A timeless kitchen renovation in Frenchs Forest

A thoughtful, open plan renovation that elevated the home’s charm and character.

Located in Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this classic weatherboard home already had a relaxed coastal vibe.

The client brief was to elevate the downstairs kitchen and living area into a space that felt open, organised and easy to live in.

What followed was a considered renovation that reshaped the way the home functions day to day, from the entry experience through to the redesigned kitchen, expansive open plan living area and highly practical laundry.

northern beaches kitchen renovations frenchs forest — The kitchen sits proudly in the centre of the transformed open-plan living area.

Reconfiguring the kitchen to create a large open plan living area.

Originally, the kitchen was separated from the living area by a long dividing wall. This not only limited space but also created a sense of disconnection between the zones.

Removing this wall was the first step in transforming the home, opening up the space into one expansive, light-filled area where the kitchen now connects seamlessly with the lounge and dining.

Our designers completely reimagined the kitchen layout. The original peninsula design, where cabinetry extended out from the wall to form a semi-island, was replaced with a long galley-style kitchen anchored by an impressive 4.5 metre island bench.

Despite its scale, the island sits comfortably within the enlarged space without feeling overwhelming. It has become the centrepiece of the room, offering generous preparation space, casual seating for the family and a natural gathering point when entertaining.

A timeless Hampton-style kitchen design.

The kitchen embraces a classic Hamptons aesthetic with a confident, modern edge.

We paired under-island cabinetry in vibrant Dulux Harpoon Blue with Vivid White to create a striking contrast and classic Hampton kitchen styling.

A large appliance cupboard was incorporated to keep everyday items such as the Thermomix and juicer neatly out of sight. With integrated power points inside, appliances can be used directly within the cupboard, maintaining a clean and uncluttered benchtop.

Finishes were carefully selected to complement one another. Matte graphite pendant lights above the island tie in with the gunmetal tapware and handles, creating a cohesive palette with a subtle industrial edge.

Material selections were chosen to balance durability with a refined coastal aesthetic. The benchtops feature engineered stone in Giusto by YDL Stone. This creates a softer finish that complements the palette while providing a hard-wearing surface for everyday use.

At the centre of the island, an Oliveri undermount sink in brushed dark stainless steel creates a sleek, streamlined look while remaining highly practical. This is paired with a matching Oliveri gooseneck mixer in gunmetal, adding contrast and tying in with the darker finishes throughout the kitchen.

A standout feature is the splashback window behind the cooktop. It introduces natural light into the space, while a frosted finish ensures privacy. Even without a view, it plays an important role in brightening the kitchen. Additionally, under-cabinet lighting enhances both functionality and ambience, illuminating the benchtops for food preparation while creating a softer mood in the evenings.

Smart living with a practical mudroom entry.

We reimagined the entry hallway so it better supported this busy family.

An integrated window seat now acts as a functional mudroom, providing a place to sit, remove shoes and keep everyday items organised. Drawers beneath the seat offer storage for shoes, while hooks and tall cupboards can store coats, school bags, dog leads, umbrellas and sunhats.

Importantly, everything has its place ensuring the entry remains clutter free.

New blackbutt timber floors were installed throughout the entry, kitchen, and open plan living area, adding warmth and tying the spaces together beautifully.

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Flexible living with added energy efficiency.

To enhance both comfort and energy efficiency, we installed large double barn doors to separate the open plan kitchen and living area from the rest of the home when required.

This allows the kitchen and lounge area to be closed off, helping to retain heating and cooling within the main living zone. Previously, air would escape through the open entry, into the hallway and up the stairs, increasing overall energy use.

The barn doors are a practical addition that improves flexibility and efficiency, while still preserving the open, connected feel of the home when left open.

A calm and considered master bedroom.

The master bedroom was given a simple yet impactful update with V-groove VJ wall panelling behind the bed.

This addition introduces texture and character, complementing the coastal style of the home while creating a calm and inviting retreat.

A highly functional, beautifully finished laundry.

The laundry was redesigned into a highly efficient galley layout that maximises both storage and usability.

White shaker-style cabinetry maintains consistency with the kitchen, while black handles and tapware introduce contrast and definition.

The washer and dryer were elevated to a more comfortable height, reducing the need to bend. A Blum lockable pull-out shelf was installed beneath, providing a sturdy surface for loading and unloading laundry baskets, even when handling heavy, wet clothes.

The large Turner and Hastings fireclay butler’s sink is both practical and beautifully crafted. Formed from kiln-fired clay, it delivers lasting durability while elevating the overall finish of the laundry.

Additional laundry renovation features:

Engineered stone benchtops in Giusto by YDL Stone
White subway tile splashback to match the kitchen
Under-cabinet lighting for task and ambient use
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, including a broom cupboard and linen press
New tiling and waterproofing throughout

The result is a practical laundry renovation that not only looks refined but works effortlessly for everyday family life, complementing the new kitchen perfectly.

Outdoor living designed for entertaining

Extending the living space outdoors, a large alfresco entertaining area was created as part of the renovation, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings, relaxed weekends and year-round entertaining.

The area was tiled in a classic French pattern using silver travertine. This timeless layout combines large and small tiles to add visual interest while delivering a refined, enduring finish.

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A practical renovation designed for how this family lives.

This transformative renovation is an example of how thoughtful design can enhance the functionality of a home.

By opening up the main living areas, introducing smart storage solutions and selecting timeless finishes, the result is a cohesive, practical space perfectly suited to modern family living on the Northern Beaches.