Kitchen Design Guide

Consider how much you want to invest in your kitchen. A set budget will inform the products and finishes that are most appropriate and help separate the essentials from the luxury items.

Kitchen renovation costs can vary, therefore, establishing a budget from the outset is essential.

Ask yourself these important questions to define whether your project is a low, mid-range or high- investment undertaking.

Is this project a quick fix, renovation for sale, or your future dream kitchen?

A dream kitchen renovation warrants significant investment. Selling your home requires an inexpensive refresh and update for buyer appeal, which might include quick fixes, like refacing cabinets, painting and upgrading fittings.

What exactly will you be spending money on?

List all the elements likely to incur costs over the course of your renovation, from design, consultations and products, to labour, demolition, waste removal and freight charges.

How much are you willing to spend on your project?

If you have a budget set aside, divide this into stages to cover all elements of your project. Prioritise the areas most important to you.

Will you need to make compromises?

If your kitchen renovation is part of a larger home improvement project, consider allocating or cutting costs in other areas for the best possible outcome for your kitchen.

Are you able to recycle materials, or retain your existing kitchen layout?

Moving plumbing or electrical fittings can blow out a budget. There may be tasks you can manage yourself, like painting and tiling. Complicated jobs, such as installing cabinetry, plumbing and electrical work should be left to skilled professionals.

What can your budget realistically achieve?

Your answers to these questions will help you determine if you’re able to undertake a low, mid-range or high-budget renovation. The following chart provides a general outline of what’s achievable in each category.

Developing a clear overview of renovation costs ensures your project runs smoothly. Use the below template and average budget indication to guide your process to ensure you remain on budget. Always ask your supplier to advise in writing the components included in their quote.

A functional kitchen is essential. Practical considerations for storage and task zones will help you create a space that is a pleasure to use.

Food

Storage for consumable goods includes your pantry, fridge and freezer. Consider the position of both in your space. Divide your pantry into zones to ensure easy access to all items. Identify food and cooking categories, and designate a space for each.

Utensils & Flatware

Utensils are best kept in shallow drawers in organisers, cooking implements are useful stored near to the cooktop.
Crockery and glassware stored in drawers makes them easier to access and saves space. Alternatively display flatware on plate racks or open and floating shelves. Space for large platters and glassware should also be considered.

Cleaning products & equipment

Utilise storage space around the sink area for washing-up items. Larger items, like stick vacuum and brooms, can be kept in a tall designated cupboard in kitchen or butler’s pantry. Ensure there’s a power point where it is stored and a wall mounted tool holder for hanging your broom.
When choosing bins, consider the types you use and the most convenient location. Use separate bins or inner dividing systems.

Food preparation

Ensure there is plenty of surface space to work on. Key areas are next to sink and cooktop and on island bench.

Cooking & baking

Store pots and pans in deep drawers beside the cooktop and stash lids separately. Store cooking essentials like olive oil, seasonings and spices in a cabinet next to the cooktop, or in shallow drawers nearby.

To determine your ideal layout, consider these questions:

Take a look over the page at common floor plans to inspire your design.

Here are six kitchen layouts

Because it is the heart of the home (and the best parties seem to start and end there), a beautiful kitchen is a must.

Whisking together the right ingredients, from its style to colour scheme, is the secret to a space that’s as efficient as it is eye-catching.

Will your kitchen encapsulate classic timelessness or a more contemporary aesthetic? Find inspiration on Instagram, curate a Pinterest board, or thumb through your favourite magazines to create a mood board that will help you form its style.

If the kitchen is the only space in your home being renovated, consider how it will complement its existing scheme. Incorporate materials, colours or styles used in other rooms and adjoining spaces, for seamless flow and consistency.

Your kitchen’s style will inform its colour palette. While a classic home might feature elegantly simple and timeless shades, a contemporary space showcases more on-trend colours. Visit Laminex’s

online Inspiration Gallery to view a range of beautiful palettes and finishes, arranged according to style.

The most common home aesthetics can be broadly divided into contemporary, classic, and raw styles. Explore each one over the following pages.

Enhance your design scheme and colour palette with complementing materials and fittings. Balance personal style with practicality for a kitchen that’s as useful as it is beautiful.