Hawthorn Cottage Kitchen

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Location: Hawthorn Cottage

Client brief

The client approached us with a desire to transform the space into a more inviting area where family and friends could gather and socialise. The original layout consisted of several separate rooms, including a small kitchen, utility room and dining room. With an open brief, we suggested reconfiguring the space to create a welcoming and functional open-plan area, bringing more light and a sense of modernity to the home.

Design considerations

Like every renovation project, this one came with its own set of challenges, which our team worked through to ensure the best possible outcome for the space.

One of the biggest structural hurdles was a load-bearing wall that needed to be removed to achieve the open-plan layout. To make the space more functional and modern, we proposed merging the existing kitchen and dining rooms, while relocating access to the utility room from the kitchen to the lobby. Rather than seeing the downstand as a limitation, we treated it as a considered part of the design, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the space instead of becoming a visual obstacle.

Another challenge was the placement of internal doors, which were restricting layout options and interrupting the natural flow between rooms. To resolve this, we introduced pocket doors that slide neatly into the wall cavity, freeing up floor and wall space and allowing for a much more open feel. This was especially effective between the kitchen and the lobby, as well as off the utility room, helping maintain a sense of flow between each area.

“This project was all about creating space that felt open and calm, but still full of personality,” explains Suzanne McNeil, Laings Senior Designer & Supervisor. “The structural work gave us a lot of freedom, but it was the smaller details, like the pocket doors and the exposed stonework, that really made the design come to life.”

Design process

The clients were a joy to work with, being open to ideas from the outset. The colour palette was confirmed early on, giving a clear direction for the overall aesthetics of the space. One of the standout choices was the eucalyptus green cabinetry, which the client loved immediately. Coincidentally, they had already painted exterior woodwork on their home in a similar tone, so the colour felt like a natural fit and added a sense of continuity between inside and out.

A cottage-style feel was achieved through the eucalyptus cabinetry, paired with classic cup handles in a brushed steel finish and complemented by wooden accessories. The white quartz-style worktops introduce a clean, modern surface, adding brightness while remaining practical and durable for everyday use.

At the client’s request, we also incorporated a dedicated space below the window for the dog bed. It is thoughtful details like this that help make a house feel like a home, ensuring the needs of all residents are considered!

Throughout the project, we aimed to balance modern and practical elements with the character and warmth of the traditional cottage. A perfect example of this was the decision to open up the original stone wall in the lobby. Although not part of the original plan, it quickly became clear during installation that exposing the stone would add texture and charm. Repointed and brought back to life by a local builder, it is now a beautiful focal point that can be seen from the kitchen, tying the old and new parts of the home together.