Home Kitchen

Kitchen renovation: Midcentury marvel

Reconfigured and splashed with colour, this small 1960s kitchen stays true to its roots

This beautifully restorated midcentury kitchen pops with vibrant colour and new-found modernity.

Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)

Palette

In deference to the original colour, the cabinetry and shelves are swathed in Laminex laminate in Olympia Red, White and Olive, installed by Kitchens Now. Dark grey laminate used under the bench, Laminex in Licorice Linea, echoes the blackboard wall behind, and makes the white Essastone benchtop pop. In a happy coincidence, the vinyl seats of the owners’ existing vintage bar stools were a perfect match for the retro palette. A touch of silver comes via a Smeg sink from Michael’s Appliance Centre and an Astra Walker kitchen mixer.

Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)

Storage

The lift-up cupboards make efficient use of space. The mechanism is from Blum’s ‘Aventos’ range, available through Lincoln Sentry.

Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)

Screen

A screen of Tasmanian oak timber, positioned in place of an original supporting column, is both functional and decorative. Built by Marc French & Co, it was treated with an ebony stain to work visually with the ceiling beams, painted dark grey to highlight the architecture of the home.

Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)
Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)

Dining

A wall was removed to open up the kitchen, so it is now as one with the dining area. The original Tasmanian oak floorboards, which had been treated and stained, were sanded back to their natural colour. The dining table’s sturdy top was a door discarded during the redevelopment of Port Melbourne’s historic Swallow & Ariell biscuit factory. Marc French & Co finessed the piece during the kitchen renovation. The Chris Connell-designed chairs were picked up for a song from an op shop.

Restorated midcentury kitchen
(Credit: Shania Shegedyn)

Source book
Austin Design Associates
(03) 9592 6411

Kitchens Now
0425 750 668

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