Behind the Design (HIA 2024 WINNER): A Modern, Minimal Art Deco Upgrade in Elwood
Recent WINNER at the HIA 2024 Design Awards, BLYTHE by Smith & Smith is nestled in the charming beachside suburb of Elwood, Melbourne.
We sat down with the apartment owner, Megan to chat about the beautiful and unconventional solutions she found when transforming the 40-year-old kitchen in the 100-year-old Art Deco space.
Rich in history but in need of a modern touch, the kitchen, a relic from the past: dark, impractical, and far from reflecting Megan's personal style.
Determined to revitalise her space, she embarked on a journey to create a functional and stylish kitchen that honoured the apartment's heritage while introducing contemporary flair through an unconventional approach to colour.
Q: What inspired you to renovate your kitchen?
Megan: When I bought this apartment, the kitchen was very old—probably around 40 years old—and extremely dirty. It was dark, with brown cabinetry and a curved-shaped bench that was typical of that era but not my style. It wasn't practical either. I love Scandinavian interior design, so I wanted to create a black and white kitchen. While some might think that's a bit boring, I thought it would look quite good in this apartment.
Q: How did you decide to work with Smith & Smith Kitchens?
Megan: A friend of mine used Smith & Smith just before COVID and was really happy with the result. She had a totally different type of kitchen with shaker doors, but I was impressed by the quality and how well the project was managed. Another friend mentioned they'd used Smith & Smith about 20 years ago and were still very happy. With two strong recommendations, I felt confident reaching out to them.
Q: What was your vision for the new kitchen?
Megan: I was quite clear in my mind—I wanted a black and white Scandinavian design that was simple yet striking. Given the kitchen isn't very big, maximising the space was crucial. I didn't want door handles to maintain clean lines, and I wanted to incorporate a bookcase for an architectural element. Big drawers for easy access to dinnerware and smart storage solutions were also important.
Q: How was your experience working with your designer, Amber?
Megan: Amber was fantastic in utilising all the space and ensuring the kitchen was practical. She listened carefully to my ideas and incorporated them into the design. Even when I changed my mind on a couple of things, she was accommodating and adjusted the plans without any issues. She also introduced clever features like soft-close drawers and push-to-open doors that I wouldn't have thought of myself.
Q: Where did you find inspiration for your kitchen design?
Megan: Largely from Pinterest and some magazines. I found that visiting showrooms wasn't helpful for me because they didn't showcase the style I was looking for. I think it's important to remember that showrooms are just a small representation of a company's work—they can create kitchens outside of what's displayed.
Q: Can you tell us about the renovation process with Smith & Smith?
Megan: It was a really fantastic process. They make it so easy—all the tradespeople were amazing and very skilled. They have a great formula for coordinating the different aspects of the renovation, and the kitchen was completed in a short amount of time. Their communication was excellent; they always kept me updated and returned calls promptly. Even when there was a small issue with the installation, it was rectified quickly.
Q: How do you feel about the final result?
Megan: I’m thrilled with it. The black and white palette is quite striking and suits the era of the apartment. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Friends who have visited really like it, and it's added a lot of value to the apartment. It's a practical kitchen where I enjoy cooking and can easily entertain guests.
Q: Do you have any advice for others considering a kitchen renovation?
Megan: Yes, take your time and think about what you really want to achieve. There's so much choice out there that it can be overwhelming. While it's good to ask for friends' advice, remember that everyone has their own sense of style. Stay true to your vision and make decisions that make you happy. Also, enjoy the process—working with a designer was a new and rewarding experience for me.
Q: Would you work with Smith & Smith Kitchens again for future projects?
Megan: Absolutely. I even joked with Amber that I wish Smith & Smith did bathrooms because that's my next project. While they don't, I'm considering them for some laundry cabinets and other cabinetry work. They have an amazing team and deliver excellent results.
Q: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
Megan: Working with Smith & Smith was seamless from start to finish. Their personalised approach means your kitchen is truly bespoke, not a cookie-cutter design. I'd recommend anyone considering a renovation to look beyond showrooms and talk to designers about what's possible. Smith & Smith exceeded my expectations, and I'm delighted with my new kitchen.
Ready to transform your own kitchen? Contact Smith & Smith Kitchens to bring your vision to life.
