Find out how Dianna worked with Alana to achieve her renovation goals, in the client interview below.
How did you know it was time to start the kitchen renovation?
The kitchen and bathroom in my apartment looked tired and dated. The kitchen design was not as functional as I needed.
How did you come across Align?
As I live in a neighbouring suburb, I had noticed the business so I explored their website.
What information did you need to provide Align Kitchens?
I put together a lookbook with photos of the existing kitchen & bathroom plus some ideas for renovations.
What were your must-haves?
KITCHEN MUST-HAVES
- I needed to extend the bench top area without compromising on apartment space.
- I needed a solution for corner cabinets. I wanted upper cabinets to be more streamlined.
- I needed to update appliances.
- I wanted to include a functional pantry.
BATHROOM MUST-HAVES
- I needed to update my small bathroom whilst maintaining a shower over bath but with taps more accessible.
- The toilet needed to be moved closer to the wall.
- I needed to install an extractor fan
- Improve lighting over vanity.
What was the biggest challenge for your renovation project, and how did you overcome that?
Access to site as I live in an apartment and was living on site during the process. Communication with neighbours and cooperation with tradespeople was essential. Alana and her team were approachable and accommodating, plus, I was able to move downstairs which is self-contained.
How did you decide on the colour and style of your custom made cabinets?
I looked at home design magazines and internet sites. I felt the slightly retro shaker style of sage green on lower cabinets would suit the age of my apartment. I chose white upper cabinets to give a more spacious look.
What type of bench top did you choose? What was your priority?
I chose an engineered stone bench top, slightly marbled white, for its clean lines and practicality.
How did you decide on the kitchen splashback? What was most important to you?
My original kitchen had a small mosaic tile which was difficult to clean and very busy looking so I wanted a more practical and streamlined look. Alana was helpful in my final choice of a matte white subway tile which complements the softness of the bench top and gives the illusion of more space.
How has this renovation improved your lifestyle and the way you have visitors or enjoy the space to yourself?
Kitchen is more functional, ordered and a pleasure to use for myself and when I entertain.
If you could give advice to someone thinking about renovating in Brisbane, what would be your top 3 tips?
- Gather ideas to work out what your priorities are.
- Seek detailed specific quotes.
- Choose a company that communicates well.
Thank you to Dianna for sharing her insight with us all to learn from. We hope you have enjoyed the process of designing this type of kitchen, and look forward to seeing how we can help you in your renovation journey. To get started, call ahead to see if we service your area, then come into the nearest showroom and take a look around. From there we can book your in-home consultation, and arrange your return appointment for your colour selections.
Bonus Design Secret: not one, but two Hafele Le Mans II blind corner units were used in this compact design, making 2 corner-cupboards user-friendly.
| Benchtop | Smartstone Da Vinci 20mm |
| Splashback | Subway Tile |
| Appliances | Fisher and Paykel Ceramic Cooktop CE604DTB1 Fisher Paykel Oven OB60SC7CEX2 Fisher and Paykel Rangehood HP60ICSX3 Fridge Mitsubishi CX450ER-ST-ABosch 450 Dishwasher SPU61MSO1A – Series 6 |
| Bathroom Wall Tile | Bathroom Wall Tile 30 x 60 Gloss White |
| Bathroom Floor Tile | Bathroom Floor Tarrazzo look Lappato |
