A kitchen makeover goes glowingly modern

In contrast to its former dark state, this kitchen is a light-filled chef's delight, complete with courtyard access.

This classic kitchen was treated to a modern makeover and space reconfiguration - all while its owners were overseas.

'Open it up and let in the light' was Elizabeth's instruction when it came to renovating the kitchen of her Sydney home. Formerly U-shaped and a dated shade of blue, the kitchen was also dark and poorly laid out, so a full kitchen makeover was in order.

"Sliding doors from the lounge to the kitchen created an awkward maze effect," Elizabeth explains. "You couldn't walk straight through the kitchen."

With an overseas trip already planned, Elizabeth and her husband hoped to delay the inevitable renovation. "Just as I told my husband to be patient and wait until next year to renovate, the handle fell off the oven," Elizabeth laughs. "Then I went to the sink and the tap fell apart!"

Enlisting Matthew Martin of Northern Kitchens and Joinery, the couple planned a kitchen makeover, leaving their kitchen renovation in Matthew's capable hands. Even though light was a priority, skylights weren't on the cards. "Instead, a wall was moved out of the existing kitchen and resupported with a steel beam to create more natural light," says Matthew.

Freed from its dark corner, the new kitchen is a generous galley style, complete with an island bench for the kids to perch happily at the breakfast bar. "The whole room is a lot more open," says Matthew. "Everything works together - it's a better area for the dining table, and the back doors open onto the courtyard outside, creating a bit of a parents' retreat."

There's a refreshing absence of handles with finger-pull drawers (where the top of the drawer is cut on a 45 degree edge) and touch-catch doors throughout. They're all soft closing too. Adding to the sleek design are glossy white laminate doors. "This was a cost-effective and durable option, offering a similar look to polyurethane," Matthew says.

The transformed kitchen proved worth the journey for Elizabeth, who returned as it was nearing completion. In fact, she's so pleased with the result she has a hard time choosing a favourite feature. "I love it all!" she says. "The whole kitchen flows and I love being in it - everything's within reach."

Matthew Martin, from Northern Kitchens and Joinery

How did you go with timing?

Elizabeth went overseas while the renovation was done, which was great, as there was a lot of brick dust. Everything was ahead of schedule, so Elizabeth was surprised on her return.

What's your favourite feature?

I like the finger-pull, handle-free design as it offers a sleek and clean look. The glass splashback is a great feature of the kitchen makeover too.

Were there any challenges in the design or construction?

The galley kitchen design was a challenge. Being a long, narrow room, we needed enough space for a decent-sized island with sink, and for the island bench to be in the right space for it to work. Removing the wall and getting the beam in properly around the stairwell ceiling was awkward.

What's your overall impression of the project?

I love it; it's fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. The kitchen is worlds apart from what it was. Because of the structural changes, the project wasn't simply about replacing the old with the new.

Elizabeth, the homeowner

What was your kitchen like before the makeover?

Horrendous! It was a very dated, 80s blue with chunky brown handles. It was pretty unliveable, with handles falling off and taps coming apart. Also, sliding doors from the lounge to the kitchen made for an awkward maze effect. The kitchen bench truncated the room, so you couldn't walk straight through the kitchen.

Was it easy to find a designer who suited your needs?

I was at the end of my tether when Matt came along. That was in May, and our trip was planned for June. Other designers were telling me what I needed, rather than listening to what I wanted. Matt was a breath of fresh air - he sat down and listened - we talked through ideas and came up with 'our' design.

What's your favourite feature?

That's hard, as I love it all! I like the fact that there are no handles - also the colours, proportions and soft-close cupboards. The under-mounted sink is great and I like having drawers instead of cupboards at the lower levels. The whole kitchen flows and I love being in it - everything's within reach.

Were you nervous going overseas while having a kitchen makeover done?

I've renovated before, and I knew it would make the tradespersons' jobs easier if we weren't there. I was very comfortable leaving the keys with Matt and going overseas. When we returned, everything was ahead of schedule, with only the final plumbing, electrical connections and laundry appliance placement left to do.

A kitchen makeover goes glowingly modern

Matthew Martin, from Northern Kitchens and Joinery

Elizabeth, the homeowner

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