The kitchen cupboards were in a state of disrepair, with various parts falling apart, prompting us to consider replacing them. However, as the project unfolded, we made the decision to completely transform the entire kitchen. Since we were renting the property, we obtained the landlord’s permission before commencing with the extensive renovation.

Our kitchen was quite small, measuring approximately 20 square metres, and we opted to maintain its original layout. Due to our limited budget, we took on the majority of the work ourselves, undertaking about 95 percent of the renovation. My husband took charge of constructing steel frames and building the cabinets from scratch, ensuring they were tailored to our specific needs. To add a unique touch, I showed my husband a picture of a barn door that I desired for the pantry, and he skillfully crafted it.

As for the aesthetics, we took great care in transforming the kitchen’s appearance. We painted the walls to create a fresh ambience, and I personally utilised the German Schmeer technique on the brick wall using a toothbrush, giving it a textured and visually appealing look. With the exception of hiring a contracted tiler, who assisted with tiling the entire bottom floor and splashback, we handled all other aspects ourselves.

Our location within a nature reserve, where wild animals freely roam, inspired us to incorporate elements that maintain a natural, rustic feel. We opted for live edge wood countertops and shelving, which added a touch of raw beauty to the space. The combination of boho and industrial styles gave our kitchen a distinctive and eclectic character, which I absolutely adore.

Overall, our journey involved not just replacing the failing cupboards, but embarking on a comprehensive renovation of our small kitchen. By taking on the majority of the work ourselves, we were able to personalise every aspect of the project, resulting in a unique and charming boho industrial kitchen that perfectly complements our surroundings.