Avid Interior Design has transformed this Ashgrove Kitchen into a light-filled, welcoming hub that balances rustic charm with modern functionality.
The original kitchen was dark, cramped and cut off from the living room, with no bench seating and limited storage. The homeowners sought a brighter, more open design that respected the cottage feel of the property while improving usability and storage solutions.
Central to the renovation was the removal of the wall that once separated the kitchen from the living room. This single gesture instantly connected the spaces, allowing light to filter through and creating a more sociable layout. The removal of the bulkhead above the kitchen further enhanced the sense of height and openness, while louvre windows were carefully removed and built in to streamline the overall aesthetic.
Storage was a key consideration, given the kitchen’s modest footprint. Clever inclusions such as a blind corner unit, a hidden pull-out bin and a dedicated cleaning caddy beneath the sink ensure every centimetre of space is maximised. A new pantry with inner drawers also provides much-needed order and convenience, proving that functionality can be elegantly integrated into a compact design.
The finishes chosen layer warmth and texture, subtly nodding to the rustic brief. The kitchen cabinetry features doors in the Casino profile, finished in Pallido, with carefully matched two-pack paint in Blossom White. Brushed-nickel hardware brings a timeless touch, while engineered stone benchtops in YDL Stone Shadow Grey introduce both durability and soft contrast. These selections achieve the light and bright quality the owners requested without compromising the home’s cottage character.
Perhaps the most striking addition is the island bench, which anchors the room while providing casual seating and additional storage. Its placement transforms the kitchen into the heart of the home, encouraging conversation and interaction between cooking and living zones.
New solid timber floors in spotted gum complete the picture, replacing worn original boards and adding richness underfoot. The natural grain and warmth of the timber perfectly complement the cabinetry and stone surfaces, reinforcing the cottage aesthetic while enhancing the overall flow of the home.
The result is a kitchen that feels timeless. Avid Interior Design has created a space that is not only more open and functional, but also brimming with charm, seamlessly blending rustic character with thoughtful contemporary design.
Designer: Verona Searchfield
Build: C&D Joinery (Cabinetmaker)
KBDi – awards category: SMALL KITCHENS QLD
Photography: Louise Roche (Villa Styling)
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