In the heart of an art deco home, nestled in its charming 1940s architecture, a stunning transformation has taken place—one that marries history with modern functionality. This Nala Studio Architects renovation project, proudly featured in Haven magazine and an entrant in a prestigious interior design competition, has brought new life to a once dated and impractical kitchen. But more than accolades, it's the joy and satisfaction of our clients that makes this project truly rewarding. Seeking to update their original kitchen, this young family approached us with a vision: a space that could accommodate both their busy lifestyle and their love for entertaining.

A Vision for Function and Family-Friendly Design

With an active toddler and a bustling schedule, the couple needed a practical yet elegant kitchen that would cater to family life while doubling as an inviting space for guests. Like many families, they dreamed of a layout that could flow seamlessly between daily family use and weekend gatherings, combining functionality with social appeal. Additionally, they wished to invite more natural light into the space, creating a bright, welcoming environment.

Crafting a Smart, Open-Plan Layout

While extending the home’s footprint was not an option, we embraced the challenge, transforming the existing floor plan to create an airy, open space that feels expansive. To achieve this, we removed existing walls in the laundry and bathroom areas, creating a built-in laundry and a small walk-in pantry. This reconfiguration allowed us to establish distinct zones, dedicating one end of the kitchen to practical, utility spaces, while leaving the rest of the kitchen open, spacious, and perfect for family and guests alike.

Opening the kitchen to the outdoors was key, so we added large windows along the exterior wall to flood the space with natural sunlight, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere. By removing an old arched doorway, we also established a seamless connection to the adjacent dining room, enhancing the home’s entertaining potential. A compact breakfast bar offers a cosy spot for morning meals or evening drinks, blending functionality with a welcoming touch for family and friends.

Material Selections that Honour Tradition

For the materials, we wanted to respect the home’s art deco heritage while incorporating modern touches. Recycled timber flooring from the original house clads the breakfast bar and creates shallow pantry shelving, adding warmth and a nod to the home’s past. In contrast, a custom white stone benchtop with a brass inlay brings a contemporary elegance that ties into brass fixtures across cabinetry, lighting, and plumbing.

A dewy grey-green for the cabinetry and pale shell white for walls and ceilings create a fresh palette that complements the home’s art deco roots. Above, brass tube lighting mirrors the brass accents below, creating a cohesive look that feels both timeless and sophisticated.

The Outcome: A Home for Living, Entertaining, and Enjoying

The result is a kitchen and dining space that’s as beautiful as it is practical, seamlessly blending family life with the art of entertaining. By opening up the old laundry and bathroom, we were able to modernise the kitchen layout, making it both functional and stylish. This approach encouraged the family to renovate their bathroom as well, resulting in a more spacious and efficient layout that aligns with the updated kitchen design. The bathroom’s brass accents in mirrors and pendant lights carry the art deco theme throughout, adding a touch of vintage glamour.

Through thoughtful design and clever layout, this project celebrates the unique character of the home while adapting it to the family’s present-day needs. It’s a space where past and present harmoniously converge—a true testament to the beauty of blending functionality with timeless style.