When our clients reached out about their kitchen in Tarragindi, they were ready to say goodbye to a kitchen that no longer fitted their needs or their design preferences. The existing kitchen offered plenty of storage, but much of it was impractically positioned overhead cabinetry that boxed the kitchen in, interrupting the connection to the rest of the home. They envisioned a brighter, more refined kitchen. Something more modern, clean, and easy to use day-to-day. With that in mind, we completely reimagined the space, pairing practical upgrades with timeless finishes to create a kitchen that feels hardworking and beautifully put together.
Before: The Problem with the Old Kitchen
The original kitchen was full of character but had long outlived its charm. With timber cabinetry, exposed beams, and a patchwork of finishes, the space felt heavy and outdated. While it offered a decent amount of storage, much of it wasn’t practical like the open shelving under the sink, finished with a red fabric curtain in place of proper doors.
Although there was decent bench space, the positioning of the stove in the corner made cooking feel cramped and inefficient. Overhead cabinets on one side contributed to a boxed-in feeling, and poor lighting only amplified the sense of darkness throughout the room. Altogether, the kitchen wasn’t making the most of the space and fell short of the modern, easy-to-use design the homeowners were hoping for.
Project Details: How We Transformed the Kitchen
The homeowners wanted a bright, streamlined kitchen with a modern feel and more efficient use of space. While the existing layout offered potential, the finishes, lighting, and cabinetry weren’t meeting the demands of daily life. Our goal was to enhance the kitchen’s functionality and flow while creating a visually cohesive space with low-maintenance, long-lasting materials.
Improved Layout and New Cabinetry
To improve day-to-day functionality, we reconfigured the kitchen. This allowed for clearer zoning between cooking, preparation, and casual seating, with the addition of a practical breakfast bar. The cooktop and oven were repositioned away from the corner to allow for a more central placement, creating a proper work triangle between the stove, sink, and fridge. While the footprint remained compact, the new layout made better use of the available space and improved how the space functioned. It’s the same space-savvy approach we take with small bathroom renovations, proving that good design is less about size and more about thoughtful planning.
New cabinetry was installed throughout, finished in crisp white laminate with polished chrome handles. The overhead cabinets were repositioned to previously unused wall space in the old kitchen, which helped reduce visual bulk and open the kitchen’s connection to the adjacent living area. With the overheads no longer blocking the sightlines to the windows, the space feels lighter and more open without sacrificing storage.
Stylish Finishes
A key feature of this kitchen was the soft sage green herringbone tile splashback, which brings gentle texture and a refined pop of colour to the space. The subtle tone added interest without overwhelming the clean palette, and the herringbone pattern introduced a sense of movement that elevated the entire design. Paired with white cabinetry and stone benchtops, the finishes strike a balance between contemporary style and timeless appeal. Every material was chosen for both aesthetic and practicality. Durable enough for everyday use, but beautiful enough to enhance the overall feel of the home.
Integrated Appliances
To keep the kitchen looking sleek and clutter-free, we opted for integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. A new underbench oven and ceramic cooktop were installed in easy-access locations to support the kitchen’s improved workflow. We also included a concealed front-load washer, thoughtfully tucked away to maximise functionality without disrupting the aesthetics. These were chosen for both performance and aesthetics, which were sourced at the local Harvey Norman Macgregor.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the key challenges in this renovation was refining the kitchen layout to support a smoother, more intuitive workflow. Repositioning the cooktop and oven was essential to establishing a more functional work triangle between the main appliances, improving how the space would be used. We also integrated a front-load washer into the cabinetry, which added a discreet laundry zone without compromising storage or flow. While existing plumbing helped streamline this addition, it still required thoughtful planning to ensure the washer worked seamlessly within the new design.
Get a Free Kitchen Renovation Quote
If you’re looking to modernise your own kitchen, we’d love to help. Contact us today for a free onsite consultation and discover how we can transform your home with a stylish kitchen renovation in Tarragindi or anywhere across the Brisbane Southside. We also offer bathroom renovations in Capalaba, Coorparoo, and surrounding suburbs.
