The Heart of Highett
A kitchen that speaks to the soul
Kitchens are where life happens. They’re the spaces where families gather, meals are prepared with love, and memories are made. For Leah and Dan, their kitchen renovation wasn’t just about updating a room; it was about transforming their home to reflect their lives, their style, and their love for family. Having moved from England to Melbourne, this team of four wanted their new home to embody everything they cherished, while also providing the functionality their previous kitchen had lacked. The result? A contemporary yet timeless space that feels both fresh and inviting, perfectly aligned with their vision for a warm, modern, and practical living space.
Leah and Dan shared their renovation journey, saying “We initially thought about going with a mainstream kitchen company. But it didn’t take long to realise that our vision needed more than just a cookie-cutter approach. We were really inspired by shows like The Block and knew we needed a team that could handle the unique challenges of our renovation. So, we started searching online and came across Wood Wizards. The glowing reviews and high praise on the Facebook Bayside Community Hub made us feel confident they were the right choice.”
Reflecting on the experience, they added, “From the very beginning, we felt that Wood Wizards truly understood us and our vision. They had the expertise to bring our ideas to life, and we were absolutely right about that.” Their enthusiasm about the outcome is clear: “The results have exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be happier with the choice we made.”
From inspiration to reality
Leah and Dan’s journey to their dream kitchen began long before they ever stepped foot into Wood Wizards. Their relocation from the UK to Australia had ignited a desire for a renovation they could finally see through to the end; they wanted their new space to be nothing short of perfect. After spending months discussing, discarding, and refining ideas, they came knocking with a crystal clear vision.
Initially, their plans involved reconfiguring the layout by taking space from an oversized bathroom. It wasn’t until their first consultation with Jordan that they truly realised what was possible. Jordan’s expert eye saw beyond the existing structure, envisioning a kitchen that would seamlessly blend functionality with the additional space Leah and Dan desired. His ability to turn their ideas into a cohesive design was immediately apparent, and the couple knew they were in the right hands.
* HOT TIP *
We’re always flexible to work around your needs, but if possible, consider engaging a kitchen designer before installing new flooring. This early collaboration ensures that your kitchen design and layout are fully optimised, allowing you to make the most of your space. By planning the layout first, you can streamline your flooring choice with the overall design, making the process both efficient and cost-effective for a seamless, harmonious look throughout your HOME.
Before & After
Crafting the perfect kitchen
The transformation began with cabinetry — a focal point of the design that would set the tone for the entire room. Leah and Dan were clear that they wanted to avoid the feel of an all-white kitchen, opting instead for earthy colours that would bring a sense of comfort. They were particularly drawn to the idea of using timber tones, but were unsure how to incorporate them in a way that would complement their newly chosen engineered flooring.
After much deliberation and collaboration, we selected Polytec Satin Sussex, Cove and Flat profiles in 2 pack Blossom White for the main cabinetry. This shade offers a soft, chalky elegance that effortlessly complements their walls and floors, creating a harmonious balance with existing colours. The subtle grain of the Tesrol Highland Oak cabinetry added depth and character to the space, ensuring it felt anchored and cohesive.
A major bugbear of their previous kitchen was the corner pantry and the inconvenient placement of the sink in the island bench. These elements disrupted the flow of the kitchen and made everyday tasks feel inefficient. Determined to avoid these pitfalls in their new design, we ensured that every inch of the kitchen was optimised for functionality.
*Hot Tip*
When designing your kitchen, don’t overlook those tricky cornerS. Innovative solutions can transform awkward storage areas into smoothly accessible, functional spaces. Consider integrating smart storage systems that maximise every inch of your kitchen, turning potential problem areas into standout elements that enhance both the flow and functionality of your space.
Bringing it all together
Every element of this kitchen was chosen with care to reflect Leah and Dan's tastes while ensuring practical day-to-day use. The Porcelain Factory Enviro 12 New Savior benchtops, with their soft grey hues and rustic appearance, brought a natural aesthetic that was both sleek and contemporary (and easy to clean, super important with two sets of sticky little hands!).
The splashback, already selected by Leah, was a Tile Cloud Newport Matte Bone Mixed Square Tile — a hand-glazed look that ushered texture into the room, with a splash of artisanal charm. This detail brought comfort and authenticity, making the kitchen feel homely yet refined.
Handles are a subtle but essential detail in any kitchen. For this pair, the combination of Push Catch, Finger Pull, and Dorset Ferrara Lip Pull handles in Burnt Bronze were a match made in heaven. They offered functionality while tying in beautifully with the aged brass tap, a special raw living feature that will only become more settled with time, evolving and changing as it patinas.
Functionality meets aesthetics
A kitchen is more than just a place to cook — it’s a space that should work for you. For Dan, a passionate foodie with a love for coffee, having the best tools at his disposal was crucial. The kitchen now boasts a Siemens cooktop with both induction and gas options, inviting Dan to craft his favourite brunch creations with flair, from the perfect brew to gourmet eggs and pancakes with the kids. This state-of-the-art cooktop offers the flexibility to switch between induction and gas in a flash, catering to the whole family’s diverse tastes. The Franke Double Bowl sink in Onyx and the Faucet Strommen Zeos Sink Mixer add a cheeky dash of luxury, taking this kitchen up another notch (or two).
Invisible storage, standout features
This kitchen shines with its blend of minimalist design and smart functionality. The sleek, uncluttered look is paired with ingenious storage solutions that keep everything neat and accessible. Every cabinet and drawer hides a clever trick, ensuring the kitchen remains both tidy and efficient.
With two young children, the space needed to handle family life without compromising style. Enter the Hafele Hailo Euro Cargo ST60 bin, a hidden waste solution that blends seamlessly into the design.
Keeping clutter out of sight is key here. The custom pantry, featuring a Hettich folding door system, offers ample space for appliances and everyday items. And let's not forget the Hafele LeMans II corner unit—what started as a pinch of skepticism quickly became one of Leah and Dan’s favourite additions. Its space-saving design turns an awkward corner into a practical, accessible area, with a fluid swing that brings pots, pans, and kitchen essentials right to your fingertips.
Laundry: the unsung hero
Just beyond the kitchen, the laundry whispered for a mini-makeover. Often overlooked, a well-designed laundry can make a significant impact on the flow of a home. And so our work began…
The laundry’s design follows the same principles that made the kitchen such a success: thoughtful planning, high-quality materials, and a seamless integration with Leah & Dan’s overall aesthetic. While it was a simple brief with new doors and benchtops, these updates brought just the lift they needed. The benchtops were selected to seamlessly connect the laundry to the kitchen, while the cabinetry featured 2 pack flat profile doors in Polytec Blossom White. This choice was understated yet elegant and functional, perfectly complementing the adjacent custom pantry.
It’s not just about looks — practicality was key, too. So of course an opening for the legendary robot vacuum was a must, making the space not only beautiful, but also tailored to the needs of a busy household.
*Hot Tip*
If you're renovating your kitchen, consider tackling the laundry at the same time! Coordinating both spaces allows for cohesive design choices, from cabinetry to benchtops, ensuring your home feels harmonious. Plus, doing both projects together can save time, MONEY and reduce disruption, while giving you the chance to incorporate similar storage solutions and durable materials that work for busy households. Two spaces, one streamlined process!
A kitchen for life
Leah and Dan’s kitchen is more than just a room, it’s where they’ll gather with family and friends, where their children will grow up, and where countless meals will be prepared with love. The result is a space that perfectly blends modern design with timeless appeal, offering both style and substance.
It’s a kitchen that not only adds value, but enriches their day-to-day lives. The warmth of the timber, the elegance of the finishes, and the thoughtful design all come together to create a kitchen that feels like it’s always been there, a natural extension of Leah and Dan’s family and lifestyle.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that perfectly reflects your style and family, finding the right team to bring it all together is essential. Whether you're looking for cohesive design, or smarter storage solutions, it’s important to explore your options, ask the right questions, and share your vision with experts who truly understand your goals. And if you think the right team might be us, get in touch to book in your kitchen consultation - we’re here to talk through ideas and help make your vision, much more concrete. Call us on 9557 2988 and let's get started.
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“We couldn’t be happier with our new kitchen! The team at Wood Wizards truly exceeded our expectations at every step. From the moment we met Jordan, we knew we were in good hands. His vision and expertise were exactly what we needed to bring our ideas to life. The entire process was seamless, and every detail was considered with care. The final result is a kitchen that feels like us, it’s warm, functional, and just beautiful. We’re so glad we chose to work with a local business that truly cares about their clients. We highly recommend Wood Wizards to anyone looking to transform their space. They made a house feel like our home!”
Project Details
Price Guide
Kitchen Cabinetry $40,000 - $50,000
Kitchen Benchtops $14,000 - $16,000
Prices are an estimate for cabinetry only, including pull-out and installation. Please view The Budget Checklist for further details on the various elements involved in a kitchen renovation – we will quote your total investment including trades following your initial design consultation.
Products, Partners & Suppliers
Style Haus Interior Design by Kirstin Sweet
Tesrol Highland Oak Horizontal Grain
Polytec Sussex, Cove and Flat Profiles in 2 Pack Blossom White
Dorset Ferrara Lip Pull Handles in Burnt Bronze
Blum TANDEMBOX antaro drawers and ORGA-LINE container sets
Hafele Hailo Euro Cargo ST60 bin, LeMans II and strip lights
Hettich folding door system WingLine 230
The Porcelain Factory Enviro 12 New Savior benchtops
Tile Cloud Newport Matte Bone Mixed Square Tile
E&S appliances
Siemens ovens, induction and gas cooktop
Sirius undermount rangehood
Franke Double Bowl sink in Onyx
Vintec 50 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cabinet
Miele fully integrated dishwasher
Faucet Strommen Zeos Sink Mixer Square Pullout in Antique Brass Medium
Fienza Tono Sink Mixer in Brushed Nickel
Bentons Uptown Single Bowl Sink
Coco Republic Melrose Counter Stool in Black
Beacon Lighting Orray Linear Pendant in Bronze
Natural Wood Floors engineered floors
Mint Tiles Ceppo Stone Porcelain Ivory floor tiles