Maintaining the original features of an old home while renovating it to include modern amenities requires a delicate balance. This was especially true for this c1924 brick Californian Bungalow in Murrumbeena.

We aimed to preserve the historic charm of the home while improving its functionality. To achieve this, we started by relocating the kitchen to the back corner of the house to make it more accessible from the surrounding areas. The high ceilings, cornesses, and ceiling roses were preserved, while the entrances were opened up to create a spacious and welcoming atmosphere.

The new kitchen features a striking tiled island that serves as a conversation starter and ties together the design choices in the home. Black floorboards are used throughout the space to create consistency and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Since our clients love to entertain, we included a bar cabinet with fluted glass and brass fixtures. A glass splashback runs across one side of the kitchen, adding natural light to balance the dark design choices and create privacy from neighbours.

In addition to the kitchen, we created a butler’s pantry that includes a laundry area and pantry. The black floorboards and white cabinetry were carried over into this space, along with Colosseum Castro White Honed tiles for the splashback. The patterned tiles and organic hues add an elegant and luxurious touch, which is further enhanced by the parallel lines of the fluted overhead joinery.

The inclusion of brass fixtures connects the two spaces and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.