We are excited to share a recent kitchen renovation project completed in Oak Flats. This charming brick cottage, originally built in 1975, underwent a significant transformation in 1999 during the height of the Heritage architectural style. The kitchen, which was expanded and updated as part of the 1999 project, was due for another revamp. Our client’s goal was to modernise the kitchen without clashing with the age and style of the existing home. They were impressed by the quality and service from Best Kitchens back in 1999 and chose to collaborate with them once again for this renovation.
Milliken Builders
Milliken Builders partnered closely with Best Kitchens during the design phase for this kitchen. We also completed demolition of the old kitchen and made structural changes to the entry way. We provided Project Management throughout the entire renovation planning demolition and providing electrical, plumbing, tiling, plastering and painting trades to streamline the process and reduce kitchen down time.
Challenges We Faced
1. Support Beams and Posts
The original house trusses and the support beams and posts from the extension created a support wall between the living room and kitchen and two posts, one in the kitchen and one in the entryway, that are integral to the structure and could not be removed.
2. Heritage Features
The 1999 kitchen included angled cupboards and an angled wall which were characteristic of the Heritage style. Both the angled cupboards and the dividing wall presented unique challenges for modernising the style and layout of the new kitchen.
- Angled Cupboards – the clients had beautiful hardwood flooring installed during the 1999 renovation, which they wanted to keep. Removing the angled cupboards would create unsightly patches in the flooring or would require replacing it completely. We had to find a way to update the cupboards without compromising the flooring.
- Dividing Wall – during the 1999 renovation the front door was relocated and positioned at a 45° angle to the front of the house. A dividing wall was built opposite the front door also at a 45° angle. This wall obscured the kitchen from the front door and also concealed one of the integral support posts.
Our Solutions
1. Softening Angles
Best Kitchens softened the angles of the two angled cupboards. The cupboards remained in their original positions but the straighter angles, a slightly different configuration and the streamline Laminex colour make them less noticeable. Also, the altered angle didn’t create gaps in the hardwood flooring.
2. Island Cupboards
We designed the island cupboards and benchtops to incorporate a support post. Best Kitchens were able to accommodate the post and they executed our vision perfectly.
3. Entryway Cupboard
To replace the angled dividing wall we designed and Best Kitchens built an entryway cupboard with display shelving. This solution gives a sense of openness and integrates the living, kitchen and dining areas. One side of the cupboard conceals a structural post and the other contains a power point and the light switch for the kitchen.
This renovation beautifully blends the old with the new while introducing modern functionality and aesthetics.
Collaborators
Once again we are grateful for our trusted trades and suppliers for assisting with this renovation.
Best Kitchens – design, cabinetry, splash back and stone benchtops
McLeish Electrical 0438 260 602
Midnight Owl Plumbing 0418 223 370
ProjecTiling Co Pty Ltd 0408 406 947
Concept Tile & Timber
Paul Watts Plastering 0413 522 491
Pendergast Painting 0418 432 369
Hanlon Windows Australia
If you would like information about renovating with Milliken Builders feel free to contact us on 0409 129 840 or submit an enquiry form.
