How to renovate small kitchen apartment and re-use marble top?

Question

Going to renovating my kitchen but i would love to reused and keep the marble top that we have. The kitchen looks dark because of the dark cabinets and dark marble with no window. Not sure where to put the new bigger fridge and extend the kitchen to the white wall near the dinning table.

Things a want to change:

1. Cabinet colour or renew all the cabinet and doors into a pull out kitchen. Could reach the ceiling

2. New gastove cooktops and range hoods that is quiet and really good in cooking.

3. Change the oven to a higher place for my bad back, same as microwaveoven

4. Change the sink into bigger size, single sink but will be able to re-use the marble bench

5. New taps and garbage disposal machine and as well the dishwasher

6. New lightings and new floor

MitchellMc · Accepted Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MsReno. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about kitchen renovations.

It sounds like you have some great ideas for your kitchen renovation, and it's fantastic that you want to keep the marble top—it’s a beautiful and durable surface that can really elevate the space. Given that the kitchen is dark, and you’re looking to make it brighter and more functional, it would be very helpful to have an in-home or in-store consultation with one of our kitchen designers. They can assist in refining the layout, especially with the limited space and your goal of moving things around, such as placing a larger fridge and extending the kitchen. They can also help you with the best way to make use of your existing space and ensure that your new design is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

In terms of the cabinets, you could consider updating the colour and possibly moving to pull-out units that reach the ceiling. Pull-out kitchen units are great for storage and organisation, especially in a small kitchen. Lightening up the colour of the cabinets, such as opting for white, light grey, or soft pastels, could help brighten the space. If you prefer a more contemporary look, matte black or navy can work really well with the marble top, as long as they are paired with lighter accents, like new flooring and updated lighting.

For the cooktop and rangehood, quiet operation is key, particularly when you’re working in a confined space. There are modern range hoods designed to be powerful but also very quiet, which would be ideal for reducing noise. If you’re replacing the oven, moving it to a higher position to make it more accessible for your back is a great idea. Wall-mounted ovens are perfect for this and can integrate well with a microwave at eye level, which also helps with ergonomics. This is certainly possible to do with Kaboodle cabinetry.

Replacing the sink with a larger, single-basin version is also a good move. A deep undermount sink will look seamless against the marble and provide plenty of space for cleaning larger items. New taps with a pull-down spout would also be a great choice. When it comes to the dishwasher, a panel-ready unit can help it blend in with the cabinetry, providing a streamlined and cohesive look.

In terms of lighting, having a combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting will be important. Under-cabinet lights can help with meal prep areas, while pendant lights over an island or dining table can add a stylish touch. Ceiling downlights or recessed lights will provide even, ambient lighting, brightening up the space without overpowering it. For flooring, you’ll want something that’s durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Hybrid vinyl planks are great choice—they're modern, stylish, and easy to maintain.

Given the size of the kitchen, maximising vertical storage is key. Tall cabinets and open shelving can help you store more items without crowding the space. If possible, a wall-mounted, fold-away table or additional counter space can also provide flexibility for food prep when needed but can be hidden away when not in use.

Ultimately, working with one of our kitchen experts will allow you to explore the best layout options, ensuring everything fits perfectly, and the space feels as open and bright as possible. They can also help you balance your existing marble top with new cabinetry, lighting, and flooring, creating a kitchen that’s not only functional but also stylish.

You might also like to read through this guide: How to plan a kitchen renovation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell