Renovation: A new look for granny's kitchen

Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

When Inge Bauermeister first laid eyes on the old farmhouse that once belonged to hubby Vlok’s late grandmother Gwen Malherbe, all she could think about was the hard work that lay ahead. But when she realised how much potential the place had – the couple have been living there since April 2017 – she was soon filled with inspiration.

“It was originally an old barn and although we’re not sure how old it is, we know that the main homestead on the farm was built in 1824,” she says. The cottage, as they refer to the old barn, underwent a few renovations, including a kitchen revamp, about 20 years ago. “But that kitchen had little more than a sink cabinet and one freestanding cupboard,” recalls Inge. “Ouma didn’t cook, so the space was never fully utilised. The low wall between the kitchen and living area with the counter on top also bothered me because I prefer an open-plan space.”

Inge and Vlok love socialising in a kitchen, so they wanted to create a homely atmosphere in their own space. With her newfound inspiration, Inge spent many an evening sketching plans until she had the perfect layout. Jaco la Grange of La Grange Woodworks then helped her to make her vision a reality.

The ball-and-claw table with its legs painted in Harlequin’s Chalk Paint in the colour Oxford creates an old world twist in this contemporary space; Inge is still deciding whether to paint the ceiling white.
Table runner and tea towel from Makietie

RENOVATORS’ NOTEBOOK

Start comparing the prices of all the items you’ll need as soon as possible then buy them yourself to save money, says Inge.

BEFORE

On the job ...

• The low wall under the old counter had to be demolished to create an open-plan space. The old wall tiles also had to go.
• A new laminated floor was laid over the tiles. To save on costs, Inge and Vlok got the carpenters to deliver the cupboard carcasses so they could paint them themselves (the interior panels are white melamine). Once they were done, the carcasses were collected so the doors (made of Supawood) could be hung and the pine legs attached.
• The electrician moved the plugs and installed lamps that Vlok had spray-painted. Metro tiles were professionally laid in a brick pattern on the walls; this creates a timeless yet contemporary feel. Copper-coloured handles complete the picture.
• The cupboards were returned so Inge and Vlok could paint the doors too. After applying three coats of paint with rollers, they sealed the doors with Harlequin’s Dead Flat Varnish.

Cost

Cupboards and baskets R26 570
Flooring R4 080
Sink and tap R1 850
Handles R1 050
Plumbing R1 200
Paint R1 370
Tiler R1 740
Tiles R1 610

TOTAL R39 470