When our clients moved into their heritage-listed Federation cottage, they loved its character but knew the kitchen needed to work much harder for everyday life.

The brief was to create a compact, multifunctional kitchen that respected the history of the home while introducing the modern comforts and practical details they were missing. Rather than compete with the cottage’s original features, we designed around them, keeping the existing fireplace as a focal point and allowing it to anchor the space.

From there, every centimetre had to earn its place. We maximised bench space, introduced generous concealed storage and carefully considered how each element would be used day to day, creating a kitchen that feels efficient without feeling crowded.

The result is a space that balances old and new beautifully: full of the charm and warmth you’d expect from a Federation home, but with the functionality, storage and everyday luxuries of a contemporary kitchen. A thoughtful transformation that helped the house feel truly like home.