HOW WE MADE THIS KITCHEN LOOK BRAND NEW (WITHOUT STARTING FROM SCRATCH)
We're going to let you in on a little secret: this isn't a new kitchen.
When you look at the before and after, it feels like a completely different room. But instead of ripping everything out and starting again, we chose to work with what was already there and focus on the things that would make the biggest difference to this kitchen’s look and feel.
And the result is exactly what Lisa had been dreaming of. A kitchen that feels light, calm and welcoming… and practically begging for the girls to be texted, the bubbles to be popped and a long afternoon of entertaining to begin.
BEFORE
AFTER
THE KITCHEN WASN’T THE PROBLEM
Lisa's kitchen already had plenty going for it. The layout worked beautifully, much of the cabinetry was in great condition and the connection to the dining area and backyard was already there. What it lacked was warmth and personality. The dark cabinetry made the space feel heavy and dated, while a wall between the kitchen and living area blocked light and interrupted the flow.
BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
As a passionate foodie, the kitchen is where life happens for Lisa and her partner. It’s where they cook, catch up at the end of the day and gather friends around for long lunches that sometimes (often) roll into dinner.
The kitchen didn't need a complete replacement. But it did need a whole new vibe — something lighter, more welcoming, and ready to entertain at the pop of a cork.
MAKING WAY FOR LISA'S NUMBER ONE WISHLIST ITEM
If there was one thing Lisa had her heart set on, it was an integrated French-door fridge.
Making that dream a reality meant introducing some new custom cabinetry, along with a more functional pantry. But because so much of the existing under-bench cabinetry was still in great condition, replacing it simply didn't make sense. Our challenge? Making the new and existing cabinetry look like they'd always belonged together. Thankfully, we had a secret weapon up our sleeve that could save both time and money.
Enter, the Dulux Renovation Range.
BEFORE
AFTER
You might remember we’ve used the Dulux Renovation Range before in two of our previous kitchen renos: this farmhouse kitchen and this budget kitchen reno. So when we saw the potential hiding in Lisa's existing cabinetry, we knew exactly where to start.
Here’s what we did…
WE CHOSE THE PERFECT SERENE GREEN
Once we'd committed to retaining much of the existing cabinetry, colour became our most important design tool.
The vision board for this process demanded a serene green from the very beginning. Inspired by the lush landscape outside, Lisa's relaxed coastal style and her gorgeous Gabrielle Diamantis artwork, we knew we wanted a shade that would bring the outdoors in while creating a sense of calm throughout the space.
We fell head over heels for Dulux Still during our Urban Farmhouse renovation, so it was one of the very first colours we considered for Lisa's kitchen… and the one we went with. The subtle green undertones connect beautifully with the landscape outside, while its soft, muted appearance delivers the serene, nature-inspired feel we were chasing.
We also added a simple routed detail to the cabinet doors, giving the kitchen a more timeless, custom feel.
2. WE BROUGHT IN THE BIG GUNS
With our colour locked in, it was time to bring in the Dulux Renovation Range to transform the existing under-bench cabinetry so it perfectly matched the new joinery.
We've used it before and loved the results, but this kitchen reminded us exactly why it's become one of our go-to renovation products.
BEFORE
AFTER
The process is surprisingly simple, starting with Dulux Renovation Range Primer, followed by two coats of Dulux Renovation Range Cabinet Doors in a satin finish.
And can we talk about the coverage for a second?
The original cabinetry was dark. Really dark. Yet within a few coats, the entire space felt transformed. The finish came up beautifully smooth and consistent, creating one seamless kitchen that feels every bit as fresh as brand-new cabinetry.
BEFORE
AFTER
What once felt dark and dated suddenly felt light, bright and full of personality. Paired with the warm neutrals of the new benchtops and hardware, Dulux Still completely changed the mood of the room.
Proof that sometimes you don't need a brand-new kitchen. You just need the right paint.
With the cabinetry and colour as the stars of the show, it was the finishing touches that brought the whole vision to life.
Removing the existing feature wall and introducing a skylight opened up the space, flooding the kitchen with natural light and allowing Dulux Still to truly shine throughout the day. Warm bronze cabinetry handles add texture and character, while the new induction cooktop and concealed rangehood complete the clean, streamlined aesthetic.
New benchtops and splashback, feature artwork and wall lights tied the transformation together, creating a kitchen that feels layered, relaxed and effortlessly welcoming.
And our favourite part? By combining bespoke cabinetry with refreshed existing cabinetry, we achieved the look of an entirely new kitchen without replacing everything.
Because sometimes the smartest renovation decision isn't starting from scratch. It's recognising the potential in what you've already got.
