That’s A Wrap 2018!

What a massive year! 2018 signaled our 11th year in operation and with it bought all kinds of re-thinking about our business. The first issue we toiled was to stay or to go! Our love affair with Subiaco remains turbulent but overall we are happy with our decision to stay… for the moment!

 

Relevance then got the call in for a thorough examination! As a family run business it’s easy to get distracted by the daily grind. We all know the mantra, work on the business not in the business but it can be damn hard sometimes!  We’ve done a far bit of soul searching this year and feel we still have a product offering that Perth needs! Quality, unique, 100% Made in Italy cabinetry at affordable prices, with spaces designed by qualified interior architects… what’s not to love!

 

And our projects this year really do demonstrate just that. We are just so proud of what we’ve achieved this year and it’s hard to pick the stand outs!

 

Leading the way was our Watermans Bay project. This project was a highlight because the clients really pushed the envelop in regards to selecting products only recently emerging in the Perth market as well as forging a completely unique design with our designer. The project featured a 100% recycled paper product called Paperstone for the cabinetry and benchtops.  The design was edgy and uber modern without affecting functionality.

watermans bay kitchen

Another highlight was featuring at Open House via Abbett Haus. The owners of Abbett Haus worked with the Retreat Design director, Steve, on their kitchen design to create a clean, affordable and sustainable kitchen. Retreat Design kitchens are by nature sustainable as the cabinetry is built to exceptionally high specifications, meaning it stands the test of time, remaining a quality and stylish addition to any home for many years. The Abbett Haus is one of only two certified passive homes in WA and generated a lot of attention at this years Open House.

Abbett Haus

We’ve worked on a wide variety of Perth residences this year, from beach side abodes to Federation cottages and the real joy has come from seeing our kitchens mold into the fabric and history of an existing building. A recent West Leederville kitchen renovation was a good example of this, a wide range of bold finishes were designed into the kitchen space of a period home. The result was a refined yet slightly eclectic space, with all those bold materials counterbalancing each other perfectly.

west leederville kitchen

Another highlight in a period home was the renovation of a kitchen for returning clients who have worked with us on several projects over the years. The client wanted to remain sympathetic to the history of the house  so our designer used Arrital’s Gallery cabinetry range which features an inset frame on the cabinet door, resulting in a more classic kitchen space.

Classic kitchen Dalkeith

And lastly, an ode to how the surrounding environment really does influence design, the install of kitchen cabinetry into a new build in Cottesloe for Crothers Construction. This kitchen was designed around the ocean, with the views and sea breeze the heros of the space. The kitchen has a perfect beach side vibe and you can’t help but slow down when you enter the space!

Cottesloe kitchen

The year did start cautiously, but has ended like a steam train.  The team are taking a really well earned break this Christmas as we will have our skates on when we re-open on the 7th of January 2019 with lots in the diary already. Before signing off for the year I really do want to sincerely thank the Retreat Design team. Josh, Steve P, Cherelle and Jasmine, thank you for your dedication, massive work effort, grace and above all good humor, which you need in buckets when you work for a family run business! Thank you! Now where is my fishing rod…. cheers Cat and Steve

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About the Design Blog

Welcome to the Design Blog. Here we're sharing the latest kitchen and bathroom products from our Italian manufacturers. We'll also bring you inspiring kitchen renovations and beautiful bathrooms. Feel free to ask questions in the comments.