🖼️
The project:
I completely transformed my home by converting a dated kitchen, separate laundry and living areas into a modern open-plan kitchen, dining and living space with a walk-in pantry. I completed almost the entire renovation myself, including demolition, re-sheeting the walls, replacing the kitchen window, building and installing every kitchen cabinet, and constructing the custom pantry shelving. A builder installed the structural beam needed to remove the internal wall, but every other part of the renovation was completed by myself. It's a project I'm incredibly proud of.
- Materials:
Kaboodle Kitchen & Walk-in Pantry
- Tools:
- Step 1:
1. Demolition & Structural Preparation
Removed the existing kitchen cabinets, benchtops and wall linings, stripping the area back to the timber framing. A licensed builder then installed a structural beam and removed the load-bearing wall, transforming the separate kitchen, laundry and living areas into one open-plan space.
- Step 2:
3. Electrical & Plumbing
A licensed electrician installed new power points and relocated electrical services, while a licensed plumber repositioned the plumbing to suit the new kitchen layout before the walls were lined.
- Step 3:
4. Install & Finish the Walls
Installed the new kitchen window and prepared the wall framing by planing high spots, checking the walls with a string line and making any adjustments needed before lining. At the same time, framed the new doorway to create access to the future walk-in pantry.
Installed Gyprock and Aquachek plasterboard using acrylic stud adhesive and plasterboard screws. Taped all joints, applied base coats and top coat, sanded the walls smooth and applied an undercoat ready for painting.
- Step 4:
5. Build & Install the Kitchen
Assembled and installed the kitchen cabinetry, ensuring all cabinets were level and securely fixed before installing the bench and overhead cupboards. Installed the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, soft-close hardware, handles.
- Step 5:
7. Convert the Hallway into a Walk-In Pantry
Converted the existing hallway that previously led to the bathroom into a walk-in pantry. The original bathroom was repurposed as an ensuite for the main bedroom, allowing the hallway to become a functional pantry space.
Installed the pantry cabinetry and benchtop before constructing the custom shelving framework, fitting melamine shelving, lining the underside with 3 mm MDF and preparing the space for painting.
- Step 6:
Painting & Finishing
Applied No More Gaps where required, painted the completed kitchen and pantry, and carried out all final finishing work.
- Step 7:
Project Status
The major structural renovation, kitchen installation and walk-in pantry are complete. Remaining works include installing the splashback, final painting of the kitchen/living area and laying the new flooring.
- Step 8:
