Paradise Kitchen, Living & Home Office Renovation

Nestled beside the sweeping outlook of the River Torrens Linear Reserve, this 1960s home was ready for its next chapter. After almost a decade in their Paradise property, our clients decided their much-loved home was ready for a transformation to better support family life, entertaining, and working from home.

As busy professionals with school-aged children, they needed a home that was practical, easy to maintain, and designed around the way they live today. The existing kitchen felt cramped, storage was limited, and the overall layout lacked the openness and connection they were looking for. Their brief focused on transforming the kitchen and living areas, improving functionality throughout the home, and creating a dedicated home office for everyday productivity.

Open-Plan Living

The original kitchen was positioned at the entrance of the home and had an awkward shape with a narrow passage that restricted movement. Limited storage and a cramped layout made it difficult for more than one person to cook comfortably in the space.

Although the back living area formed part of a 2000s-era extension, the overall layout lacked the openness, storage and connection the clients wanted. As part of the renovation, we were also tasked with installing new flooring throughout the home, as well as adding a new fireplace.

Our Design Specialist started by relocated the kitchen to the rear living area beside the outdoor deck and pool. This strategic change allowed the kitchen, living, and outdoor spaces to connect more naturally, creating a central hub for everyday family life. The former kitchen was then transformed into a dedicated home office with individual workstations for both homeowners.

Relocating the kitchen effectively doubled its usable footprint, creating space for larger appliances, improved organisation, and comfortable circulation for multiple people to cook and gather together. The new open-plan layout creates a seamless connection between the kitchen and living spaces, making the home feel significantly larger and more inviting.

A Home Office Designed for Productivity

The renovation also focused heavily on supporting the family’s busy working lifestyle. Since both clients regularly worked from home, they required a dedicated office that felt organised, productive and visually connected to the rest of the home. The new home office featuring custom joinery, combines warm timber finishes, and natural light to create a calm and functional workspace.

Special attention was paid to powerpoint locations, electronics storage, and cable management solutions to support the clients’ technology requirements while keeping the office organised and clutter-free. Concealed joinery discreetly hides the printer and office equipment, ensuring the space remains clean, practical, and cohesive with the home’s overall aesthetic.

A BESPOKE KITCHEN BUILT FOR FAMILY LIVING

The renovated kitchen and living areas embrace a warm contemporary style, defined by natural textures, layered neutrals, and clean architectural lines. Based on our clients’ brief, we designed and built a highly functional kitchen with generous storage, including overhead cabinetry and a dedicated pantry featuring Blum Merivobox drawers that keep everyday items organised and within easy reach.

Knowing the morning coffee ritual is an important part of our clients’ day, we incorporated a dedicated coffee station and appliance garage concealed behind bi-fold doors. This keeps benchtops clutter-free while ensuring frequently used appliances remain easily accessible.

The kitchen was carefully planned around key preparation, cooking, and cleaning zones to create an efficient workflow. A generous preparation area, double-bowl sink, and large induction cooktop allow everyday tasks to be completed with ease, while integrated storage solutions ensure frequently used ingredients remain close at hand.

The kitchen island serves as a functional preparation area while also creating a welcoming space for casual meals, entertaining and family conversation. To make the most of the available space, we incorporated additional storage within the island. Positioned above the island, an Illume skylight brings natural-style light into the heart of the home, enhancing both the ambience and functionality of the space.

Bespoke cabinetry in Blossom White, complemented by Woodmatt finishes and brushed nickel accents, creates a refined yet inviting aesthetic. Timber detailing across the island cladding and overhead cabinetry adds warmth and texture, while soft finishes and subtle coastal influences contribute to a calm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the home.

Completing the Transformation

The adjoining living area continues the same understated aesthetic. VJ panelling introduces subtle texture, while symmetrical built-in joinery and floating timber shelving create balance and cohesion.

The original bulky, non-functioning fireplace was removed and replaced with a sleek in-built design that sits flush against the wall, creating a cleaner and more contemporary appearance.

To complete the transformation, we installed new laminate flooring throughout the home, selected for its durability and suitability for pets, while Godfrey Hirst carpet adds softness and comfort to the bedrooms.

The family is thrilled with the finished result and the way the new layout has transformed day-to-day living. The larger kitchen, dedicated home office, and improved connection between spaces have created a home that feels more practical, comfortable, and suited to their lifestyle.