A Coastal Kitchen Reborn: Michelle’s Sorrento Renovation

RENOVATION STORIES

A Coastal Kitchen Reborn: Michelle’s
Sorrento Renovation

How one family transformed a dated 1980s kitchen and laundry into a light-filled, resort-style heart of the home — all in just one month.

Just a short stroll from the beach in Sorrento, Western Australia, sits a classic 1980s coastal home — the kind of place where salty air, timber floors and a strong sense of community come standard. What didn’t come standard was a kitchen to match.

When Michelle and her family decided it was time to say goodbye to their dated, closed-in kitchen and tired laundry, they came to The Sink Warehouse with a clear vision: bright, timeless, and just a little bit like being on holiday every day. One month later — and just before the arrival of their newest family member — both rooms were completely transformed.

We sat down with Michelle to talk farmhouse sinks, brushed gold tapware, satin shaker cabinetry, and what it’s really like to renovate with two little kids and a dog underfoot.

Tell us a little about your home and what drew you to the area.

Our home is a 1980s coastal home in Sorrento, just a short walk from the beach. We were drawn to the relaxed lifestyle, beautiful coastline and strong sense of community. We love that it feels like a holiday destination while still being a wonderful place to raise our two little children.

What was the kitchen like before, and what was the tipping point that made you renovate?

The original kitchen was very dated and closed in, with an awkward U-shaped layout. I wanted the space to feel more open, functional and connected to the living and dining areas. The tipping point was simply wanting a kitchen that worked better for our everyday life while also reflecting the modern coastal style we love.

The finished spaces feel so cohesive — tell us about the vision behind the design.

Living by the coast definitely influenced the design direction. We wanted the kitchen and laundry to be timeless and bright with just the right amount of warmth, rather than overly modern or trend-driven. We kept the palette simple and focused on creating a relaxed coastal resort feel — because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re on holiday every day?!

What led you to The Sink Warehouse?

We visited The Sink Warehouse showroom and immediately loved the quality and range they offered. Being able to select our cabinetry, sink and tapware all in one place made the entire process so much easier.

The team were incredibly helpful throughout the design process, which included a free site measure, 3D designs and detailed plans. I was also blown away by the knowledge and experience our designer, Yvonne, brought to the project. She truly helped bring all of my ideas to life and made what could have been an overwhelming process feel easy and exciting.

The farmhouse sink is such a statement. How has it worked in real life?

I had always loved the look of a farmhouse sink and knew I wanted it to be a feature in both the kitchen and laundry. We even pulled it 50mm forward so it would become more of a statement piece rather than blend completely into the cabinetry.

Beyond the aesthetics, it has been incredibly practical for family life. It easily fits large pots and trays, and I could even bath my baby in it! It has absolutely lived up to expectations in both function and style.

The brushed gold finishes were a very deliberate choice. What was your thinking?

We wanted a finish that would add warmth and softness to the space. The brushed gold complemented the white cabinetry and timber flooring beautifully, as its lighter tone wasn’t too harsh against the white, and the gold colour provided the perfect amount of subtle contrast. This helped create a cohesive, layered look throughout both the kitchen and laundry.

It can’t all have been smooth sailing — were there challenges along the way?

Like most renovations, there were definitely challenges along the way. Juggling trades, budgets, two young children and a dog wasn’t always easy, and there were plenty of decisions to make.

One moment worth sharing was when Yvonne went above and beyond to complete both our kitchen and laundry renovation before our baby arrived. The entire project was completed within just a month, which felt incredible. Everything was managed through The Sink Warehouse and the whole process was so smooth and stress-free during such a busy time in our lives — something I’ll always be grateful for.

How has the new space changed the way you live?

The kitchen has truly become the heart of our home. We spend so much time there as a family, whether it’s cooking, entertaining friends or simply having a coffee while the kids play nearby.

The island has become a natural gathering spot, and the improved layout has made everyday life so much easier. It’s a space that feels both beautiful and functional, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve.

Do you have a favourite detail?

The satin shaker cabinetry was definitely a favourite. The detailing and dimension added so much character, giving the space depth and preventing the white kitchen from feeling flat or sterile.

It’s still hard to believe that all the cabinetry was part of The Sink Warehouse’s standard range. Nothing was custom, which saved us thousands! It proves that thoughtful design, quality materials and the right installer can deliver a high-end, custom look without the premium price tag.

Finally — what advice would you give someone about to start their own renovation?

Take your time during the planning stage and focus on how you want the space to function, not just how it will look. Trends come and go, but creating spaces that suit your family and the way you live will always hold the most value.

Thinking about your own renovation?

Michelle’s kitchen and laundry came together in one place — and yours can too. The Sink Warehouse offers far more than sinks: explore our full range of cabinetry, farmhouse sinks and troughs, designer tapware and appliance packages, all backed by free site measures, 3D designs and expert guidance from concept to completion.

Visit your nearest showroom or get in touch to start your renovation story.