The kitchen is the hub of the home – where the day starts, homework gets done, friends gather and family meals happen. So it needs to work hard and look good for years to come.

Planning a new kitchen or a refresh means making a lot of decisions, from benchtops and cabinetry to tapware, tiles, lighting and appliances. Getting the mix right is what turns a practical kitchen into one you love spending time in, and talking to the experts early is the best way to make the most of the space you have.

Here are ideas to add to your wish list, whether you are starting from scratch or giving an existing kitchen a lift.

Stone and marble

Natural stone and marble-look surfaces bring a sense of nature into the kitchen. Marble is elegant, every piece is unique and it works with almost any colour palette.

Timber

Timber adds warmth in all its forms, with shades ranging from pale ash and golden tones to almost-black stains. Use it in contrast with other materials for an interesting, layered look.

Tapware with character

Tapware is a chance to add personality. Brass develops a lovely patina over time, while black taps and handles give a sleek, modern look. Take time to find tapware you love – it is used every day.

Dark, moody tones

Think of the cosy, inviting feel of a dimly lit restaurant – you can recreate it at home. If your kitchen gets plenty of natural light, consider some dark cabinets, tiles or a feature wall.

Feature tiles

Feature tiles are one of the easiest ways to add personality to a kitchen, and the splashback is the natural place to start. Even in a neutral scheme, tiles with an interesting shape, texture or glaze bring depth and character.

The way tiles are laid matters as much as the tile itself. A simple subway tile can look completely different laid in a herringbone, vertical stack or offset pattern, and a contrasting grout colour can make the pattern stand out. Handmade-look tiles, with slight variations in colour and surface, add warmth and soften a sleek kitchen.

Ask to see larger samples or tiles laid out in a display before you decide – patterns and colours can look very different across a whole wall.

Open shelving and display

Open shelves and glass-front cupboards let you show off favourite pieces – handmade mugs, vases, collected canisters or a vintage mixer – and make a kitchen feel less sterile.

Colour

If colour brings you joy, there is no reason to keep it out of the kitchen. Coloured cabinetry, a statement island, a bold splashback or even a painted pantry door can give the room a personality all its own.

If you are unsure about committing, start with the elements that are easiest to change, such as wall paint, open shelving styling, stools or accessories. Colour on the island or lower cabinets is often easier to live with than a fully coloured kitchen, and pairs well with timber, stone or white surfaces.

Soft greens, blues and earthy terracotta tones work well alongside natural materials, while deeper shades such as navy or forest green create a richer, moodier feel.

Feature lighting

The secret to making a kitchen shine is beautiful, functional feature lighting. It is often overlooked, so put money aside for it in the budget – you will not regret it. Perth’s own The Montauk Lighting Co. is a great place to start.

Appliances that make life easier

If you are not a fan of cleaning your oven, a pyrolytic self-cleaning oven is worth considering, says appliance expert Belinda Hart of Hart & Co.

“You simply choose the program on your oven and the oven temperature will rise to an extremely high temperature, which then turns any residue into a fine layer of ash that is simply wiped away,” she says.

Belinda says combination steam ovens are another worthwhile inclusion for keen cooks. “The addition of steam allows for pastries to have the perfect amount of flakiness, meats to remain juicy and moist, crusty breads, one-pan tray bakes and risottos, and crispy roast chicken, along with excellent baking benefits.”

Filtered water taps that deliver chilled still and sparkling water and boiling water on tap are another luxury that makes a real difference day to day.

Explore more at Home Base Design & Build Centre

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