Turning the Page on a Small ’80s Kitchen

Utilising elevated walnut doors and panels from Fliplab, Amy transformed her Carlton kitchen into a warm, textural and elevated space, for less.

Amy and Nadia in the newly renovated Carlton kitchen, reimagined with Fliplab’s Reed profile in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt and cleverly integrated appliances.

When Amy purchased her Carlton residence, its 1980’s kitchen was ready to be reimagined. She wanted a space that felt simple, warm and inviting, with modern appliances cleverly integrated to keep the kitchen calm and uncluttered.

Working with her designer and friend Nadia, Amy renovated using an IKEA Metod base system customised with Fliplab’s Reed profile in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt. The timber-look finish and detailed fronts bring texture and character, while concealed appliances create a clean, considered result.

We spoke with Amy about the inspiration behind the renovation, the choices that shaped the finished space and her experience working with Fliplab.

“I wanted the space to feel warm and inviting. I loved the warmth of the timber-look finish and the detailing on the cabinetry fronts.”

Fliplab’s Reed profile in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt brings warmth, depth and refined detail.

What prompted you to renovate your kitchen, and what were your key must-haves for the space?

I decided to embark on my kitchen renovation when I purchased the property. It had a kitchen from the 1980’s that was desperate for an update. The key must haves were for the space to feel simple, include all the modern appliances that families require but to minimise their appearance in the cabinetry. As it's a small space I wanted the appliances to be integrated to ensure they didn't overwhelm the look and feel.

What inspired the overall design of the kitchen?

I worked with my friend and designer Nadia who guided and led the design process with me. She helped me select the Fliplab door style and decor, and pulled together the overall palette, selections and layout for the complete kitchen.

Tell us about the colours and finishes you selected. Why did you choose these particular tones and textures?

I wanted the space to feel warm and inviting. I love the timber look finish and the detailing of the cabinetry face. Everything has been selected so that it feels homely whether it is in natural light or architectural lighting features.

Thoughtful small-kitchen design pairs IKEA METOD cabinetry with custom Fliplab fronts in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt for a warm, refined finish for less.

What is your favourite element of the finished kitchen?

My favourite thing about the space is the integrated appliances into the cabinetry, everything is easy to use whilst still looking neat.

What appealed to you about combining IKEA cabinetry with custom Fliplab fronts?

You get the benefit of the cabinetry base being modular and instantly co-ordinated but not needing to compromise on a high-end finish making the overall cost of renovating a kitchen more affordable… more bang for your buck.

How did you find the selection process and working with the Design Team at Fliplab?

The team at Fliplab were amazing at guiding me through the available finishes. Being able to come and speak with someone in person to help select the right combination of finishes for the aesthetic I wanted made all the difference in moving through the process.

Fliplab’s Reed profile in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt adds warmth and an elevated detail to this Carlton kitchen.

How was your overall experience working with the Fliplab team?

“It was very straightforward to integrate the Fliplab cabinetry into the Ikea base. The Fliplab team were always available to talk things through and happy to coordinate with my cabinetry installer to make sure the end product was exactly what I had planned for.”

Create a premium look kitchen for less

Pair the convenience of an IKEA or Bunning’s cabinetry systems with custom Fliplab fronts, panels and finishes to create a beautifully considered result without the cost of fully custom joinery.

Talk to our Fliplab Design Team about how you can save on your next cabinetry project.

Fliplab’s Reed profile in Florentine Walnut Woodmatt

Carlton Customer Project Details

Profile: Fliplab Reed
Colour: Florentine Walnut Woodmatt
Products: Doors, Drawer Fronts, Panels
System: IKEA Metod
Handles: Momo from Fliplab
Photographer: Guy Lavoipierre

See more of our timber Woodmatt finish options