An Interview with The MKN Designer From This Project Megan

Fresh Functionality A Kitchen Refresh in Samford

Chris and Gerry from Samford loved their home, but their tired old kitchen had seen better days. The cabinetry was starting to fall apart, the layout felt dated, and it just wasn’t working for how they wanted to live anymore. They didn’t want to change everything though, especially not the floors. “They had these lovely cool-toned green-blue tiles that run throughout the whole house,” explained MKN designer Megan. “So they didn’t want to redo the floors. We had to design a new kitchen that would completely cover the old footprint.”

The brief was simple: make the space feel fresher, more modern, and easier to use, without moving the existing plumbing or disturbing the flow of the home.

Why Drawers Matter

The original kitchen had a lot of cupboards. Megan replaced nearly all of them with drawers, and the difference in usability was immediate. “You can fit about 30% more in a drawer than a cupboard,” Megan said. “In a cupboard, you need to leave airspace so you can reach in and grab things. With drawers, that airspace is created when you pull them out, so you can stack items higher and access them more easily.”

Drawers also help with accessibility. “Instead of squatting down to get a stack of plates, lifting it up, then standing up again, you just pull the drawer, pick up the plate, and place it on the bench. It’s easier on the body and better for storage.”

Matching the Floor, Brightening the Space

With their green-blue floor tiles staying, Megan’s design vision focused on keeping things light and bright while still tying into the existing tones. “Their old kitchen felt quite dark, and they wanted it to look more modern and fresh,” she said. “We chose Laminex White Linen doors in a natural finish, paired with a silver handleless extrusion. For the benchtop, they went with 40mm YDL Calcutta Combo, which has these gorgeous soft grey veins that complement the tones of the floor perfectly.”

The result is a kitchen that feels airy, open, and far more current, without clashing with the home’s original style.

Custom Fit Without Compromise

Because the flooring had to remain untouched, Megan customised the new cabinetry to match the existing kitchen footprint. “Where their old pantry was, we built a new one to the same shape,” she said. “But instead of having to reach into the bottom of it, we added drawers for better access, and kept cupboards up top.”

Small but impactful additions included a narrow pull-out next to the cooktop, ideal for storing oils, sauces, and spices right where they’re needed.

Subtle Upgrades, Big Impact

While the layout remained largely the same, with the sink and cooktop staying in their original positions, everything about the space now feels more polished and user-friendly. Megan’s favourite detail? “The waterfall end on the benchtop,” she said. “The veining running down the side just looks gorgeous.”

Chris and Gerry couldn’t be happier. “They absolutely love it,” Megan said. “They told me everyone who’s seen it loves it too. Functionally it’s the same kitchen, but now it’s easier to access and just looks so much better.”

Ready to refresh your kitchen without starting from scratch?

At Modern Kitchens Northside, we specialise in creating custom kitchens that fit your lifestyle, and your existing space. Whether you’re working with a fixed footprint or want something totally new, we’ll bring your vision to life.