Purchased in 2020, Ally set out to transform their unit's outdated 80's kitchen into a warm, welcoming space with a family vibe that reflected her love for timeless design. Her old kitchen, though charming with its retro vibe, had become impractical with a broken dishwasher, a stovetop with only one functioning element, and a difficult layout. She decided to knock down a wall to open up the space.
The Inspiration
Inspired by Sara and Rich Combs @thejoshuatreehouse, Ally first noticed the terracotta tiles and white combo they use and love the natural texture, light and wooden cabin feels. Her goal was to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with natural textures, light, and wooden cabinets, emphasizing the importance of family meals around the table.
The Hunt for the Perfect Tile
Ally's appreciation for Italy, Europe, and Africa initially led her to explore Moroccan tiles. However, finding the right size and style of terracotta tiles in Australia proved challenging. Eventually, she discovered Tile Lane's San Miguel Terracotta, the perfect tiles that matched their vision. The natural texture and earthy tones of terracotta brought a sense of warmth and authenticity to her kitchen, harmonizing beautifully with the light and wooden elements she loved.
The Result: A Dream Kitchen Realized
Ally was thrilled with the final result. Ben Moss and his team from Evans Head, Northern NSW, executed an exceptional job in laying the tiles. Their craftsmanship and dedication to training the next generation of tradesmen were highly commendable. The project was overseen by builder Mitch Frazer-Bell, whose meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of Ally's design was brought to life.
Given their handmade nature, Ally recommends ordering a few extra tiles to select the flattest ones and maintain consistency in the terracotta shades. She hand-selected each piece to ensure the true red terracotta tiles were prominently featured, achieving that desired desert feel.
Ally also gave special recognition to our own Kristy, who provided fantastic support and dedication to her vision. Her personal touch and constant communication played a significant role in the project's success.
Property: The Mustard Seed, Evans Head NSW
