New kitchen inspired by MCM style suits Marketplace finds

The 90s kitchen of this Mid Century home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches was recently modernised, but playing homage to its roots. The end result is a timeless and unique space which suits its owners to a tee.

Trish and Peter are a creative couple with a shared appreciation for good design. Interior designer Tamiko Gleeson explains: “Trish, who works for Pony Rider, has a natural eye for fashion, collectables and thoughtful styling – something that carries beautifully through their home. Peter, who owns local building company Baird Built, knows all too well how hard it can be to prioritise your own renovation when you’re busy creating homes for others.

“With our help, they’ve designed a kitchen that feels personal and inviting, crafted for the way they live day-to-day, yet also perfect for gathering with friends and family, especially as proud grandparents who adore having everyone together.”

The brief was to modernise the kitchen’s 1990s aesthetic, creating a space that felt both inviting and highly functional. With a conscious approach to budget, custom cabinetry was prioritised to ensure the layout, flow and storage suited their needs. By repurposing the existing laundry alcove and opening up a wall to conceal the fridge behind sliding doors, the design allowed key elements to remain discreetly out of sight. The concept drew inspiration from Mid Century Modern design, while providing a dedicated space to showcase Trish’s eclectic glassware collection.

“The old kitchen was undeniably dated, with no designated space for the fridge, which sat awkwardly against an open wall. The layout lacked functional storage and visual warmth, making it less inviting for social gatherings and out of step with the owners’ effortlessly cool style. While the classic U-shaped design offered potential, the return bench created a sense of separation that needed rethinking.”

Working with Trish and Peter, Tamiko and her team began by discussing their wish list, including key appliances, before exploring a series of floorplan options to best optimise the space.

“By borrowing storage from an adjoining entry cupboard, we were able to create a larger laundry zone and conceal the fridge behind sleek sliding doors. The island underwent several design iterations, and in the end, it was cleverly repurposed by the joiner from Local Cabinets. Part of it became an extension of the main kitchen bench, while the remainder was transformed into a wall-mounted bar; another item from their wish list.

“The final design draws inspiration from Japandi and MCM influences, celebrating dark timbers and bold pops of deep green, through the use of strong vertical lines as part of the custom cabinetry.”

Finding a purposeful space for the fridge as part of the extended floor plan made the biggest difference. And removing the return section of the original island bench really opened up the space and made the flow between areas feel more open and welcoming.

“I love that the kitchen now truly serves Peter and Trish – functionally and aesthetically. While every finish is new, there’s a bold sense of nostalgia and confidence in the selections. I love the Jamaican Walnut joinery with its subtle peek of Botanical Green, and the vertical timber slats in the sliding doors and wall-hung bar.

“I love the checkered tiles on the splashback and the way they add a playful rhythm to the space. But what I love most is how the design shines even brighter when layered with their Facebook Marketplace finds – the Mid Century brass chandelier and bold yellow velvet chairs in the dining area, and the glassware and artwork they’ve gathered over decades, taking with them from home to home, including a Potts Point apartment Trish lived in in the 80s.

“It all comes together so seamlessly with the rest of the renovation, perfectly reflecting who Peter and Trish are,” says Tamiko, of Howard Lane Designs. “This project reflects the kind of collaboration I love most – where thoughtful design meets personal story.”

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