When homeowner Sarah purchased a 100-year-old cottage in the picturesque town of Springwood in the Blue Mountains, on the top of her list was to transform the kitchen. Crisp white shaker-profile cabinetry, marble-look benchtops and ample storage were at the top of the wish list for her new Freedom Kitchen. Impressed with the kitchen’s design and style, Sarah also commissioned Freedom Wardrobes to create a stunning library within the homes living room.
Read on to get the full details of this beautiful makeover.
Before.
Despite being installed in the 1980s, the original kitchen was salvaged from a 1950s design. A petite space it featured narrow 45cm wide benchtops, freestanding cupboards, an old Malley sink which took up an entire bench, and a distinct lack of storage.
The Brief.
To create a kitchen that mixes style with functionality. The new design needed to work within the existing footprint while maximising storage and useable bench space. Sarah knew that she wanted an all-white colour palette to make the room feel as large as possible and celebrate the cottage’s heritage.
After.
The Style.
Sierra cabinetry in Classic White Matt with its classic Shaker-profile was the perfect choice of joinery for the traditional cottage style and complement the original shiplap lining boards on the walls and ceiling. Caesarstone® White Attica benchtops in a 40mm profile perfectly fit the all-white colour scheme and extend up the walls to create short splashbacks, while Black Olive Bar handles contrast against the white cabinetry and countertops.
The Layout.
The new kitchen features a U-shaped design with an additional wall of cabinetry. A freestanding oven takes centre stage in the back run of cabinetry, while a sink and tap sit directly below a window which was another ‘must have’ for Sarah as previously it was off centre and had been a pain point for years.
The U-shape creates plenty of bench space and room to move quickly and effectively around the kitchen, essential to Sarah as she loves to cook and entertain. “I have a yearly Christmas in July party where my guests are required to cook because who doesn’t want guests who will do the work?” she smiles. “They love the extra prep space I now have and can do all their tasks by ‘pivoting’.”
Storage.
Storage rules supreme in this Freedom Kitchen. A mixture of drawers, cupboards and open shelving have been incorporated to ensure that there is space for everything that Sarah needs to store within the room. This includes storage that was specific to her needs, such as broom cupboards within the design. “Broom cupboards aren’t on everyone’s list of needs, but I wanted two, she explains. This is the only tall storage available as I have absolutely no built-in storage anywhere else in the cottage.”
Internal accessories ensure that this is a kitchen that works hard for a home chef. Cutlery trays and inserts keep cutlery and cooking utensils neat and tidy, and the Le Mans Corner Pull Out Carousel System allows easy access to corner cupboards where access may otherwise be difficult. “I love the ‘Le Mans’ – previously, I had to get on my hands and knees to remove everything in the corner cupboards just to get a baking pan! I also love that I have a charging station, and all the messy stuff is now hidden.” Sarah says.
The Library.
Inspired by what she achieved in her kitchen, Sarah enlisted Freedom Wardrobes to create a library within her living room. Working within a footprint 3.8 metres long, the design offers a plethora of additional storage thanks to cupboards and soft-close drawers.
Open shelving allows styling decor and special pieces to be placed out on display- adding colour and personality and can be changed whenever Sarah wants to. Sierra White Matt doors complement both the cottage style of the home and the panelling on the walls within the room.
The Freedom Kitchens experience.
When asked about her Freedom Kitchens experience Sarah explains, that it was “accommodating and patient! I had around six months between design and finalisation due to asbestos removal and other building work needed. The quality of the doors, carcasses, hinges, runners are impressive, and all the new storage has literally changed my life! So much so that I extended the storage into my living room and organised a Freedom Wardrobe design to add additional storage and display shelves.”
Inspired to create your own dream kitchen with Freedom Kitchens?
Click HERE to book a free design appointment at your home or via video call, or click HERE to download our latest Designer Range catalogue.
Full project details:
Cabinetry: Sierra Classic White Matt
Benchtops: Caesarstone® White Attica (40mm thickness for benchtop)
Handles: 10-K-85 Black Olive Bar 128mm
Accessories: Le Mans Corner Pull Out Corner System, Cutlery Trays, Adjustable Drawer Inserts, Pull Bin
Appliances. By owner. Includes a Delonghi 90cm Freestanding Electric Stove (DEF905EX1) and Fisher & Paykel 519L French Door Fridge (RF522ADX5).
Sink & Tap: By owner
Flooring: By Choices Flooring
Lighting: LED downlights
Photography: Patrick Moran
Styling: April Sharratt
