Kitchen Renovation

Updating your kitchen is one of the biggest renovation investments you will make, so it’s important that you get it right! Just as you trust your builder or architect, you need to find a kitchen designer that you trust.

It takes many years to gather the experience and knowledge to be a good kitchen designer, so make sure you put your trust in someone who can demonstrate a wide and practical knowledge of kitchen design, fittings, and available materials.

Instead of relying on someone who promises the world and can draw a pretty picture, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable kitchen designer who can deliver the desired result within your budget. They will ensure that your kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a dream to work in and create lasting family memories.

Our kitchen designers share their advice, outlining the essential things to consider before starting your kitchen renovation, all for free. We share everything we know because we want your renovation to be a resounding success!

Consider Moving Away From the Traditional Kitchen Triangle Concept.

The kitchen triangle is an essential planning tool, but modern kitchens don’t necessarily need to be strictly confined to this format. The kitchen triangle is at the forefront of every designer’s mind. Having everything within reach means storing food and cooking as efficiently as possible.

Essentially, a good design is where all your appliances are in an area where they can be reached efficiently. The position of your appliances needs careful consideration, along with their size and specifications.

The dishwasher should open freely, not impede the walkways, and allow for easy unloading into your crockery, knife, and fork drawer, all while being in close proximity to your sink for rinsing and loading.

So, ask yourself the following questions about your appliances:

• Is the access good? Can I stand in front of my appliance without feeling squashed against anything?
• Will the doors open freely, even if someone is trying to get past them?
• Is a walkway impeded or blocked when I open my appliance?
• Is it safe to carry hot items from appliances, such as ovens or microwaves, to the sink bench if there are small children around?
• Can I reach my major appliances with only a few short steps?

The concept behind the kitchen work triangle is that primary tasks are carried out within a triangular space between the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator for efficiency.

However, stepping outside of the triangle and customising your layout to suit your needs is perfectly fine if it doesn’t compromise the functionality of the appliances and how you want to use your kitchen.

For example, entertainers may want a second dishwasher in their butler’s pantry, or larger families might like to introduce a second sink or an extra oven.

Perhaps having your fridge further away from your working triangle suits the way you want to use your kitchen space. The triangle is a great starting point, but you needn’t be confined to it if it doesn’t work for you.

Instead, think about how you wish to use the space, make a list of the functional things you would like your kitchen to do for you, and discuss how you want the kitchen to relate to other areas in the house with your kitchen designer to customize an efficient layout for your home.

Consider Your Benchtop Space

Appliances that take up a large portion of your kitchen will reduce your benchtop space.

Large sink(s), large appliances, large benchtop appliances.

The larger the sink(s), the less bench space you’ll have. Sometimes it’s better to compromise on the size of the sink to gain a few extra 100mm of benchtop if your space is tight.

A large oven or fridge freezer will quickly consume your kitchen if space is limited.

Large appliances need to be placed with enough clearance to ensure good access and functionality.

Benchtop appliances are best housed either below the bench or on the wall above.

Aim for clear bench space in your design.

Plan your appliances with your designer so you can weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before making your purchase.

Most kitchen companies can arrange commercial pricing for appliances, so there’s no advantage in buying hastily during a sale.

What will be your new benchtop surface?

Kitchen renovators are fortunate to now have a wide variety of benchtop options available when considering surfaces.

From timbers and stone to acrylics, laminates, and glass, your kitchen palette can be as organic, industrial, or warm as you desire.

Surfaces play a significant role in the visual design and functionality of your kitchen space. Gloss surfaces can reflect light and noise, while laminate surfaces can soften the ambience of your kitchen.

Engineered stone benchtops are the most common choice due to their endurance, availability, and pricing.

(If you’re renovating for resale, choose an engineered stone benchtop for maximum impact and value.)

Consider how the surfaces you’re interested in will work with the rest of your home.

If you plan on upgrading the bathrooms and laundry in the future, it’s a good idea to keep the surfaces uniform or at least within the same palette throughout your home. Consider compromising on a benchtop that fits your budget and can be used throughout the home for a sleek and elegant look.