8 things you need to know before renovating your kitchen
Before you start your kitchen renovation, a bit of careful planning can save time, money and stress.
You’ve been dreaming about renovating your kitchen for years. You’ve scrolled through Pinterest, collected design magazines and now it’s time to put your plans into action! These expert kitchen renovation tips will help you make smart decisions and create a kitchen that looks great and works beautifully for everyday life.
1. Set a kitchen renovation budget
A successful kitchen renovation starts with a realistic budget. Decide what your non-negotiables are, how much you can comfortably spend, and where you may be able to save without compromising on quality.
With so many appliances, fittings, and cabinetry options available, costs can add up quickly. Working with existing plumbing layouts where possible is one of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen renovation budget under control and avoid unnecessary expenses.
2. Choose the appliances & sink
Your appliances play a major role in determining the layout of your new kitchen. Finalise these choices before designing cabinetry so everything fits correctly.
Consider the width, depth and door clearance of appliances, especially fridges and ovens. Allow enough space for fridge drawers to open fully and think carefully about sink size and style. Large undermount or butler sinks can affect dishwasher placement and cabinet configuration.
3. Focus on kitchen layout
Once your plans are drawn up it will be easier to visualise what your kitchen will look like and how it will function. Optimise the kitchen layout so it works well and makes daily chores easier:
Put the dishwasher near the sink, with crockery stored nearby to make unloading it easier.
Make sure the sink is big enough to fit your largest pot or platter.
Have the fridge within easy reach of the bench and stovetop.
Store knives and utensils close to where you’ll prep food, with pots and pans near the oven and stovetop.
Have the rubbish, compost and recycling near your prep area and sink.
Make sure the pantry is the right size for the amount of food you usually have on hand.
Include plenty of power points for your favourite appliances.
4. Take samples with you
You’ll make better decisions and end up with a cohesive space by carrying all your samples with you: tiles, hardware, benchtop, cabinets and paint charts. Seeing everything together helps you make confident decisions and avoids costly mistakes once your kitchen renovation is underway.
Get expert help with your kitchen renovation
Renovating a kitchen can feel overwhelming, but expert guidance makes all the difference. With the right planning and professional support, your new kitchen can be everything you want it to be.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and would like expert advice, get in touch to talk through your ideas and take the next step with confidence.
5. Add a natural element
Including natural materials will warm up a contemporary kitchen, especially if you’re using colder materials like marble or going all-white.
Timber accents, leather seating, indoor plants, or even a large wooden chopping board can bring balance and texture to your kitchen design.
6. Choose the benchtop material
Your benchtop can have a huge impact on the overall look of your kitchen. The good news is that there are loads of materials to choose from:
Engineered stone and granite not only look great, but are also hard wearing.
Granite is durable, versatile and comes in loads of colours and textures. It needs little maintenance compared with other stone materials like marble or quartz.
Marble makes a beautiful (although costly) stand-out feature, but it can stain.
Concrete will also give you the wow factor but again, it can be expensive.
A timber benchtop adds warmth and can work well in both traditional and modern homes.
Stainless steel looks great in an industrial-style home but will scratch.
Laminate is budget-friendly and comes in a variety colour and edging options. However it can scratch and you can’t put hot pots directly on it.
7. Maximise kitchen storage
There's no point having a beautiful kitchen if you have nowhere to put things!
Consider making your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling; you can store anything you don’t use very often in the higher cupboards.
Opt for big, soft close drawers that let you instantly see and access everything. They’re ideal for storing pots and pans, baking tins, plates and the myriad of plastic containers we all seem to have! You’ll also find them useful in your pantry.
Look into the many organisation and storage solutions available including pull-out pantries and lazy Susans for any awkward corner cupboards.
8. Include one statement feature
A single standout feature can give your kitchen personality without overwhelming the space.
This might be a boldly coloured island, a feature splashback, statement lighting, or a tiled floor. Balance bold choices with simpler finishes elsewhere to create a cohesive and timeless design.
