Kitchen Magic Within Reach
An exciting new chapter
Nestled at the heart of Steven and Pauline’s home is a kitchen that blends modern design with affordable functionality, rejuvenated to reflect their vibrant lifestyle and culinary passions. Inspired by their love of travel and renewed interest in cooking, they tasked us Wizards with renovating the space — all while preserving its homely, welcoming essence.
The goal was clear: to create a bright, functional kitchen that would transform their daily lives, while staying on budget... And so, with a wand wave of design savvy and a sprinkle of innovation, we set out to blend this old-world charm with a new era of kitchen magic.
Embarking on a culinary adventure
Steven and Pauline's kitchen journey was inspired by their global travels and a deep-rooted love for traditional English cuisine. Eager to experiment with new recipes and evolve their culinary skills, they sought a room that could accommodate both the familiar and the exotic. With Steven’s newfound enthusiasm for mastering dishes like his Mum’s Yorkshire Parkin, and the family-favourite Pork Roast (plus fluffy Yorkshire Puds), the installation of a new Westinghouse oven was a welcome upgrade that promised to take his cooking to the next level. Well, perhaps it’s that, and his secret weapon — Henderson's Relish… or maybe it’s the occasional cooking class in Singapore. 😉
From the beginning, Steven and Pauline knew they wanted something special, a kitchen that felt like it was uniquely theirs. They met with several kitchen designers, but it was the genuine warmth (or as Steven puts it “just your good old fashioned customer service”) and bespoke approach of Wood Wizards that truly resonated with them. Jordan’s deep understanding and thoughtful insights into their needs made them feel at home, confident they’d tasked the right team to bring their vision to life.
Smart design for effortless living
The redesign focused on clever storage and seamless flow to make cooking and socialising in the kitchen a true delight. By reconfiguring the space and removing an unnecessary walkway, Jordan maximised the layout, dramatically increasing the usability of every square inch.
And we didn’t skip corners… sophisticated solutions like the spacious Hafele LeMans II corner unit, turned previously awkward nooks into valuable storage. Blum Antaro soft close drawers glide into place nearby, doubling stacking capacity without a sound.
The result? A deliciously spacious area that just works. No more tussling over chopping board real estate on benchtops!
Before & After
* HOT TIP *
When planning a kitchen makeover on a budget, always consider the power of good lighting and smart design choices. Brightening up the space with new light fixtures or thoughtfully placed windows can transform a kitchen without the need for costly structural changes.
Beyond the basics
Kirstin Sweet | STYLED HAUS
“No-one’s home is perfect, we all have that ‘tricky’ space, one that doesn’t function properly and causes frustration. I can help you re-think that space and turn it into your ‘perfect’ space - custom designed in a way that suits your lifestyle.”
Once we’ve nailed down the essentials of your kitchen's layout and functionality, Styled Haus Kirstin Sweet steps in with her interior design flair. Starting with a personal meet and greet in your home, she fully immerses herself in your space and style, soaking up every detail to ensure the finishes reflect your life and loves perfectly.
With her keen eye for aesthetics and function, she selected the Polytec Matera range for the benchtops. Its super matte finish added a sophisticated touch, perfectly mirroring the refined elegance of honed stone. But Kirstin didn't stop there. She knew exactly how to draw in more light too, suggesting updated window treatments and fresh frames that made the kitchen glow even brighter.
Her knack for seeing the potential in every detail transformed the room. It just goes to show, having a designer's eye on your project isn't just about picking the right shades and materials — it's about unlocking the full potential of your space, making it as practical as it is beautiful.
Affordable artisan touches
Looking fabulous doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Polytec Oyster Grey Matt laminate cabinetry is complemented by stunning Polytec Calacutta Grey Matera laminate benchtops, bringing warmth and style in spades.
Opting for laminate is a savvy decision. Not only does it maintain a sleek appearance and resist wear and tear, it offers a cost-effective way to achieve a high-end look without the premium price tag.
By saving on some elements of your kitchen renovation, a Laminate affords you to indulge in more luxurious details elsewhere. For Steven and Pauline, this meant choosing the exquisite Tile Fusion Moroccan Zellige tiles for their splashback. Recommended by Kirstin for their modern square shape over traditional subway tiles, these handmade treasures from Morocco add a unique touch of luxury. Each tile is individually cut and hand-glazed, showcasing subtle variations in shade that bring depth and an artisanal feel. The glossy finish of these tiles beautifully contrasts with the matte surfaces, reflecting light and enhancing the overall ambiance of the space. Remember, to avoid delays, it's wise to order these often back-ordered tiles early, ensuring they arrive in time to complete your project.
Modern touches are peppered throughout the space, from the neatly embedded Bosch induction cooktop to sleek Lincoln Sentry Modar Angolo handles. It’s convenience without compromising on style.
You see, this kitchen is not just a model of efficiency - it's also a canvas for their personal tastes and experiences. Throughout the design process, they chose features that reflected their lifestyle and the stories they’ve collected from around the world.
*Hot Tip*
Embrace the use of laminate materials for a budget-friendly yet stylish kitchen upgrade. Today’s laminate options can mimic high-end finishes like marble and hardwood, offering durability and a luxe look without the steep price tag.
Blending the old with the new
At Wood Wizards, we believe you don’t have to break the bank to create kitchen magic. Our approach emphasises flexibility and practicality, making it easy to blend style with budget-conscious solutions.
Instead of replacing everything, we found smart ways to integrate their existing dishwasher and fridge into the design. This approach not only saved on costs but also allowed us to focus on other areas that needed more attention. Similarly, with the colour scheme, we chose hues that complemented their current flooring, which they were still undecided about replacing. At Wood Wizards, we understand that every client's situation is unique — be it budget constraints, limited time, or specific needs — and we tailor our services to fit seamlessly with your personal requirements, ensuring that every aspect works in harmony without requiring a complete overhaul.
A kitchen reborn
Life in Steven and Pauline's home is now remarkably calmer; gone are the days when making a cup of tea during meal prep felt like a dance around each other. The new layout has stretched out their space and greatly improved the flow, relaxing daily life and ushering in simplicity.
With improved functionality at every turn, the heart of their home has become a hub of activity and joy. It’s a place where they can effortlessly entertain, explore new recipes, and revel in life’s everyday moments.
If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that perfectly reflects your lifestyle, finding the right team to bring it all together is essential. Whether you're after a cohesive design, smarter storage, or a budget friendly solution to solve your culinary woes, it’s important to share your vision with experts who truly understand your goals. If you think we might be the right team for the job, get in touch to book your consultation - we’re here to discuss ideas and help turn your vision into reality. Call us on 9557 2988 and let's get started.
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“Working with Wood Wizards was an absolutely wonderful experience. Our new kitchen has transformed the space, making it feel bigger and much more functional. The quality of workmanship was outstanding, and the team was incredibly professional throughout. It was particularly helpful to have Kirstin’s advice on colours and finishes, she made the selection process enjoyable and stress-free. Choosing Wood Wizards was the best decision for us because they could manage everything we needed. The added functionality of being able to see and access everything in our drawers has made daily life so much easier. We would definitely recommend Wood Wizards — if you’re thinking about it, go for it! They’re a 10 out of 10.”
Project Details
Price Guide
Kitchen Cabinetry & Benchtops $30,000 - $35,000
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
Polytec Oyster Grey Matt laminate
Polytec Calacutta Grey Matera laminate benchtops
Blum Antaro soft close drawers and Orgaline container sets
Hafele One2Four Bin and LeMans II corner unit
Lincoln Sentry Modar Angolo handles in Black
E&S appliances
Bosch induction cooktop and rangehood
Westinghouse ovens
Tile Fusion Moroccan Zellige tiles