Before & After: Real Kitchen Renovations in Sydney by ICAD

At ICAD Joinery, we believe that every kitchen has the potential to become the heart of the home—functional, stylish, and tailored to your lifestyle. In this blog, we take you behind the scenes of real kitchen renovations we've completed across Sydney. From outdated and cramped layouts to modern, light-filled spaces, these before-and-after transformations highlight the power of good design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. Whether you're planning a complete remodel or just gathering inspiration, these real-life projects will show you what’s possible when vision meets precision.

Before: Dated Designs, Poor Layouts, and Limited Functionality

Many kitchens we encounter across Sydney are still functioning with outdated layouts, ageing cabinetry, and worn-out surfaces. These older designs, often built decades ago, no longer meet the practical and aesthetic needs of today’s homeowners. In many cases, clients approach us with kitchens that feel closed-in, lack natural light, and don’t provide enough storage or bench space.

For example, one project in the Inner West involved a 1980s kitchen with yellowing laminate cabinets, a low-hanging overhead cupboard that blocked light, and a boxed-in layout that made the space feel smaller than it was. The workflow was inefficient, with the sink, cooktop, and fridge poorly positioned, leading to a frustrating cooking experience. Another project in a home in Ryde had limited storage options and dark timber cabinetry that absorbed natural light, making the kitchen feel heavy and dated.

Many of these homes had good bones—but lacked a kitchen that matched the rest of the evolving space. Our role at ICAD is to see the potential beyond the wear and tear—to create a design that not only looks better but works better for daily life.

After: Thoughtful Transformations with Modern Appeal

Once the transformation begins, the results can be dramatic. At ICAD Joinery, we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Every kitchen we renovate is designed around our clients’ needs, lifestyle, and taste—whether it’s a sleek modern look or a warm, classic style.

Take the Inner West kitchen mentioned earlier: we completely opened up the space by removing obstructive overhead cabinetry, repositioning the island to create a more social and practical layout, and introducing a stunning matte white polyurethane finish with soft-close drawers and integrated appliances. We added LED strip lighting beneath overhead cupboards and used light-toned stone benchtops to maximise brightness. The result was a clean, open-plan kitchen that flowed naturally into the adjoining living area.

In the Ryde project, we replaced the dark timber with a fresh two-tone palette—white cabinetry above and a calming grey below. We installed a sleek glass splashback, increased pantry storage, and added soft LED lighting to bring the space to life. With new stone benchtops and clever corner storage solutions, the kitchen became not only more attractive but dramatically more functional.

Another standout renovation in the Hills District involved combining modern and classic elements: shaker-style cabinetry in a soft satin finish, brushed gold handles, a Calacatta-look benchtop, and a herringbone tiled splashback. The homeowners wanted warmth and style, and we delivered a kitchen that felt timeless, yet contemporary. Across all our renovations, certain themes are consistent: improved lighting, smarter storage, streamlined cabinetry, and upgraded finishes. We also ensure every kitchen meets today’s energy-efficient and space-saving standards, integrating appliances and features without disrupting the aesthetic.

Why Real Transformations Matter

Seeing is believing—and real kitchen renovation stories help homeowners visualise what's possible. Many clients come to us unsure of what can be achieved with their current kitchen. Once they see before-and-after images of similar Sydney homes, it becomes easier to imagine their own transformation.

These projects also highlight the value of custom joinery. Unlike flat-pack or pre-designed solutions, our tailored approach means every detail—from the cabinet heights to the drawer layout—is made to suit the exact dimensions and requirements of the home. It’s not just about making a kitchen look new—it’s about improving the way it works and feels every day.

Whether your style is minimalist and modern or classic and inviting, we’ll work with you to create a kitchen that’s functional, beautiful, and built to last. Our experienced team uses high-quality materials, innovative storage solutions, and smart layouts to ensure your new kitchen meets all your expectations—and more. Ready to transform your space? Contact ICAD Joinery today for a consultation and let’s turn your “before” into a stunning “after.”