Briar Stanley is a Sydney-based stylist and decorator and her blog, Sunday Collector, mixes interior sourcing and styling tips with local Northern Beaches finds and a healthy dose of her completely adorable daughter Sunday's world. We asked Briar to dish the details on her recently completed kitchen renovation - she shares a few snaps of the new space, plus some inspiring kitchens from her Pinterest board. 

What was the impetus for your kitchen renovation?

I saw the potential for the space as soon as we moved in 8 years ago. The boxed off U-shaped kitchen was semi-functional but unattractive, and didn't use the area wisely. Walls of timber veneered chunky cupboards with black granite bench tops blocked the area off, making it a dark and dated 1990's space.

Did you have a clear picture in your mind of what you wanted?

Absolutely – it was all about opening the space up, and creating clever storage. I was also keen for a breakfast bench, to create more seating. The floorboards had been on my mind for what felt like forever, as I despised the original carpet and tile combination so much.

The new kitchen includes a generous pantry hidden behind a sliding door.

How long was the planning phase, and where did you look for inspiration?

I planned the project in my head for years, but we only got serious about it 6 months before building took place. During those six months, I took the traditional route of tearing out things I saw in magazines – making a mood board with a combination of finishes I liked. I was careful to keep things fairly neutral, as this is not our 'forever house' – I wanted the kitchen to still appeal to a large market when the time comes to sell the apartment.

Did you have any space/design limitations to overcome?

I originally wanted the sink to be positioned on the island bench, but it proved too costly to move the plumbing to that position.

What practical considerations were important to you?

I was really keen for a good size pantry, and large pot drawers – which have proven to be really handy, a good size double sink was also important, as well as a concealed bin cupboard.

Briar's home office can be concealed behind pocket doors

How did you break down the design decisions – which elements did you choose first, and how did the process work?

I chose the floorboard finish first, and worked back from that. I was always sure it would be a predominantly white kitchen, and tossed up between a few different tiles for our splashback. I simply passed on all my selections (in fine detail) to the kitchen manufacturer and it was pretty smooth sailing from there.

What was the hardest decision you had to make?

Deciding on the bench top colours. The island bench was originally going to be in the Caesarstone in Sleek Concrete, but I swapped it to Pure White at the last minute as I felt like a slab of that size would be too strong in colour for the space.

Image via Pinterest (source unknown)

What do you love most about the finished space?

Definitely the abundant amount of storage we now have, and the large island bench has transformed the way entertain – friends and family now sit and stand around it while we cook. As it's an apartment, we are a little tight on space, so the built-in home office is also really handy; it can be concealed easily with the pocket doors when I'm not working. The black gooseneck tap and hexagon tiles have also proven pretty popular when visitors see the kitchen for the first time.

Image via Pinterest (source unknown)

Can you share 3 tips for anyone planning a kitchen renovation?

• Take your time and think about all the things you dislike in your current kitchen, and create a wish list of the practical things you'd like in your new design.


• Trust your gut, and try to not listen to too many opinions (you may find everyone from your plumber to the electrician will want to cast judgment on things like your tile choice).


• If you can't trust your gut, consider enlisting a stylist/decorator to bounce ideas off – it's a two hour service/consultation that I personally offer, and clients find it a great way finalise their finish selections.

Follow Briar via Sunday Collector or on Instagram @sunday_collector