← Back to Editorial
Kitchen Renovation · August 2026

Brighton Heritage Kitchen – Before & After

Restoring a 1920s Brighton kitchen while adding modern functionality required careful material selection and close work with Bayside Council. In this editorial, we walk through the key decisions that shaped the final result.

Design notes

The original footprint was retained to preserve the heritage rhythm of the rear elevation, with the joinery reworked to open sightlines toward the garden.

Cornices, skirtings, and window reveals were profiled to match surviving originals elsewhere in the home.

Appliances and services were concealed behind full-height cabinetry so the room reads as a period space, not a showroom.

Materials used

  • Honed Elba marble benchtops and splashback
  • Hand-painted two-pack joinery in a warm off-white
  • Solid brass hardware with an unlacquered patina
  • Reclaimed European oak flooring, limed finish

Common questions

Do heritage kitchen renovations in Brighton need council approval?

Internal kitchen works in a heritage overlay usually do not require a planning permit, but any change to external openings, roof form, or the street-facing facade generally does. We confirm the overlay requirements with Bayside Council before design is finalised.

How long does a heritage kitchen renovation take?

A typical Brighton heritage kitchen runs eight to twelve weeks on site, following four to six weeks of design, selections, and joinery documentation.

Enquire About This Project

Leave your details and we'll be in touch within 48 hours.

Sent to info@ivorybuilt.com.au

Want more design inspiration?

Occasional notes on materials, process, and completed work.