Before + After: Inside an
Interior Stylist’s DIY Kitchen
What was a small, dark and cluttered 1970s kitchen is now a light and open space, with plenty of room to enjoy as a young family.
The new cabinetry design is clean, functional and of course styled to perfection, which adds the warm, homely vibe.
Read more about Fiona’s experience and get advice for your next renovation below.
GoodLove Interiors on Instagram @goodloveinteriors
What was the inspiration for your new space?
Although it’s definitely bucking against the current trend of colour-drenched, textured and detail-heavy kitchens, we were really craving a calm and minimal base for our new kitchen space as what we had there originally was very visually busy (in the not so great 70’s home kinda way).
As an interior stylist, I knew I wanted a tonne of bench space, not only for the practical day-to-day cooking stuff, but so I had plenty of available space to style up and add that warmth, texture and colour to the very pared back and minimal base.
I love a kitchen that doesn’t feel too ‘kitchen-y’ and cohesively flows into the other areas of your home. Styling plays a huge part in this!
We were also really inspired by the cracking sunsets we get in this space and wanted to amplify that glowy feel with a beautiful and hard-to-put-your-finger-on pinky beige colour for our walls and cabinetry fronts. When the light hits just right in there, it’s the softest and loveliest space to hang out in!
My favourite feature is something unexpected but one that I’m sure a lot of people will feel deeply, haha, and that’s the pull-out bin cupboard! Ohh, to finally have hidden bins. The joy!!
How did you find the experience and what did you enjoy most about it?
The experience, in terms of working with U-Install-It to create this dream kitchen of ours, could not have been better. Truly.
I had our design mapped out and ready to go, but the showroom consultant I worked with was super knowledgeable, confident and really helped me arrive at the best solution for some tricky spots, even suggesting ways I could achieve certain design details I had my heart set on, for less.
I found there were more ways to customise the design, compared to some other DIY kitchen suppliers, which was very important to me.
I of course most enjoyed finally seeing it all come together upon install, after months of planning and counting down in anticipation during our renovation!
What’s your best advice for anyone considering a DIY kitchen project?
Well, apart from making sure you include a pull-out bin cupboard in your design, I would say ‘don’t be afraid to ask what you think might be a stupid question’ and ‘don’t be afraid to ask for help’.
Think of those simple little details that will bring you joy each day and don’t forget to add those to your ‘must-haves’ list (after the boring things are on there, like your sink and cooktop etc). You’ll be so glad you did!
Check out GoodLove Interiors by Fiona Barden for interior styling services:
Website: www.goodloveinteriors.com.au
Instagram: @goodloveinteriors
The experienced team at U-Install-It Kitchens
are ready to help bring your renovation to life!
Visit a showroom to get started. Have plans and measurements ready to go?
Then head straight to booking an appointment to discuss your project.