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How to give your kitchen a custom makeover that won’t break the bank

Customising the design for your kitchen reno has never been easier. Discover how this home achieved its bespoke makeover and find out how you can have one too

Kitchen after.

Longing to fix your kitchen’s annoying layout or change those dated finishes, but find the idea of renovating too daunting? The good news is that getting the look of a bespoke kitchen has become a whole lot easier – and kinder on your pocket. Get inspired for your own project and discover how this dated kitchen was transformed into a modern space by following three simple steps – Dream it, plan it, book it.

1. Dream it

Before the kitchen, pictured below, was renovated it was dated and had no real flow, so it was difficult to know how to give it a top-to-toe update. A free in-store appointment with a Mitre 10 kitchen consultant finally set a plan in motion. With all the finishes on hand for consideration, home renovators are not only able to envisage how a whole scheme could work, they can also find plenty of inspiration for achieving a personalised look that is right on trend.


Kitchen before.

2. Plan it

Key to the renovation was the idea of incorporating the underused laundry room into the kitchen, freeing up a lot of space and creating a much better flow. The consultant’s suggestion to rotate the island bench – thus creating a large, functional area – has transformed the feeling of the entire space, and they were able to achieve this without losing valuable storage.

From left: Caesarstone Turbine Grey splashback and waterfall benchtop. Resene Karen Walker Wan White paint. Melteca French Oak Wilderness cabinetry. Acrylic Matte Black cabinetry.

The benchtop

The clever design and choice of finishes have resulted in a kitchen with an appealing, modern feel. One major style decision was to embrace the latest ‘waterfall’ treatment for the benchtop and island. The refined marble look of Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo was selected for the island and its seemingly continuous flow from top to floor has given the whole space a chic, luxurious look. This lighter-coloured, flecked material provides a modern contrast in the middle of the room against the darker marble of the Caesarstone Turbine Grey on the wall and L-shaped benchtop.

Sylvan Norton cabinet handle (black).

The cabinetry

The cabinetry treatment was another important focus, and a combination of sophisticated matte black counterpointed by the warm tones of French Oak Wilderness has been a real success. This marrying of black, wood and marble-like finishes has really brought the kitchen to the fore of the latest design trends and created an elegant space for entertaining.

Elementi Set sink mixer (gun metal).

The details

The Mitre 10 consultant paid special attention to every design detail to ensure the kitchen had a thoughtfully curated look. The Hafele Subline Blanco double sink is not only practical, but the two bowls also rest in one cutout panel for a streamlined look. The on-trend gunmetal Elementi sink mixer complements the sink and cabinetry beneath, and also emphasises the clean lines of the kitchen with its continuous finishes. This transformed kitchen is now truly the heart of the home – an inviting space to cook and entertain in, with a stylish edge that makes it instantly appealing.

Tips for working with tradies

Prior to ordering your kitchen, do an all-tradies recce on-site to iron out any issues – they may have money-saving recommendations that don’t impact the design. Tradies should ideally be familiar with the product they’re installing. Mitre 10 has a list of recommended installers.

3. Book it

Head to mitre10.co.nz/kitchens to book a free appointment instore with a Mitre 10 kitchen consultant.

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