You won’t recognise this kitchen

At Mitre 10 we’ve always got a few projects on the go and most recently we’ve been getting stuck into kitchen and bathroom renovations. West Aucklander’s Bronwyn and Mariano had a kitchen in need of a spruce up and over on Auckland’s North Shore Byron and Briar had a bathroom to fix, so with our building expert Stan Scott and Interior Stylist Liv Harper, we lent a hand to help them get these projects sorted. Read on for the inside scoop on these project, including design insight from Liv.

Kitchen Makeover

Who lives here? Bronwyn & Mariano
Where is it? Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland

Why did you want to renovate your kitchen?

The kitchen had been the first thing we wanted to change since we bought the house - it was very tired and was high on our priority list as we love to cook.

What was it about the room you wanted to change?

The cabinetry needed a refresh as it was very damaged and there was a major lack of storage. We wanted to make sure we had plenty of pantry and bench space including adding in a kitchen island. 

Best moment during the renovation?

Seeing everything come together really quickly after the installation of the cabinetry was exciting.  The bench top and tiles were completed shortly after and at that point we could easily visualise what the end result would be like.  

Describe the kitchen before?

Awkward. There was a small pantry in one corner which was difficult to access, we had an old oven oddly positioned in the other corner, and the cabinetry and benchtop were poorly constructed from cheap materials that were falling apart and disintegrating. It was all pretty gross!

Describe the style of the new space and why you chose it?

We were mindful that the new kitchen had to work with the age and style of the house. Being a 1920s bungalow we went with the classic ‘shaker’ profile cabinetry along with vintage style brushed metal handles, and teamed that with more modern aspects to keep it from feeling too themed. We opened the space up so the kitchen flowed into the dining room, gave ourselves more bench space and added in a kitchen island. We also used tiles with a hand glazed look across an entire wall which had a nice bespoke feel.

Why would you recommend Mitre 10 for kitchen solutions?

They had everything we needed and wanted in a new kitchen. There’s a great product range and if they don’t have something you’re looking for in store they can help you get it on special order. The great thing about it is they’re able to get pretty much anything you can think of, from the most basic, to the higher end lines.

Favourite part of the new kitchen?

Using the new five burner gas hob and oven is amazing, but mostly just having a user friendly space that’s a pleasure to work in.

First impressions of the existing kitchen?

They had a really generous kitchen that just needed a bit of an upgrade and layout that really worked for them!

What was the look they opted for?

Chic industrial. They went for a nude palette with white panelled cupboard fronts and a caramel stone bench top. Their black feature pendants provide some strength to the overall aesthetic and the rich timber brings ample warmth.

Tips on choosing a kitchen colour palette?

It's so easy to fall into an all-white or monochromatic kitchen as those trends will always remain strong. I think it's more important to consider the house as a whole, look at the adjacent rooms and the overall feeling you're trying to create. The colour palette for this kitchen was very highly considered and was important in pulling off the overall look! They didn't want anything too stark and modern so we toned everything back and amped up the warmth a notch. Don't be afraid of colour – even the softest tones can transform the feeling of a space instantaneously. 

Favourite part of the new kitchen?

I adore their bench top; it’s an absolutely beautiful feature!

What do people commonly overlook when designing their kitchen?

Bench space. I think it’s one of the most important factors and you need it in order to use your kitchen functionally, so make it a priority.
 

WATCH: BEHIND THE SCENES FROM OUR KITCHEN MAKEOVER