Most Richmond terraces were built between the 1850s and early 1900s, during Melbourne’s boom period. There are some telltale signs of this: Italianate stucco facades, cast iron lacework, slate roofs; all things that are gorgeous from the outside. Inside, however, things get tricky.

These homes were built narrow (often less than five meters wide), creating a tunnel feeling. The original kitchens were relegated to the back of the house, usually small, poorly ventilated, and starved of natural light. They were never designed to be the hubs we expect today. If you’re planning a renovation, you’ll need to reimagine how the space works.

What challenges exist in Richmond’s terrace homes?

That distinctive terrace width is probably your biggest design challenge. You can’t just throw in a massive island bench and call it a day. You need to think strategically about layout.

The most popular solutions for narrow Richmond kitchens include galley layouts (with parallel counters that make the most of the width), L-shaped designs that utilise corners effectively, or a streamlined one-wall kitchen that keeps everything against a single boundary to maximise floor space.

By creating distinct zones without chopping the space up with walls you can define different areas. Your kitchen probably gets minimal natural light, so skylights are a must. Strategically placed over your prep area or island bench, a skylight can completely transform the atmosphere, flooding that previously gloomy space with natural light. You might also consider a lightwell, which sacrifices some floor area, but the trade-off is a light-soaked kitchen that feels twice as large. High-gloss cabinetry finishes, mirrored or glass splashbacks, and polished stone benchtops all help bounce light around the room. Even your paint choice matters, so stick to whites and light tones with high Light Reflectance Values to make the most of whatever light you’ve got.

How to deal with storage struggles in the kitchen

When you’re working with limited square meterage, custom joinery really proves its worth over off-the-shelf options. The old fixed-shelf cupboards your terrace probably has now should be switched for a full-extension drawer system that lets you access items right at the back of deep cabinets, corner solutions that transform awkward L-shaped spaces into functional storage, and vertical storage that uses every bit of your ceiling height.

Some clever innovations that work particularly well in compact kitchens include:

• Pull-out pantries that fit into 150mm gaps (perfect for oils and spices)
• Integrated bin drawers to keep waste out of sight
• Toe-kick drawers that create a hidden step for reaching high cabinets while storing flat items like baking trays

At H&H Cabinets, we love these kinds of micro-storage solutions and use premium hardware from brands like Blum to ensure everything glides smoothly and uses 100% of the available cabinet volume.

Heritage considerations for Richmond kitchen renovations

Richmond is governed by the City of Yarra, and they take heritage seriously. Most terraces sit under heritage overlays that protect the historical streetscape.

These overlays typically focus on the street-facing elements like your facade, roofline, and original decorative features. Internal renovations usually have more flexibility. That said, if you’re planning any extension to the rear (which many Richmond kitchen renos involve), you’ll need a planning permit.

The process isn’t as scary as it sounds. For straightforward projects, the VicSmart permit can get you approved in about 10 business days. More complex renovations might take 6-8 weeks. The council actually encourages energy-efficient upgrades like double-glazing and insulation, provided they don’t compromise the heritage integrity.

Creating a contemporary aesthetic in an inner-city kitchen renovation

One of the beautiful things about renovating a Richmond terrace is the opportunity to blend old and new. The most successful kitchens reference the home’s industrial heritage while delivering modern luxury.

Many homeowners opt for a two-tone approach, pairing dark lower cabinetry in charcoal or navy with lighter upper cabinets and stone benchtops. Materials like concrete-look Caesarstone or natural grey stone nod to Richmond’s warehouse past, while timber accents bring warmth and texture.

The trend toward integrated appliances works particularly well in narrow kitchens. When your fridge and dishwasher are hidden behind matching cabinet panels, the space feels calmer and more cohesive. Handleless cabinetry with soft-close systems keeps the look streamlined and eliminates visual clutter.

What structural considerations need to be made?

Many Richmond terraces have structural issues due to those 150-year-old foundations, rising damp, and leaning walls. Before you can install your dream kitchen, you might need to address some of these underlying problems.

Working with experienced professionals like the team at H&H Cabinets means you have a registered builder with over 50 years of experience in heritage homes.

We understand that a kitchen renovation in an old terrace often starts with structural forensics like investigating drainage issues, rectifying non-compliant previous renovations, and integrating load-bearing beams into the cabinetry design. It’s not the fun part of renovation, but addressing these issues upfront saves you a lot of expensive trouble later on.

How much will this all cost?

A professional kitchen renovation in Richmond’s hot property market should be looked at as one of the smartest investments you can make. A well-executed kitchen consistently delivers strong returns when it comes time to sell.

Budget-wise, you’re looking at anywhere from $35,000 for a standard renovation with quality joinery and appliances, up to $100,000+ for a premium custom job with luxury finishes and structural work. Always get transparent pricing upfront and a clear understanding of what’s included.

Where to go for kitchen renovations Richmond loves

The complexity of a terrace renovation requires a professional approach. Look for designers who ask the right questions about how you actually live, how many people use the kitchen, what you cook, and what your storage pain points are. The best outcomes come from data-driven design, not generic templates.

Local manufacturing is always a bonus to ensure better quality control and shorter lead times. At H&H Cabinets, we focus on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and an understanding of the unique challenges these homes present. Let us help you create a kitchen that’s a functional masterpiece and a beautiful space you’ll love for decades to come.