Mid-century kitchen gets modern makeover
A mid-century home in Kew East, designed by Russian-born architect Anatol Kagan in the 1950s, received a kitchen renovation that respects its heritage while adding modern functionality. Interior design studio Billie Roy and cabinetmaker Softer Studio led the project to update the space for a family of four without losing its original character.
Preserving history without pastiche
The kitchen’s original layout featured shallow cupboards, cramped workspaces, and limited storage, making it impractical for daily use. The owners, who had lived in the home for 14 years, sought to honor Kagan’s design rather than replace it. Sarah Conly, founder of Billie Roy, noted the clients had a reference image of Kagan’s original joinery, particularly the louvred shiplap-style timber fronts. The team decided to reinterpret this detail instead of copying it directly.
The goal was to create a space that felt true to its history but worked for modern life. Materials were selected for their natural qualities: honey-toned timber with visible grain, raw brass for the sink, and cork behind the breakfast nook. Conly said the family avoided stone and timber-look laminates, opting for surfaces that would develop character over time.
A functional reconfiguration
The renovation maintained the kitchen’s original footprint but reorganized it into a more efficient galley-style layout. A full-length benchtop now lines the garden-facing side, incorporating the sink and cooktop. Across from it, a full-height joinery wall contains the pantry, fridge, and integrated laundry. Conly explained this change made the kitchen feel more open while keeping its connection to the garden.
Working with cabinetmaker Dustin Fritsche of Softer Studio, the team designed a joinery system using shiplap American oak and ash panels. Some sections function as individual drawers, while others hide appliances like the dishwasher and bins. Fritsche tested timber samples and finishes to achieve the right balance of warmth and texture, exceeding expectations in the process.
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The original timber flooring, found beneath worn vinyl, was restored and painted a deep plum to mask imperfections. Conly said the approach avoided adding new materials, instead using color to create an unexpected layer. Even the cabinetry interiors received a playful canary yellow finish, a detail she described as subtle but intentional.
The family treated the renovation as a long-term commitment. They coordinated trades, sourced materials, and set up a temporary kitchen outside during a Melbourne winter. Conly praised their dedication, saying the home now reflects the people who live there.
The kitchen marks the first phase of a larger collaboration with Softer Studio, with plans to extend updates to the dining and living areas. This approach aligns with a growing preference among homeowners for gradual, considered changes over complete rebuilds. Every alteration balances respect for the past with practical needs for the future.
The updated space feels authentic to its mid-century roots—warm, lived-in, and distinctly personal. A home with history like this demonstrates how thoughtful renovations can preserve character while meeting modern demands.
