Some kitchens whisper elegance… this one sings it with jazz-age flair. This renovation celebrates the soul of classic art deco style, blending it seamlessly with modern practicality to create a cooking space that feels both glamorous and highly functional. From the moment you step in, the geometry, shine and symmetry hint at a bygone era, yet everything works beautifully for contemporary living.
The home already showcased strong art-deco influences, so the designer decided to amplify that spirit in the kitchen. Instead of forcing a new style, the renovation respectfully continued the architectural language already present. Door and window profiles feature stylised art-deco shapes that give the joinery its distinctive personality. These lines subtly echo the bold geometry seen in early 20th-century buildings, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space.
The clean white cabinetry forms a perfect canvas. It feels crisp and tailored, allowing the decorative elements to take centre stage. This cabinetry is paired with sleek granite benchtops, whose deep, reflective finish adds a sophisticated contrast. The gloss of the granite not only looks rich but also provides a hardworking surface ready for daily use. Its dark colouring grounds the space, giving it visual weight and balancing the lighter elements.
The art deco touches continue with the drawer pulls, which were imported from France. These small yet impactful details elevate the kitchen, showing that thoughtful hardware can transform a practical element into a piece of jewellery for the home. Their elegant form and international origin add a sense of worldliness, gently nodding to the global influence of the art deco movement.
Moving toward the cooking zone, your eye is immediately drawn to the backsplash. Subway-style tiles were installed across the main wall, offering a timeless backdrop that connects past and present. Surrounding the stove, a custom glazed border featuring bold art deco patterns creates a playful frame. The arrangement of black and white tiles creates a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of classic cinema marquees or the strong linear shapes of deco skyscrapers. This detail is subtle yet powerful, like a quiet chorus supporting the star performer.
Beneath the cooktop sits a striking black range. Its large presence fits beautifully within the backsplash frame, turning that portion of the room into a dramatic focal point. Here, practicality meets theatre—because cooking doesn’t have to be boring.
Even the floor contributes its own story. The original terrazzo from the home was preserved, a wise move that keeps a real piece of history alive. The speckled stone flooring complements the new elements perfectly, its soft texture and depth offering a sense of permanence. Terrazzo is durable, easy to maintain and wonderfully timeless. It gives the room authenticity while also adding that signature art deco sparkle.
Lighting plays a quiet but important role. Small recessed downlights sprinkle soft illumination across surfaces, creating a clean, even glow. Their simplicity allows the other design features to do the talking while ensuring the kitchen remains bright and usable at all hours.
At the sink, a polished faucet arcs over a large basin, making meal prep and clean-up comfortable. Simple white tiles continue along the wall, maintaining continuity and balancing the more dramatic moments elsewhere in the room. A small plant sits nearby, adding a gentle pop of green and reminding everyone that a kitchen is not just a showcase—it’s a living space.
One of the strengths of this renovation is its ability to blend nostalgia with everyday practicality. While the art deco references are unmistakable, nothing feels overdone. Each detail supports both function and beauty. Storage is efficient, the benchtops offer plenty of room for cooking, and appliances sit neatly within the layout. The space remains inviting and usable, proving that beautiful design can still be highly livable.
Another clever aspect is the balance of visual contrast. The interplay between light and dark—white cabinetry against black countertops—creates a crisp and polished look. The patterned backsplash becomes the visual heartbeat of the room, while the terrazzo floor adds gentle movement underfoot.
This kitchen shows that celebrating classic style doesn’t mean giving up modern comfort. Instead, it demonstrates how charm and convenience can live happily together. It’s a space where you can imagine baking cookies with the kids one day, hosting a dinner party the next, or quietly enjoying a coffee while admiring the craftsmanship around you.
With its preserved flooring, custom tilework, imported hardware and thoughtful joinery, this renovation honours history while embracing the future. It is elegant but not precious, stylish yet grounded. A perfect example of how respecting a home’s existing character can lead to a design that feels genuinely complete.
This kitchen is more than a place to cook; it’s a celebration of art deco spirit—reimagined for modern life.
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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