Cheltenham, Victoria Flat Gets Better with Age

The Initial Consultation

Client, Jenny, reached out to Refresh Renovations for her mother, Marie, whose home had been this Cheltenham flat for many years. Jenny wanted to undertake a renovation on Marie’s behalf, to modernise the kitchen and bathroom, making the spaces more comfortable and accessible for her mother in the years to come.
The bathroom had become less than practical; the shower was tall and narrow, and the bathtub unused. The kitchen hadn’t been updated since it was built about 45 years ago and it certainly looked tired.
Although Jenny hadn’t renovated before, she had heard negative stories from others so contacted Refresh Renovations. She was put in touch with Melbourne Renovation Consultant Leigh McDonald, who addressed her apprehensions and guided her through the entire project.  

Mulling over the Concepts During COVID

Jenny had set a budget of $40,000, her only reference point for costs being some flat pack kitchens she’d looked at a few years ago. She didn’t renovate at the time because none of the flat pack designs appealed, but they did give her a few ideas. 
Leigh translated Jenny’s vision into rough concepts at an estimated cost of $50,000. Then came a COVID lockdown. This worked in Jenny’s favour as it gave her ample time to consider the revised designs and costs. She was happy to move forward with the plans and ended up adding extra painting tasks during the project, bringing the final cost to $54,520. 

An Efficient Build Phase

To oversee day-to-day operations during the construction phase, Leigh brought in his Project Manager Amanda Bryers. As with many renovations, something unexpected arose. When the crew started to rebuild the kitchen, they discovered that the existing walls weren’t straight, creating a small margin for error when it came to fitting the new cabinetry. 
But Leigh’s cabinet specialist took care of the issue by scribing a new end panel to compensate for the skewed walls. From there, the project ran smoothly and finished earlier than anticipated, with the construction period lasting just over six weeks.

A Renewed Wet Room

The bathroom transformation is fantastic; without the bathtub, the area feels spacious and open with the frameless glass walk-in shower. Designed with safety in mind, the wet-room-style bathroom has multiple handrails and recessed shelving to reduce any tripping hazards. 
The soft blush, white, and ecru hues are complemented by chrome finishings for a modern touch. No storage was lost in the new design; there’s still plenty in the single basin vanity, the built-in cupboards, and the large medicine cabinet. 

An Inviting Kitchen

The new, modern look includes a timeless subway tiled splashback and thick timber slab benchtops. The combination adds character and makes the kitchen feel fresh and inviting. 
Smart choices in the kitchen keep it well-appointed without sacrificing storage or precious bench space. An oven with no warming drawer, a built-in nook for the microwave, a smaller induction cooktop, and a compact double sink with drying rack are innovations far better suited to the space.

A Job Well Done

Jenny is thrilled with the new space, and her mind is at ease knowing the renovations were designed specifically with her mother’s present and future needs in mind.
Thanks from Jenny:
“Leigh, Amanda, and the team at Refresh Renovations made the kitchen and bathroom renovation process very easy. They suggested options and presented plans and renders with tapware and accessories first. They stayed within the time set and the quote to complete the job. Communication throughout the job was excellent. Definitely recommended.”

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