This kitchen renovation is the kind of story that could only happen in an older home with a little mystery in its DNA. When the owners first walked in, there were no cupboards and barely any interior walls. Yep — just a big empty shell. Some people would panic… but here it became a blessing. Starting from scratch meant the design could be built thoughtfully, with intention, charm and a bit of imagination.
The designer wanted the kitchen to feel as though it had grown over time, collecting memories the way old houses do. Instead of installing one uniform set of cabinets, two different custom cupboard styles were created. This small detail adds layers to the space. It whispers, “I’ve seen things. I’ve lived.” The visual variety keeps the room interesting — not too matchy-matchy, but beautifully balanced. Each cabinet feels like it has its own little story, like pieces gathered through different eras.
The original floor featured a Jacobean checkerboard pattern — bold, handsome and packed with historical character. Keeping this detail was a smart move. It connects the new kitchen to the home’s roots, grounding it with a sense of heritage. The pattern is full of warmth, giving the space instant maturity. You walk in and feel the floor smiling at you, saying, “Welcome. I’ve been here a while.”
Then there’s the backsplash — pillowtop subway tiles with a subtle crackled finish. They look like something discovered in an old European bakery, delicate and full of quiet romance. The soft, aged texture reminds you that perfection isn’t always shiny and smooth. Sometimes beauty is found in little irregularities. These tiles add tactility and depth, catching the light in a way that seems to glow from within.
But the real plot twist is the countertop. It’s not stone, not timber — it’s untreated copper. This choice alone tells you the homeowner likes adventure. Untreated copper is a living surface. It changes every day, responding to touch, heat, spills, fingerprints — forming a patina that evolves over time. Some days it’s bright and reflective, other days it darkens and softens. It’s moody, unpredictable, a bit dramatic… but always gorgeous. No two kitchens will ever look like this because copper never stays the same. It’s basically the lead character in this kitchen’s story.
The copper benchtop pairs beautifully with the mixed cabinetry and historic flooring. Its shifting personality adds a poetic quality. Instead of fighting time, the materials welcome it. They celebrate the idea that a house keeps growing even after construction is done. The designer embraced imperfection as a feature, not a flaw.
Functionally, the space flows easily. Tall storage keeps things tidy, modern appliances sit thoughtfully within the layout, and there’s plenty of room for prepping, cooking and lingering with a cup of something warm. The kitchen feels inviting — ready for casual breakfasts, late-night tea, and every moment in between.
The windows are framed by delicate glass detailing, another nod to the home’s classic character. Natural light washes across the counters, bouncing off the copper, shimmering across the crackle tiles and dancing along the checkerboard floor. The interplay of old and new gives the room its spark — a sense that history and modern life are shaking hands and getting along surprisingly well.
This renovation proves that respecting a home’s past doesn’t mean being stuck in it. You can honour tradition while adding modern functionality and artistic flair. It’s a balancing act — a little like cooking — but when done well, the result is magic. Here, every choice feels intentional: the mixed cabinetry for richness and depth, the old-style tiles for texture and nostalgia, the copper benchtop for personality and patina, and the preserved floor for heritage.
Many kitchens aim to be sleek, shiny and perfect from day one. This one aims to become more beautiful with use. It understands that fingerprints aren’t flaws and that time adds value. It’s a kitchen made for living — not just photographing.
If you’re dreaming of renovating an older home, this project is a great blueprint. Start by asking: How can I keep the spirit of the house alive? Which old features deserve to stay? And how can new materials enhance the story rather than erase it? Mixing cabinet styles, choosing character-rich tiles, or embracing living materials like copper can create a kitchen that grows with you instead of going out of style.
This kitchen is a reminder that renovation is not always about replacing the past — sometimes it’s about inviting the past to stick around for dinner.
Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and laundry room renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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