We love the transformation of this beige 90s kitchen into an insta-worthy baby blue and brass beauty!

The homeowners, a couple in their sixties, wanted the home to reflect their European cultural backgrounds. Before, the kitchen was dark and lacking function, with dated laminate showing signs of wear and tear. The layout was confined and closed off with a high bar-style bench, and a wall separating it from adjacent living areas, limiting interaction and flow. They worked with interior designer Jessica Farfan of Casa & Co Interior Design to achieve their vision.
Looks aside, the biggest problem was a lack of storage. It had cluttered countertops with mismatched colours and designs, and decorative items that felt dated. Creating custom cabinetry was a must, to store all their knick-knacks. “The overall atmosphere felt dark and uninspiring,” said Jessica. “The combination of outdated colours, styles and materials contributed to a sense of clutter and inefficiency, making it an uninviting space for cooking and entertaining.”
She explains: “We brought down half the wall closest to the house entrance to create space for a new bench to function as a breakfast bar, reconfigured the layout, moving the refrigerator and ovens to the opposite wall, and designed custom cabinetry. By incorporating well-designed internal systems, we were able to significantly enhance the functionality and organisation of this kitchen.
“The coastal theme was infused with a relaxed and casual vibe with the blue vertically stacked tiled splashback, stone benchtop and oak shelving, whilst the Portuguese cultural elements such as the artisanal tiles, added a touch of warmth and character.”
A fireclay sink with a fluted profile, brass hardware and tapware (including a pot filler) add a touch of luxe. The floor was replaced with oak look hybrid planks and a new window and plantation shutter were the icing on the cake.
From a drab and closed-off kitchen to an open, bright and functional space, this project, in Torquay, VIC, was a real success. “It successfully brought together a variety of design elements to create a unique and luxurious space. By incorporating the design elements of white, bright, French provincial, Hamptons, coastal and Portuguese influences, the result is a visually stunning and eclectic kitchen that pays homage to our clients’ cultural background, various styles and aesthetics.”
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