🖼️
The project:
Built on a tight budget with sustainability in mind, this project transformed an underused corner of the kitchen into a practical space full of personality. Reclaimed lowboy cabinets and a timber benchtop added valuable storage and workspace, while creating a cosy retro-inspired nook that suits the age of the home. Eucalyptus-inspired wallpaper ties everything together, and a colour-matched vinyl wrap with a custom-made rattan panel cleverly disguises the air exchange while keeping it easy to access for cleaning. By repurposing existing materials wherever possible, the design delivers practical improvements with minimal environmental impact.
- Materials:
- Paint Partner 2.6 x 3.6m Clear Plastic Drop Sheet: https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-2-6-x-3-6m-clear-plastic-drop-sheet_p4460515
- ScotchBlue Original Painter’s Tape 36mm x 41.1m: https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotchblue-36mm-x-41-1m-original-multi-surface-painters-tape_p1661216
- Uni-Pro Plastic Drop Sheet 2.6 x 3.6m: https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-2-6-x-3-6m-plastic-drop-sheet_p1660768
- Selleys Spakfilla Rapid 180g: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-spakfilla-rapid-180g_p1230237
- Selleys 1L Surface Primer Sealer: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-1l-surface-primer-sealer_p1230216
- Monarch 270mm Microfibre Roller Cover: https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-270mm-microfibre-roller-cover-10mm-nap_p1661568
- Monarch 270mm Roller Frame: https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-270mm-roller-frame_p1661567
- Monarch 270mm Plastic Paint Tray: https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-270mm-plastic-paint-tray_p1661566
- Monarch Walls & Ceilings 38mm Angled Paint Brush: https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-38mm-walls-and-ceilings-angled-paint-brush_p1661548
- Roman Pro-880 Wallpaper Adhesive: https://www.bunnings.com.au/roman-pro-880-ultra-clear-wallpaper-adhesive-3-78l_p1662640
- Polycell Wallpaper Smoother: https://www.bunnings.com.au/polycell-wallpaper-smoother_p1662828
- Anza Wallpaper Seam Roller: https://www.bunnings.com.au/anza-wallpaper-seam-roller_p1662664
- Selleys Aquadhere Interior PVA Wood Glue 250ml: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-aquadhere-interior-pva-wood-glue-250ml_p1230125
- Zenith Gold Passivated Countersunk Timber Screws: https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8g-x-40mm-gold-passivated-countersunk-timber-screws-50-pack_p2400016
- Cabot’s staining cloth: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabots-staining-cloth_p1661956
- Selleys Nitrile Disposable Gloves: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-medium-nitrile-gloves-10-pack_p1230260
- Cabot’s Sandpaper Assorted Pack: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabots-woodcare-sandpaper-assorted-pack_p1662050
- Boyle Resin Mixing Cups: https://www.bunnings.com.au/boyle-resin-mixing-cups-10-pack_p0383638
- Boyle Resin Mixing Sticks: https://www.bunnings.com.au/boyle-resin-mixing-sticks-20-pack_p0383639
- Selleys 450g Brown Interior No More Gaps: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-450g-brown-interior-no-more-gaps_p1232933
- Selleys Caulking Finishing Tool: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-caulking-finishing-tool_p1230320
- Polycell Tack Cloth: https://www.bunnings.com.au/polycell-tack-cloth_p1662910
- Selleys Sugar Soap Wall Cleaning Wipes 25 Pack: https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-sugar-soap-wall-cleaning-wipes-25-pack_p1210330
- Zenith Furniture Felt Pads: https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-self-adhesive-felt-pads-assorted-pack_p3961087
- Zenith Cabinet Brackets: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=zenith+cabinet+bracket
- Tools:
- Wrecking Bar:https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-300mm-wrecking-bar_p0423013
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver: https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-drill-driver-starter-kit-r18dd22_p0715241
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Impact Driver: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+impact+driver
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Random Orbital Sander: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+random+orbital+sander
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Jigsaw: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+jigsaw
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Brad Nailer: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+brad+nailer
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Stapler: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+stapler
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Multi Tool (Oscillating Tool): https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+multi+tool
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Trim Router: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+trim+router
- Ryobi Heat Gun: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+heat+gun
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ Caulking Gun: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+caulking+gun
- Ryobi LED Work Light: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=ryobi+18v+work+light
- Combination Square: https://www.bunnings.com.au/empire-300mm-combination-square_p5667081
- 600 mm Spirit Level: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=600mm+spirit+level
- Quick-Grip Clamps: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=quick+grip+clamp
- Utility Knife: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=utility+knife
- Wallpaper Smoothing Tool: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=wallpaper+smoothing+tool
- Wallpaper Seam Roller: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=wallpaper+seam+roller
- Paint Roller Kit: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=paint+roller+kit
- Angled Paint Brush: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=angled+paint+brush
- Paint Tray: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=paint+tray
- Caulking Finishing Tool: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=caulking+tool
- Rubber Mallet: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=rubber+mallet
- Claw Hammer: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=claw+hammer
- Wood Chisel Set: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=wood+chisel+set
- Putty Knife: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=putty+knife
- Screwdriver Set: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=screwdriver+set
- Allen Key Set: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=allen+key+set
- Sanding Block: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=sanding+block
- Mixing Cups & Stir Sticks: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=resin+mixing+cups
- Respirator: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=respirator
- Hearing Protection: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=hearing+protection
- Nitrile Gloves: https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=nitrile+gloves
- Step 1:
We removed the existing laminate flooring to reveal the original hardwood underneath. It was sanded and stained to bring out the wood grain (done by a professional but sander links added above).
- Step 2:
Purchased two bench-height vintage lowboys, gave them a good clean and installed the shells in the nook.
- Step 3:
As a separate project, we added a sliding door to enclose the former dining room. This created a wall on the right side of the breakfast bar area.
- Step 4:
Ordered a eucalyptus-inspired wallpaper from the States. Purchased a similar paint colour from Bunnings. Taped off and painted the ceiling nook and corners.
- Step 5:
Wallpapered the walls.
- Step 6:
Purchased a live-edge timber slab. Sanded it down to a 220-grit finish, installed it over the lowboys and then coated it in a resin finish, filling the holes where possible.
- Step 7:
Vinyl-wrapped individual sections of the air exchange.
- Step 8:
Built and stained a frame cover panel, stapling three rattan section into the slots and caulked everything.
- Step 9:
Added the drawers and staged the bench top.
