them hard. We didn’t think it possible to develop an affinity with any other appliance brand until NEFF came along. Golly gumdrops, they’re amazing! Our oven stack is so impressive – the doors actually tuck themselves away when you open them. If you haven’t seen them in action, hit up our Insta for a Boomerang demonstration. Our stack includes an in-built Coffee Machine, Compact Oven with Microwave, Slide&Hide Combi-Steam Oven, and Slide&Hide Vario-Steam Oven. That’s a lot of ovens for one house so the new owners best enjoy cooking. The piece de resistance is of course the FlexInduction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft. Rather than going up into a regular rangehood, steam is sucked down into the vent. How’s that for forward thinking?!

The kitchen is complete with two NEFF dishwashers and our double fridge/freezer from Bosch. Where are they, you ask? Hidden behind four integrated panels right near the island bench. It’s such a great way to dress large appliances and something we’ll be doing in every property moving forward.

We utilised the working triangle when designing this kitchen and it really does make a difference. The general rule of thumb is there should only be a few steps between your sink, cooktop, and fridge. Ours are positioned just so and the space sings because of it.

Of course, we’re all about lightness and brightness so we decided to splash out on three VELUX skylights. They let in a phenomenal amount of natural light and we can’t recommend them enough. Even if you’re not doing a full renovation, it’s worth considering adding a few throughout your home as they truly offer bang for buck. They’re such a focal point and amplify everything in the space, including our White Smoked boards from Royal Oak Floors. Together, they bounce the light around and are a match made in Heaven.

Laundry and Mud Room

If there’s beauty in simplicity then this is it. We carried through the Sierra profile to maintain consistency and added functional shelving to break up the look. Our penny round tiles from Beaumont work so well with the Intense White bench top from Caesarstone. The gooseneck tap from Sussex pops against all the white and marble and collectively elicits the most serene vibe. There’s a high chance I’ll be rolling around in dirt just so I can use this space. (OK, maybe not rolling around but I won’t crack it if I spill coffee on my white dress, that’s for sure).

It’s hard for me to admit but Sasha’s mud room came up trumps. Originally I wanted a whole bank of cupboards but she insisted on creating an Insta-worthy space so I relented and let her at it. It’s such a usable zone with outdoor access so there’s no reason for muddy footprints to be dragged through the house. After endless harping, I managed to get my way with tropical wallpaper and I love how it pops against all the white.

I’m calling it – of the four kitchens and laundries we’ve created, these are my absolute favourites. They’re so striking and functional. Some people think all-white spaces are boring but I truly believe there is nothing better. They have an elegance all their own and give off a feeling of light. As Bill Murray said, ‘There has to be a lightness; you have to be as light as you can be and not get weighed down and stuck in your emotion, stuck in your body, stuck in your head. You just want to always be trying to elevate somehow.’ Sure he was talking about something deeper than kitchens and laundries but his advice rings true. We have all the lightness there is and I hope you love our spaces as much as we do.

Our sincere gratitude to all our suppliers for working tirelessly with us. Their knowledge and commitment has made all the difference and we’re forever indebted for the time, energy, and care they’ve shown. There’s something extra special about companies that not only supply product but eagerly anticipate the end result. That kind of enthusiasm is hard to come by but they have it in spades.

Until next time,

Julia xx

More kitchens and bathrooms | Jen’s kitchen reno

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House Tours Jen's reno Kitchens

The big kitchen reveal

Impressive Ultra in classic oak beige in my own kitchen

Photography by Jacqui Turk

I am so excited to finally share my new kitchen with you today! Seeing these beautiful pictures makes the last two months of mess and chaos seem more than worth while!

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home and in this house, it really is. Not just because everyone hangs out in this room, but because it really is in the middle of our home. And the light here is the best in the house. It used to drive me nuts that people gravitated towards this room because of the light when it was unrenovated, as we had much nicer spaces to entertain in like the living room! Now I am no longer embarrassed of my kitchen, I am happy for people to congregate in here and admire it whenever they want!

Black barn door hardware from Bunnings

Bar stools from GlobeWest

This really is my dream kitchen. I’m going to blog about some of the finer details separately, but today’s post is just the first overview of what we chose, what we did and why. In terms of layout, this has not changed drastically, but we did get rid of the back door (see before pix at the end of this post) to allow the cabinetry to go right to the end of the kitchen. We were also able to move our fridge freezer into the kitchen (it’s the little things, right?!) because previously there was nowhere to fit it and it lived in the dining room!

The starting point for this room was the cabinetry from Freedom Kitchens. I always knew I wanted white shaker style doors so when I found out this was possible using their new, more affordable flatpack option, the Essential range, I was thrilled. I saw flatpack as an opportunity to make great savings, which would allow me to still have the other things I dreamed of like stone benchtops.

My good friend, TV interior designer James Treble, sketched me out a rough layout I loved over dinner one night and we were off! I then worked with Freedom Kitchens design consultant Nina Hughes to turn that sketch into a detailed plan, taking into consideration the flatpack options available. This in-home service is included for everyone buying from their flatpack range, as well as a site check to make sure nothing has slipped through the net, before your cabinets are made. This really made me feel confident. I think buying a kitchen off the shelf with no professional advice or checks would have made me worry myself sick!

The next thing I chose were the handles. Anyone who knows me or has been to my home knows I just love a brass accent! I was always going to have gold handles and I sourced these from Kethy (available through The Block Shop) after seeing similar in Julia and Sasha’s beautiful Block kitchen. It was a winning combo from the start. I didn’t look at another handle so this proved to be one of the easiest decisions!

Then benchtops: through my job, I know Caesarstone by reputation and I loved their designs. I had three samples on high rotation but I finally went for the most subtle, Noble Grey, for a few reasons. I liked the contrast of the grey with the white cabinetry, and while the Calacatta marble-look designs have been hugely popular recently, I wanted something a little different. Then I saw blogger Briar Stanley from Sunday Collector use Noble Grey in her amazing kitchen and that sealed the deal.

Of course, then I needed to decide on a complementary splashback. I absolutely love tiles but trying to choose some left me paralysed by indecision! There were just too many amazing choices. I could have opted for subways, and I am a fan, but again, I wanted something a little different. So I decide to carry the Caesarstone up the splash as well; a decision I have not regretted for one second! The splash behind the cooktop is really quite deep so it makes a real feature. When the light through the opposite window hits it, it really shows off the veins in it. I also think the streamlined look it has created has allowed me to add my other, more bling touches, without it feeling cluttered or over the top.

Speaking of bling, the gold tap is from Meir and I am so in love with it! Taps really are like jewellery in a kitchen. You can’t miss them so you might as well make a statement! Their new Tiger Bronze colour was released at just the right time a few months ago and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to get my hands on it! Would a gold sink as well prove too much? I must admit, I did really worry about my decision, but in the end, it all came together beautifully. And nobody can believe that sink came from Bunnings!

Of course, a kitchen can (and should!) look beautiful but it needs to function too! Having room for a fridge freezer was a great start! But I needed to think long and hard about the appliances, which I chose from Italian brand Ilve. I was really excited to get an integrated dishwasher from an aesthetic perspective but this one works brilliantly and even has a light inside, plus one which shines onto the floor so you know it’s on (being that it’s hidden behind a cabinet door). I just love how it seamlessly blends into the kitchen.

Choosing an oven was a lot harder than anticipated and something I’ve never done before. I eventually decided on a 90cm electric oven and having that extra space is already proving a Godsend when entertaining. I can’t wait to give it a really good workout on Christmas Day.

Then of course you have to match that with a 90cm cooktop even though I’m not sure I’ll ever use all six burners at the same time! We first wanted gas but had a delay finding out if we could get connected, which led us to opt for induction. I’m so glad we went this route because I bloody love it! I cannot believe how quick it is to heat up, it’s a dream to clean and, importantly, it’s safe, which when you have an adventurous climbing toddler around is one less thing to worry about. I’m also thrilled with our hidden rangehood which allows me to have an uninterrupted row of overhead cupboards.

So, we had the bones of a great kitchen, but there were two other things I needed to achieve: replacing the dated sliding door to the laundry, with a modern take on a barn door and black hardware was the first. I wanted the door to have VJ panelling so we did this by cutting Easycraft panels (I’m in love with this product) to size and fixing them to the front of a very cheap, plain door. We then decided what the hell, why not panel the entire wall and wow, wasn’t that the best call? This wall has become a real feature of the kitchen. We also did the back of our breakfast bar in the same paneling and colour.

Art by the Print Emporium

Secondly, I wanted to tie in the dining area, which adjoins the kitchen and previously had a cork floor, much better. I did this by adding VJ wainscoting to this room and painting it in the same grey (the panelling is in Haymes Paint Chinchilla Fur and the walls are Haymes Paint Greyology 4). It has made a huge difference. Of course, having the same floor helped massively too.

The icing on the cake of all this was our new Quickstep Impressive Ultra laminate floor (more on that next week) which we have also laid in the living room, hallway and my home office. Once that went down, we were finally finished!

A few other things I’m really glad we did and are worth a mention were:

  • adding bulkheads for a more finished, streamlined look (and no dust or clutter accumulating on top of the overhead cupboards)
  • putting a power socket in the back of the pantry so I could hide the Nespresso machine and toaster away in there
  • making sure there was a space for the microwave under the breakfast bar out of sight, so it didn’t have to use precious benchtop space
  • making one of the five powerpoints (you can never have too many) a USB one (we use this every day to charge a phone or laptop and it has proven really handy)
  • opting for a pullout double bin under the sink so there’s no ugly bin on show or in the way (I obviously need to get out more but I really love this!).

I could rave about my new kitchen all day but I’ll focus on some other aspects in future blog posts.

Overall, I am thrilled with kitchen and that it is finished before Christmas! I’m just waiting on my blinds (Romans) and looking for the perfect new kettle! A huge thank you to our friends at Integriti Bathrooms who helped project manage this reno.

Now, we could finish this without taking a look back at the before photos!

What do you think of the transformation? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you.

Want more? Take the VIDEO TOUR with Jen.

Listen to my husband Damian interview me about our kitchen reno in this podcast!

More kitchen and bathroom inspo.

Categories
House Tours Jen's reno RENO ADDICT

Reno realities: Jen’s kitchen update

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

So, my kitchen reno started on September 27. And it still isn’t finished! Unusual? Not really! From my own and others’ experience, these things are never as speedy as you anticipate. Four weeks from start to finish? Pah! I never really believed it! Add to that the fact we had to stop for almost a week last week to have new floors go in (was hoping it would have already been finished but hey ho!), and here we are, with an 85% finished kitchen.

I’m not going to share any new photos here because I figure we might as well wait for the full reveal now! You can see all the progress I’ve shared on my Instagram and the hashtag #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno

I’ve been lucky enough to have my friends at Integriti Bathrooms and their site supervisor (legend!) Steve coordinating all my trades. And there are a lot of trades involved, especially when you opt for a flatpack kitchen (for budget reasons). You need someone to demolish and take away the old one (or hire a skip), to organise someone to both assemble it (okay, it’s possible to DIY but Damian and I don’t rate our skills and patience in that department) and install, as well as a plumber, electrician and plasterer at an absolute minimum. We also got rid of a back door which required a carpenter, and added bulkheads, which required another visit from the plasterers. Then there’s always a wait for your stone (Caesarstone) to be cut by the stonemason although ours was ready in under a week, which is amazing!

Then unexpected things will pop up to throw you: fitting our concealed rangehood and venting it through the roof was a tricky job and we needed a different tradie for this.

We always planned to have a sliding barn-style door to our laundry but finding the right size door took a while, then we decided to do that whole wall in VJ panelling (door and all) and oh my goodness, it looks great! So this required more carpenters. And then I got a bit excited about VJ and decided to do wainscoting in the adjoining dining room. None of it is painted yet so ignore the off-white look!

So, was it worth doing a flatpack kitchen with the added hassle and time of organising trades myself (with help, thankfully)? A RESOUNDING YES. I couldn’t be happier with my cabinetry from Freedom Kitchen’s Essential Range. Every trade who has been in here (and my goodness there have been loads lately!) has been surprised (pleasantly) that it wasn’t a custom job and said the quality is as good as any more expensive kitchens they’ve worked with. And that’s good to hear from people who know their kitchens, but I was already very happy with what I could see with my own eyes. And I’ve been able to “pimp” my flatpack with my choice of stone, hardware, appliances etc. I’m delighted to be honest! Just want the damn thing finished!

Check out this video of me with Jess Aloi from Latitude Financial Services, discussing ways to get the luxe look for less in your kitchen reno:

Make your reno dreams come true with some help from our partners at Latitude Financial Services.

***

OUR KITCHEN SUPPLIERS

  • Project management and trades: Integriti Bathrooms
  • Cabinetry: Freedom Kitchens
  • Benchtop and splashback: Caesarstone
  • Appliances: Ilve
  • Tapware: Meir
  • Sink and black barn door hardware: Bunnings
  • Floor: Quickstep
  • Paint: Haymes
  • Hardware: Kethy
  • Blinds (DIY Online Blinds)
  • VJ paneling: Easycraft

I’ll give you all the finer details in the full reveal post. My painters are due today so we should be done very soon!

 

Categories
Designers Expert Tips Kitchens RENO ADDICT The Block

Get the look: All the details from Sunday’s Block kitchens

Kitchen week is always one of the biggest weeks on The Block… I’m sure I wasn’t the only one oohing and ahhing while watching Sunday night’s reveal! With each kitchen boasting new metallic and textured finishes and of course enviable appliances, we thought it’d be the perfect time to give you all the details so you can get the Block look at home.

Josh and Elyse

Scoring a perfect 30/30, Josh and Elyse’s kitchen was a contemporary take on a traditional Hamptons style kitchen. In a risky move – that paid off – their island bench was the only one oriented to face the garden rather than the living area, enhancing the feel of indoor-outdoor living. Another winning feature was their enormous hidden butler’s pantry, which the judges loved; Neale saying it was “large enough for an army of butlers!”

Details:

  • Freedom Kitchens cabinetry in Sierra Cinder and White profiled doors
  • Caesarstone benchtop in Noble Grey (Jen has chosen this for her own kitchen) with waterfall ends
  • Appliances by Bosch – freestanding stainless steel fridge, 900mm gas cooktop, integrated coffee machine and warming drawer

Jason and Sarah

Also gaining top scores were Jason and Sarah, who created a contemporary kitchen featuring new metallic and concrete finishes. I particularly loved their integrated fridge hidden by platinum cabinetry, as well as the built in shelf behind the cooktop. In the words of Neale: “Genius!”

Details:

  • Freedom Kitchens new metallic cabinetry in Titan, plus Super Matt Black and Blackened Elm
  • Caesarstone benchtop and splashback in Statuario Maximus and new Rugged Concrete
  • Accessories by Hettich
  • Appliances by Bosch –Pyrolytic Oven with added steam and warming drawer

Ronnie and Georgia

Coming in third were Ronnie and Georgia with their luxurious industrial style kitchen. Darren was impressed with their use of black, saying it was the cut through a grey kitchen needed. Having won an appliance upgrade to NEFF earlier in the show, the couple had the most technologically advanced kitchen in the competition.

Details:

  • Freedom Kitchens cabinetry in new Beton (textured light concrete) and Matt Black
  • New Caesarstone Rugged Concrete in kitchen and pantry
  • Appliances by NEFF – new induction cooktop with downdraft ventilation and Pyrolytic full steam slide and hide oven, integrated coffee machine, combi microwave

Sticks and Wombat

True to style, Sticks and Wombat produced an edgy kitchen with organic tones and raw textures. They chose a concrete look for their ceiling-to-floor cabinetry, which blended seamlessly with their self-made stone-box over the rangehood. I loved their dining table bench made from a high quality laminate, a look Neale labelled as: “Raw luxury”.

Details:

  • Freedom Kitchen textured dark concrete finish in new Valetta
  • Dining bench in new Tobacco Halifax Oak – looks and feels like real wood
  • New Caesarstone benchtop range in New White and Turbine Grey
  • Appliances from Bosch – fully integrated bottom mount fridge/freezer and black glass flame select gas cooktop

Hannah and Clint

Hannah and Clint’s kitchen made a statement with its contemporary tones and sophisticated use of materials. I was a fan of their island bench, featuring a wine fridge, open display shelving and an integrated Bluetooth sound system. The perfect entertainer’s kitchen.

Details:

  • Freedom Kitchens cabinetry in Charcoal Riven and Pewter with LED lighting
  • Caesarstone benchtop in Calacutta Nuvo
  • Appliances by Bosch – Induction cooktop and integrated fridge and coffee machine

To get the Block look visit Freedom Kitchens.

Did you miss the kitchen reveals? Catch up here.

All our Block coverage.

Categories
The Block

The Block series 13 kitchen week room reveals!

It’s always a popular week on The Block! We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home and we are continually told that kitchens sell houses. On top of that, there’s a lot of work involved and that usually means tight timeframes and a fair amount of, you guessed it, drama! I got to tour the kitchens last week so it was extra interesting to watch the judging this week, having seen them for myself. And I would agree with the top two scorers, for sure!

It was an extra exciting episode, with the countdown on to see if Jason and Sarah would finish (start even!) their master suite as well as their kitchen (or face being sent home) and they did. And well!  The judges were blown away. Onto the judging…

Jason and Sarah (second place with 28.5 out of 30)

First, the judges saw last week’s master suite, which they weren’t being scored on. Darren and Neale agreed they could have been in with a chance of winning last week if they’d produced this then. Shaynna said: “You are kidding me? I want to shake them. If they can do this in a week and the kitchen, they gave up last week. This is amazing.” Neale said it was the best Block comeback ever.

Onto the kitchen, the judges were equally impressed. “Beyond back in the game, this is incredible,” said Shaynna. They liked the metallic surfaces on the cabinetry. Darren said everything about the functionality, the materials and handles was perfect. And Neale said the built in shelf behind the cooktop was simply genius. I loved that too!

The judges also loved the mix of materials in the benchtop, using two different Caesarstones. Neale said he thought the kitchen would feel as fresh a decade down the track as it did now.

Darren summed it up as super successful and while Shaynna said the paintwork needed attention, she added buyers would fall in love with the kitchen because it works so well with the rest of the house. Having seen it, I agree.

Our picks to buy: Taburet bar stools from Life Interiors and LEDlux Strix LED pendant from Beacon Lighting.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances

Hannah and Clint (last place with 26 out of 30)

Shaynna loved the mix of finishes saying it had a beautiful, layered feel.

Darren noted they had a bigger dining table and more chairs and the size of the island bench was fantastic. Shaynna loved the placement of the sink, bins and dishwasher. They were let down by size of the fridge however. Ultimately this lost them valuable points and saw them come last.

Neale thought a study nook would have been a much better better use of space than a bar in a family home. And Shaynna said while there were some big ticks, the too-small fridge and the cocktail area were overshadowing how she felt about it.

Despite this, the judges said the room was contemporary and sophisticated and will impress the buyers.

Our picks to buy: Encore stools from Freedom and Organic Choice cleaning products.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Ronnie and Georgia (third place with 28 out of 30)

Shaynna said it felt really sexy and loved the new Caesarstone concrete island. Darren called it absolutely beautiful.

He also loved the size of the kitchen sink, the double integrated fridge and the fancy benchtop exhaust. He noted the use of black and how it tied together with the rest of the house, cutting through the grey.

There weren’t enough powerpoints though and this may have led to them coming third instead of second. But the judges loved the study nook, especially the pocket doors.

Shaynna said it felt like the right kitchen for the rendered walls of the living area. But she said it felt a little bit cold and they needed to add some accent colours in. “It needs a little bit of a lift.”

Darren said it was what a modern luxury palette should be and the kitchen was just knockout.

Neale said there was a lot for a buyer to get very, very excited about.

Our picks to buy: Franke Impact undermount sink in onyx from Reece, Sussex Scala curved sink mixer from Reece, Therapy kitchen candle and marble cookbook holder from Williams Sonoma.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Stick and Wombat (fourth place with 26.5 out of 30)

Luckily, Sticks returned this week after the birth of his baby!

Darren said “this is beautiful,” loving the solid chunk of Caesarstone intersecting with the timber laminate.

Neale thought the Ceasarstone on the splashback was “bloody beautiful”. Shaynna loved it too and the concrete-look cabinetry. She didn’t like them together though, because they were both features and in her opinion, cancelled each other out. I totally agree on this point and although I love the Caesarstone, I don’t like its use over the rangehood. I think it looks clunky. I do love the mix of finishes, the timber accents and the warm feeling and personality this space has though.

The judges loved the secret door, the whiskey bar and the workmanship of the timber by Sticks.

Shaynna said it had lots of personality and Neale said they’d delivered on their style, and very well too. “They’ve got their signature love of timber but they seem to know how to bring it into a contemporary context. They do raw luxury so well.”

Our picks to buy: Rachel Bainbridge resin homewares and Bailey bar stools from Life Interiors.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

Josh and Elyse (first place with 30 out of 30)

It was 10s all round for the youngest contestants whose kitchen stood out for many reasons. Changing the profile of their stairway earlier gave them an amazing, large hidden butler’s pantry. And facing the island bench out towards the garden was another point of difference.

Darren said it was beautiful. “It looks a million dollars.”  Neale said it felt very, very special and sociable. Shaynna said the layout, and the continuation of the timber floor and the styling, meant it engaged with the dining and the lounge, as well as connecting to the garden. Neale said it had a beautiful warmth and sense of community that people will find really appealing.

All the appliances got ticks. Shaynna’s face when she found the butler’s pantry said it all!  The judges couldn’t find anything to fault in the execution; the paintwork was spot on and the styling “perfection”. Darren said everything was just so!

And here’s the biggy! Shaynna said up until this point she had Ronnie and Georgia pegged as the frontrunners for winning, but after today, she thought these two! Controversial! (And I’m inclined to agree).

Our picks to buy: Lacey light shades from The Family Love Tree, paddle cutting board from west elm and Sorrento cuddle mugs from Freedom.

More details of cabinetry, benchtops and appliances.

We’ll have many more details of the kitchens throughout this week from the main suppliers at Freedom Kitchens, Caesarstone, Bosch and Neff.

All our Block coverage.

Categories
Jen's reno Kitchens

The plans for my new kitchen revealed (and the before!).

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

I feel like I’ve been planning my new kitchen for months. Oh yeah, I have been! It’s been five months since we moved into our new (old) home, affectionately called the “nanna house” due to the old lady who lived here for three decades before us. We have been slowly but surely bringing her into the 21st Century but the first major job on the list was the kitchen and now the wheels are finally in motion. We are looking at an imminent demo, so any tips for surviving without a kitchen for a few weeks, will be gratefully received in the comments (thanks in advance!).

So here’s what we’re dealing with now. A very original kitchen which had a little spruce-up prior to the house going on the market. We’re talking old school solid timber cabinets installed long before soft close doors and smooth drawer runners were invented. They’re not even tall enough for most of today’s mod cons, like the Vitamix and the bigger wine glasses, for example. I haven’t unpacked more than the essentials because despite much scrubbing, you can only get that orange floral lining paper (which has become one with the cupboards) so clean. The laminate benchtop is actually in amazingly good condition and the brown oven and electric coil cooktop still work surprisingly well. But the museum piece dishwasher keeps tripping the electric and leaks every time we use it. But at least we have a working dishwasher!

We’ll be replacing those sliding dining room doors with French doors

Then there’s that random half-wall three quarters of the way down on the lefthand side. On the other side of that is, well, dead space! And the beautiful sliding door to the laundry.

The design was always going to be relatively straightforward: maximise use of space by removing the half-wall and bricking up the back door (we have two others!) and move the breakfast bar back into the kitchen as it is currently encroaching on our already-narrow dining room. Making space for a modern fridge-freezer (ours currently lives in the dining room because there’s nowhere for it!) was also pretty important!

While I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to do, when you have talented friends, you’d be mad not ask their advice, and I have several! So when interior designer James Treble (from Channel 10’s The Living Room) was at our place for brunch one day, I made him earn his food by drawing me up a quick plan! And it suddenly all clicked into place.

Poor James wasn’t actually expecting me to publish this when he scribbled it down in 5 minutes!

We than had a designer from Freedom Kitchens come out to tell us what was actually possible, using the drawings as a rough guide. This was really helpful as there were plenty of things I hadn’t considered. She explained everything really well and I felt much more confident in what we were doing after that. Some plans were produced, which I was happy with, and we are now waiting for a site check and measure this Friday before we can go any further. I am dying to lock in my trades and get going! Our friends at Integriti Bathrooms (they did our beautiful bathroom reno at the old place) are coordinating the trades with me (thanks guys, I wouldn’t trust anyone else!) and this has been a huge learning curve for me too, but it was about time I learned a bit more about the process!

Initial plan from Freedom Kitchens

So, what will be be doing in here? I’m going for classic with a touch of glam!

Shaker-style cabinetry was always going to be my choice. Due to a very tight budget (we maxed out on our mortgage!), we decided to go with Freedom Kitchens’ new and very affordable flatpack option, The Essential Kitchens Range. My handyman will assemble the cabinets, even though it’s apparently a piece of cake. That stuff just isn’t mine and Damian’s forte!

As this is a longterm home, it had to be a stone benchtop. I’ve chosen Caesarstone’s Noble Grey as a nice contrast to the white cupboards while still being quite light (I had dark benchtops in my last place and hated them). I’ll be taking that up the splashbacks too. Our kitchen is flooded with natural light, the best light in the house, so I wanted to keep it all light and bright in here.

Against many people’s opinions on what will date or what is on trend, I am sticking by my decision to go with brass handles from Kethy, a gold Zip tap and even (wait for it) a gold undermount sink. Controversial!

Personally, I think brass is a classic look. Rose gold, I’d agree, may be having an extended temporary moment, but when you think about it, brass has been around in interiors for a really long time! I don’t have resale in mind as we intend to live here for at least a decade so I’m taking the opportunity to specify what I really want. This is one flatpack kitchen that is being seriously pimped!

To add a little colour, pattern and texture, I’m considering a Roman blind made from some kind of navy-based textile (you knew there’d be navy, right?) and some navy rattan stools like these from Naturally Cane.

I love this kind of look. Image: blinds-2go.co.uk

Or I might add the colour and pattern with wallpaper (away from any water or potential oily splashes, don’t worry!) and have plantation shutters instead. Lots to think about!

Appliances were a learning curve! I’ve chosen mine from Ilve and after dreaming of a freestanding cooker for a really long time, at the last minute, I decided a more streamlined built-in look would be better for our kitchen. What I knew I needed though was quality that would last and something big enough to cope with entertaining and a growing (no, that’s not an announcement!) family. I’ve gone for a 90cm oven, a 90cm induction cooktop, a concealed rangehood and an integrated dishwasher. I won’t pretend this European brand’s style credentials didn’t sway me too!

Flooring is still up in the air after a supplier let me down at the last minute (yes, this happens to media too!), but we are looking to replace the floor everywhere bar the bedrooms (which are newly carpeted) as soon as the kitchen’s finished.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you over the coming weeks!

–Looking to renovate your kitchen? Get some tips on how to finance it from our partners at Latitude Financial Services.

Categories
Kitchens

Freedom Kitchens launch new flatpack range for DIY-ers

Freedom Kitchens have today announced a disruptive new product: the ready-to-assemble, high quality Essential Kitchen range. Developed to address the needs of the DIY market, the range is available now, distributed throughout their kitchen showrooms within Freedom stores.

While the most appealing selling point of a ready-to-assemble kitchen is the price — saving the customer thousands in labour costs because they can assemble and install it themselves — the Essential range has been developed in response to feedback about the lack of high quality options on the market.

“The Essential Kitchen range is a real game-changer because it’s filling a gap in the DIY market for a product that’s been expertly designed, using high quality materials,” explains Tracy Smedley, director of marketing and retail for Freedom Kitchens.  “They’re still cost-effective, but without compromising material quality. Because we deliver the cabinetry ready to assemble rather than factory assembled, we’re able to offer the DIY customer outstanding value.”

The Australian-made cabinetry comes with a seven-year warranty and soft close doors and drawers as standard. Customers buying the flatpack range will still get the services of a Freedom Kitchens designer included, who will visit them in their home for a consult and site check.

Download The Essential Kitchen range catalogue now from the Freedom Kitchens website, or visit a Freedom Kitchens showroom in Freedom Furniture stores.

Categories
Kitchens

Trending: Freedom Kitchens’ Autumn 2017 collection

By Felicity Page

As the seasons change and the weather cools, we find ourselves appreciating our interior living spaces more than ever. And as the heart of the home, the kitchen is a hub that many will look to makeover this Autumn.

Freedom Kitchens’ new Autumn 2017 Catalogue reveals that while white has everlasting appeal within the kitchen colour palette, it’s the inclusion of contrasting colours like metallics or matte black, luxe materials, seamless storage solutions, and interesting textures that are key to being on trend with the latest looks. See below for a taster of new season styles and trending elements in kitchens for Autumn 2017.

MEET THE NEW AGE SHAKER
This stunning kitchen is an example of how black is becoming the new white in kitchens. From tapware to cabinetry, black – and especially matte black – lends a luxe edge to the overall look.

The New Age Shaker

This particular kitchen puts a modern spin on the traditional Shaker-style design with its Sierra cabinets in matte black offset by Caesarstone benchtops in pure white. The metallic highlight via gold tapware combines beautifully with other luxe elements like the marble splashback, and the supersized island bench top that offers plenty of seating and built in storage space.

MEET THE NEW NORDIC
The Scandi look isn’t fading with summer – the fresh appeal of whites, greys and timber tones make it a popular choice, that can be elevated with luxe elements.

Although fresh and relaxed, it’s the luxury features that make this kitchen feel special, from the waterfall Caesarstone island bench, to the eye-catching feature wall and splashback in marble herringbone tiles. Copper toned pendant lights make a stunning pairing to the blonde timber cabinetry in Sublime Teak Ravine, and also lend a warmth that is trans-seasonal.

The New Nordic

MEET THE BOLD + BEAUTIFUL
Those looking to make a statement may opt to create some wow factor through warmth and texture, as demonstrated through this kitchen’s use of Cherry Riftwood cabinetry which flows right through to the butler’s pantry – scoring major points for seamless storage.

The stunning Caesarstone island benchtop in the new marble-look White Attica floats atop a custom down-lit shelf, adding to the sense of contemporary drama. This is then cleverly softened and balanced by the choice of art deco pendant lighting, showcasing once more that contrast is a key trend this season. Yes, you may recognise the kitchen from the last series of The Block!

The Bold + Beautiful

Download the full Freedom Kitchens Autumn 2017 catalogue here.

Categories
Design Kitchens Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Shaynna Blaze designs modern shaker kitchen for young family

In the latest episode of Deadline Design, an inspirational new renovation series on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, renowned interior designer and television presenter Shaynna Blaze helps parents to three young children, Martin and Teresa, revamp their 1930s clinker brick house before winter arrives.

deepdene-kitchen-1-ret

Martin and Theresa have a tired and (thanks to some bad renos over the years), mismatched house in Deepdene, Melbourne. Jobs have been banking up for years and they’ve put up with things missing or broken longer than many would. With no oven, Theresa can’t face winter cooking on the BBQ. Enter Freedom Kitchens – proud kitchen suppliers to the renovation show.

deepdene-kitchen-5-ret-1

The Shaker style kitchen in Alabaster Matte complements the integrity of the 1930s heritage of the home.

The unique configuration of the space includes a generous butler’s pantry, oven alcove space and a large island bench in Caesarstone Nougat for preparation and seating.

deepdene-kitchen-2-ret

Floating shelves in Black Fine Grain allow for gallery-like display and items to be stored for easy access.

The budget comes in around the $260,000 mark with the kitchen and a fantastic attic conversion hogging the biggest chunks of that.

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Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze airs on The Lifestyle Channel on Wednesday nights at 9.30pm.

For more information on Freedom Kitchens, or to arrange a free in home appointment with a professional kitchen designer click here.

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Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Darren Palmer: The Block’s best kitchen ever!

The level of creativity displayed in the kitchens on this season of The Block from Freedom Kitchens has blown me away. Then, just when I thought I’d seen it all, the incredible kitchen from the challenge apartment was revealed. To me, it was worthy of a 10 – and my fellow judges agreed – scoring it a perfect 40/40!

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This showstopper embodies an emerging trend from this year’s EuroCucina – New Heritage – where contemporary design celebrates heritage style, while incorporating touches of modern luxury.

There are so many standout features in this space, but the one that strikes you first is the stunning backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench. It’s suspended above the mirror kick – showcasing a monolith of backlit, glowing quartz.

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The real beauty of this style of kitchen is the fusion between old and new. This approach is respectful to the heritage of The Block building, with features like the shaker-style doors and the rustic library ladder – giving the space the feeling of old world charm. However, the functional elements are strictly 21st century.

Embracing the new, the futuristic aspects of the kitchen create the perfect space for the modern cook. Top-of-the-range Bosch appliances, impressive features and everyday practicalities – like double ovens – give the kitchen an extra sense of functionality, while remaining high-end.

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And when it comes to hosting, the generous Caesarstone benchtops, Bluetooth sound system, modern black palette and generous storage in both the kitchen and butler’s pantry make it the perfect match for the modern day entertainer.

Reno Addict feature writer Lauren Ellis visited The Block and created this video interview with Julia and Sasha about the kitchen.

Standout design features:

  • The matte black cabinetry makes a real statement and is right on trend
  • The shaker ‘Sierra’ profiles on the cabinetry add a heritage feel, while still being sleek and stylish
  • The use of mirror kickboards on the backlit Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz island bench creates the illusion of a floating, glowing box
  • Clever use of accessories – from the Bluetooth sound system to the walnut knife holder and spice racks – take the space to the next level for the modern entertainer
  • The storage space in this design is never-ending – from drawers and doors in the main kitchen to the open shelving of the butler’s pantry.

Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: Sierra Black Matt & Super Matt Black
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Concetto White Quartz, London Grey & Vanilla Noir; and Noir Matt Nano Streamline
  • Kickboards: Mirror
  • Lighting: LED Strip Lighting
  • Accessories: Bluetooth Sound System, Square double bowl undermount sink, Walnut Knife Holder, Walnut Spice Rack, Sink Drainer, Square Chopping Board & Steel Cutlery Trays.
  • Bosch Appliances

To create a kitchen that’s the best on your block, book your free, in-home design appointment with Freedom Kitchens.

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Kitchens

The Block challenge apartment final room reveals

Final room reveals last night! Sad times! But a great result for my faves Julia and Sasha with their stunning 40 out of 40 kitchen. Having seen this for myself, it really is amazing. And as for that backlit Caesarstone! Wow! The girls get $20k off their reserve for coming first.

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Our Lauren Ellis visited The Block and created this video interview with Julia and Sasha about the kitchen.

Check out all the details of their Freedom Kitchens build.

Download the Freedom Kitchens catalogue or

Book a free, no obligation design consultation.

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Karlie and Will picked up second place and $15k off their reserve for their cosy private outdoor area. We loved the outdoor flower screens.

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Third place were Dan and Carleen with their living area, $10k off their reserve and third choice of auction order. We are loving the pendant light.

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Kim and Chris were next for their hallway, laundry and WC and fourth choice of auction order.

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Last place went to Andy and Ben for their disappointing master bedroom.

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So, who do you think will win?

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Before & Afters Kitchens RENO ADDICT Shopping

New Lifestyle show Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze

Image courtesy of Foxtel

Renowned interior designer and television presenter Shaynna Blaze has taken on her biggest and most personal project yet in Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze, an inspiring new renovation series on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel.

Image courtesy of Foxtel
Image courtesy of Foxtel

For the very first time, Shaynna has invited viewers into her own creative world as a working interior designer, as each one-hour episode follows the journey of real life homeowners who employ her to renovate their spaces.

“Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze is an exciting opportunity to bring Freedom Kitchens into the homes of all Australians and we’re proud to be a part of this series,” says Felicity Page of Freedom Kitchens. “We have enjoyed working with Shaynna and her team producing and delivering kitchens that meet the needs, budgets and timeframes of the homeowners.”

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Wednesday night’s episode introduced us to Jennifer and Adam, whose weatherboard in Melbourne suburb Box Hill, is bursting at the seams. The couple have dreamed of a Scandinavian style kitchen that fits the needs of their family including three young children. Style, storage and functionality are key in their new space which they needed to complete before their youngest son’s first birthday party!

Boasting a classic Scandi palette of timber and grey tones, impressive pantry space, sleek design and a massive island benchtop in Raw Concrete from Caesarstone allowing for ample preparation space with a large overhang to seat the whole family; this kitchen ticks all the boxes.

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Featuring:

  • Cabinetry: Impressions Sublime Teak Riven Finish, Alpine Premium, Newbury Moose
  • Benchtops: Caesarstone Raw Concrete with 20mm Aris edge (kitchen) & Polar White with 33mm edge (pantry)
  • Handles: 8-H-12 Stainless Steel Pull & Touch Catch
  • Accessories: Design Sides (drawers), Oak Knife Holders, Oak Knife Holder & Steel Cutlery Tray

Follow Deadline Design with Shaynna Blaze on The Lifestyle Channel on Wednesday nights at 9.30pm.

For more information on Freedom Kitchens, or to arrange a free in home appointment with a professional kitchen designer click here or call 1800 113 733.

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The Block

Video: Come inside Andy and Ben’s Block kitchen

It was all looking a bit grim for the boys with their fast dwindling funds, but they pulled off a great kitchen in the end and it didn’t get much criticism from the judges at all, despite coming third (you can read our round up of all the kitchens here).

Get ALL the finer details of what went into the boys’ kitchen in our reporter Lauren Ellis’s tour and interview above.

Inspired to makeover your own kitchen? Download the Freedom Kitchens catalogue today.

Watch our video interviews with Karlie and Will and Dan and Carleen, then Julia and Sasha for all the details and gossip!

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Appliances The Block

Behind the scenes: our tour of Julia and Sasha’s Block kitchen

Definitely my personal favourite of all the kitchens, I loved this video tour and chat with Julia and Sasha  by our reporter Lauren Ellis. Watch the video to find out every little detail you might be after, as well as the couple’s top design tips! I’m loving all the gold touches, especially that Oliveri sink and tap!

And as well as all the glamorous, classic details, the luxurious Gaggenau appliances (worth $110,000 no less, which they won!) are enough to impress even the most serious chef!

As Neale Whitaker said, from the kitchens he sees in magazines, this one ticks all the boxes!

Read our roundup of all Sunday night’s kitchens.

Watch our videos with Karlie and Will and Dan and Carleen.

Feeling inspired? Download the Freedom Kitchens catalogue.