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The project:
I transformed an outdated kitchen and dining room into a calm and character-filled main suite retreat, restoring the spaces back to their intended purpose within the home. The former kitchen became a light-filled bedroom connected to the balcony through new French doors, while the dining room was reimagined into a custom-built walk-in robe and ensuite. Original timber floors were uncovered and lovingly restored, and thoughtful handmade details were incorporated throughout to create a cohesive retreat that reflects the traditional character and timeless style of the home.
- Materials:
- Tools:
- Step 1:
Reimagining the layout
The existing kitchen and dining room were reimagined to create a private main suite. The former kitchen became the bedroom, while the dining room was thoughtfully divided to create a walk-in robe and ensuite. I carefully removed the existing kitchen and repurposed as much of the cabinetry as possible elsewhere in the home, allowing quality materials to continue to be used rather than discarded.
- Step 2:
Creating the new main suite spaces
The original layout was carefully considered to create three connected but functional spaces while maintaining the flow and proportions of the home. A new wall was introduced within the former dining area to create the walk-in robe and ensuite, while existing openings were retained where possible to ensure the new spaces felt natural within the original structure.
- Step 3:
Restoring the original timber flooring and finishes
With the existing lino and plywood removed, virgin timber flooring that had never previously been sanded was revealed beneath. Although the boards were not perfectly level and required a more careful approach, they were restored by hand before being finished with Feast Watson Hard Wax Oil. The walls, ceilings and trim were then refreshed in a soft white palette, creating a timeless foundation for the new suite while allowing the natural warmth of the timber to remain a feature.
- Step 4:
Creating a connection between the bedroom and outdoors
The former kitchen was transformed into a light-filled bedroom, with the existing kitchen window replaced by matching French doors leading onto the previously underused balcony. This created a stronger connection between the bedroom and the outdoors while allowing additional natural light into the space. A Tiffany-style pendant light, individually selected for the bedroom, was installed by a licensed electrician to add warmth and character while complementing the home's traditional details.
- Step 5:
Designing and building the custom walk-in robe
The walk-in robe was designed and built using Kaboodle cabinetry, which was thoughtfully adapted from its original purpose as kitchen cabinetry into a personalised bedroom storage solution.
Custom hanging spaces were created using timber dowel and fittings, alongside drawer storage and carefully planned cabinetry to maximise the available space.To add both function and character, I designed and built custom timber features throughout the room.
A curved timber bench seat was created with basket storage beneath, while a matching curved shelf was handcrafted from timber panelling and finished with gold brackets. Additional gold hooks and considered storage details completed the space, creating a walk-in robe that feels more like a custom piece of furniture than standard cabinetry.
- Step 6:
Creating a cohesive ensuite retreat
The ensuite was designed to continue the same timeless design language used throughout the home while maintaining its own individuality. The space features a fluted, arched glass freestanding shower screen, pressed tin feature wall within the shower area, fluted basins, a converted teak timber vanity and brushed gold accents throughout.
The teak timber piece was transformed into a custom vanity, with the original handles replaced with gold hardware to coordinate with the rest of the bathroom fixtures. A cavity slider was incorporated between the walk-in robe and ensuite to maximise functionality and maintain a clean flow between the spaces.
A gold train carriage-style storage rack was installed above the towel rail, providing practical towel storage while adding another unique design feature. A Tiffany-style pendant light, individually selected for this room, adds warmth and character above the vanity, complemented by downlights and shaving cabinet lighting installed by licensed trades.
- Step 7:
Bringing the suite together through considered details
The finishing details were carefully selected to create a cohesive connection between the bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite. Throughout the suite, natural timber, soft white finishes, brushed gold accents, fluted details and individually selected Tiffany-style lighting create a consistent design language while allowing each space to maintain its own personality.
The result is a calm and functional private retreat where traditional character has been balanced with modern living requirements.
- Step 8:
Completing the transformation
What was once an outdated kitchen and dining room has been transformed into a complete main suite designed around comfort, functionality and timeless style. By restoring original features, creating handcrafted storage solutions and carefully carrying design elements throughout each space, the finished retreat feels considered, connected and purposeful.
