4. Keysborough Case Study

KEYSBOROUGH CASE STUDY

Project Type: Renovate to Live In

Project
ID

45ELM

The
Project

Location: Keysborough

When someone plans a renovation for almost two decades, you can bet they have more than just an idea of what they want.

Needless to say, this reno was very well planned, and the looooooong list of wants & needs proved it! There was a plethora of pinterest examples of seemingly impossible ‘must haves’, along with a bunch of paint samples to get the cabinetry color juuuust right. Then there were even more ideas in mind. Thankfully, we’re huge believers than if you can think it, we can do it. 

And we did.

THE PROJECT

Imagine talking about moving to a larger property, but can’t agree on where — one loved the city buzz, the other preferred peace and quiet. In the end, with their warehouse located just a short walk away and a new product launch on the horizon, convenience won out. They chose to stay put in Keysborough for now.

With future plans to move still on the table, and only two people (plus a much-loved dog) living in the home, they decided an extension would be more than they needed. Instead, they focused on maximising what they already had.

They knew they wanted the whole shebang if they were staying where they were, so they were buying time as they put the list together of what they wanted. The decision to go ahead was made for them when the vinyl wrap starting peeling off the kitchen cabinets. Now there was no time to dwell on it. The kitchen was in a sad state, and in desperate need of a reno. A passionate lover of design, she got to work. If she was going to have to live in a small space, it had to have the best of everything in it. It was crafted to be both beautiful and timeless in case they never moved after all. They’d seen way too many people do a basic renovation with plans to buy their dream home later, only for plans to change and they remain in a home they don’t love. They decided that if they might potentially live in this house for the rest of their lives, they were going to get everything they would have wanted and more. And if they sold, they’d get top bids.

When she said she wanted it all, she meant it! As a designer, she had already pre-purchased alot of things that we had to work with, and was very sure of everything else. Here’s a breakdown of the list of must-haves for her dream kitchen, which Kudo delivered to perfection:

  • shaker style doors with 2Pack finish in her selected color of a unique shade of white from Benjamin Moore, which changes color to a stunning creamy cream depending on the light at the time
  • a dog feeding station with two bowls & pot filler & dog food drawer
  • a wall mounted faucet and tapware – not in benchtop
  • wall mounted hand soap and moisturizer
  • in-bench dish soap dispenser
  • insinkerator
  • drawers under sink – not cupboards
  • lowest possible kickboards to minimise loss of cabinet storage area & maximise aesthetic appeal
  • border trim at top and bottom of cabinetry
  • cabinet lighting
  • imported handles & knobs from the UK
  • incorporate her freestanding Falcon oven/stove
  • pot filler on splashback above stove
  • unique corner bench – not typical L-shape corner – for extra space and aesthetic appeal
  • ledge along rear of benchtop for condiments and easy-to-reach everyday cooking items
  • integrated dishwasher
  • integrated side by side column freezer & fridge
  • 12mm porcelain stone on bench, splashback and doggy centre
  • rounded corners on benchtops with not more than 3mm overhang
  • rounded corners on all exposed cabinetry ends
  • sliding Hafele vegetable baskets in cupboard
  • spice drawer next to oven
  • internal drawers within drawers
  • concealed silent rangehood
  • pull-out sauce rack next to oven
  • overhead cupboards with built-in feature (ie: cornices built around cabinetry – no bulkheads)
  • ZETR power outlets on walls and island bench
  • microwave cabinet with fascia front for built-in effect and easy replacement of microwave
  • a larger, more open space for entertaining
  • large arch entry with custom architrave from hall to living/kitchen space


There is literally nothing more you could want in a kitchen. This one literally had it all! You wouldn’t think we’d be able to achieve all of this in such a small space, but we did, and more!

What’s more, by removing the wall between the lounge and kitchen, we opened up the area to convert it into a welcoming, bright space. The ceiling fan was chosen to complement the natural tones in the space, and for the final touch, we designed a clever divider that subtly yet stunningly divides the dining and the lounge. There is so much to say about this renovation but we have to stop at some point, so we’ll let you judge for yourself, although pictures simply don’t do it justice!

Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After

She knew she wanted something special for the master, and as a lover of timeless design appeal, a brick feature wall with a picture ledge and v-groove behind the bed made the perfect sense. 

The cornices in all bedrooms are a gorgeous scalloped design, and the subtle higher-than-usual skirting boards complement them like a dream.

The custom built dresser provides ample storage along with the full width his ‘n’ hers built-in wardrobe, which also featured two full height mirror doors, which every bedroom needs!

The plantation shutters allows in light whilst keeping the room private and perfectly suits the overall design of the master. 

They have no children so they didn’t want a spare bedroom that would never get used. But they have the rare guest, so this room became a pinterest-worthy guest bedrooom that doubles as a room for reading books on the extendable daybed as well as a meditation and yoga space. A splash of greenery on the fence outside and this is a room that screams whispers serenity.

THE FINAL RESULT

Initially, there were some concerns that removing the wall between the kitchen and lounge might make the space feel too “apartment-like” — but it turned out to be the best decision. The result is a bright, open, and welcoming area with generous bench space that even the most passionate home chef would love.

The bedrooms are light, fresh, and designed with a crisp colour palette that gives a sense of calm at night and a burst of energy in the morning. It’s the kind of space that makes you want to climb into bed — and actually enjoy getting out of it too.

Every update in this home was carefully considered to strike the perfect balance between lasting quality and future value. The finishes are timeless and high-end — ideal for staying long-term — yet they’ve also added significant appeal and resale potential if the owners ever decide to move on. The design feels fresh and curated, offering a unique look that stands out from the crowd, yet remains universally loved and easy to live with.