“The brief was to create something different with an English/European style,” says Lauren. The couple also wanted a design that was sympathetic to the period of their home, which was built in 1921. Delightful touches, such as the rolling ladder from Ram Hardware, create old world charm.

On a functional level, they needed better flow with plenty of storage. For easy access to the outside entertaining area, the positions of the kitchen and family room were swapped. “The French doors are open most of the time with a great flow to outside and the pool, so the family can relax together,” says Jo. The result is a space enveloped in a mint green to reflect the leafy vista. It also has oak timber highlights and classic patterned flooring for wow factor. “We absolutely love it, it’s exactly what we hoped for and we couldn’t be happier,” shares Jo.

How to create a green kitchen

Colour is the star of this green kitchen. The bent plywood rangehood surround and the kitchen island are finished in Resene Spanish Green, while ‘Menton’ floor tiles from Kalafrana Ceramics complement. More green comes in the form of custom bar stools designed by Studio Trio, which are covered in soft Mokum ‘Vintage Deux’ velvet fabric in Lilypad. Adding balance with neutral tones is Talostone ‘Calacatta Oro’ matte-finish stone on the benchtops. This also sweeps up to the ceiling to form the splashback.

Brass handles and tapware

The architectural hardware creates cohesion. Many elements in this kitchen feature brass. These include the Visual Comfort ‘Oxford’ sconce lights in Antique Burnished Brass, Perrin & Rowe ‘Provence’ tapware in Satin Brass as well as La Cornue ‘Cornufé’ oven in Matte Black. “The La Cornue oven was the first thing selected, which ties all the lighting and tapware together,” explains Lauren. The statement Thomas O’Brien ‘Hicks’ pendants that are suspended above the island combine these accents of black and brass.

Butler’s pantry design

“The pantry is one of the busiest rooms in our house,” says Jo, who adds that it also functions as a laundry, food storage space and prep zone. Many of the materials in the kitchen are also carried through here, except for the Olde English Tiles ‘White Gloss’ subways that grace the walls. The fluted Turner Hastings ‘Novi’ fireclay sink is a smaller version of the one in the kitchen.

Interior design: Studio Trio, studiotrio.com.au
Builder: AMG Carpentry and Construction, amgcarpentry.com.au
Joinery: Coastline Kitchens & Joinery, coastlinekitchens.com.au
Stonemason: Architectural Stone Works, archstoneworks.com.au

Source book

The post Mint condition: Inside a showstopping green kitchen renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Kitchen renovations can be life-changing and simply don’t need to break the bank in order to achieve this. We spoke to builder and Front Porch Properties founder Rachael Turner and John Harrison, Kaboodle Kitchen marketing manager, who shared their secrets to managing a kitchen reno for less than $10K.

From estimated costs for every fixture and finish, to the best items to save and splurge on in kitchen renovations – we’ve got everything you need to get the job done.

Meet the homeowners

Who lives here? Engaged couple, Cassie and Nick.

Location? South-east Melbourne.

Original kitchen? An original 1970s dark wood grain L-shape kitchen with minimal storage, no pantry and narrow bench space.

Timeframe? Less than four weeks.

The works: “We love to cook and entertain so when planning our kitchen renovation we prioritised plenty of prep space and a large island to entertain friends and family. We were also desperate for more storage so big drawers and a large pantry were essential so that we had a well organised and functional kitchen.”

The best materials for kitchen cabinets

What are the options? If your cabinetry is in good shape and the layout is functional, keep the carcasses and paint the doors to create a big impact for less. Alternatively, Kaboodle Kitchen has a range of doors, panels and designer-look handles, allowing you to refresh the facades completely. “DIY installation is a fantastic way to save both time and money,” adds John. Want to redo your cabinets? “Opt for open shelves instead of overhead cupboards,” suggests Rachael, who adds that open shelves cost less and look sleek in compact spaces.

Kitchen renovations: Cabinetry costs

Estimated costs start at $4000 for kitchen cabinetry.

“Choose DIY-friendly flatpack cabinetry and install as much of it yourself to significantly save compared to custom-built options”

John Harrison, Kaboodle Kitchen marketing manager

The best materials for benchtops and splashbacks

What are the options? There’s no doubt that choosing a benchtop material is an important decision. Laminate is a great way to save money. “Opting for a neutral colour or a classic woodgrain top can instantly refresh any kitchen,” advises Rachael. “You can then add personality and character through your choice of splashback.” John agrees, adding that laminate benchtops can give you “the look of stone or timber with a more durable finish for a lot less.” He recommends ceramic tiles for a show-stopping splashback, whether in a bright colour, playful pattern or classic white.

Kitchen renovations: Benchtop and splashback costs

Estimated costs range from $200–$400 per metre for laminate benchtops, while engineered stone typically starts at $600 per metre. Estimated costs for splashbacks start at $30 per square metre for ceramic tiles but can reach $250 per square metre.

“My top pick for a splashback on a budget is classic white subway tiles. They’re affordable and timeless,” says Rachael. “Another option is a
semi-exterior grade VJ panel/sheet. Finish it with washable paint to create a beautiful, tile-free look.” Check with your supplier that it’s suitable for kitchen use.

Builder’s tip for kitchen renovations on a budget

The best options for hardware and tapware

What are the options? “Updating your kitchen with new hardware and tapware is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to refresh the space,” says Rachael. “For a cohesive look, match your tapware finish with your hardware.” Many hardware and kitchen companies offer all hardware needed in a kitchen, from larger items like handles, pulls and knobs to the often forgotten hinges and runners.

Kaboodle Kitchen offers many finishes, such as matte black, matte white, stainless steel, brass, gold and nickel. “Choose the best within your budget,” suggests Rachael. As these fixtures get heavy daily use, it’s worth investing in durable, high-quality options. Another money-saving benefit of updating kitchen handles is that you can easily remove and install these yourself, avoiding additional tradesperson costs.

Kitchen renovations: Hardware and tapware costs

Estimated costs range from $100-$600 for tapware and $100-$300 for handles.

“It’s generally best to keep plumbing in its original location,” shares Rachael, who adds that moving plumbing is costly and doesn’t always provide a good return on investment. Instead, she suggests “considering the value of opening up your kitchen space” by removing just one wall.

Builder’s tip for kitchen renovations on a budget

The best options for lighting

What are the options? You can make a difference to the look of your kitchen by upating your existing pendants or adding new ones. “Basic yet stylish light fittings are available affordably at Bunnings or Beacon Lighting,” says Rachael. “Installing these above your island can completely transform the look.” Beware: rewiring is an additional cost.

Kitchen renovations: Lighting costs

Estimated lighting costs range from $100-$600 per fixture.

The best options for appliances

Buy the best appliances you can afford but limit the number to the bare essentials. “It’s worth splurging on a high-quality cooker or durable dishwasher as these are your everyday workhorses,” says Rachael. While integrated appliances look seamless, the cost is significant, and even more so if they need to be replaced. Looking for a top quality oven? We’ve compiled a list of the best ovens on the market.

Kitchen renovations: Appliance costs

Estimated costs range from $500–$8000 per appliance.

The post Kitchen renovations for less: Achieve a luxe kitchen for under $10k! appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Using a divisive colour

Mimi and Kristian loved the yellowy-green oven and rangehood in what they fondly dubbed their “Shrek kitchen”, but in Marty’s opinion it would polarise buyers. “I’m really unsure about the colour of these appliances and this rangehood,” he said. “No matter what we do, this colour would not be at the top of the shopping list for buyers. Unfortunately, when you segregate a market in the most expensive room of your campaign it’s risky, and I think this is a risk they shouldn’t have taken.”

2. Clashing greens

On the subject of green, the stools were a darker shade with more mass appeal, yet they didn’t match the yellowy green of the oven. Shaynna pointed out that they needed to be the same to make it work. If they couldn’t get ones that were a perfect match, they should have gone with a different colour altogether.

3. Mid-century mishap

The walnut cabinets and green oven gave a mid-century feel. While this is right at home with other buildings on Phillip Island, it isn’t aligned with the style of the previous rooms in their contemporary coastal house. “I feel that people will walk in and get excited to walk upstairs after they’ve seen the rooms downstairs,” said Marty. “But once they come through this hallway and look at this kitchen and their eyes land on [the green oven] as the focal point of the kitchen, I think the majority of buyers will feel let down.”

All of The Block 2024 kitchens

Here’s how the other teams went in the week five kitchen reveals, including their best features and biggest mistakes.

1st place: Kylie and Brad

• Best feature: Matte fingerprint-proof cabinets.
• Biggest mistake: Trading practicality for novelty spin storage.
  
  “This is moody and sexy,” said Darren. He loved the ultra matte cabinetry which doesn’t leave fingerprints, calling it a “clever decision” considering there are no handles. Their pared-back approach to styling was a big improvement from week one. “There are three things in here – a chopping board and plants – and it just works,” said Marty. “It’s so simple, but it’s so luxurious.”

The pair won pantry styling on a chocolate wheel game during the week, which took their organisation to the next level. The judges loved the novelty of the FurnSpin cabinets on the ends of the island and wall joinery, but wondered if the kitchen could have done with some extra traditional storage. “This is space age,” said Shaynna. “This is Tom Ford meets James Bond.” 

Score: 29.5/30 (After playing their penguin, which added one point.)

2nd place: Maddy and Charlotte

• Best feature: An elevated stone and cabinetry palette.
• Biggest mistake: Sink placement opposite oven.
  
  From the oak cabinetry to the quartzite stone bench and herringbone floors, a lot of the design decisions for the kitchen had already been made by Jesse and Paige before they left. So new team Maddy and Charlotte had to go with their predecessors’ plan, but it worked in their favour, as they came in second and would have won if Kylie and Brad hadn’t played the penguin for one point. “This is the most beautiful natural stone; it almost looks like crystal,” said Shaynna. “It feels so expensive,” agreed Marty. It was the perfect choice, given engineered stone is now banned.

There was plenty of storage, with an appliance pantry concealed by pocket sliding doors and no butler’s pantry. “You don’t have a butler’s pantry in this kitchen and I couldn’t be more happy about that,” said Darren, who loved the inclusion of a luxuriously large island instead. The only problem was the position of the sink, which the judges said should have been further down the bench rather than opposite the oven.

What was in Maddy and Charlotte’s power was the ability to choose a tap and handles to suit their style. These went down well, as did the styling by the sisters. “The styling is spot on. I’m loving everything that they’ve put out,” said Shaynna. 

Score: 29/30 (Including a 10 from Darren, winning them $10k.)

3rd place: Courtney and Grant

• Best feature: Wine fridge in butler’s pantry.
• Biggest mistake: Not enough seating for a large holiday home.
  
  Once again, Courtney and Grant “hit it out of the ball park” with their Modern Mediterranean style kitchen, which included an extravagant $8,000 tap that does chilled, sparkling and boiling water. “The talent here is off the charts,” said Shaynna, pointing out the way the porcelain on their four-metre island wrapped into the sink. However, Marty didn’t feel the quality was quite up to what he’d seen from the team in previous weeks. “I don’t see how this is Moderterranean,” he said.
  

“The walnut colour could not be more on trend,” said Darren. “I’m besotted by the colour scheme.” He did point out that a more functional layout would have been to place stools on both sides of the island, so it could double as a casual dining space. “That’s where you sit when you’re having breakfast.”

The wide sink, induction stove top and wine fridge in the butler’s pantry were all winning details. “There are so many high-end qualities,” Shaynna enthused. 

Score: 27/30

4th place: Mimi and Kristian

• Best feature: Chevron flooring.
• Biggest mistake: Controversial oven colour.
  
  The “Shrek kitchen” may not be very marketable in Marty’s opinion, but it still exudes plenty of style. “I haven’t seen a triple stack before, with two shadow lines,” said Shaynna, referring to the Cosentino Dekton Marmorio benchtop. Yet Marty felt it was gimmicky. “This triple stack for me looks like a mistake,” Marty disagreed. “I would have preferred a thick stone – it’s a nicer, more refined look.”
  

The walnut cabinetry, hardware and glass splashback were hits, creating an outlook over the backyard. “I love the natural light,” said Marty. Yet he pointed out the poor placement of the fridge. “If that’s the fridge down there, five steps away from the central hub of the kitchen, it’s just not right.”

All the judges agreed the chevron flooring was a wonderful choice. “These would be my favourite floors of today,” said Marty. The “Shrek” oven colour was controversial, with Marty adamant that it would turn off buyers. Yet the space was striking from a design perspective, perhaps with a different choice of stools that didn’t clash so much. “It has a lot of drama to it,” said Darren. 

Score: 26.5/30

5th place: Ricky and Haydn

• Best feature: Island suitable for large groups.
• Biggest mistake: Fridge and oven positioned in a walkway.
  
  There was relief to see a finished room in the boys’ house. The cabinetry from Kinsman was a hit with Darren, who has the same colour cabinets in his own Bondi reno. “Coastal Oak is probably one of my favourite finishes ever,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely appropriate for the beach. The lovely softness in grain, it works beautifully with these floors.” On the downside, the judges felt the white lower cabinets were too plain and the island base should be repainted in a different colour.
  

The brass strip in the centre of the benchtop and the shadow line in the stone were praised by Shaynna. “It’s so coastal, it’s so Phillip Island,” she said. All the judges applauded the expansive island, which a large group could gather around. “That’s what people are coming to Phillip Island to do with their friends and family,” said Marty. Yet he pointed out “one of the biggest no-nos when designing a kitchen”, which was positioning the fridge and oven in a major walkway.

Score: 23/30

Tune into The Block 2024 on Sundays at 7pm and Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Take a tour of all The Block holiday houses so far

Week 1: Main bathroom reveals

Week 2: Guest bedroom reveals

Week 3: Main ensuite reveals

Week 4: Kids bedroom reveals

Week 5: Main bedrooms and walk-in robe reveals

Week 6: Kitchen reveals

Week 7: Guest ensuite reveals

Week 8: Living and dining reveals

Week 9: Office and rumpus room reveals

Week 10: Laundry and guest bedroom reveals

Week 11: Backyard and pool reveals

Week 12: Front yard and facade reveals

In case you missed it:

The post 3 reasons why Mimi and Kristian’s kitchen was all wrong appeared first on Home Beautiful.

To help us, we asked Georgina Wilson, of award-winning architecture and interior design studio Georgina Wilson Associates, for her expert advice on making sure your kitchen design and renovation goes to plan.

Read on for her kitchen design method to set you up for success.

The planning

Before proceeding with any aspect of your kitchen reno, determine whether the kitchen is in the right location. Kitchens almost never are. This is the most important step because it has such a dramatic impact on not only your kitchen, but all the adjacent spaces as well.

Ensuring it is optimally located sets the foundation for a cohesive and efficient renovation, enhancing the functionality and flow of your entire home. We usually find that the kitchen should be at the heart of the home, in the centre of circulation, often in the least glamorous part of the house. This placement provides plenty of blank wall space for utility and liberates the best parts of the home for living and entertaining.

Assess whether your current layout allows you to incorporate all the features you want, or if you will need to rework the layout to accommodate them. This is also the time to work out how much professional assistance you require. Do you prefer a hands-on approach, handling everything yourself? Or would you rather have a professional take care of the entire process for you?

Perhaps you fall somewhere in between. Understanding your preferred level of engagement will help you plan effectively and ensure your renovation aligns with your capabilities and expectations.

Eight steps to a successful kitchen renovation

1. Brief yourself and measure up

Assess the condition of your existing kitchen space by taking lots of photos and measuring the area. Draw the plan of your space to scale to understand what you are working with; you can use an app for this or download free grid sheets from our website.

Now is the time to write your wish list of things you want to include in your new kitchen. Make sure your list is prioritised with the essentials, such as the fridge, cooktop, sink and bench space at the top. It can be helpful to take an inventory of all your kitchen items at this stage. And consider what could be included in the new kitchen to improve the accessibility and function.

“It’s all about good proportions, not having a huge kitchen and tiny living space or vice versa.”

Georgina Wilson

2. Master your floor plan

Start to sketch out your key functional zones in your proposed kitchen location. I find the easiest way to ensure you design an efficient, highly functional kitchen is to focus on the correct layout and consolidation of your four functional zones. These are: tall utility (pantry, fridge and a freezer, plus maybe some wall ovens); work zone (stove top); clean-up zone (sink and dishwasher); prep zone (bench space for preparing food).

Once you have a diagram of the functional zone layout, and you’re happy with the balance of these areas, you can continue to fill in a bit more detail.

Here are three ideal layout types for kitchen designs that I classify as the following:

• The entertainer’s delight
• The bungalow
• The terrace

The Entertainer’s Delight: This is a kitchen of a significant-sized home with a butler’s pantry. It is large, very visible and functions well for large gatherings.

Tall utilities can be positioned 90 degrees to the work zone and island. Banquette seating allows the table to be close to the wall, allowing for efficient circulation within the space. Drawers in the kitchen island are also efficient in this space.

The Bungalow: The family-orientated home is spacious with an integrated banquette for casual dining. There are lots of spaces for seating and the design also incorporates a hidden bar.

The Terrace: This is the format that I believe works best. It’s low on space and high on utility. The kitchen integrates well with the open plan living space.

Locate the work zone along the back of the kitchen to keep the island free for prep, socialising and dining. Banquette seating creates more capacity for table seating and allows more space for the living area. Consider seating around the end of the island.

3. Window shopping

Come up with a wish list of appliances early on that you then revisit after the initial planning stage of your kitchen. This should confirm how much of your wish list can be achieved. Take it along to your local kitchen supply store and explore the latest kitchen equipment.

Engage with the items – touch them, feel them and select your preferred options. As you do this, keep in mind the overall amount of space you have for each functional zone. Avoid overloading your kitchen with large appliances if space is limited. It’s better to have a small, well-balanced kitchen than one with a massive cooktop and inadequate bench space, for example.

Unless you have unlimited space, start with standard-sized appliances and evaluate them against your plan before considering larger versions. We always suggest allowing for proper measurements into your planning and doing research on the proposed appliances early on in the design. And consider integrated appliances, particularly when kitchens are part of an open-plan scenario; it creates a very neat, considered and seamless aesthetic.

4. Detailed planning

Place your selected wish list appliances in their relevant functional zones; for instance, your tall utility area will likely include a fridge, a pantry, and possibly some wall ovens. Verify that your proposed appliances fit within the designated spaces. Once you’re satisfied with the layout, you can move on to the fun aspects of the renovation!

5. Mood board

Create a mood board of your ideal kitchen, looking in magazines and books for reference images and inspiration. Find examples of kitchen styles you like and identify the elements you love in each image, focusing on details such as cabinet fronts, hardware, flooring, paint colour and materials for benchtops and splashbacks.

It’s important to get closely in tune with what speaks to you and brings you joy. Then, ask yourself what it is about these examples that you find appealing. Now you can start to create a picture of the look and feel that you want and can begin to fill in the details and select your choices for the finishes schedule.

6. Selecting finishes

Start by selecting your base colour: This will be the wall colour, serving as your prepared canvas. This seamless and tidy backdrop should unify the entire space. Then, carefully choose your flooring, cabinetry, benchtop, splashback and hardware to complement and enhance this foundation.

Colour palette: Opt for a neutral timeless palette that serves as a versatile foundation. This can be elegantly layered with beautiful natural materials such as timber, stone and brass, creating a harmonious, enduring aesthetic.

Materials: There is an infinite range of finishes and materials available to achieve your desired aesthetic, many of which fall within the same entry-level price range. Constructing something beautiful typically costs no more than creating something unattractive, as the majority of renovation expenses are attributed to labour rather than materials.

In regard to finishes and materials, it can be strategic to select something like a natural stone and use it for maximum impact. Natural stone, particularly quartzite, offers a huge spectrum of options at a reasonable price, often more affordable than composite alternatives and far more characterful. Unlike marble, quartzite is relatively non-reactive and possesses a durability akin to granite.

Hardware: Avoid handles as much as possible. You will almost certainly need a couple – on your integrated fridge/freezer/pantry – in which case, invest in a sturdy and beautiful one. Be bold in your selection! Don’t stress too much about mixing materials across your kitchen. A common concern is pairing stainless steel taps with brass handles or door fixtures. Striving for perfect uniformity can feel overly contrived, while a harmonious blend of different materials often adds character and depth to the space.

Ensure your aesthetic remains consistent throughout your design. Traditional hardware complements classic cabinetry detailing, while it may appear incongruous with a sleek, modern kitchen design.

7. Lighting

Plan your lighting after you have a solid design in place and established the desired look and feel for your kitchen. This ensures that your lighting choices will enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of the space, aligning seamlessly with your overall vision. Remember, there are two types of lighting to consider: functional and ambient.

As your kitchen is a workspace, it’s crucial to ensure proper lighting for both tasks and atmosphere. Inadequate lighting can compromise safety and efficiency. Consider the overall functional lighting of the room, aiming for an even distribution of light. Integrate perimeter lighting to wash the walls and tall utility areas, and ensure that workspaces, such as the island, receive adequate task lighting. For ambient and feature lighting, position it with care to avoid disrupting visual connections or undermining task illumination.

Approach pendant lighting above the island with caution, as it may lack effective functional illumination, become obstructive, and sometimes resemble a warming station. It’s important to recognise that professional assistance is essential for this trade.

8. Launch your project

If you have worked through this method faithfully, you should now have the basis of a documentation set that you could give to your builder to adequately describe what you want them to build. Assemble your team with care, as the success of your project hinges on the people you collaborate with. It is crucial to engage experienced and skilled tradespeople to bring your vision to fruition.

Regardless of your level of involvement – whether you are a DIY enthusiast or prefer a more delegated approach – your project will invariably benefit from a team of exceptional professionals working together to achieve your new kitchen. Engage trades or builders only after you have a well-defined design for your kitchen.

Without a solid plan, they have nothing to review or estimate, as most builders prefer to execute construction rather than design. It’s advisable to allow the builder, designer, architect, or kitchen designer to hire and oversee the trades, taking full responsibility for the project’s delivery.

A common scenario involves non-professionals who attempt to engage trades themselves, only to end up with an incomplete construction site and insufficient funds to finish the work.

Once you have a definitive design and have selected all fixtures and finishes, obtain a comprehensive cost estimate from a building professional. With this information, you can revisit your design and selections to identify potential cost-saving opportunities. Typically, the same design intent can be realised at various budget levels.

Georgina’s kitchen renovation dos & don’ts

How do I find a good tradesperson?

Do seek advice from friends and family. Has someone you know had some work done recently and have they been happy with the result or experience? If you find someone online, ask them for a reference.

How do I save money?

Do shop around – get several quotes from different building professionals and when shopping for appliances and fixtures. Check with a number of suppliers to source the best price.

Should I include a walk in pantry?

Don’t generally walk-in pantries are inefficient and only work if you have unlimited space. It is usually better to allocate some of your tall cabinetry to pantry space. You will get more pantry per sqm allocated.

Where should I put my sink?

Don’t put it in the island! Your sink generally belongs either beside your island or behind it, between the pull-out bin and dishwasher.

Where should I put my cooktop?

Do place your cooktop behind your island. Some people obsess about having it in the centre. I don’t think that is important.

Do I have enough space for an island?

Do this only if you can achieve a minimum length of two metres for your island. If you can achieve this with adequate circulation space on either side (minimum clearance of 900mm), you have enough space.

Georgina runs a Kitchen Design Masterclass every six weeks through her Ask an Architect platform, with the next one taking place from September 17. Visit www.askanarchitect.co

You can also find more of Georgina’s kitchen design tips and tricks on Instagram at @georginawilsonassociates

The post Everything you need to know before embarking on a kitchen renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

With years of experience in the business and the trials and tribulations of her very own renovation of her Country Home Rescue renovation series behind her, Shaynna knows her way around a worksite. Her own renovation of a historic six-bedroom home in the Victorian country town of Kyneton was not without its challenges and saw the interior designer put her tools where her design tips are and show us all how it’s done. Here are a few of her hard-earned lessons.

1. Planning your kitchen renovation

How do you work out what style suits your kitchen?

“The actual style has to come from the rest of the house,” says Shaynna. “I like to take the starting point from a couple of areas for the personal touches but I always start with the era and style of the existing building. This itself will tell you whether it needs to have a contemporary, traditional or casual form to it.”

“A sleek, refined industrial look works really well in a 1950s or 1970s style kitchen. When you think you’ve got no style, you can create it – your kitchen can also be the starting point to create the style for the rest of the house.”

What’s the most important thing you can do to add value to your kitchen?

“The quality of appliances is right up there as this is a main part of the working function of the kitchen,” says Shaynna. “So you want something that will stand the test of time. Then adding a distinct feature – whether that is a marble island bench, beautiful tiles or something I loved doing in my kitchen is a bespoke light that adds a sculptural focal point to the room.”

2. The biggest trends in kitchens right now

Shaynna gives us the low-down on what’s in market and fabulous new concepts to include in our plans.

1. Contemporary style: A very pared-back look, with high-veined marble benches and splashback
2. Individuality: Bold colours, veined marble or hand-pressed tiles with a very modern ‘retro’ vibe
3. Island benches: The real feature in the kitchen, specifically in contrast colours to the wall cabinetry and bench surface
4. Butler’s pantry: The wish list item set to become as popular as the master ensuite
5. Smart technology: Appliances with the ability to program the cooking and work with smartphone apps to operate, even turning on the lights when we arrive in the driveway

Is your kitchen likely to lose value if you follow trends?

“Trends are very tricky because they actually define a decade,” says Shaynna. “If you’re going to stay in a house for a good ten years, it’s only going to date by 10 years. And then most people update, anyway.”

“Trend colours like sage green and blush pink will date your kitchen in a year more than anything else.”

Shaynna Blaze

“I never go with trends for a kitchen that needs to stand the test of time but we are also governed by the materials and availability at the time when we are designing and building a kitchen,” says Shaynna, adding that if you are following trends the trick is to cherry pick parts you like to avoid a cookie cutter version of a trend that will date it in a couple of years. “If it is of a good design and quality it won’t lose value, but might make people think it needs an update when purchasing,” says Shaynna. “If you want to go with a trend like Hamptons or Art Deco, it’s never going to date or go out of style.”

3. How to make a budget kitchen look expensive

Can you make a flatpack kitchen look high-end?

“Absolutely!” says Shaynna. “There are so many ways you can customise a flatpack kitchen. Look at the profile of the doors, choose handles wisely and include good internal accessories like slow-closing doors and drawers, double internal drawers and good storage solutions. They might add a bit more to the price but if you are doing the labour on the construction of the kitchen, you are really saving.”

“The great thing is that flatpack is all about the carcass and getting the layout right,” says Shaynna. Stone benchtops add luxe but tiles can also elevate the look, along with feature composite stone options. “I’m loving the look of hand-pressed tiles right now because they look imperfect and handcrafted, which I think looks expensive,” says Shaynna.

Can you suggest a family-friendly benchtop material that looks luxurious?

“Marble is porous and that’s why it’s really high maintenance,” says Shaynna. “Composite stone is more of your friend with families and there are so many designs out there that replicate the marble and stone look that give just a beautiful presence in the kitchen.”

Some benchtops can be fitted directly on top of your existing benchtop, with little or no demolition and drama and, if you love the look of marble but not the price tag or maintenance involved, Shaynna suggests a feature splashback in marble (away from the cooktop) to enjoy its beauty and make an impact in the room.

Shop the look of Shaynna’s kitchen

01

Turner Hastings ‘Novi’ fireclay butler sink in Matte Black

$1487 (usually $1746), The Blue Space

Best for: A modern black touch.

Make a statement in marvellous monochrome with a black butler’s sink. One side is flat while the other is ribbed, so you can choose which goes at the front.

Size: 61 x 46 x 25 cm

Colour: Matte black

Material: Fine fireclay ceramic

Key features:

• Stain, scratch and chemical resistant
• Maintains finish for life of sink
• 41L capacity

Shop Now

02

Calacatta Nuvo benchtop

$POA, Caesarstone

Best for: A creamy white contrast to black.

All the functionality of marble without the upkeep. It has subtle cascading grey streaks for a feeling of opulence.

Size: 20mm thick

Colour: Creamy white with grey streaks

Material: Mineral

Key features:

• Free of silica
• Polished
• Veined

Shop Now

03

Fienza ‘Eleanor’ gooseneck basin mixer in Chrome/Ceramic

$254 (usually $299), The Blue Space

Best for: An elegant classic tap.

This tap has a timeless feel, finished in chrome with a ceramic swivel handle. It’s the perfect match to a statement sink with a classic feel.

Size: 264mm high x 105mm width x 200mm projection

Colour: Chrome

Material: Brass

Key features:

• Classic style
• Chrome finish
• Ceramic swivel handle

Shop Now

04

‘Campagna’ double wall light

$890, The Montauk Lighting Co

Best for: Sophisticated wall lighting.

This double wall sconce features simple lines in black and white. Tapered linen shades soften the light with a minimalist modern take on a classic style.

Size: 55.9cm high x 35.6cm wide

Colour: Black and white

Key features:

• Linen shades
• Double wall sconce
• Inspired by Italian design

Shop Now

The post Shaynna Blaze on how to add value to your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“In a well-functioning kitchen, the pantry will serve as the main storage hub,” says Briony Mikrou, marketing communications manager for Kaboodle Kitchen. “It’s where you keep everyday items out of sight but within arm’s reach, and in some instances, a place to store appliances and get food prep done.”

With so many design options – from butler’s pantries to simple kitchen shelves – choosing the right pantry can feel daunting. To take the guesswork out of your kitchen pantry renovation, our experts have a few handy tips.

1. Choose your pantry type

Pantries come in many different shapes, sizes and formats, and can be as simple as a series of floating shelves, a steel shelving unit – or even a cupboard under the stairs. Often, the size of your kitchen will dictate the pantry type you can have, although, of course, the options increase when you are renovating or building a home from scratch.

The traditional freestanding pantry is a cupboard or cabinet that can be easily integrated within existing cabinetry, either concealed or hidden. It might include shelves, drawers, baskets, racks or a combination of all of these. They’re ideal for smaller kitchens, but as Briony points out, “With some savvy thinking, you can store everyday appliances, pantry items and even cutlery in a freestanding pantry.”

If you’re after something larger, walk-in pantries make good use of small rooms off the kitchen or awkward corner areas. As the name suggests, you step into them, and the contents are usually displayed on shelving either side. Keep a stepladder handy to reach upper shelves.

“Colour is a big thing. I always ensure the colour links from the kitchen to the pantry, and the benchtops stay the same… it connects the spaces.”

Lauren Mahoney, Studio Trio

In open-plan spaces, a butler’s pantry, or scullery, can serve as an extra prep space or a secondary cooking zone. With additional bench space, room for appliances and washing-up facilities, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.

“Butler’s pantries are ideal if you have a family or entertain often, as you can use the area as an additional storage hub and food-prep space,” Briony says. In this concealed space, you can opt for more budget-friendly finishes like melamine cabinetry carcasses, open shelving and laminate on benchtops.

2. Planning your pantry

When designing a pantry, think about how you like to cook and what you need to store. According to interior designer Lauren Mahoney from Studio Trio, adjustable shelves are a must. “Adjustable shelves allow you to move items to different heights and utilise every inch of space,” she explains.

In her kitchen designs, Lauren likes to include baskets for onions and potatoes – “Häfele makes a great system of wicker joinery baskets on runners to store these items,” she says – and bespoke platter racks. “They’re equally spaced, thick shelves with brass rails, affixed to a wall or back of a door – great for holding cheese boards, platters and serving dishes,” Lauren explains.

For new and existing pantries, companies like Blum, Häfele and Tansel offer a range of space-savvy storage solutions, such as wire shelf helpers for a second tier of storage, rotating units for corner cabinets, pull-out drawers and slender pull-out pantries that are viewable and accessible on both sides. Lauren swears by the Blum Space Tower for small kitchens. “It’s a series of high-sided, extension drawers with glass sides, which makes it so easy to see what you have inside,” she explains.

Another very handy idea is Kaboodle Kitchen’s system of 450mm pantry pullout baskets. “Installed in place of adjustable shelves, the baskets move closer to the front of the pantry as the door opens, allowing easy access,” Briony explains.

You may even like to personalise your pantry with an organiser wall for recipes, notes and kids’ artworks or a whiteboard or chalkboard to jot down items as you use them up. “I like to add some hooks to hang an apron, tea towels and shopping bags,” Lauren adds. And finally, don’t forget to light the space, be it naturally via a skylight or with LED strip sensor lights that turn on as you open the door.

3. Think outside the box

Many homeowners also opt for additional pantry-type spaces. Think appliance cupboards with power outlets for toasters, kettles, and more, tea or coffee-making nooks concealed behind a roller or retractable door and drink cabinets with glassware and spirits to serve up an evening tipple. “There are so many choices available, and we’re becoming more educated on what we want,” says Lauren. “If you have the room and the vision, the options are endless.”

A well-stocked and organised pantry will save you time, money, minimise food waste, and let’s face it, make you feel pretty pleased with yourself. Professional organisers and declutter experts Emma and Michelle from Tidee have these helpful tips:

1. Create zones for similar items, such as grains, snacks, spices, baking items and so on. Keep frequently used items at eye level, low-use items up top and bulky items down low.
2. Decant dry goods into clear, airtight containers – they look great, stack well, keep food fresh for longer and allow you to see what items need replenishing. Label each container and include its use-by date.
3. Increase the visibility of small items like canned goods and condiments with some handy accessories. We love a tiered shelf organiser for cans and turntables for easy access to sauces, condiments and spices.
4. If your pantry permits, utilise the back of the door as extra storage space. Everything from spices to a roll of paper towels, shopping bags or aprons can be hung from hooks on a door.

Clever pantry storage tips

---

More kitchen pantry ideas

Previous

The 7 things you need to throw out of your pantry right now

10 ways to design the perfect butler’s pantry

How to organise your pantry (and keep it organised) for a clutter-free life

Next

The post Our expert guide to designing your dream pantry appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether you’re seeking a subtle update or an eye-catching statement, here are our tips for choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet handles.

1. Choose a standout finish

Classic pairings include bar or cup styles with Shaker looks, ornate designs suit heritage or country-style cabinetry, and simple designs work well with contemporary and flat profiles. “We’re seeing a rise in the use of organic-shaped knobs and handles as standout accessories, particularly in matte black, brushed stainless steel, brass and gold finishes,” says Giorgia Manenti, content lead at Kaboodle Kitchen.

2. Play with shapes

Small, circular knobs are the go-to for Shaker and country-style kitchens, but you can also make a quiet statement by opting for something different: think square shapes or metallics to bring in a bit of bling. And where you have knobs and handles in the same space, make sure their materials and finishes match.

3. Go for sleek and simple

The routed handle – in essence, a recess or grip that’s carved into the surface of your cabinetry – is growing in popularity. “Not only is it sleek and contemporary, it also looks fresh and is easier to clean,” says Laura. Routed handles can have a tone-on-tone look or be given a contrasting finish to add a dash of detail.

4. Hide your handles

Cabinetry with concealed handles or handle-free designs lets your finishes shine, while delivering a modern, uncluttered feel. “Discreet grip handles are gaining popularity for their ability to seamlessly blend into kitchen designs, while still offering practical functionality,” says Giorgia of these barely-there options.

5. Make a bold statement

It often pays to consider something unexpected. “If you want to make a statement, choose something that pops,” says Laura. “We love to play with scale, and to mix and match handles and knobs. We also love a statement handle, like Sibella Court’s range at The Society Inc, or the beautifully curated offering at Noble Elements.” Such designs can inject character and visual interest, but might require a little bravery. “Don’t be afraid to try something new – order samples and think of a few different options,” suggests Laura. “Just don’t get the drill out until you are certain that you have the right ones!”

Shop kitchen cabinet handles

01

Momo Handles Graf Knurled Knob in Brushed Dark Brass

$15, The Blue Space

Best for: The perfect grip

Petite yet intricately detailed, the Momo knob has a modern look and robust construction for everyday wear and tear. Better yet, the textured surface ensures a secure grip while adding visual interest without overshadowing the rest of the kitchen.

Size: 60mm x 8mm

Colours: Brushed Black, Brushed Dark Brass and Dull Brushed Nickel finishes

Material: Aluminium

Key features:

• Suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
• Knurled texture
• Industrial aesthetic

Shop Now

02

Art Nouveau Poppy Handle in Gold Brass

$52.30, Etsy

Best for: Cottage kitchens

It’s hard not to love these botanical beauties with two delicate poppies on a brass handle that immediately transform any cabinet. Available in both left and right styles, these handles have a quaint allure, bringing the garden into the home.

Size: 14mm long

Colour: Gold Brass finish

Material: Solid brass

Key features:

• Available individually or in pairs
• Comes with two 25mm M4 screws
• Whimsical design

Shop Now

03

Marley Cabinet Knob in Matte Black

$11.95, Temple and Webster

Best for: Doing it yourself

The ‘Marley’ brass knob comes with everything needed for easy installation such as a wall plug, hook fitting screw and spring washers. Plus, the ‘Marley’ knob is made from durable brass to prevent corrosion ensuring it stays looking perfect.

Size: 25mm x 28mm

Colours: Brushed Brass, Brushed Nickel and Matte Black finishes

Material: Brass

Key features:

• Powder-coated finish
• Knurled texture
• Geometric design

Shop Now

04

Sola Half Round Lip Pull in Brushed Brass

$25, The Blue Space

Best for: The modern kitchen

An elegant round design with four stylish finishes – need we say more? The Sola Half Round Pull has high-end appeal and when installed in pairs forms a complete circle on cabinets for added cohesion.

Sizes: 80mm, 120mm, 160mm and 240mm

Colours: White, Stainless Steel, Matt Black and Brushed Brass finishes

Material: Stainless steel

Key features:

• Forms a full circle when mounted in pairs
• Suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
• Contemporary design

Shop Now

05

‘01’ Handle in Saddle Tan

$28, Made Measure

Best for: Adding warmth and comfort

Leather isn’t a typical material choice for the kitchen, but these soft and durable leather handles add a sophisticated and effortless touch. With high-grade leather, black edges and a flexible feel, you’ll love the comfortable grip of these handles on both drawers and joinery.

Size: 30mm x 200mm 

Colours: Olive, Slate, Black and Tan

Material: Leather

Key features:

• Tight grain texture
• Simple to install
• Flexible

Shop Now

06

‘Almond’ Knob in Black

$39, Lo & Co

Best for: Creating a Scandi aesthetic

For those who love Scandinavian style, these handles have a simple beauty. Sculpted in solid brass with nine finishes, these handles effortlessly blend charm and elegance making them a delightful addition to contemporary kitchens.

Sizes: Small and large

Colours: Black, Aged Brass, Brass, Bronze, Live Brass, Nickel, Tumbled Brass, Tumbled Nickel and White finishes

Material: Solid brass

Key features:

• Minimalist look
• Black electroplated finish
• Solid brass base

Shop Now

07

‘Moana’ Timber Cabinet Handle in Walnut

$29.95, Handle House

Best for: Function and style

These timber handles offer a fun twist on traditional cabinetry hardware. A whimsical wave design is paired with luxe finishes for a practical but charming approach that will transform your kitchen into the heart of your home.

Sizes: 128mm, 192mm and 320mm

Colours: Walnut and White Oak finishes

Material: Timber

Key features:

• Available in three sizes
• Distinctive design
• Made from timber

Shop Now

08

‘1954’ Drawer Pull

$65, The Society Inc

Best for: Old-world charm

Inspired by mid-century designer Carl Auböck, this vintage-inspired pull combines cane and brass for timeless elegance. Perfect for drawers and cupboards, the handle rod can be trimmed to size for bespoke customisation.

Size: 175mm x 18mm

Materials: Cane and brass

Key features:

• Handmade
• Cane finish
• Strong and durable

Shop Now

09

‘Hegman’ Pull in Ash

$14.90, Abi Interiors

Best for: Classic functionality

The ‘Hegman’ pull takes cabinetry hardware back to basics but with style and warmth. The Ash Timber handle boasts natural beauty in a sleek design to seamlessly fit into most kitchen designs. With water resistance and easy installation, it’s no wonder this is a classic.

Size: 20mm x 130mm

Colour: Ash Timber finish

Material: Timber

Key features:

• Sealed with a natural-wax oil
• Easy installation
• Water resistant

Shop Now

10

Armac Martin ‘Queslett’ Cup Pull in Aged Brass

from $105, Noble Elements

Best for: Making an impression

For a striking style statement, look no further than these opulent brass handles from the ‘Queslett’ collection. Crafted in England, these handles boast a solid brass finish for a decorative flair in traditional New England style.  

Sizes: 40mm x 64mm up to 40mm x 432mm

Colours: Lacquered, Plated and Living finishes

Materials: Solid brass

Key features:

• Made in England
• Sustainably made
• New England aesthetic

Shop Now

11

‘Tezra’ Textured Round Knob in Brushed Brass

$39.90, Abi Interiors

Best for: Timeless texture

The ‘Tezra’ cabinetry knob is all about the finer details, featuring a two-texture finish in solid brass for a unique and tactile appeal in both kitchen and laundry cabinets.

Size: 28mm diameter

Colours: Brushed Brass, Brushed Copper, Brushed Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel and Matte Black finishes

Material: Solid brass

Key features:

• Physical vapour deposition
• Easy installation
• Timeless finish

Shop Now

12

‘Tubby’ Pull in Aged Brass

$89, Lo & Co

Best for: A seriously smooth touch

The ‘Tubby’ collection takes art and sculpture to the next level with a smooth cylindrical design in a brass hand-brushed finish. Plus, with three sizes available, these easy-to-grip handles are a pleasure to hold.

Sizes: Small, medium and large

Colours: Aged Brass, Black, Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Tumbled Brass and White finishes

Material: Solid brass

Key features:

• Electroplated aged brass finish
• Hand-brushed
• Contoured ends

Shop Now

---

Kitchen

See all

Scroll right Scroll left

• All
• Modern Kitchen Ideas
• Kitchen Benchtop & Bar Ideas
• Kitchen Layout Ideas
• Kitchen Design
• Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
• Open Plan Kitchen Ideas
• Small Kitchen Ideas
• Luxury Kitchen Ideas
• Light Kitchen Ideas
• Kitchen Cupboard Ideas
• Kitchen Sink Ideas
• Kitchen Lighting Ideas

More kitchen renovation ideas

Previous

Kitchen splashback ideas: everything you need to feed your senses

9 easy design hacks to totally transform your kitchen

9 ways you can improve your kitchen without breaking the bank

Next

The post 5 expert tips to give your kitchen cabinets the wow factor appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Add a splash of colour

Add a lick of paint to your door frames, cupboards, splashbacks or even a few bold accessories like a bright red wall clock. Paint, or colour, can instantly brighten your space and transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Use bright colours for energy and a fun or quirky feel. Softer pastels tend to create a sense of calm, whereas warmer tones like terracotta and earthy tones create a welcoming and warm ambience.

2. Overhaul your kitchen with a brilliant benchtop

The three most popular materials used for benchtops are laminate, timber and stone. But, laminate is around a third of the price. Even better, it’s hard-wearing, durable, water-resistant, easy to wipe down and clean, and you can get anti-bacterial and fingerprint proof finishes – great for grubby little fingers eating afterschool snacks! It also contains little to no silica. 

Today’s laminates come in a whole spectrum of finishes, from mattes to glosses, marble and mineral looks to woodgrains, metallics and a plethora of accent colours to suit – and transform – any kitchen space.

3. Incorporate feature cupboard door panels

Swapping out kitchen cupboard doors is a cost-effective way to revamp your kitchen minus the complete cabinetry fit-out – a great solution for water-logged chipboard doors ruining your kitchen look. Today’s doors come in a range of widths, allowing you to create skinny broom cupboards from awkward corner spaces, as well as materials, finishes, textured looks and colours.

You can update the door frames using frosted glass doors, wire mesh, timber and metals, and you can even paint your own doors! 

4. Go for statement door handles

This small detail can have a big impact! Cupboard door handles and drawer pulls can bring cohesion to a kitchen look, add quirk, personality or interest, and make a style statement.

You can choose art deco handles, urban-industrial look clamps in galvanised steel, hand-painted porcelain and fine China knobs, kooky motifs, contemporary metals and more.   

5. Upgrade your kitchen with open shelving

Not much space or budget to work with? Use open shelves to express your personality or to feature your favourite collectables – from your teacup collection to fine china and spoons collected from worldly travels. Or, make it more practical with utensil holders, knives and hanging saucepans.

6. Replace your kitchen splashback

Who would have thought that splashbacks would become a style statement? The oil splatter-catcher?! The spaghetti bolognese sauce canvas? But it is! That wall, which frames all those fancy (and expensive) kitchen appliances is, in fact, a feature wall that can transform the look of your kitchen.

Opt for laminates that are easy to wipe down and clean, or glass splashbacks in bright colours like red, blue or green. Marbles featuring veins have a luxe mineral effect. For a contemporary look, try reflective surfaces – black glass or stainless steel.

7. Illuminate with sconce lights

Lighting can completely transform a space, and we’re not just referring to the brightness of the globe.

Pendant lights can make a huge impact, but you can still have a lot of fun with flush-mount lights (in the ceiling) and wall sconces. If you don’t want to commit to new lighting, consider adhesive LED strip lighting that can placed under overhead cupboards. 

8. Hang art in your kitchen zone

Don’t just relegate artworks to living rooms and hallways (although, they work well there too). You can make an otherwise utilitarian kitchen feel more personal and a bit bougie with some much-loved pieces.

9. Treat yourself to chic benchtop appliances

While they’re often concealed in a butler’s pantry, designer appliances, such as kettles and toasters, are made to be seen.

Often a permanent benchtop feature, you can get tabletop appliances featuring artwork, retro-style designs and a rainbow of colours including pastel pink, powder blue, cream, mint green, bright red and electric blue. 

Shop kitchen appliances and decor

01

Ashton wall light in Amber

$64.95 (now 49.95), Temple & Webster

Best for: Blending style and practicality

If you’re looking to add some gentle ambience to your kitchen, the Ashton wall light is a luxe but functional solution. With a vintage-style glass cover and a compact design, it’s perfect for layered lighting.

Colours: Amber, Blue and Clear.

Materials: Steel and glass.

Key features:

• Classic steel arm
• Ornamental glass cover
• Soft illumination

Shop Now

02

Chelsea pull handle in Satin Brass

$65, The Blue Space

Best for: Making a statement

It’s the small details that count, especially when it comes to statement hardware, and one thing you can’t overlook is texture. The Chelsea pull handle comes in a wonderfully knurled high-end brass for a luxurious and tactile appeal.

Sizes: 128mm, 192mm, 256mm.

Colours: Satin Brass, Matte Black, Dull Brushed Nickel and Bronze.

Material: Brass.

Key features:

• Lifetime guarantee
• Knurling detail
• Contemporary style

Shop Now

03

Luxe golden palms in navy frame with gold

$499 (now $349) for a set of 2, OneWorld

Best for: A touch of Hamptons or coastal style

These golden palm artworks, set in a decorative navy frame, ooze coastal chic. Simple but natural, the design brings that beachy feel into the home, best paired alongside a neutral palette for a timeless charm.

Size: 90cm x 2.5cm x 120cm

Colour: Navy Blue.

Materials: Fir wood and glass.

Key features:

• 25.54kg
• Hamptons style
• Gold details

Shop Now

04

Blue Andrea subway tile in Textural Gloss

$122 per sqm, The Blue Space

Best for: The perfect splashback

Subway tiles are always on trend, especially in sleek designs like the Andrea subway tile. Featuring a high-gloss glaze, durable porcelain and antique colouring, the Andrea tile is a simple way to elevate a kitchen splashback, laid either horizontally or vertically for a clean yet modern look.

Size: 75mm x 300mm x 8mm

Colours: White, Light Grey, Grey, Blue, Antique Red and Black.

Material: Porcelain.

Key features:

• Made in Italy
• Gloss finish
• Cushioned edge

Shop Now

05

Smeg 50’s style toaster in Red

$329, Myer

Best for: Adding a pop of colour

Smeg’s 50’s style toaster is for nostalgia lovers, blending a bright, retro red with soft curves for a stylish benchtop addition. Better yet, it has all the modern conveniences such as three pre-set toasting programs, a backlit knob and easy-to-clean crumb trays. For a minimalist look, the toaster also comes in white.

Sizes: Comes in four-slice and two-slice sizes.

Colours: White and Red.

Key features:

• LED lighting
• Easy-clean
• Pre-set programs

Shop Now

06

Morphy Richards Ascend electric kettle in White

$149.95 (now $139.95), Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: Simplicity and elegance

Who says kitchen appliances can’t make a style statement? The Ascend kettle bridges style and function with beautiful gold accents, rapid boiling and a limescale filter to keep your kettle clean. While the Ascend is easy to use, we love the classic colourways, finished in gold and rose gold.

Size: 1.5L capacity.

Colours: Stain Black, Matte Black, White.

Material: Stainless steel.

Key features:

• 360 degree base
• Limescale filter
• Gold trim details

Shop Now

07

Reef Blue Layne Waves feature tile in Gloss

$119 per sqm, The Blue Space

Best for: A feature splashback

These Reef Blue Layne tiles bring waves into the kitchen, literally! The curved design is inspired by the ocean and comes in a range of cool blues and soft neutrals with a durable porcelain composition. No matter which colour you choose, the enchanting shapes are bound to make a statement.

Sizes: 120mm x 120mm x 6mm

Colours: Black, Reef Blue, Dove Grey, Teal, Mint, Pink, Cream.

Material: Porcelain.

Key features:

• Cushioned edge
• Coastal inspired
• Soft and flat surface

Shop Now

08

Copper Moladi wall sconce

$79, Temple & Webster

Best for: French provincial charm

Want to create a cozy kitchen nook? The Moladi wall sconce has a delicate pleated shade to gently diffuse light, creating a comfy glow that’ll make even the darkest corner, warm and welcoming. It also comes in an antique brass finish with an extended arm to direct light.

Size: 140mm x 245mm x 280mm

Colour: Antique brass finish.

Material: Copper.

Key features:

• 12-month guarantee
• Pleated cover
• 50+ wattage

Shop Now

The post 9 easy design hacks to totally transform your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

From rustic terracotta tiles to smooth concrete, alluring veined marble or timber planks, there’s an endless variety of splashbacks for kitchens using materials, colours, finishes and layouts to dictate the overall style of the heart of your home. To achieve the splashback of your dreams, eschew mainstream styles and opt for a unique design that suits your home and lifestyle, plus expresses your personality. Read on to see our pick of popular kitchen splashback ideas making, well, a splash.

Marble Splashback

Home to two chefs, this kitchen has a charming aesthetic. “When a splashback is in a niche or enclosed space it can work well to fill the space with a splashback of the same material as the benchtop. In this case, the stone has been capped with shelves to create a dresser-like feel,” ~ Merlin Wright, design director of Plain English.

Sumptuous marble surfaces are a lesson in luxury. Case in point? The elegant marble splashbacks and benchtops in the Shaker-inspired kitchen of this New York apartment, streaked with eye-catching dark veining. Designed by British cabinetmaker Plain English, this Georgian-inspired kitchen fuses modern appliances – spot the Miele induction cooktop – with vintage finds and heritage design, such as the detailed brass hardware, handy styled shelving and Folgate cabinetry doused in a soft white hue. Grounded by dark timber flooring, which complements the marble tones, this serene space might just be the ‘America’s sweetheart’ of kitchen design.

Kitchen Window Splashback

The best kitchen splashback ideas push conventional design to incorporate form and function and this kitchen window splashback does just that. Using a clever mix of materials to introduce texture, the combination of louvred glass and sleek hardware shifts the focus to the outside, extending the lush green tones of the garden indoors. The elongated proportions of the window is reflected in cabinetry, extra-long marble subway tiles and drawer profiles for a seamless, elegant look.

Tile Splashback 

“Tiles are a great way to introduce current trends, and also add something entirely different to a kitchen,” says Charlotte Riggs of Bondi Kitchens & Joinery. The ceramic Vallelunga & Co ‘I-Sense’ tiles from Elite Bathware create a beautiful backdrop to this dark and moody kitchen on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. 

Charlotte Riggs, director of the team responsible for the design and joinery here, says: “Not only does the shape of the tile draw attention in a good way, but the horizontal layout creates length. And the small pops of colour with the flowers also soften the moodiness of the black.” Metallics and timber stools add extra layers of texture. The ceramic slabs used for this splashback are crafted using HD printing and modern ceramic techniques.

“These unique and bold tiles add a textural contrast to the shaker profile of the doors, and are the perfect example of making a traditional shaker kitchen a little more edgy,”

Charlotte of Bondi Kitchens & Joinery.

Subway Tile Splashback

A wraparound splashback delivers a sense of unity in this farmhouse-style kitchen designed by Light and Dwell. Reminiscent of shimmering scales, the smooth sea of glazed subway tiles creates a neutral scene where bold autumnal colours can reign supreme. Copper pots and pans hang from a brass rail, aged brass tapware and a duo of tactile pendant lights add character and visual harmony, while a vintage-style runner softens the space from the ground up.

Meanwhile, double candle wall sconces imbue the space with ambience and cosiness. In a large kitchen space like this, tiles laid horizontally create length. They could be stacked at a 45-degree angle to produce the illusion of movement in a tighter space.

Panelled Splashback

The tongue and groove splashback brings a handcrafted aesthetic into this sunlit, cottage kitchen designed by Plain English. “In this kitchen, the panelling adds visual interest and has been painted with a washable paint to make it the most minimal form of splashback,” says Merlin Wright of Plain English.

The long timber panels are painted in the brand’s Boiled Dishcloth shade of paint to allow the timber island and curved seats to steal centrestage, imbuing the room with pastel shades of mint green, sky blue and fairy floss pink. Two wooden shelves accented in Plain English’s Cotton Pinny hue run the length of the splashback (with the bottom shelf transitioning to metal as it passes over the cooker). Striped lampshades anchor each end of the long benchtop in the Georgian-inspired space.

The post Kitchen splashback ideas: everything you need to feed your senses appeared first on Home Beautiful.

So, kitchen benchtops need to be tough… as well as beautiful. It needs to withstand the slings and arrows of busy family life and it’s usually one of the first or key things guests see when they come over.

It’s no surprise then that kitchen benches are the most common major kitchen fixture to be upgraded during a renovation, according to the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study — followed by cabinets and then splashbacks. In the report, engineered quartz was cited as the most popular kitchen benchtop material, with white voted the most popular colour for a kitchen benchtop. (However, given the recent government ban on engineered stone benchtops — which includes quartz — this type of benchtop material is likely to drop down the list.)

Looking for kitchen benchtop ideas for your next kitchen reno? We mined the best transformations on Selling Houses Australia for inspiration and advice, to help your kitchen bench work hard and wow guests. 

Stylish and practical kitchen benchtop ideas

Take note of these seven kitchen benches featured in the hit Foxtel renovating series.

1. Dark and stormy in Maroubra

Selling Houses Australia host Wendy Moore updated this tired home in Sydney’s Maroubra in Season 15 with affordable flat-pack kitchen cabinets and a stunning new waterfall kitchen bench. With moody volcanic tones, the ‘Basalt Cemento’ stone benchtop by Granite Transformations adds a touch of drama to this otherwise light-filled beachside home.

2. Small but mighty in Denistone

In Season 14, Wendy overhauled soulless styling for a pair of sisters selling their childhood home — after being empty for two years and on the market for months. Appealing most to buyers was no doubt this pastel sage and white kitchen, which optimises the compact space. The kitchen benchtop is finished in ‘White Diamond’ granite, featuring flecks of blue and grey that complement the joinery perfectly. The splashback tile is Herringbone Orient Green Honed Mosaic from Beaumont Tiles, and one of Wendy’s fave features is the fluted glass cabinet doors.

3. Going coastal in Clermont

The owners of this run-down three-bedroom Queenslander had a very small renovation budget but after 10 years on the market, something drastic had to be done to get the place sold. Imbuing a beachy vibe — despite Clermont being five-ish hours from the coast — in Season 15 Wendy brought in American Oak kitchen benchtops from Bunnings, new appliances from Euromaid, kitchen cabinet handles by Kethy and splashback tiles sourced at a local hardware store. The kitchen cabinets were painted in Wattyl Teal Grey and the result is simply breathtaking.

4. Modern cottage kitchen in Jindabyne

A historic old schoolhouse owned by a sculptor with eclectic taste was a welcome challenge for Wendy and the Selling Houses Australia team in S14. “I fell in love with the Jindabyne house the moment I saw it,” says Wendy. “I knew exactly what it could be, and the result was perfectly in line with that first vision.” A sixties-style yellow laminate benchtop was replaced with a dark granite from Granite Transformations, which set the tone for a masculine and earthy mountain kitchen aesthetic.

5. Cool monochrome in Como

The owners of this eight-bedroom home in Como, south of Sydney, dreamt of travelling the world in a converted bus but not a single registered bidder attended their auction (ouch). The Season 14 Selling Houses Australia team swooped in to refresh the home’s outdated décor, including the removal of a kitsch tropical-themed kitchen splashback, replacing it with Carrara marble hexagonal tiles. Due to budget constraints, the only other change to the kitchen was the addition of a dishwasher. The existing stone kitchen benchtop was as good as new, proving that you don’t need to rip out your entire kitchen to win at the real estate game.

6. Light and bright in Sunshine West

Living up to its suburb’s name, this 1950s house in Sunshine West, Melbourne, was transformed from a veritable building site to a heavenly family home. To complement the neutral palette, in S15 Wendy installed warm and durable timber kitchen benchtops, and added Euromaid appliances, Blanco sinks and taps, Luxaflex blinds and ‘Bauhaus’ handles from Mother of Pearl & Sons. Fun fact: the U-shaped format of this roomy kitchen makes it easy for busy families to navigate, with plenty of benchtop space for lunchbox making!   

7. From scary to sophisticated in Ipswich

Wendy’s Selling Houses Australia co-host Andrew Winter described this cluttered home as “a house of horrors” in Season 15, but the country abode was full of potential. The kitchen, thankfully, didn’t need much updating — mostly a serious clean-up — and was given a bright lick of paint using Wattyl Scribbly Gum. Also bringing the kitchen into the 2020s were new pendant lights and a skylight, while new cane barstools add texture and warmth to the existing kitchen benchtop.

Catch up on Selling Houses Australia on Foxtel.

The post 7 kitchen benchtop ideas to steal from Australia’s best renovations appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Stick to the existing kitchen layout

If it ain’t broke… Keeping the current kitchen layout will reduce your costs considerably – moving cupboards, plumbing, walls, electrics and so on takes a kitchen renovation into big money. And the more you can do yourself, the more you’ll save.

2. Re-use your appliances

Before you throw them out, give your appliances a thorough scrub inside and out with a gentle abrasive cleaner and look at them from the fresh lens of a kitchen makeover. If your appliances are still in good working order, re-use them – including your kitchen sink. Then spend the money you save on a fabulous new mixer tap!

3. Paint you kitchen

The simplest way to begin a budget reno is to paint. Instantly lighten up a gloomy, tired space by giving the walls, ceiling, door and window frames a couple of coats of a bright, neutral colour or crisp white.

If you’re painting over timber panelling, you’ll need to apply a stain and tannin blocker first – your local hardware store can advise on this, as well as on the most suitable paint for kitchen areas.

4. Upcycle existing furniture

And while you’ve got your paintbrush out, you can spruce up an op-shop table and a few mismatched chairs into a dining suite – they all match if they’re the same colour!

5. Cabinet makeover

The next thing to consider is the kitchen cabinets. If they’re structurally sound but just dated or a hideous shade, you can paint or replace the doors, drawer fronts and hardware for a fraction of the money that it would cost to replace all of your cabinetry.

Whether your cabinets are timber or laminate, there is a paint product to suit. Most kitchen cabinets are a standard size, so that replacement doors can be fitted to existing units. If you feel daunted by the idea of painting all the cabinet doors yourself, check out the cost of having them painted by a specialist spray-painting service – this might even be less than replacing the doors, and the finish is hard-wearing and professional.

6. Remove cupboard doors

Another quick fix is to remove the doors completely from existing over-bench cabinets or replace them with simple, open shelving for an airy, modern look. You can even paint or line the back of the shelves with colourful paper to add colour and interest. 

7. A new benchtop

If your benchtop and splashback have seen better days, you have several options. You can replace them, of course – there are thousands of low-cost alternatives to choose from and many are perfect for DIY. You can also resurface them, using the range of clever products now available at your local hardware or Bunnings.

8. Paint a tiled splashback

Give a tiled splashback a whole new look with tile paint and transform your benchtop with a resurfacing kit that offers a variety of ‘stone lookalike’ finishes.

9. Renew powerpoints & light fittings

Finally, spend a little on new power-point covers, light switches, window coverings and light fittings.

You can spend a fortune on a new kitchen, but maybe you don’t need to!

This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens

The post 9 ways you can improve your kitchen without breaking the bank appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Home Beautiful’s editor-in-chief Elle Lovelock shares her kitchen renovation diary to help you tailor the heart of your home. Watch the video above to discover more. 

Get more storage 

My kitchen isn’t a big one, but people are often surprised to discover how much storage there is behind all the joinery. And it’s no coincidence. I measured the height of cans, jars and baskets, as well as glasses, stacks of plates and small appliances and designed the kitchen to fit everything in.

For example, instead of having three drawers at 200mm high each, I went with 150mm 200mm and 250mm to fit all my pantry items from tinned tomatoes to flour canisters. I also used a couple of other clever hacks: children’s wall-mounted book shelves (try Etsy or Ikea) make the perfect condiment racks for mounting inside pantry doors, and they look chic.

And, for overhead cupboards, typically they come with only one shelf, so get an extra one put in so you can fit tumblers in the middle, and wineglasses on the top and bottom. Most cupboards come with bracket holes so this is an easy retrofit for an existing kitchen, too.

Start with the appliances 

Appliances will dictate how your kitchen is laid out. It’s been a dream of mine to have a big Ilve cooker – the reason we renovated the whole house! (We had to knock out walls to redesign the kitchen and one thing lead to another…) But being exposed to so many options I wasn’t sure which brands to go with for the rest of the fitout.

Thankfully, the product experts at Winning Appliances guided me. I took my floorplans into their showroom and met with one of the team members. He asked me questions like how many people live in the house, what do we like to cook, do we entertain? Along with my budget and the measurements from my plans, these questions helped to narrow down which appliances would be perfect for me. What’s great is anyone can go in store to get this unbiased advice.

Mixing and matching is the ultimate way to create a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle. And, in case you’re interested, I went with an integrated Fisher & Paykel French-door fridge and freezer, the Franke sink and tap, integrated V-Zug dishwasher and a Whispair extractor fan, which I sometimes forget to turn off it’s so quiet.  

Choose materials realistically

I love the look of natural stone, but in reality, I also love tea, red wine and curry. Plus, I’m a messy cook. So I chose a Caesarstone benchtop and splashback in Calacatta Nuvo, which is much more forgiving and easy to maintain than marble. I did learn, however, that if you have your heart set on marble but you, too, are a messy cook, you can get what’s called a ‘bulletproof’ finish on the stone, but it’s pricey at about $1000 per square metre.

Speaking of withstanding the knocks of daily life, my joiner recommended we take the stone down the side of the kitchen in a waterfall design since it faces a high-traffic hallway. It wasn’t what I originally envisaged, but now I love it – and with a toddler in the house, it’s certainly paid off!

• Elle’s renovation diary: living and dining
• Elle’s renovation diary: alfresco
• Elle’s renovation diary: bathroom
• Elle’s renovation diary: bedrooms

Feeling inspired? See more of Elle’s renovation

The post Elle’s renovation diary: kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Despite this, the judges loved the way all of the kitchens looked. Kyle and Leslie in House 1 received praise for their “sexy” retro-inspired kitchen. Leah and Ash’s tiled island bench was a standout feature Neale called “absolutely gorgeous.” Kristy and Brett’s statement island bench had the judges swooning, with Darren claiming he wanted to “meld” with it. In Steph and Gian’s kitchen, Shaynna said “I can’t knock one aesthetic look,” calling the couple’s choice of marble, “divine”. But it was Eliza and Liberty in House 5 with their balance of form and function who won over the judges this week, winning fair and square (even without the helping hand of a sneaky, secret Gnome).

But we’re not here for all the good bits, are we? We’re here to take notes on all of the things The Block contestants got wrong so we can avoid making the same mistakes in our own homes.

Mistake #1 – Bungling butler’s pantries

Butler’s pantries were a real sore point with the judges this week, and not because they didn’t come with real butlers. 

All week the contestants wrangled with floorplans to include a ‘must-have’ butlers pantry, but in the end, they needn’t have bothered. 

House 2’s Leah and Ash went against their better instincts to present a butler’s pantry as part of a “bold and courageous” kitchen that had judge Darren Palmer “besotted”. But in the end, the butler’s pantry simply took too much space away from the main kitchen, resulting in an island bench that felt too tiny for a luxury home. “I think this is a mistake,” announced Shaynna. 

But Leah and Ash weren’t the only ones who were called out for a bad butler’s pantry. In House 1, Kyle and Leslie’s butler’s pantry interrupted the home’s indoor-outdoor flow, while in House 4 Steph and Gian’s butler’s pantry somehow reduced the functionality of the main kitchen, rather than enhancing it. 

Do this instead

Former Block contestant Kara of professional renovating duo Kyal and Kara recently took to Instagram to share her controversial opinion that butler’s pantries are overrated. “We have a large kitchen, we have the space for one, but I find I just gather clutter in there. I think I’ve seen too many people with smaller living spaces sacrifice a functional kitchen because they really want a butler’s pantry when something like an appliance cupboard or pull-out pantry may be better suited to their space.” 

But if you do have the space, here are 10 butler’s pantry must-haves.

Mistake #2 – Disturbing the sanctity of the island bench

This week the judges had a lot to say about kitchen islands, and not all of it was good. One of the points they made in Leah and Ash’s home as well as Steph and Gian’s home was the choice to ‘disturb the sanctity of the island bench’ (my quote, not theirs). Because, despite what you might think, many designers try to keep services like stoves and sinks out of the island bench completely. 

On her podcast Undercover Architect, architect and serial renovator Amelia Lee had this to say on the topic. “When the sink is in use … it’s messy,” she says, adding, “If the sink is in your island bench, then that’s going to be in the middle of your kitchen. I actually had someone on my socials call a sink in the island bench ‘a throne to the dishes’ which I thought was funny and apt because when the sink is in your island bench, it does draw a lot of attention as the focal point within the focal point of the kitchen.

So if sinks are definitely out, what about a stove? Steph and Gian’s kitchen was far from perfect (despite being very easy on the eye), but one of the biggest criticisms from the judges was the inclusion of a stove in the island. “It will spit, it will have smoke, it will have aromas, it will have all sorts of sensory input” said Darren. So that’s a firm no.

Do this instead

In most cases, the island bench is the most visible, central element of a kitchen. If you have enough space, keep functional elements including sinks or stoves out of it completely. Otherwise, you run the risk of putting all of a kitchen’s least-glamorous aspects on a pedestal. When the judges entered Eliza and Liberty’s kitchen, Neale remarked, “This is the first bench today isn’t it, that doesn’t have a cooktop or a sink in it. It’s just pure, unadulterated, bench.” 

All of the utilitarian elements including the stove, sink and ovens were located in the kitchen’s perimeter, allowing the oversized kitchen bench to truly shine.

Mistake #3 – Laundry as an afterthought

Okay, so maybe this mistake isn’t entirely the fault of The Block contestants, I mean, who decided renovating kitchens and laundries in the same week was a good idea? But anyway, most contestants had their minds focused on getting the kitchen just right that the laundries were kind of … an afterthought. 

To make space for a butler’s pantry, Leah and Ash in House 2 adjusted their home’s layout, which led to the awkward location of the laundry, accessible via the bathroom. It was a move that perplexed the judges, especially Neale. “I think it’s a disadvantage to have a laundry that is this snug,” he said, after voicing his concerns that this rabbit-warren style layout would not satisfy a luxury home buyer. 

Do this instead

In 2017, LG’s Annual Household Survey found that Australians spend up to a year of their life doing laundry, which means the idea of the ‘laundry as an afterthought’ should really be a thing of the past. In order to be functional, a well-designed laundry should have the following elements: 

• Enough room to swing a washing basket
• Bench space to fold and sort laundry
• A generous tub sink for soaking and handwashing
• Plenty of storage for laundry soaps, cleaning equipment and clean linen
• Energy-efficient laundry appliances
• Exhaust fan
• Access to outdoors to make hanging washing outdoors easy
• Be aesthetically pleasing to look at and work in

Two teams really nailed their laundry design this week. Steph and Gian in House 4 created a “brilliantly functional” room with a generous workbench, upper storage cabinets and an external door. Underdogs Eliza and Liberty also delivered an exceptional laundry, which featured everything you could ever want in a laundry, as well as a linen closet, a feature Shaynna was delighted to see. “Go girls,” she said.

The post 3 of the biggest mistakes from The Block kitchen & laundry week appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Sometimes you just want an easier way to achieve a high-end look. This exact desire to upgrade within constraints was faced by homeowners Hayley and Terry Little. Keen to get the renovation ball rolling following the 2020 purchase of their new Gold Coast home, they were met with a common Covid-induced conundrum: building products were in short supply and tradesmen were restricted from entering their property.

“That’s when I decided to start a few projects myself,” says Hayley, who also shares the home with her three children, Lucinda, 22, Arabella, 20, and Orlando, 11, cats Skipper and Salem, and Holly the spoodle. The results are magnificent, as you’ll see in the before-and-after pics of their Kaboodle kitchen and laundry below.

Here’s exactly what they included to achieve a designer-looking DIY renovation:

1. Custom flat-pack cabinetry

“I’d seen a few amazing kitchen transformations on social media using Kaboodle products, which sparked my interest,” says Hayley. “The range is available from Bunnings – the one store that stayed open during lockdown – and I was able to buy most things straight off the shelf and special order other items.”

The covetable element to Kaboodle cabinets is that you can customise it to suit your space. Plus, it comes packaged like a set of Lego that pieces together on site. 

2. Well-planned storage

“Storage was, and always should be, a priority when designing the kitchen,” says Hayley. “Kaboodle has a great range of hidden storage solutions, which I utilised to maximise every square inch of space.” She names the pull-out pantry as one of her favourite features, with its wire baskets ideal for sorting and categorising food items.

There are cupboards and drawers above and below the oak workbench and built into the central island, while a small nook above the fridge serves as a display area. “I love an opportunity to create a vignette and this spot is ever-changing with different decor,” Hayley adds.

3. Rangehood cover 

“The rangehood was a process – it took a while to make a decision here,” Hayley recalls with a laugh. She and Terry debated a number of options for its concealment, from VJ boards to tie in with other areas of the home, to Venetian plaster with curved lines, and even stainless steel with a brass trim. “This went on for weeks, then one day, I went back to VJ and my husband loved the idea. I think with the dropped ceiling it was the right choice. It’s simple yet adds texture and interest.”

4. Statement appliances

Eschewing the trend for concealing appliances, Hayley has made a feature of hers, opting for a classic black Falcon oven and cooktop and matching black Electrolux refrigerator.

5. Mixed hardwares

To lend texture and interest within the white palette, Hayley added a mix of styles with the hardware. “I used different knobs and pulls by Forge Hardware Studio in a raw brass finish that will patina beautifully over the years,” she shares. The pot mixer and sink bridge mixer are from Brodware.

6. Luxe colours and prints

The laundry was treated to a duck-egg-blue colour scheme, all new storage solutions, including two drawers for dirty washing, wall hooks and broom storage, plus new blinds in a pretty willow print. “Both spaces are practical and hardworking,” says Hayley. “Everything has a home and we can find things quickly and put them away easily.”

7. The same layout 

While the original laundry was a decent size with a good layout, storage was scarce and the cabinetry and decor had seen better days. “The laminate was peeling off and the doors were falling off their hinges,” reports Hayley, who also wanted to update the baby blue and beige colour palette. In good news, the room’s position, separated from the rest of the house by a small thoroughfare, meant it could have its own identity.

8. Beautiful shades

First step: all new Kaboodle cabinetry in the same ‘Alpine’ profile as the kitchen, but in shade Kaleo. There are drawers for dirty washing, a cupboard for broom storage, and an oak bench with a ‘Ravine’ sink and ‘Clasicó’ tap from Turner Hastings. Chicago Brick State Street tiles from National Tiles are on the floor.

Sheer linen curtains and blinds in William Morris ‘Willow Bough’ fabric from Blinds Online soften the effect. “This is probably my favourite space in the house,” says Hayley. “I wanted it to feel more like a living area than a cold utility room. It’s still functional and practical – perfect for our family.”

9. Wood elements

Benchtop shelves were made from offcuts leftover from the oak work bench. “I love that we were able to repurpose them; it’s ended up being such a gorgeous feature of the laundry,” says Hayley. A Kitchen Maid clothes airer provides another lovely focal point. “I love the beautiful wood lines mixed with the cast iron,” she adds.

10. Hanging hooks 

A feature wall of Easycraft ‘EasyVJ’ panels painted in Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter is studded with hooks sourced on Amazon to hang hats and bags for that ‘styled’ look.

SHOP THE LOOK

Previous

Bunnings Kaboodle Alpine Cabinet Door in Vanilla Essence 150mm

$89.64

SHOP NOW

Freedom Loire Round Basket

$99.95

SHOP NOW

Temple and Webster White Granite Kitchen and Laundry Single Sink Bowl

$299

SHOP NOW

Tuiss Blinds Online William Morris Willow Bough Duck Egg Roman Blind

$115

SHOP NOW

Hardtofind Crayon Chick Weave Bowl in Natural

$89

SHOP NOW

Temple and Webster Classic Brass Kitchen Mixer

$592

SHOP NOW

Next

Source book

Interior design: Hayley Little, @mumlittleloves.
Kitchen and laundry: Kaboodle, kaboodle.com.au, @kaboodlekitchen.

The post 10 tricks to make your kitchen look designer on a DIY budget appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Janyne and Andrew had lived in the home for 11 years but were frustrated with the layout and dated interiors. “There was no butler’s pantry or island bench in the original kitchen, and anyone cooking in the kitchen wasn’t able to talk with those in the dining room,” says Penny. “When visitors dropped in to say hello, there was nowhere to sit in the kitchen, so they would sit in the lounge room which made it tricky for the host to chat with them when making a coffee.”

SHOP THE LOOK

Previous

Temple & Webster Vicky Upholstered Dining Chairs

$469 (Set of 2)

SHOP NOW

David Jones Bisonhome Small Vase In Bluebell

$155

SHOP NOW

MyDeal Connell Bell White Metal Pendant Light in Small

$109

SHOP NOW

Temple & Webster Midnight In Paris Wall Art Oak Frame 100 x 75cm

$570

SHOP NOW

Freedom Camden Dining Table in Wormy Chestnut Natural 250 x 105cm

$3999

SHOP NOW

Next

Budget Breakdown (estimated cost)

Total: approx. $85,000
Kitchen and butler’s pantry: approx. $55,000
Benchtop: approx. $10,000
Kitchen appliances: approx $20,000

The layout was redesigned, and the kitchen moved to facilitate an open-plan connection between it, the dining zone, living area and alfresco entertaining space. A classic white-and-blue palette was chosen for the walls and cabinetry, the latter of which has been fitted with handsome stone benchtops that lend an element of luxury to the entire scheme.

The kitchen was repositioned and walls removed to create flow through the kitchen, living and entertaining spaces. The Embelton oak flooring has been paired with Dulux Natural White walls and custom cabinetry in 2-pac polyurethane Dulux Blue Balm and Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt, built by Scribe Constructions. The benchtops are Silestone Calacatta Gold. All the appliances plus the sink were sourced from Winning Appliances. The Tapware is by Meir and the cabinetry handles are from Lo & Co. The table, rug, chairs and artwork are all from Boyd Blue. Lighting from Surrounding is the finishing touch.

Design tip

“If you’re on a tight budget, you can always freshen up a kitchen with colour and finishes, such as replacing kitchen cupboard doors and handles, and tapware or a new benchtop,” says Janyne.

Source book

Interior design: Penny Middlemiss, Anju Designs, anjudesigns.com.au.
Builder: Scribe Constructions, 0426 442 633, scribeconstructions.com.au.

The post Before and after: A jaw-dropping kitchen makeover appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Tactile choices include VJ panelling below the island, subway splashback tiles from Leader Bathrooms & Kitchens and a Turner Hastings ribbed fireclay sink. “The design had to be practical and hardwearing for a family that loves cooking and entertaining, yet also evoke a timeless and classic quality,” explains Danielle, who wove charming rustic elements into the scheme, along with modern conveniences. Dulux Casper White on Shaker-style cabinetry, classic white subway tiles and brass hardware formed the foundation palette.

A larder-style benchtop cabinet, complete with brass mesh inserts, provides additional storage. “It creates interest and the brass fronts visually link the other aged brass elements such as the door hardware, pendants and the patina of the Eco Brass sink mixer from Astra Walker,” explains designer, Danielle Bonello-Dunsford. 

The family’s beautiful leafy garden, framed by a kitchen window, was the inspiration for the green-grey hue, Dulux Coriole, which grounds the focal island bench. To further enhance the island’s starring role, a pair of Ashford ceiling pendants in Antique Brass from Florabelle Living provide the perfect finishing touch. Namrata and Raju couldn’t be happier.

“The green island oozes sophistication and complements the gardens outside”

Danielle Bonello-Dunsford, interior designer

Conveniences for easy entertaining and everyday living were subtly incorporated, such as a Siemens induction cooktop and Electrolux 30cm Natural Gas Cooktop. For a hard-wearing surface, Danielle used non-porous, sealed tiles from Leader Bathrooms & Kitchens and Caesarstone Organic White for the benchtop. “Opting for 80mm thickness on the island gives it an added wow factor,” explains Danielle.

“I wanted the island to be exclusively for prep and entertaining, and for Danielle to achieve that was really the cherry on the cake,” says Namrata. “The kitchen is now a brighter, more cohesive space.”

SOURCE BOOK

Interior design: Danielle Victoria Design, (02) 9960 1901, daniellevictoria.com.au. 

Builder: G Harding Constructions, 0410 468 477.

Kitchen: Leader Bathrooms & Kitchens, 0437 373 941, leader.sydney.

The post A 1970s kitchen is transformed into a sophisticated, hard-working hub appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A generous three-metre island bench, with some special inclusions, was pivotal to this plan. On one end of the island, a built-in Hisense wine cooler stores the family’s tipples at the perfect temperature while elsewhere a drawer allows Cathy to scrape her food scraps straight into a container for her chickens. But it’s the size that has her enthralled. “It’s big enough to sit six people for a light meal or more for a drink, and I can prepare food on one side while chatting to friends on the other,” Cathy explains. 

The inclusion of spotted gum trims, copper light fittings, a timber barn door and aged brass rangehood cover give the space an air of maturity that belies its relatively young age. But it’s the small yet significant details that make this kitchen such a success. A library ladder provides easy access to the upper cupboards while a dog “hydration station” caters for the couple’s dogs Seeker and Stella. The addition of two dishwashers – one for food items and the other for glassware – adds to the long list of dreamy yet functional features.

“The best compliment I have ever received was from a chef friend who said, ‘Anyone could cook in this kitchen; everything is where you think it should be’,” Cathy, homeowner.

“I’m a keen home cook and love to entertain. I have a good understanding of how a kitchen is used and how to make it a pleasure to work in,” says Cathy.

Designer’s tip:

Interior decorator Cathy Cooke chose materials that would age well. “The timber barn door has that solid ‘thunk’ that screams longevity, while the organic brass handles from Bauer’s Hardware Collections and Brodware ‘Winslow’ taps already hold history from the many hands that touch them,” she says.

SOURCE BOOK

Builder: Black & White Design and Construction, 0402 548 961.

Joinery: Pluim Joinery, (02) 4328 0500, pluimjoinery.com.au.

The post A warm and welcoming kitchen fit for a chef appeared first on Home Beautiful.

before vs after

“We even thought about knocking it down and rebuilding, or selling the house and buying elsewhere,” says Sarah. “But we wanted to keep living in this area – it’s quite family orientated.” So instead, they opted to trust in the exquisite vision of interior decorator Alix Helps to bring their eating and cooking area back to life. The remarkable result is an open-plan social space, perfect for relaxed entertaining.

why the makeover?

“We didn’t do any maintenance and it got to a point that we had to do something,” says Sarah. “The children were getting embarrassed to bring their friends around!”

Style tip: “Choosing your flooring is key,” says interior designer Alix. “Always make sure you take samples to your room. You need to look at it in the context of the space and the light around.”

the works

The dining area was completely reconfigured and turned 90 degrees to create a connected kitchen and dining zone, while the laundry was repurposed to include a functional butler’s pantry. Kitchen cabinetry was painted in a clean Dulux colour palette of Vivid White and Western Myall to modernise the room.

major changes

To steal space from the double garage, which the previous owners had used as a music studio, an existing wall was demolished and rebuilt. On top of that, Tongue n Groove timber ‘Piccolo’ flooring in Oslo was laid through the entire house.

Original room: A closed-in kitchen and a small dining area.

Time frame: Three months as part of a larger renovation.

Lessons learned: “I told Alix I really wanted a white kitchen, but she said having the island bench a darker colour would be a better choice,” admits Sarah, who relied on her interior decorator whole-heartedly.

The post Before and after: a dated kitchen becomes a coastal Hamptons haven appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Eventually they pressed go on a renovation and enlisted GIA Renovations, who managed the remodelling of their entire house, including the kitchen. “They had high standards and great workmanship and were responsible for everything, which meant we didn’t have to worry,” says Christine. Bricking up a door created another wall, allowing GIA to design a more practical U-shaped kitchen with an island in the middle.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The result is a stunning and functional space that embraces a classic new style. The room was gutted and a door from the laundry was bricked in. PVC double-glazed windows and hydronic heating was installed, and the space was reconfigured and elongated to create a functional U-shaped kitchen with a central island and more bench space. The timber floors were sanded, followed by the painting, tiling and kitchen build.

Time frame: Three to four months.

Lessons learned: “When you’re renovating a period home you have to consider your choices carefully,” says homeowner Christine. “I struggled to identify my dream design because I liked a lot of things. Olivia from GIA really helped by guiding us towards something modern, but sympathetic to the period. She’d say, ‘This is lovely, but it’s not your house’.”

“I loved the idea of creating an interesting space using multiple textures, such as the stone, timber and tiles, as well as smooth finished.” ~ Christine, homeowner

Designer notes: “Finishing the edge of your splash-back tiles gives them a more high-end look,” says GIA designer Olivia. “In Christine’s kitchen I used a narrow timber shelf to create a clean finish, but tile trims work too. If you don’t want tiles, create a stone ‘upstand’ to give you a more refined look.”

The post Before and after: a glamorous kitchen makeover appeared first on Home Beautiful.

But even the most beautiful and well-equipped entertainer’s kitchen can start to feel uninspiring when you work in it every day, preparing mid-week meals, kids’ lunches and stacking the dishwasher at the end of a long day.

With a constant whirlwind of activity going on in the kitchen, it’s easy for things to become a little chaotic and disorganised. We talked to interior designer and Electrolux Ambassador, Anna-Carin McNamara for her top tips on how to reclaim your kitchen.

1. Never go to bed with a dirty kitchen

Clean the sink every night clean (and even polish it), so the next morning things are tidy for the start of the day. There’s nothing worse than waking up and seeing a messy kitchen. 

If you entertain, cook for a large family, or regularly batch cook, investing in a dishwasher that can accommodate all of your dishes is a worthy investment. It will prevent you from running multiple loads, hand-washing those items that don’t quite fit into the machine (or leaving them to sit on the sink until the morning).  

2. Organisation is key

Organise and plan your kitchen so the tools you use all the time are easily accessible, so that using them becomes second nature and you’re not spending time looking for specific utensils such as bowls, graters or crushers. Purchase good quality utensils so you’re not having to replace them often.

3. Add sentimental items

Bring your personality into the kitchen by using open shelving to display artwork and treasured items that bring you joy when you see them. It will make being in the kitchen feel like less of a chore to have touches of items you love.

4. Make each meal an occasion

Always set the table when you eat, don’t just save the tablecloth, place mats, candles and flowers for when you have guests over. It brings a sense of occasion to every meal, including breakfast, and can help build connections with loved ones while you’re self-isolating.

5. Integrate appliances

Where possible, integrate appliances to create a seamless look in your kitchen design. If they’re on display, make sure you coordinate with the joinery – it makes a big difference and since the kitchen is an area you’re likely to be in every day, you will notice the little things.

The post 5 ways to create a happier kitchen you love appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“It was a fun project I did with my three girls, and they loved being able to help me.”

“The vinyl cost me $33 from kmart and the paint for the backsplash I got on clearance from Bunnings for $18,” Madeleine says.

“We already had some wall paint for one of the bedrooms which I used for the cupboards. I didn’t quite use a litre of it so worked out to roughly $7 worth of white paint. Everything else in the kitchen I already had!”

Madeleine’s new kitchen colour scheme works perfectly with her cute “Kombi” fridge, which was created using a vinyl wrap which her husband bought her as a Christmas gift from fortyhorse.com.au

The post This budget Kmart kitchen makeover is amazing appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Here are 10 easy ways to update your kitchen without the heavy cost of a full kitchen renovation – saving your time and budget.

1. Update your lighting

Lighting is as important for the look it creates as it is for functionality in your kitchen. Updating old fittings with fresh new on-trend lighting designs will give the whole room a lift.

2. Replace window coverings

Decorating ideas for window treatments should be carefully considered as an important part of your whole kitchen design. Install blinds, curtains, louvres or shutters to address issues of privacy, home security and control the amount of light coming into your kitchen.

3. Open shelving

Open shelving is a perfect tool for personalising your kitchen and bringing in colour and character. Aim for a mixture of decorative and useful items on display – or better still, both!

Related:Kitchen inspiration: Open shelving

4. Replace cabinetry

Rather than a complete refit, replacing the doors and/or handles on your kitchen cabinets is a super-affordable kitchen renovation idea. Use online or in-store planning apps to play around with different colours and finishes to find a combination you love. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and push the design envelope – be brave and go for a bold change for maximum makeover impact.

5. New stools

For a cheap kitchen makeover, one of the easiest things replace if you have a kitchen island bench is your set of bar stools. Due to high traffic, these tend to show signs of wear and tear before other areas of your kitchen so keep your eyes peeled for a new set, which can make a strong style statement. Buy the best quality you can afford and consider upholstered stools with a sound structure that can stand up to a few makeovers with reupholstering.

6. Chalk board wall

A feature wall in chalk paint is a practical, fun and stylish addition to your kitchen. Whether a whole wall or simply a large panel, choose a central wall that is handy to everything and has plenty of space in front of it to stand as you write. Keep in mind the risk of overspray from wet areas and grease and stains from cooking zones.

7. Splashback makeover

A tiled splashback is the most resilient finish to withstand all you throw at it in your kitchen – cooking, washing and preparing food all demand a hard-wearing, easy care surface. If yours is still in good condition but looking a little dated, consider an affordable facelift by either retiling, regrouting or simply painting over existing tiles with a specialist tile paint for an instant update.

8. Paint everything

In terms of bang for your buck, nothing stretches a kitchen renovation budget further than a complete overhaul with paint. Walls, cabinetry, ceiling and even floors can all be repainted to make your kitchen look like new. Particularly if you’re looking for affordable ways to make your small kitchen appear bigger, opt for the lightness and brightness of an all-white palette.

9. Mirrored splashback

Swapping tiles for a mirrored splashback will add a little glamour and visually extend the size of your kitchen. By reflecting light and the surrounding area, a large expanse of mirror creates an open-plan feeling without removing any walls. Like glass, a mirrored surface is hard wearing but be realistic about your housekeeping – this is a surface that will require regular cleaning and care.

10. Add some wallpaper

The trend for bringing wallpaper into our homes shows no signs of slowing and the kitchen is a room often missed when looking to use this powerful decorating tool. Wallpaper offers you the ability to inject colour, pattern, art and design into your kitchen to great effect and for a modest investment. Or, splurge on a high-end or imported design in a small area to use your renovation budget efficiently.

The post 10 quick ways to update your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.