Micro-Shaker, Major Impact | A Thoughtful Transformation

Jess and Nick’s renovation journey began not with a dramatic redesign, but with a clear goal: transform their 1990s kitchen into something calm, current, and purposeful. A kitchen that could grow with their family without the need for major change. With full lives and little ones in the mix, they wanted a space that felt intuitive to use, flowed beautifully, and would continue to serve them well for years to come.

From the first meeting, it was clear this project would be shaped by collaboration. Jess had been speaking with our designer Kirstin - a trusted colleague turned friend, and her recommendation to visit the Wood Wizards showroom set everything in motion. Once Jess and Nick connected with Jordan and the team, the process unfolded effortlessly. Clear communication, accurate quoting, transparent timelines and considered advice gave the couple confidence from day one.

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The design direction emerged early: a modern shaker look that honoured the home’s Edwardian character while bringing in a more contemporary edge. Polytec Malabar cabinetry in Oyster Grey became the foundation, with a micro-shaker profile detailed enough to bring personality, yet subtle enough to feel timeless in a bright, sunlit room. Paired with soft tones and gentle veining from The Porcelain Factory Enviro 12 Cascade benchtops, the palette struck the perfect balance between warmth and restraint. Plantation Ash Woodmatt open shelving added a natural, textural layer, while echoing earthy notes of the home’s new European Oak flooring.

Functionally, the layout was refined rather than reinvented. A bench seat tucked beneath the window became the quiet hero, creating a gathering nook everyone naturally returns to - a go-to for coffee, chats, and little feet. A hidden appliance hutch with a pull-out runner transformed their morning routine, keeping crumbs, toast and cereal out of sight when the day begins. Blum TANDEMBOX antaro drawers, ORGA-LINE container sets and a Hafele Hailo Euro Cargo ST60 bin system ensured the internals worked as hard as the externals looked.

Handle selection played a major role in the overall composition. Touch Vesio handles in Titanium echoed the dark stainless appliances, while the Franke Eos Neo Anthracite Pull-Out Tap and Bolero sink introduced gentle contrast. On the rear of the island, clean Push Catch doors allowed for generous hidden storage without interrupting the lines of the cabinetry.

The splashback became a defining moment in the design. With the rangehood open to the highlight windows above, Kirstin and Jess leaned into the opportunity to make it a focal point. Handmade Tile Fusion Zellige Ivory Gloss tiles brought depth and movement, their soft irregularities washed in daylight. Punctuated with Robert Gordon Ceramic Wall Sconces, hand-glazed in Melbourne and each slightly unique, the effect is layered, characterful, and quietly expressive.

Appliances from E&S completed the space with cohesive, hardworking performance. Siemens induction cooking working in tandem with Siemens ovens offered precision and versatility, while the Miele fully integrated dishwasher has quickly become a household favourite.

Although not photographed, the project extended beyond the kitchen into the fireplace and a home office, both finished in Oyster Grey with Polytec Ascot thermolaminate detailing, a subtle nod to the Edwardian heritage at the front of the home. The consistency of colour across zones created a cohesively connected interior that invites you to explore.

For Jess and Nick, the renovation delivered exactly what they hoped for, a calm, intuitive, thoughtfully resolved kitchen that respects the home’s history while supporting the busy rhythm of family life. The transformation proves that impact doesn’t always come from changing everything, sometimes it comes from refining what’s already there, with the right people guiding every step.

Before & After

Scroll through to see the transformation…

Project Details

Price Guide

Kitchen Cabinetry $40,000 to $45,000
Kitchen Benchtops $8,000

Prices are an estimate for cabinetry or stone only, including installation. Please view The Budget Checklist for further details on the various elements involved in a kitchen renovation – we will quote your total investment including trades following your initial design consultation.

Products, Partners & Suppliers

Styled Haus Interior Design by Kirstin Sweet

Polytec 2 pack Malabar and flat profile in Oyster Grey

Polytec Malabar and flat profile thermolaminate in Oyster Grey Smooth

Polytec Ascot thermolaminate in Oyster Grey Smooth

Polytec Oyster Grey Matt laminate benchtops

Polytec Plantation Ash Woodmatt

Blum TANDEMBOX antaro drawers and ORGA-LINE container sets

Hafele Hailo Euro Cargo ST60 bin

Tou ch Vesio handles in Titanium and Arezzo Knurled Bar Handles in Copper Bronze

The Porcelain Factory Enviro 12 Cascade benchtops

Tile Fusion Zellige tile in Ivory Gloss

E&S appliances

Miele fully integrated dishwasher

Siemens ovens, induction cooktop and rangehood

Fisher & Paykel quad door refrigerator freezer

Franke Bolero single bowl and Eos Neo Anthracite Pull-Out Tap

Robert Gordon Ceramic Wall Sconce lights

Plank Floors Groell Engineered European by Fine Cut Floors

“Working with Wood Wizards was such a positive experience for us. With work, a toddler and a baby on the way, we needed a team who could guide us without overwhelming us, and that’s exactly what we got. Jordan was organised, honest and incredibly easy to work with, and the project ran exactly as promised. Kirstin’s influence made the biggest difference; every decision she helped us make feels intentional and deliberate. The bench seat has become the heart of our home, and the whole space just feels calmer and more functional. It’s remarkable how much impact you can achieve without moving walls. We absolutely love it, and we’ve already pointed friends in Wood Wizards’ direction.”

— Jess & Nick, Manningtree Road, Hawthorn