This kitchen renovation in Upper Mount Gravatt was about improving flow, function, and visual cohesion. The original space had served its purpose, but the homeowners were ready for something more open and better connected to the rest of the home. One key request was integrating a laundry zone into the kitchen discreetly and without compromising the overall look. As members of Master Builders Queensland, we planned the project with care to ensure the result felt considered, not just new. The result was a clean, modern space that worked smarter while being lighter and more refined.
Before: The Problem with the Old Kitchen
Before the renovation, the kitchen in this Upper Mount Gravatt home had a distinctly boxed-in layout. Cabinetry wrapped around the space and a side wall housed the fridge and a tall pantry cabinet, limiting the movement and making the kitchen disconnected from the rest of the home. The finishes were dated with timber-look cabinetry, dark laminate benchtops, and the cooktop/oven slotted into a niche. While functional, the setup was bulky and lacked visual cohesion. The hardwood flooring which was worn out and tired was still warm and character-filled. The homeowners also wanted to explore integrating the washing machine into the kitchen, so that they didn’t have to go downstairs to use the laundry as is common in many Queenslander homes.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Kitchen
Opening Up the Layout
We removed the side wall that previously housed the fridge and tall pantry cabinet. This instantly opened up the kitchen, creating better movement and a more spacious area. In its place, we introduced a long island bench that now anchored the layout. It included generous drawer storage and extended prep space, all while improving the kitchen’s flow into adjacent areas.
Reconfiguring for Better Functionality
With the wall gone, we rethought the layout to make everyday use more intuitive. The fridge was relocated to the opposite side of the room, while the tall pantry cabinet was positioned beside the new cooktop. This created a practical working triangle between the cooking, prep, and storage zones, making the space better balanced and easier to navigate.
Seamless Laundry Integration
The homeowners were fed up of having to walk downstairs and use the under house laundry area so they wanted to integrate washer/dryer combo in the kitchen beside the sink, building it into the cabinetry to create a space-saving laundry zone. By aligning it with the surrounding joinery and finishes, the laundry area looked well-integrated.
Modern Finishes and Fixtures
The old stove and oven was removed and replaced with a glass induction cooktop and built-in oven, giving the kitchen a more refined and streamlined appearance. We paired white engineered stone benchtops with a soft marble-look splashback. We finished the cabinetry in smooth, soft-close white panels with slim brushed metal handles to keep the look fresh, timeless, and functional.
Lighting and Flooring Updates
Recessed LED downlights were installed in place of the single central fixture, providing bright, even lighting throughout the space.We sanded and refinished the timber floors with a fast-drying low-VOC water-based polyurethane coating helping to really accentuate the natural charm of the beautiful floors.
Overcoming Design Challenges
The biggest challenge in this project was integrating the laundry into the kitchen without making it feel cluttered or out of place. Since the dryer/washer would remain visible under the bench, we had to make sure the overall layout and finishes kept the space streamlined and cohesive. At the same time, new plumbing and drainage had to be installed to support the laundry setup. This required careful coordination between trades to avoid delays or issues with cabinetry and flooring.
Removing the side wall also meant rethinking storage and appliance placement. We relocated the fridge and pantry while introducing a new island, which helped recover usable space and dramatically improved movement through the kitchen.
Get a Free Kitchen Renovation Quote
Inspired by this Mount Gravatt kitchen transformation? Your home could be next. Whether it’s a full kitchen remodel, a bathroom upgrade in Coorparoo, or a laundry renovation in Carindale, we can help you reimagine your space with style and functionality in mind. Leave us a message and take the first step toward a smooth transformation in your home.
