Mid-Century Kitchen & Laundry Renovation

This two-storey brick townhouse from the 1980s, located in the heart of Adelaide, was recently purchased as a long-term investment. The new owners were eager to start renovations quickly to prepare it for rental. As time-poor professionals, they relied on us to manage every detail and deliver the project efficiently.

Our clients wanted a warm, cohesive design that honoured the home’s character. Inspired by the era of the mid-century style of the house, they were drawn to the timber details already featured throughout, and they asked us to build on that look. They requested better storage, an improved layout, and a full refresh of the kitchen, laundry, WC, and upstairs vanity. The goal was clear: create a rental-ready space with timeless appeal.

Since most of the house remained in its original state, the kitchen needed a total refresh after 40 years. A poor layout, dated appliances, and lack of a pantry limited its functionality. The original cooktop was oversized and claimed too much valuable space. Meanwhile, the laundry lacked both storage and functionality, so fitting everything in demanded precision and creative thinking.

A Thoughtful Mid-Century Transformation

Our Interior Designer reconfigured the L-shaped kitchen to improve the workflow across cooking, storage, and washing zones. They removed the outdated breakfast bar to open up the space and enhance circulation.

At our client’s request, we created a dedicated appliance nook within the pantry. This space includes a bench seat and concealed power points, perfect for charging or running small appliances. We also tucked the microwave into this area, along with a mix of tall and short inner drawers to neatly store pantry goods.

We installed new appliances, including a Bosch induction cooktop, built-in oven, and undermount rangehood for efficient and easy cooking. A large double bowl top-mount sink with a gooseneck pull-out mixer anchors the design and supports daily use. To boost storage, we introduced a full-height pantry and replaced the oversized cooktop with a compact model that frees up extra bench space. LED strip lighting provides bright, clear task lighting across key zones, and additional powerpoints make appliances more accessible.

The kitchen layout prioritises practical storage: cutlery trays, adjustable shelves, and inner drawers throughout. We extended the benchtop to include casual seating for three, with curved open shelving above adding a soft, retro detail. To complete the design, we continued the bulkhead along the full kitchen wall and around corners for a cohesive look. We stained the skirting boards in both kitchen and laundry to match existing timber details and preserved the original doors and architraves to retain the home’s character.

Smart Storage in Small Spaces

The laundry, only 1.5m wide, was challenging. We maximised the space and replaced dated appliances with a Bosch washer and dryer combo. Included overhead cabinets, a broom cupboard, and additional bench space bring order and practicality. We placed power points on both inside and outside the laundry cabinetry, allowing for easy use and charging of appliances like vacuums. A bifold door, stained to match existing trims, now conceals the laundry while tying in with the overall look.

We chose Zenith benchtops in White Truffle for a warm, neutral surface. Cabinetry in Florentine Walnut, paired with matte black handles, balances richness and contrast. The olive green, small square splashback tiles were carefully selected after much consideration to echo the home’s mid-century heritage. Finding the right tile was essential to the overall aesthetic.

The green splashback brings a soft pop of colour. Portland terrazzo-look porcelain tiles ground the space with timeless texture. The restrained palette and natural finishes create a refined, tactile environment.

The renovated kitchen and laundry now offer generous storage and thoughtful layouts. The owners loved the design journey and appreciated the smooth communication. Every surface serves a purpose while staying stylish. The added WC and refreshed upstairs vanity boost rental appeal. The home now feels warm, organised, and ready for guests as an Airbnb home.