Share
Wall removed, allowed for more storage and counter spaceIn a 4 bedroom plus child's room/office sized home, the kitchen was far too small.
The lounge was used to also squeeze in a dining table.
There was no TV because the rooms were too cluttered and small.
There was no space to move anywhere! So the wall had to go and the entirety of the 3 areas redesigned.
Like most structural renovations of older homes, once all the linings have been removed, there are structural repairs to make. So all the framing and subfloor was exposed. One wall rebuild plumb and to spec, joist added where it had been missing, chipboard subfloor replaced with ply, building wrap and insulation added into the wall cavities prior to relining.
With a nice open plan, the new cabinetry and counters on order would be such a better use of the space.
I used vertical height to create more storage and counter space with upper cabinets. A hidden microwave beneath the island counter, as well as an instant hot water tap to declutter the counters.
Incorporating dining into the kitchen, provides seating for 5 (plus a pull over chair for the chef). The island provides ample counter space for specialist meal preparation and serving. It is a multi purpose space, being used for sewing, planting and working too.
Glass hob top gas cooking and a powerful extractor with a flat top for fresh herbs at the ready and easily accessed. Large side by side for heaps of chilled food storage, and instant ice. The upper and lower cabinets provide categorized food storage, different than tradition - there is no tall pantry here. The cookware and serveware have been located in positions for the fastest and most efficient way to work with a chef and two assistants. Alcohol and stemware have a place above the fridge, with the glasses displayed bar style hanging upside down. This kitchen has been hospitality professional tested and checks all the boxes.
All the small things add up to one successful project. The splashback was designed using off cuts from the tiled shower in the bathroom (both renovations were done at the same time), and a few textured mosaics added to create a lively atmosphere and colour scheme while still remaining easy clean and aesthetically neutral to accommodate to the majority of buyers when the property sells.
The new double glazing provides clean simple lines and large views of the valley, sky, distant kaimai ranges, and a deck and garden view. 360° view ports and outside access in any direction. All creates the ability to naturally warm and cool the home using sun and wind, and natural light and views of nature for health and wellbeing.
The lounge with the fireplace has lounge chairs up to 4 for comfortable conversation, and there is an added TV nook with a 3 seater couch for music and movies.
Up to building code, and designed for better living, this project was a huge success and I look forward to helping others with their kitchen renovation design and build projects!
Materials
Framing timber, subfloor timber, watergate wrap, earthwool insulation, James Hardie cladding, flashing and trims, subfloor ply, Aqualine gib, Gib plaster, resent paints - undercoats, top coats, interior and exterior, recycled rimu t&g flooring, polyeurethane, 75mm coving, cove bond, expanding foam, double glazed joinery, sealants, screws, nails, thermal wrapped cabinetry, engineered stone counters, Samsung and F&P appliances.
Tools
Circular saw, drop saw, Sabre saw, hand saw, jigsaw, chisel, hammer, coving mitre, plaster saw, sledge hammer, square, level, laser level, framing gun, finishing gun, caulking gun, brushes, rollers, painting trays, drop sheets, ladders, telescopic poles.
Steps
Step 1
1. Demo day!!! Completely removed anything that needed removing
2. Exterior weatherproofing - joinery, cladding, wrap, flashing etc to keep that weather out so we can work all interior.
3. Insulation
4. New framing
5. Pre-wire, preplumb
6. Line ceilings, walls and floor
7. Paint painted surfaces
8. Flooring
9. Cabinetry
10. Fit off electrical and plumbing
