Kitchen Renovation Tips from The Block’s Sarah Armstrong & Julian Cress

In 2020, The Block co-creator and executive producer Julian Cress, along with his wife Sarah Armstrong, co-owner of The Block Shop, swapped inner Melbourne for a tree-change to Gisborne, a charming country town in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges. The move was a big lifestyle shift and became the inspiration for the 2022 Tree Change season of the hit renovation show The Block, filmed right there in Gisborne.

As seasoned renovators, Sarah and Julian were drawn to a single-level 1980s home surrounded by lush gardens. The house was full of potential, but a complete redesign was at the top of their to-do list. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted Kinsman to transform key areas of the home, including the kitchen, laundry, and garage, into stylish and functional spaces that would become integral to their dream home.

Keep reading to discover all the design details of these beautifully revamped rooms.

Kitchen & Laundry

The kitchen and laundry reflect the Contemporary Country aesthetic that Julian and Sarah wanted to create throughout their home. The subtle Shaker-profile of Kinsman’s Camden door in Classic White was the perfect choice, adding lightness to the open-plan space, which includes dining and lounge zones.

The design remains simple for now, as the main kitchen renovation will take place as part of Stage 2 of the overall renovations. At this stage, the area functions more as a kitchenette, connected to the laundry, with plans for the space to eventually become a teen retreat, separate from the main kitchen which will be in a different part of the home.

The look is sleek and seamless, with all appliances (except for the oven) integrated behind the cabinetry, while Touch Catch handles ensure clean, uninterrupted lines. Storage is generous, thanks to a combination of cupboards, drawers, and a Hafele Tandem Pantry. The laundry flows directly from the kitchen, providing essential storage and ample bench space for folding laundry.

Designer tip: Use our free AI Kitchen Planner tool to see how you can transform your kitchen. See more here.

Room details:

Cabinetry: Camden Classic White

Handles: Touch Catch, Volpato. Knob handles by client. For similar, we love the White Matt Knurled Knob (34-D-18)

Benchtops: Dekton Arga by Cosentino

Accessories: Hafele Tandem Pantry, Cutlery Trays, Inner Drawers, Ninka Bin, Hafele Broom Tandem Side (laundry)

Lighting: Warm LED Strip lighting  

Garage

One of Julian’s favourite spaces in their home is the garage – the perfect place to escape and unwind. But it’s much more than just a garage; it’s more like a ‘Bat Cave’, complete with ample seating, a drum set, and Julian’s lovingly restored 1974 Porsche Carrera.

At the heart of the space is Kinsman cabinetry, which spans the entire back wall, measuring an impressive 11.4 metres! Featuring our new Sepia Woodland Silver cabinetry (which we saw in Maddy and Charlotte’s kitchen and laundry on The Block 2024) paired with stylish Bronze Bar handles, there’s no shortage of storage in this room.

“Adding these wonderful cabinets from Kinsman was the finishing touch,” explains Julian. “They really make the room come to life.”

Room details:

Cabinetry: Sepia Woodland Silver

Handles: Bronze Bars (55-M-49)

Benchtop: Dekton Taga by Cosentino

Accessories: Broom cupboards, adjustable shelves within selected cupboards

Transform your home’s storage and style with Kinsman. Turn your house into the best home on your block with solutions for kitchens, laundries, bedrooms and more.

For expert advice on kitchens, laundries and wardrobes, book an in-store, in-home, or virtual appointment. Alternatively, download our Ideas & Inspiration Catalogue for more images, inspiration, and product information.