Creative in the KITCHEN

Is it time to overhaul your kitchen? These ideas will inspire a cooking zone you'll enjoy spending time in

Before you start deciding on the look, colour, materials and appliance types for your kitchen reno, it's important to consider how you and your family use and interact in the space. Having decided on the layout, work triangle and storage, turn your attention to the fun part - the style! Modern or traditional? A tried-and-true timeless palette? Or, do you want to express your flair with distinctive timbers, soft or moody hues and/or colourful zing? Read on for inspiration.

1 ADDING UP TO PERFECTION

When your kitchen doubles as an entertaining and living area, it shouldn't look too 'kitcheny'. So opt for a mix of painted and dark timber veneer or wood-look cabinets, go matt over gloss finishes and match the kickboard to the units. Create a prep niche and add fun decorative elements that pop against the dark cabinetry. Mmm... perfecto! 

2 SAVVY STORAGE

Store your dishes and crockery in sturdy and deep drawers located as close as possible to your dishwasher or sink so you're not walking back and forth with piles of plates. For secure storage, look to plate holders or plate pegs.

3 PULL IT OFF

If you have young children, you'll want to avoid finger marks. So push-to-open units are out but handles are in just like these brushed bronze pulls.

MODERN ATTITUDE

Give your kitchen a feeling of warmth and a sense of modern character. Here's how...

For longevity, steer away from primary colours, selecting more muted tones such as grey-blue for painted or laminated units.

Opt for a matt finish for timber or wood-look cabinetry to make the grain stand out.

Reflect your garden views by installing a mirrored splashback - that way doing the dishes won't feel like such hard work. 

Treat yourself to underfloor heating, as it's a comfortable way to heat an open-plan kitchen.