If you look closely, you’ll notice this design is missing one cool thing – the fridge! That’s because we weren’t tailoring the space to one household’s needs. We were tasked with creating a kitchen that could flex and adapt to suit a range of future tenants and lifestyles.

The request came from Susie and Aaron Martin (of Aaron Martin Construction), who’d purchased a home in their local area to renovate and rent out. Calling us was a no-brainer.  We’ve worked together since 2011, and they’ve trusted us to deliver high-quality finishes on many of their custom-designed new builds.

Being a rental reno, the brief was a little different, and the budget was modest.

A timeless interior was crucial – something that would appeal to everyone and ideally evoke a warm sense of welcome for years to come.

They wanted a light, bright aesthetic that would make the smaller footprint feel spacious, with a classic shaker style that was elevated yet understated.

Bench seating was desired, without stealing storage. The scope also extended beyond the kitchen to a walk-in pantry and bathroom vanity, which all needed to feel considered, ageless, and ready for everyday life.

Meanwhile, the desire for quality materials, workmanship and finishes remained the same.

Given their own building and design experience, Susie and Aaron came to us with a clear vision of how they wanted the kitchen laid out and some of the inclusions. It was Beth (our designer) who made it all cohesive.

The original U-shaped kitchen was reimagined. By removing the wall that once separated the kitchen and dining, we opened up the footprint, creating a lighter, more social space where conversation could flow from cooking to dining to homework at the bench.

Existing services, like the sink and cooktop, were kept in place to simplify the layout and allow for an uninterrupted island bench, which is a feature Susie and Aaron absolutely love. “It was a challenge to fit it in,” they said, “especially with the awkward doorway we had to work around – but we’re so glad we did. It adds function, storage, and gives the space heart.”

Beth knew the key to success was in the details. Starting with a refined shaker profile, she reduced the rail size to modernise the traditional look, balancing character with clean lines.

Custom capping and pelmet detailing added another layer of depth to the overhead cabinetry, while the island gained subtle character with a block base leg design.

Warmth was introduced with Blackwood veneer and solid timber elements, contrasting against the otherwise light, bright palette. Susie and Aaron love a butlers sink, and the white one they’d picked slotted in perfectly. (Their decision to remove the patchwork linoleum flooring before we started was also a very good one!)

Beth used curved open shelving to soften the edges, especially at the entrance, where it visually opened the room while tying the finishes back to the island. Drawer storage was maximised wherever possible, with clever back-to-back cabinetry in the island and integrated bench seating that encourages social connection without sacrificing practicality.

The combination of white benchtops and contrasting tapware, lighting, and handles was carried over to the bathroom vanity, where a black framed mirror complements it to perfection.

Susie and Aaron were amazed by the level of joinery we were able to achieve with a modest budget, and we’re happy to say they remain complimentary about our “seamless process”.

“Both the kitchen and the bathroom vanity are a testament to the fact that big budgets aren’t always required for great finishes. You just need considered design.”

Some very lucky tenants are about to find that out first-hand.