Glass splashback is the star of this green kitchen

A stunning glass splashback by Design Inferno is the focal point of this stylish green kitchen renovation by designer/owner Louisa Yim.

When designer Louisa Yim decided to renovate her Melbourne kitchen, her vision of a streamlined, modern kitchen wasn't hampered by the clear budget she had in mind.

Formerly renovated in the 90s, her basic kitchen featured plain laminate benchtops and melamine cupboards. "The single sink and the rangehood that recirculated air rather than drawing it out didn't add to its appeal," Louisa explains. "We wanted to upgrade the kitchen and achieve a clean, minimal look, with increased storage."

Because the original kitchen blocked views to the back garden, the intention was to move its position and open up the rear living area. In its new location, the kitchen enjoys unimpeded views and access to the outdoor space, with guests now gravitating to the open-plan area.

With a requirement for more storage, Louisa opted for ceiling-height cupboards and plenty of pot drawers allowing access to the furthest reaches of the cabinets. The small lip stainless steel handles and integrated fridge contribute to the seamless look of the kitchen.

The kitchen bench is a functional U shape and adjoins a dining table for relaxed family meals. Three-metre-long CaesarStone benchtops also offer plenty of meal preparation and serving space for the young family.

But the most stunning feature of the new kitchen is the tri-coloured glass splashback, which Louisa designed. "I was attracted to 60s and 70s patterns, but couldn't find one I liked," she explains. "Instead, I decided on stripes – there are three different shades of green in widening bands."

While the different colours in the splashback meant that painting it took extra time, the result was worth the wait for Louisa. "It's definitely the main feature of the kitchen and I don't think it will date," she says.

With its clean lines, modern features and clever use of space incorporating the outdoors, it's no surprise that this renovation is everything Louisa wished for.

Louisa Yim, Architect and Homeowner

Was it stressful designing a kitchen for your own home?

Yes! It made me appreciate the process my clients go through. You care so much about your own home – every detail is important.

How did you achieve the colour scheme you were after?

I tried to match the benchtop colour with the laminate of the cupboards. The green splashback is also married with the laundry cupboard doors, which are a darker shade of green.

What was the timing of everything like?

The builder told me it would take three months from start to finish, and I didn't believe him. But, true to his word, that's how long it took. The benchtops were slow to arrive, which held things up, but otherwise everything went according to plan.

Would you do anything differently if you had your time over?

Considering we've had a baby since the renovation, I would change the oven to a raised wall oven instead of being under-bench. I would have loved bigger gas burners, but we were constrained by our budget.

Were there any challenges in the design or construction?

The benchtops were slow to arrive, so there was a delay putting in the appliances and glass splashback. This meant we had to use the laundry and camp stove as a kitchen for a few weeks.

Are you happy with the design of the splashback?

Yes, it's definitely the main feature of the kitchen. I don't think it will date. If I'd gone with a 60s or 70s pattern, the look might not have been as timeless.