This kitchen renovation in Toowong was all about breathing new life into a dated and underutilised space. The original layout, colour scheme, and cabinetry style made the room feel cluttered and disconnected from the rest of the home. While the bones were there, the space lacked functionality and the modern look the homeowners were after. They envisioned a kitchen that felt cleaner, brighter, and far more functional. A space that could support their daily routine and reflect their style, and elevate the flow throughout their home. Our goal was to turn that vision into reality with a thoughtful redesign and a complete aesthetic refresh.
Before: The Problem with the Old Kitchen
The original kitchen in this Toowong home felt dark, dated, and unnecessarily cramped. The yellow laminate cabinetry, pink benchtops, and mismatched wall colours made the space feel visually heavy, while the overall layout didn’t make the most of the available floor space. The kitchen followed a U-shaped design, but instead of offering functionality, it felt restrictive and awkward to move around in. A bulky section of cabinetry enclosed the fridge, adding to the sense of clutter and closing off sightlines. Benchtop space was minimal and often cluttered with appliances, making food prep and daily tasks cramped.
Despite the room’s decent size, the outdated design didn’t connect well with the rest of the home. Natural light struggled to make an impact, and even the bamboo blinds, combined with the previous colour scheme, added to the room’s visual heaviness. The overall vibe felt stuck in time rather than fresh and functional. The homeowners wanted a complete transformation—something brighter, cleaner, and more open, with improved storage, better flow, and a style that matched the rest of their updated interiors.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Kitchen
Improving Functionality
To make better use of the space, we completely reconfigured the original U-shaped layout. The bulky cabinetry that previously enclosed the fridge and cut off flow was removed in favour of a sleek central island, creating a more open and practical kitchen footprint. While the new island introduced a slightly narrower walkway between the rear cabinetry and the cooking zone, the layout was carefully planned to preserve natural movement paths, allowing people to move around the island with ease. The island now served as a multi-purpose zone for food prep, casual dining, and everyday interaction, adding function and flexibility to the heart of the home.
Modernising Aesthetics
A key part of the transformation was updating the kitchen’s aesthetic to feel fresh, clean, and timeless. We introduced a crisp white palette across the cabinetry, walls, and splashback to brighten the room and reflect natural light. The new flat-panel cabinetry in a smooth white finish was paired with sleek stainless steel handles for a minimal, modern look. Stone-look benchtops offered a practical yet elevated surface, while marble-inspired splashback tiles added soft texture without overwhelming the space. Natural light flowed in through the original louvre windows, while the existing bamboo blinds, previously clashing with the old palette, now added warmth and contrast. Upgraded lighting enhanced the bright, welcoming feel from day to night.
Upgrading Appliances
Functionality was just as important as form. We replaced outdated, freestanding appliances with streamlined, built-in alternatives to create a more cohesive and modern cooking environment. A built-in oven, rangehood, and dishwasher were installed, and a designated recessed niche beside the stove was created to house the refrigerator, ensuring easy access while maintaining clean lines across the cabinetry. Provisions were also made for a microwave, with space allocated within the cabinetry to keep benchtops clear and the overall look clutter-free.
Creating Cohesion with the Rest of the Home
To tie the kitchen in with the rest of the home, we retained and refinished the original hardwood floors. The newly polished timber floor added warmth and depth, contrasting beautifully with the white cabinetry and light stone finishes. This combination of natural textures and clean modern lines created a balanced look, bringing together the best of old and new.
Challenge: Maximising Storage Without Cramping the Space
With a smaller footprint and a more open layout, one of the key design challenges was to maximise storage without overwhelming the space. We took a thoughtful approach by incorporating a mix of deep drawers, base cabinetry, and sleek overhead cupboards, so there was ample space for everything without making the room feel heavy or confined.
This kitchen is a great example of how smart, efficient design can transform how a space looks and functions. If you’re thinking about updating other areas of your home, our blog is packed with insights to help you plan your next project with confidence, from the best paint colours for the bathroom to practical tips on keeping bathroom renovation costs down.
Get a Free Kitchen Renovation Quote
Want to see how we can transform your kitchen too? Whether you’re in Toowong or anywhere across Brisbane, our team is here to help transform your home, kitchen, bathroom, or beyond. We’ve completed everything from stylish kitchen upgrades to full Indooroopilly bathroom renovations, always customised to our clients style and preferences.
Call us today on (07) 3130 0301 to get started!
