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With a strict budget of just $10,000 to update a classic Victorian single-fronted home's kitchen, bathroom and laundry, structural changes needed to be kept to an absolute minimum. The goal was to create a more visually appealing and functional home.
The plan
Shortly after moving into his single-fronted Victorian, Bunnings Workshop member RohanH turned to the Bunnings Workshop community for ideas about how to renovate the back kitchen, bathroom and laundry area of his home.
"My aim is to update the area so it's visually appealing and functional, but ideally with minimal structural changes to reduce costs," Rohan said.
Inspired by laundry benchtops from fellow Workshop member ProjectPete, Rohan decided that a long timber benchtop and tile splashback would make great additions to the bathroom.
Reorienting the toilet and/or toilet wall was also a priority given that you could not close the door if sitting on the throne.
Consideration was also made to demolishing the triangular section where the kitchen stove was. "As much as I want to minimise structural work, it takes up so much room in a small kitchen, and I'd like to add more benchspace, as well as an enclosure for the fridge, microwave and space for a dishwasher," Rohan said.
"I want to add an extra benchtop along the wall where the circular table currently is. possibly just with a bracket and no cabinetry underneath as a dining bench that faces the wall to provide a dining table without taking up as much floor realestate. Just not sure where best to put the fridge/ microwave/dishwasher."
While initially "not fussed", Rohan was quickly advised by Workshop members to consider replacing the floor tiles as part of the project.
Rohan's budget was relatively small. "I'd like to keep it under $5,000 if possible, but know that might be tight if the above structural changes are involved. $10,000 would be a definite upper limit."
New designs
Ever-helpful Bunnings Workshop member redracer01 created 3D designs of the proposed kitchen, bathroom and laundry area for Rohan.
Tearing down the wall between the living and kitchen areas was the most dramatic suggestion, opening up the space considerably.
The microwave was placed at the same height as a standard wall cabinet and a standing oven/cooktop placed in the existing cavity with a rangehood added above.
It was suggested to move the washing machine out of the bathroom to maximise bathroom storage space. This had a dramatic impact.
The washing machine was moved to under the vanity. However, consideration needed to be given to the height - standard washing machine height is 850mm and you do not want the vanity to be too tall to use comfortably. Easy access to laundry taps was also needed, and it was noted that the vanity's plumbing might prove difficult due to the washing machine.
A sliding cavity door was suggested to maximise limited space and eliminate the need for a swing area for a traditional door.
When the project was completed, Rohan returned to the Bunnings Workshop community to share photos of the renovation work and thank helpful members for their ideas and assistance.
Before and after
Kitchen/Living area:
Bathroom/Laundry Area:
Toilet area:
