Bold Design, Beautiful Views
A Statement in Southbank
Gazing out from this property, you see something astonishing. Panoramas of the Yarra River, Federation Square and city heights act as a living artwork. With floor-to-ceiling postcard views showcasing Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, this kitchen renovation needed to make an impact.
That’s why Grant came to us.
This wasn’t his first rodeo. Having worked together with the Wizards in Brighton East a few years ago, Grant was ready to bring us back on board for this magnificent transformation.
His ask? A renovation to sell. And without question, this design delivered.
The ideal layout
The cityscape and breathtaking views were the focal point for this custom kitchen design. It was essential that the floorplan worked with them, not against.
This took time and thoughtful planning. When you’ve got large influencing factors within the existing property, they must be carefully considered from different perspectives to ensure you’re not caught out further down the track when you’ve already made commitments. Changes can be costly, so take your time to work through all the scenarios – the ifs, buts and maybes, and strip it back to foundations. That way you know your design will be harmonious, woven into its surroundings.
We knew getting the structure of this kitchen right was fundamental to the rest of the interior. A complete overhaul of what was already there was necessary; then we could get back to the drawing board and create something truly special.
Before & After
This room needed stretching. The design had to transform an obstructive, outdated space into a dream kitchen. First, we took out the boxy benchtop overhang to show off the high ceilings and invite the light to flood the room. We said goodbye to the existing closed-off kitchen workspace. Its replacement exceeded expectations. We implemented an expansive central island that elongates the area, drawing attention to the bright vistas that surround it. With a longer centrepiece, the kitchen feels larger, magically growing in size through careful planning and an innovative blueprint.
But it wasn’t just about the layout. The materials needed to work in tandem.
A geologists dream
Grant works with the fundamental makeup of our earth. So, it makes sense that he was truly in his element at the Victoria Stone Gallery. The natural stones and marbles showcased are of supreme quality, highly durable and available in a variety finishes. Glistening with all their perfect imperfections, they’re simply stunning.
His geologist mind fell head over heels for the Fantasy Brown marble, opting to use it for the centre island, benchtops and splashbacks. The warm hues of the material compliment Grant’s organic themed interior, plus its parallel grain helped to lengthen the room; bring our attention back to the city views. It’s bold but beautiful.
Material selection throughout this design was deliberate, and the same careful attention was given to the floorboards that lay beneath the glorious stone. Brighton Flooring in Bora Bora French Oak reflects the rooms organic, rustic tones right back upwards, creating effortless continuity.
The statement aesthetic of this natural stone also allowed Grant’s styling to really shine. His treasured antiques take centre stage with the natural and welcoming feel of the Thai Buddha Hand Sculptures and the colourful wooden figures from his travels to Senegal, West Africa.
*Hot Tip*
Your space belongs to you. So don’t be afraid to make it yours. Interiors should tell a story and using beloved collectables, ornaments, or other special items can truly make your house feel like home. Keep it minimal and choose important trinkets with meaning for the best impact.
With such a statement stone, cabinetry needs to be simple. Handleless was the way to go, creating a sleek finish with no unnecessary distractions. The classic 2 Pack cabinetry was kept in Dulux Natural White to elevate the space, keeping it bright and reflecting sunlight cleverly back around the room. Now, the exterior of these cabinets might be minimal, but inside there are all sorts of storage goodies…
A clever kitchen
With beautiful views taking centre stage, keeping clutter away and minimising obstructions was key. Centralised dual pantries and a state-of-the-art seamless Sub-Zero refrigeration was installed to create a chic cooking environment. The appliance hutch is a game-changer allowing bulky gadgets to be stored away, keeping the stunning Fantasy Brown marble clear.
It’s ideal for entertaining and cooking with stacks of prep space and intuitive features at every turn. A pull-out Hafele Tandem Pantry stores oils and sauces next to a Gaggenau cooktop for ease of access, double Gaggenau ovens at the perfect height and a dedicated warming drawer for keeping mouth-watering meals at just the right temperature. Even the Miele dishwasher has push-to-open technology, making clearing up after a dinner party more effortless than ever.
*Hot Tip*
Make your kitchen waste friendly with smart appliances. Grant opted for the Insinkerator waste dispenser and, of course, the easy-to-use Hafele Euro Cargo Bin to create a simple, more sustainable kitchen environment for whoever bought the property. For more about kitchen waste and sustainability click here.
With jaw dropping views and bold stone benchtops, clean lighting was a must. Sleek, linear pendant lights from About Space illuminate the central island with a warm, inviting glow that is continued by Hafele strip lights integrated above adjacent counters. These reflect off the Homebush and Beige Royale Dulux walls. Everything is harmonious.
Renovating for the future
This renovation was made to sell. But then again, all of our transformations work with this in mind.
The kitchen truly is the heart of the home and having a new, functional interior is essential for both you and potential buyers. Whether you’re deciding to redesign for your own enjoyment, or you want to fetch a better price, always start with the kitchen. It will set the standard for the rest of the property and draw people in.
Investing now will always deliver later. It doesn’t have to be a huge budget either. Even small adaptions will affect real estate prices and make a big difference.
Just ask Grant. He recently sold for a record amount.
Curious? We are happy to chat through your plans, ideas and outlook to find out how we can help you best.
Get in touch with us to book in your kitchen consultation about how we can get you the kitchen of your dreams.
Call us on (03) 9557 2988, and let's get started.
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“This family business has passed its intuition and innovation through generations, and so when it comes to kitchen renovations you need to go to Wood Wizards. This wasn’t the first time I chose them, and it won’t be the last. As always the process was orderly, comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. Jordan, like his mum, has a natural talent for design and the whole experience was just fantastic. This kitchen renovation added significant value to my home and I would urge anyone looking to sell to work with the Wizards to maximise value in the heart of their home.”
Project Details
Price Guide
Kitchen Cabinetry $55,000 - $65,000
Kitchen Marble $15,000 -$20,000
Prices are an estimate for cabinetry or stone only, including 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
2 Pack cabinetry in Dulux Natural White
Victoria Stone Gallery Fantasy Brown Benchtops & Splashback
The Porcelain Factory Stone Mason
Hafele Dispensa Pantry
Hafele Tandem Pantry
Hafele Euro Cargo Bin
Hafele strip lights
Blum drawers
E&S Trading appliances
Sub-Zero fridge and freezer
Gaggenau cooktop, double ovens and warming drawer
Falmec rangehood
Miele dishwasher
Insinkerator waste disposer
Franke Kubus sinks and drainer
About Space pendant lights
Brighton Flooring Bora Bora French Oak