Dot and Nick live in Torrensville, in a home which was built back in 1926. A teacher and urban planner respectively, when away from work they love to entertain.

Job one was to help them create an open dining and kitchen space that would accommodate prepping simultaneously, modern functionality and a splash of 80s-inspired Scandi style. Job two was to enliven a tiny non-functioning laundry space using similar materials. Job three was to tackle the bathroom.

Kitchen

Both Dot and Nick wanted to overhaul their U-shaped kitchen and open it up into an L-shape for better flow and functionality. They pictured a spacious island for prep, dining, and entertaining. Extra storage, integrated handles and appliances, and a pantry were high on their list to keep the kitchen not only functional but also clutter-free.

Not surprisingly, given their love of Scandi vibes, they were keen on American Oak and some overall warmth from timber and veneers. They imagined a combination of tile benchtop and concrete look stone, craved plentiful pantry space, and coveted some open shelving to display Dot’s beloved vintage vases.

Jessie also had to find a way to include a full appliance update without disrupting the feel: a 600mm built-in oven, 600mm gas cooktop, semi-integrated dishwasher, built-in microwave, canopy rangehood, and a freestanding fridge.

It’s a good thing she’s an expert at balancing vintage charm with fresh design.

Laundry

Now this room needed to overcome its current status of chaotically cramped. Doing the laundry is frustrating enough, right? Permission was given to remove the sink, and a request was made to repeat materials from the kitchen.

Bathroom

Initially, the bathroom was going to get a simple refresh, keeping the original footprint and services in place. Anticipated changes included a checkerboard tile floor and better linen storage. But as Dot and Nick’s vision developed, they decided to go all out and rework it completely to maximise its practicality and purpose. It didn’t have to match completely with the kitchen aesthetic, though we’re pretty sure those features were never far from Jessie’s mind…

Kitchen: Space to share

Jessie agreed that turning the kitchen into an L-shape would help create a better flow. And that a central island would provide the ultimate gathering spot for dining, entertaining and extra storage. To Dot and Nick’s delight, she cleverly re-positioned the air conditioner into the dining space so the new fridge and a spacious pantry could tuck in together allowing the benchtop to flow all the way around, leaving plenty of prep space for two.

Everyone agreed on Tasmanian Oak veneer fronts with integrated handles which add warm timber tones and set the stage for a soft, Scandi-inspired feel. The custom handles from Auburn Woodturning, ‘Setto’ with long rounded ends, were chosen to add a subtle detail.

The decision to use concrete stone benchtops was rethought, however, with stainless steel the winner. Jessie integrated a double bowl sink and continued the stainless steel as an upstand. To add a pop of colour, Dot chose a buttery yellow splashback tile in ‘Seasons Mostaza matt finish’. The addition of a skylight means the space is now flooded with warm, natural light.

Just like the freestanding fridge, all the new appliances fit seamlessly into the layout keeping it clutter-free – the 600mm built-in oven, gas cooktop, semi-integrated dishwasher, built-in microwave and the canopy rangehood. Further functionality was added via plenty of drawers, vertical tray storage, VS COR FOLD (a swing-out storage solution) for better corner access, and a pull-out bin and inner drawers in the pantry.

A home for Dot’s vintage vases was not overlooked. Open shelving on either side of the canopy rangehood showcases them in style.

By adding shallow depth storage on the dining side of the island, it can comfortably seat 2–3 stools. Given it’s a focal point when you enter the house, Jessie designed a stunning 30mm Tasmanian Oak solid timber shelf at the end, curving it for a warm, welcoming feel.

Mindful of Dot and Nick’s desire for a unified entertaining hub, Jessie also added a bar nook in the dining space, again using Tasmanian Oak Veneer. With its tall wine fridge and open-shelving for glass storage, a drink with friends and family is only ever an arm’s length away.

Laundry: Small Space, Big Style

They weren’t lying, the laundry was a squeeze! Dot and Nick’s original setup was tiny and tricky to navigate. Jessie created one larger opening instead of having a single door entry to squeeze into. To conceal the day-to-day laundry and hide away she chose Bi-fold doors in Polytec Classic White melamine. They feature oversized custom ‘Spaghetti’ handles in Tasmanian Oak from Auburn Woodturning.

Inside, she packed a lot of function into a little space: a spot for a front-loader washing machine, wall-mounted dryer, broom and mop storage, and a simple timber hanging rail that keeps everything in reach. The laundry’s stainless-steel benchtop and splashback mirror the kitchen style, keeping things cohesive and polished while creating a surprisingly spacious feel.

While she can’t promise that doing the laundry will now be fun, Jessie’s confident it’ll be far less of a hassle!

Bathroom:  Cosy and luxurious

When we get a full rethink over a straightforward update, our creative juices don’t just flow, they gush.

Jessie started by moving the entry door more central to allow for deeper linen storage. The storage doors were crafted in the same Polytec Classic White melamine as the laundry with the matching oversized custom ‘Spaghetti’ handles in Tasmanian Oak from Auburn Woodturning.

The star of the space? A beautiful stone freestanding bath that invites Dot and Nick to relax in spa-like style. For the days that demand a shower, there’s an alcove fitted with ABI tapware which tie in with those on the vanity.

The cupboards beneath the sink echo those of the kitchen with their Tasmanian Oak veneer fronts and integrated custom handles, again ‘Setto’ long with rounded ends, from Auburn Woodturning.

Keen on some texture and pop in the bathroom, Dot and Nick chose ‘Vox Square Taj Green’ in a tumbled finish for the benchtop and to sit alongside ‘Travertine Classic’ on the checkerboard floor. Their selection of a stylish ‘Tetra Midan Pistachio’ wall tile to complement the gorgeous green theme was spot on.

Mission complete. Three different rooms. Three different needs. Yet three cohesive designs that provide function and flair.

And that equals two very happy customers. High five, Jessie.