From Creators to Clients | A Downsizing Journey

For Cheryl and Tony, founders of Wood Wizards, this project wasn’t just another renovation… it was a rare opportunity to design for themselves. After decades of crafting dream kitchens for others, they finally stepped into the client’s shoes - and wore them well. The location of their new home was perfect, but the layout wasn’t quite right. To truly make it their own, they would have to turn the house around, both in plan and in spirit.

Cheryl knew instantly what she wanted. “From the moment I walked in, I could see how it would all come together,” she recalls. She imagined warmth, texture, and a flow that connected each space, starting with the kitchen - the heart of the home. With the help of architect Harriet from JDA Lammin and builder John Williams from Pro-line Building, the vision began to take shape, every detail approached with care, precision, and a shared love of quality craftsmanship.

The Polytec Malabar profile cabinetry set the tone, a clean 70s cut that tips its hat to the home’s heritage. Base cabinets in Taubmans Deep Gorge ground the space, while Dulux Snowy Mountains Half overheads and Polytec Boston Oak open shelving bring lightness and warmth. At the centre, the terrazzo island bench makes a statement, balanced by seamless Corian Salt benchtops with a 100mm upstand for a clean, modern finish.

Every choice was intentional. Brushed Graphite Bar Pull End Knurl handles from Faucet Strommen give the cabinetry a tactile luxury, paired with a matching Pegasi kitchen tap for perfect continuity. In the laundry and wardrobes, crisp white Bayside Luxe handles keep the look fresh and practical.

Inside the cabinetry, clever storage reigns. A Hafele Dispensa Pantry keeps condiments in plain sight, the Tandem Pantry Arena Style handles bulk items, and a Ninka One2Five bin system tucks neatly away. Strip lighting washes the tiled splashback in a soft glow, transforming the atmosphere once the sun starts to creep below the horizon.

This considered palette flows through the entire home, into the laundry, wardrobes, and even the fireplace cabinetry - creating a calm, cohesive rhythm. Kustom Timber New York Loft floors complete the foundation, tying every room together with an understated elegance that invites you to amble though each space.

The wardrobes and laundry in Cheryl and Tony’s home were designed with just as much care and intention as the kitchen. Each of the three wardrobes was tailored to its purpose, with the master featuring an expansive eight-door design focused on hanging space and shoe storage, while the two guest rooms balance practicality with thoughtful layouts for visitors and household overflow. Materials and finishes remain consistent, with Polytec Malabar profile cabinetry in Dulux Snowy Mountains Half, Hafele chrome rails, and Bayside Luxe Toorak White Brass handles tying the spaces together beautifully.

The laundry is a compact yet highly functional Euro-style design, neatly concealed behind Hettich WingLine 230 folding doors. Deep 800mm benchtops provide room for baskets and folding, while Hafele Hailo Laundry Carriers, open shelving, and two internal drawers make sorting and organising effortless. It’s proof that even smaller spaces can deliver exceptional performance with clever planning and smart design.

For Cheryl and Tony, this isn’t just a beautiful home, it’s a space that celebrates the way they cook, entertain, and live. Downsizing has been transformative, giving them a simpler, more manageable lifestyle without compromising on the things that matter most. Their new home is easier to maintain, freeing up time and energy to spend on family, friends, and the joys of everyday living.

By letting go of unnecessary rooms and spaces they no longer needed, they’ve gained a sense of freedom and clarity. Every corner now has a purpose, every detail feels intentional, and moving around the house is effortless and intuitive. With everything close at hand, entertaining is easier, cleaning takes less time, and the home works beautifully for just the two of them while still being ready to welcome family and friends.

“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done,” confesses Cheryl. And after a lifetime of creating dream kitchens for others, this one is truly their own, a place where they can slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy the next chapter of their lives to the fullest.

Before & After

Scroll through to see the kitchen transformation…

Love the look? Scroll through the Brighton renovation…