Posted May 31 in Expert Tips & Advice

Create a functional and stunning kitchen

Ask any new home builder what their priority rooms are and - most of the time - the kitchen is one of the top considerations. Often labelled the ‘heart of the home’, modern kitchens are both striking and functional. From cleverly concealed storage solutions to designer splashbacks, sinks and taps, Boutique Homes Interior Designer, Nikki Weedon, offers her top tips for creating a kitchen that is both spectacular and practical.

1. Start with an idea of your overall kitchen style

When it comes to your dream kitchen, are you envisioning light and bright profiled cabinetry that’s reminiscent of the much-loved Hamptons interior design style? Or the dark and moody colour palettes of a contemporary look? Perhaps a beautiful coastal oasis - complete with timber accents and touches of Scandinavian flair – is your desired aesthetic.

‘It’s important you have a clear idea of your kitchen style and how this will match the rest of your home’s interiors before you get to your Interior Design appointment,’ says Nikki. ‘Your qualified Interior Designer will then be able to walk you through the entire process and make suggestions about which options best suit your taste and budget.’

 

Here’s how Nikki describes the most popular kitchen styles in just a few phrases:

Hamptons

  • Light, bright and detailed
  • Profiled cabinetry with ornate handles
  • Nib walls and marble mosaic splashbacks

Modern

  • Sleek, minimalist finishes
  • Textured cabinetry
  • Dark and moody colour palettes

Coastal

  • Timber accents and features
  • Two-tone cabinetry and panelling
  • Fresh concrete benchtops

2. Make sure your kitchen has flow

Galley kitchens featuring a rear bench and breakfast bar are well and truly a popular design option – and for good reason. ‘Galley kitchens are far more functional than the older style U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen designs, with two entry points, plenty of room to move, and two benches for food preparation and serving,’ explains Nikki.

The trick is to ensure you can move freely between the areas you use most frequently in your kitchen. ‘Make sure you can easily access the triangle that is your fridge, stove and sink,’ says Nikki. ‘Our Parkville floorplan is a great example of this kitchen technique and is a favourite among our customers.’

3. Integrate plenty of clever storage

The quickest way to an unsightly kitchen is a cluttered bench space. Your saving grace? Plenty of storage, where everything has a place.

Drawers offer the most bang for your storage buck, so use them wherever space allows.

‘Pot drawers are extremely popular, often placed either side of the oven to make the rear bench appear more symmetrical,’ says Nikki. ‘Experiment with your pot drawer heights to make them as functional as possible – smaller utensils drawers can be placed at the top near your bench space, with two larger drawers for pots and pans down the bottom.’

Modern kitchens are all about clean lines and concealing your frequently used appliances. Integrated fridges and dishwashers that are hidden from sight by cupboard doors are extremely popular, as are oven and microwave towers as well as a butler’s pantry. ‘Pull-out recycle and rubbish bins can help keep your kitchen floor looking clutter-free,’ adds Nikki.  ‘Consider timber overhead shelves to help break up block colours, and to display knick-knacks, potted plants and cookbooks that help make the space unique.’

4. Add a sink that matches your interior style

Your sink can quickly become the focal point of your kitchen or blend seamlessly into your design, depending on your preference. ‘Farmhouse sinks are really popular in Hamptons or country style homes,’ says Nikki. ‘For a more modern look, customers are ditching the classic stainless-steel bowls and opting for the boldness that is fragranite – a material made from quartz and one of the most hardwearing & resistant materials on earth.’

Farmhouse sinks also tend to be wider than your traditional style sinks, making it easier to wash larger items – perfect for when you’re entertaining and have several dishes that may not fit or be suitable for a dishwasher. For some in-situ examples, you can visit our Montauk 49 at Canopy Estate in Cranbourne.

Providing a seamless look, undermounted sinks with the simplicity of two bowls are another on-trend option. They also make it easier to wipe up food crumbs as they don’t have the typically raised edge that is often seen on traditional kitchen sinks.

5. Don’t forget your tap design

The icing on the cake to a good kitchen design is your tapware. ‘Tapware has come a long way over the past few years and there’s now a tap to meet every design and personality,’ says Nikki. ‘A brushed gold in a kitchen of fresh whites and terracotta makes for a warm coastal style kitchen, while more contemporary kitchens will love matte blacks or gunmetal finishes.’

Opt for gooseneck taps with pretty detailing for more classical interiors. ‘For a more contemporary aesthetic, use lots of straight lines or architectural, block shaped taps,’ adds Nikki.


6. Make use of natural light

While Hamptons or coastal style homes tend to stick with traditional subway or marble mosaic splashbacks in the kitchen, window splashbacks are a popular option for modern designs. ‘The glass bathes the entire room in natural light and offers that peek into nature that so many people desire,’ explains Nikki, who suggests a visit to the Havana 32 display home in the Botanical Estate to view a striking example.

While most kitchens will feature downlights, how you choose to illuminate your island bench will depend on your style. ‘Modern interior designs tend to stick to the sleekness of strip or track lighting above the breakfast bar, while more traditional styles suit the tranquillity of pendant lighting,’ says Nikki.

7. Create a bespoke island bench

Looking for one kitchen upgrade that will change your life? Look no further than the kitchen island bench.

‘The island bench can quickly become a versatile part of the home, while also serving as a visual standout in your kitchen,’ says Nikki, who says many of her customers choose to make their island bench deeper and longer, so it’s suitable for food prep and as a place for the family to gather.

‘Many people choose to play around with the thickness of the bench and add waterfall ends for additional impact. You can also customise the colours and materials used, by adding opposing colours or feature panelling.’

Complete the look with matching bar stools and feature lighting. ‘The two should blend seamlessly to match your bench and your overall interior style,’ adds Nikki.

 

Are you ready to start creating your dream kitchen?

Boutique Homes customers get access to their own qualified Interior Designer, to help them create a space that is functional and beautiful. Talk to one of Boutique’s friendly New Homes Consultants today to start your home ownership journey.

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