A once cramped and dull kitchen has been transformed into a highly functional, energised space. The transformation proves that small spaces can, when designed right, punch above their weight in both looks and functionality.
Kbdi Awards 2026 Entrants
Category: Small Kitchens Vic
Heather of Instinct Interiors was engaged by the owner to help achieve her dream kitchen. The brief was for a simple yet expressive palette to feel grounded but fresh. With a great team onboard, operating within a tight budget proved no barrier to achieving the vibrant and deceptively spacious design. Due to the spatial constraints of the building’s envelope, the original kitchen was crammed into a 2.6 x 2.6m space, with little room to prep and entertain.
Gaining additional benchspace and function was achieved by the removal of an oversized corner pantry and overhead cupboards around the cook zone, extending existing benchtops beyond the window. The new 1800 x 1000mm return doubles as a generous breakfast nook with storage tucked beneath both sides and stylish pendant lighting in harmony with the owner’s collection of original mid-century furniture.
The pantry, refrigerator and freezer are concealed behind a full-height wall of Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt joinery, beautifully composed with shadow-lined panels and soft-close doors. Recessed handle-free soft-close door panels enhance the understated sense of luxury and spaces.
Day or night, the room remains vibrant with a wall of glossy Aquamarina Devon ripple-face subway tiles, ensuring jewel-coloured light forever bounces off the walls. The glistening tiles are grounded by the Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt joinery. Caesarstone Black Tempal benchtops continue as waterfall edges around the return, introducing a robust, concrete-like surface that protects the plaster wall while adding visual weight.
A Neff black-glass induction cooktop and Slide & Hide pyrolytic oven bring streamlined functionality to the cook zone, complemented by a Franke stainless-steel sink and Puretec matt-black and steel three-way mixer.
The result is a compact kitchen that feels generous, joyful and beautifully resolved, creating an inviting backdrop for everyday cooking and connection.
Joinery: 16 Bays
Build: Blue Goat Constructions
For more information
Instinct Interiors
P 0412 692 376
E instinct.interiors@ozemail.com.au
