Kitchen Design
A Few Things to Consider When Designing your New Kitchen
A well-designed kitchen can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your home — but most importantly, to how it functions. Even if cooking isn’t your thing, the kitchen still plays a central role in daily life, which is why it’s so important to get it right.
Another key consideration is how your kitchen can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier home. In Australia, residential buildings account for over 10% of the country's carbon emissions and consume around 24% of total energy use. Thoughtful choices like low-VOC finishes, responsibly sourced materials, and energy-efficient appliances can reduce your environmental footprint while supporting your wellbeing.
So, if you're planning a kitchen renovation, this guide outlines the essential things to consider — layout, storage, lighting, budget, health, and sustainability. I’ve also included a downloadable checklist at the end to help you stay on track throughout the design process.
Define Your Goals
In the early stages of designing a new kitchen, it’s important to define your goals and outline what you really need from the space. What’s working well in your current kitchen? What isn’t? By understanding how you cook, live, and move through the space, you can start to make informed decisions about how your new kitchen should function.
Budget is another key consideration. In Australia, a new kitchen typically starts at around $45,000, with high-end renovations reaching well beyond that. It’s also wise to set aside an additional 10–20% as a contingency for unexpected costs.
You’ll also want to think about timing. When do you need the kitchen finished by? Will you be living in the house during the renovation? These factors will affect both the design process and the construction schedule.
Assess the Space
Once you have a clear idea of your goals, the next step is to assess the existing space. This includes taking accurate measurements, noting the position of windows and doors, recording ceiling heights, and identifying architectural details such as cornices. These elements all influence how the new kitchen will fit within the space.
You’ll also need to consider the existing services — water, waste, gas and electricity — as these will determine what can be retained or what needs to be relocated.
Plan the Layout
With the space assessed, you can begin exploring layout options. Whether your kitchen ends up as a galley, L-shape, U-shape, or includes an island, the goal is to create a layout that works for both the room and your lifestyle.
One of the key principles at this stage is the ‘work triangle’ — the relationship between the sink, cooktop, and fridge — which helps ensure efficient movement between tasks. You’ll also want to allow at least 1200mm between benches for comfortable circulation space.
Other considerations include the outlook from the kitchen, access to natural light, and how the kitchen connects with surrounding spaces like dining or living areas — especially in open-plan homes.
Appliance Selection
It’s important to choose your appliances early in the design process. This allows their dimensions and installation requirements to be fully integrated into your cabinetry and services layout. It also means you can place orders early to avoid any delivery delays.
Appliances account for around 40% of household electricity use, so they’re a significant consideration in both functionality and sustainability. Look for high-quality appliances with strong WELS and energy star ratings, not only will they perform better, but they’re likely to last longer and save you money in the long run. It’s also wise to look for brands that offer generous warranties, are easy to service, and have parts that are readily available.
If you're currently using gas, now is a great time to reconsider. With gas prices rising and Australia working towards Net Zero, transitioning to an all-electric kitchen (with an end goal of green energy) makes sense. Induction cooktops are efficient, safe, and responsive — and research shows that switching from gas also benefits indoor air quality, especially for children.
Joinery & Storage
As part of the early planning stages, it’s worth going through the process of recording everything you need to store in your new kitchen. This is also the perfect opportunity to declutter — to let go of anything you no longer use or need. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your storage requirements and can begin to plan your cabinetry with purpose.
Think about where your food will be stored, which cupboards or drawers will hold small appliances, where your pots and pans will go, how many bins you’ll need, and where cleaning products should be stored. This step can be time-consuming, but it’s essential to achieving a kitchen that functions well day-to-day.
Another key decision is what materials to use for your joinery. Ask your suppliers about low or no VOC options like MDF or plywood made with formaldehyde-free resins, which reduce off-gassing and improving indoor air quality.
Benchtops & Splashbacks
Benchtops come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own aesthetic, durability, and environmental profile. Consider FSC-certified timber, low-silica engineered stone, recycled materials, or Australian granite, depending on your concept and budget.
The same applies to splashbacks — whether you prefer handmade tiles, simple ceramics, glass, stone, or stainless steel, your choice should suit the overall look and function of the space.
Practically speaking, benchtops should be a minimum of 600mm deep — but I recommend at least 650mm to comfortably fit modern cooktops and sinks.
Sinks & Tapware
These are workhorses of the kitchen, so aim for durability and timeless style.
When choosing a sink, decide between a single or double bowl, and whether you want a side drainer. Undermount sinks offer a clean, modern look, while drop-in styles are often more practical and forgiving.
For tapware, consider both function and finish. Choose taps made from durable, recyclable materials like stainless steel, and aim for a WELS rating of at least 4 stars. Brass is also recyclable, but may contribute to elevated lead levels, so it's best to avoid where possible.
If budget allows, consider integrated filtered water taps like the Zip HydroTap — a convenient and sustainable alternative to bottled water.
Lighting Design
Good lighting design starts with maximising natural daylight combined with well-designed, energy efficient electric lighting. Not only does this lower energy consumption, but it also improves the overall quality of light and mood in your home.
Ambient lighting provides general illumination (usually ceiling-mounted downlights). Task lighting targets food prep areas like benches and cooktops. Accent lighting adds character — think pendant lights or LED strips to highlight splashbacks or open shelves.
A layered lighting scheme supports your circadian rhythm — bright and functional during the day, softer and calming in the evening. Dimmers or smart controls can help tailor light levels throughout the day.
Use LEDs wherever possible for energy savings and longevity. Motion sensors are also useful in pantries or utility areas to conserve energy.
Food Waste
If you live in a council area that composts food waste, you can integrate a food scraps bin into a multi-bin sorting system within your kitchen joinery. This allows you to easily separate waste into different streams — recycling, general waste, and compost — all neatly concealed in large drawers or cupboards. It’s a practical solution that makes it easy to sort rubbish as you cook.
Ventilation
Not the most exciting part of kitchen design, but a good-quality, ducted rangehood is essential — especially in open-plan homes. Choose one that vents to the outside (not a recirculating model), and if possible, opt for a roof-mounted motor for quieter performance. It makes a noticeable difference to indoor air quality, helping to remove cooking fumes and excess humidity more effectively.
Documentation
To bring all of these design decisions together and ensure they’re implemented correctly during construction, detailed documentation is essential. This typically includes a floor plan and elevations, custom joinery drawings, an electrical and lighting plan, an appliance schedule, and a finishes schedule. These drawings and schedules provide clear guidance for your builder and trades, helping to avoid misunderstandings, ensure quality, and keep the project running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Designing a kitchen is a significant investment — not just financially, but in the way it shapes your daily life. A well-designed kitchen should feel effortless to use, reflect your personal style, and support your values around health, sustainability, and comfort. By planning carefully and making informed choices, you’ll create a kitchen that’s not only beautiful, but truly works for the way you live — now and into the future. Whether you’re renovating or starting from scratch, I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about the process ahead.
Get the Free Checklist & Stay in Touch
Planning a kitchen renovation? Download my free Kitchen Design Checklist to help guide you through the key decisions — from layout and lighting to materials and sustainability. It's a practical tool designed to keep you organised and confident throughout the process.
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References & Further Reading
Your Home – Australian Government Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes
Green Building Council of Australia – Green Star Interiors
WELL Building Standard – International WELL Building Institute.
Choice Australia – Energy Ratings and Appliance Reviews
New Scientist - Lead in Australia's drinking water is leaching from brass taps.
DCCEEW - Residential Buildings
HOUZZ - What's New in Eco Alternatives for Kitchen Carcasses