Before & After Kitchen Renovation in Bridgeman Downs, QLD
When Lara and her husband enlisted Freedom Kitchens to transform their kitchen into a contemporary space offering style, functionality, and storage, we eagerly took on the challenge to bring their vision to life. Lara’s clear vision for a room that embraced a fresh and modern Japandi meets Coastal aesthetic was joy to produce, with the result a new kitchen that is the beating heart of their Brisbane home.
Step inside this reimagined space to discover all the details that make this new Freedom Kitchen so special.
The before
Located in a different section of the open plan living zone within their home, the original kitchen was a U-shaped design that was blocked off to the outdoor spaces and had a large column containing the pantry which blocked the view out to the rest of the home.
The brief
Lara had a clear vision for the new kitchen, aiming to make it the heart of their home.
“The main things I wanted to change was to add lots of storage, inject a contemporary style, and to connect the kitchen to the outdoors.” she explains. “I went in with a brief of Japandi meets Coastal, and Freedom Kitchens had all the current profiles, the neutral tones, they had the wood look that I love, so there was lots to choose from to create the look I wanted to achieve.”
The result
Reconfiguring the kitchen into an L-shaped layout with a central island bench has transformed the space, creating a seamless flow that connects the room with the garden and living and dining areas.
The kitchen cabinets, featuring Amaro Smooth and Nordic Oak finishes, perfectly embody the contemporary Coastal and Japandi styles that Lara loves. Amaro Smooth, a warm white door, perfectly complements the timber-inspired Nordic Oak cupboards, while the brass hardware and marble-look surfaces add a touch of elegance.
While the colour palette is neutral throughout, the kitchen makes several design statements. “I wanted the kitchen to have a “wow factor” when you walk in. I wanted it to be the heart of the home and a place for people to be able to gather around,” says Lara. “Design decisions such as having the cooktop on the island bench mean that we can cook, entertain, and talk all at the same time.”
The kitchen island bench certainly has the ‘wow factor’ in spades! Spanning 3 metres, with a marble-inspired counter with waterfall edges, it features the standout cooktop, a pop-up speaker, plus additional storage at the front where the kitchen stools are placed.
Lara and her husband also love to entertain, a fact that is reflected by the introduction of the statement island bench which their previous kitchen lacked. “My husband is a very good cook, so he’s the main chef at home,” she says. “It’s just the two of us for half the week, but we have a lot of guests and family come throughout the week, so we entertain here a lot as well.”
Along the back wall of cabinetry, appliances such as the built-in fridges and dishwasher have been integrated behind the joinery for a seamless effect, while the oven and microwave have been stacked and placed next to the main pantry area. Storage abounds thanks to the inclusion of plenty of cupboards and drawers and the combination of a sink, tap, dishwasher, and Ninka Bin provides the perfect cleaning zone.
Lara’s favourite part of her new Freedom Kitchen
“It’s too hard to pick one thing about the kitchen, as I love everything about it! It really is my dream kitchen” smiles Lara. “It has the cooktop, integrated fridges and dishwasher, large sink, all the drawers, everything!”
The Freedom Kitchens experience
“The design process was easy, and our designer was wonderful to work with! She took on my brief quickly, and we worked together to bring to life the specific look I wanted to create,” explains Lara. “As Freedom Kitchens had all the modern door profiles and colours- which I was very fussy about- it was all very simple!”
Why Lara would recommend Freedom Kitchens
“I would recommend Freedom Kitchens because of the design edge they offer, the quality of their cabinetry, and the fact that whole process is easy.”
Kitchen details:
Cabinetry: Amaro Smooth, Nordic Oak
Handles: By client. For similar we love Solid Brass Satin Knob (34-M-41) and Solid Brass Satin Bar Pull (45-M-53) handles from the Freedom Kitchens Designer Range
Benchtops & splashback: By client
Accessories: Ninka Bin, Cutlery Trays
Sink & Tap: By client from Sola.
Appliances. By client.
Kitchen stools: Capri Counter Stool from Freedom
Photography: Marty K Photography @martykphoto
Styling: Daniela from Marty K Photography @martykphoto
