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Before & After: How to make a dark and dated kitchen bright and beautiful

You would never guess it’s the same kitchen! - by Laura Barry
  • 27 Feb 2020

WATCH: Want to know how to get a designer kitchen without the price tag? Watch the video below to learn how you can get the look at a DIY price tag.

If you own a dark, dated and cluttered kitchen, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to a renovation or makeover plan. Harder still is imagining what it could look like if the space was transformed into a bright, contemporary and functional kitchen.

Fortunately, interior designers are able to see the potential in any room and have the skills to turn even the ugliest space into a divine picture of perfection. One such talented interior designer is Jane Thomson of Jane Thomson Interior Design, a Sydney-based property stylist and media presenter with almost 30 years of experience in design. 

Jane was hired by a couple who wanted to transform their dark, dated and cluttered kitchen into a contemporary and functional space, with all the mod-cons.

“These lovely people were actually in their early 80’s, and I was simply bowled over by their excitement to embark on a full renovation of their waterfront home,” says Jane. “Most people half their age cringe at the mention of the word renovation.”

“This project required a lot of empathy and consideration for an older couple moving forward into their twilight years, and they were a joy to work with. Even in their 80s they were internet savvy and on top of emerging design trends.”

dark dated kitchen
Supplied

While the brief Jane was tasked with filling was open-ended, the clients knew their kitchen well and had specific requests as to where they wanted appliances placed and drawers located.

“The kitchen was very dated; however these guys had taken such amazing love and care of the old joinery. They wanted to bring the space into the 21st century with all the ‘mod cons’, and something youthful and on trend,” says Jane.

kitchen before and after
Supplied

“To freshen the space we opted for Dulux Natural White walls and joinery, and Dulux Monument for the contrast in black, and brought it all together with a stunning spotted-gum engineered floor,” says Jane.

light bright kitchen
Supplied

The result is a contemporary kitchen that feels open, bright and beautiful. The best part? It’s the perfect achievable inspiration for anyone else looking to revive their old, tired kitchen.

You might also like:

Before & After: a flatpack kitchen renovation

Check out this café inspired kitchen renovation

  • DIY
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Kitchen Designs
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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