Design and style ideas for new kitchens

The kitchen of our time is not just a place where we prepare and cook food. This is now the new place where the family entertains guests, eats and stores items. As we design our new kitchens, we now need to accommodate these additional new activities.

Additional activities have helped increase the popularity of kitchen remodels for those with older kitchens. Today kitchen islands, stainless steel appliances, and farmhouse sinks are regular additions to the kitchen; while custom countertops and cabinets remain key elements of any inspirational design.

If you are thinking of building a new kitchen, the following suggestions may be helpful:

Determining the kitchen layout

Installing a completely new cooking space or carrying out a complete renovation is a great opportunity to create that kitchen you have always wanted. With the expert and professional help of a home or kitchen designer, even your small space could be transformed into an extraordinary place, with excellent functionality and abundant storage space.

Generally, you have two options:

& Bull; If your cooking space is large enough, try a U- or L-shaped design that has a large center island.

& Bull; For a small space, the kitchen layout would be fine. Due to limited horizontal space, think vertically by stacking shelves and counters high on your walls.

Kitchen storage

To properly store all of your kitchen utensils and appliances, you will need to have enough drawers, cabinets, and shelves. To achieve that goal, be sure to make use of all available spaces:

1. Include cabinets on the kitchen island.

2. Buy hanging racks for pots and spices.

3. Invest in a good kitchen cart.

4. Place your bulky, frequently used cookware on the counter.

5. Free up space by storing less commonly used items in your store or basement.

6. Above all, organize your place!

In Australia, there are specific rules regarding how much space you should have around your countertops. The relevant rules and regulations are found in Australian Standard AG / 601-AS5601. In particular, a lot of attention is paid to gas burners, mainly because they have naked flames.

Cabinets and countertops

Granite and marble countertops are stylish options. Concrete, stainless steel, and limestone countertops are also wonderful options. For that pop of color, you can add a glossy mosaic tile backsplash or choose a floor finish made from vibrant wood.

Perhaps even more contemporary is the cabinet mix! Today, frosted cabinets are valued for their sleek, modern style.

The lighting

For a modern, super stylish and beautiful look, you can go for tile light or even install multiple backlit glass panes. This will create effective lighting around the workstation and its countertops.

When installing new light fixtures, be sure to comply with all applicable regulations. Fortunately, in accordance with the new National Building Code (NCC) regulations for lighting in domestic installations, the Australian Building Code Board has recently released a Lighting Calculator. The Calculator has been designed to help lighting designers, particularly in new buildings, successfully adhere to the new Code.