Modern Kitchen Design

Design Your Dream Kitchen: Essential Tips for a Modern Space

Modern kitchen design is all about clean lines, functionality, and creating a space that inspires culinary creativity. If you're looking to transform your kitchen into a sleek and stylish haven, here are some key tips from our design experts to get you started

Creating the Perfect Layout 

Modern Kitchen Triangle

Ergonomic flow in action between the fridge, sink and cooking.

Open Concept, Modern kitchens favour open layouts that promote a sense of spaciousness and connection to other living areas. This can be achieved by removing non-load-bearing walls, incorporating breakfast bars, or using strategic partitions.

The Work Triangle, Ensure a smooth workflow by positioning your sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular formation that minimises unnecessary steps.

U Shape

Efficient use of space, especially in square or rectangular rooms.

Good for open concept layouts with breakfast bars.

Maintains a clear work triangle.

Island

Most storage and counter space of all the layouts.

Excellent for multiple cooks with defined work zones.

Promotes efficient workflow with a well-planned work triangle.

L Shape Kitchen

Efficient use of space, especially in square or rectangular rooms.

Good for open concept layouts with breakfast bars.

Maintains a clear work triangle.

Parallel/Galley Kitchen

Good for narrow spaces, maximises use of opposite walls.

Easy to maintain a clear work triangle.

Can be budget-friendly due to less cabinetry needed.

Peninsula Kitchen

Increases counter space, storage, and seating options.

Defines the kitchen area in open floor plans.

Improves workflow and allows for interaction while cooking.

Single Wall

Creates a multi-functional workspace for cooking, prep, or socialising.

Increases storage and potential seating options.

Improves traffic flow in open concept kitchens.

Material Matches Purpose

High Density Materials

We use high pressure laminated engineered materials that offer excellent stability, moisture resistance, and a smooth surface ideal for modern finishes. This enhances durability, scratch resistance, and the overall visual appeal of the kitchen.

Contrasting Material

Stone tops and high density material boards and flat seams minimize chipping.

Textured Surfaces

High density engineered wood ensures and machine made cutting and assembly ensures long lasting fronts.

Waterproof material around sink

No wood around the sink eliminates swelling or material degradation from water damage.

Granite Countertops

Exremely hard working surface that can be used for food preparation, hot pans without damage. Keep knives on cutting surfaces as these will dull blades.

Designing a modern kitchen requires marrying style with functionality.  Skimp on materials, and your dream kitchen can turn into a nightmare. Poor choices can clash visually, dent & scratch easily, be awkward to use, and last a few at best.  Low-grade materials might save money upfront, but they will lead to more maintenance, repairs, and replacements down the road. Invest in high-quality elements – from countertops to hardware and cabinet materials – to create a beautiful, lasting kitchen.

Countertops Quartz offers a durable, low-maintenance option with a luxurious feel. Concrete or stainless steel can add an industrial edge, while wood countertops bring warmth and a natural touch.

Cabinets Opt for sleek, flat-panel cabinets with integrated pulls for a minimalist look. Consider high-gloss finishes, wood veneers, or contrasting materials, surfaces, textures and colours to add personality and style. Play with the light/dark contrast for dynamic effect. Eg. Pair dark wood fronts with white countertops, or use a dark-toned stone countertop against white wood cabinets.

Durable Surface Selection

• Quartz offers a highly durable, low-maintenance option with a luxurious feel. 

• Concrete or stainless steel can add an industrial edge

• Wood countertops bring warmth and a natural touch. 

• Consider using a contrasting backsplash material like textured tile or mosaic to highlight the countertop.

Appliances

Slimline dishwasher

These are great space savers in a kitchen when space is at a premium, these come in really handy.

Raised washer & Dryer

When raising the appliances storage spaces becomes available above and below the units.

Built in Appliance

The front of the appliance is covered with the same material as the rest of the kitchen. Allowing the appliances to seamlessly integrate into your kitchen.

Appliance swing door

Be sure to leave space for a swing door to hide your appliances, this also helps a little bit with noise dampening.

Appliance Integration: Built-in appliances create a seamless look and free up valuable counter space, these are relatively big objects when considering the kitchen layout. Consider a raising the appliances (around 450-600 mm to eliminate the need to bend down while loading and unloading. The space below can now be used for storage as well.

Dishes: No one likes dirty dishes, if it is easier to clean you probably will. Position a raised dishwasher near the sink and consider adding in a spring mixer tap to prewash dirty cups and dishes to aid in quick easy cleaning and easy access to cleaning supplies.

Positioning main appliances: Build slightly above waist height approximately 900mm, such as the cooker, and store large pots and pans nearby so they are easy to reach and their heavy weights won’t affect your cooking experience. The goal is to cook easily, not reorganise the whole kitchen every time you cook.

Air fryers, Ovens, Microwaves: Ideally, position built-in ovens and microwaves at chest height around 900-1200 mm for easy access without bending, or creating awkward weights over heights to avoid that awkward hot tray squat, again the goal is to cook not get an exercise. 

Lighting & Hardware

Hardware: Opt for minimalist pullout or even handleless cabinets with push-to-open mechanisms elevate the modern aesthetic.

Lighting: Layered lighting is key. Include recessed lighting, pendant lights over the island, and under-cabinet lighting for task illumination.

Ergonomics

Handless Kitchen

Cleaning Organizer

Handless door

Pull out drawer organiser

Storage Solutions: Utilise pull-out drawers, deep shelves, and organisers to make the most of your space and keep things within easy reach.

Hidden Helpers: Consider built-in trash bins, spice racks, or appliance garages to minimise countertop clutter.

Technology Conveniences

Countertop extractor fan

Countertop fans are a hidden gem in the kitchen. Their close proximity to cooking surfaces effectively capture smoke and grease before they rise and spread, keeping your kitchen fresher. Plus, they retract neatly into the counter when not in use, minimizing cleaning and maximizing counter space - a perfect pop-up solution for modern kitchens.

Cabinet Lighting

Kitchen cabinet lights banish under-counter shadows, making food prep a breeze. They showcase your ingredients and add a touch of luxury, turning everyday tasks into a culinary spotlight.

Pop Up Sockets

Pop-up sockets in your kitchen keep counters clutter-free. No more tangled cords! They rise when needed for appliances, then discreetly vanish, leaving a sleek, modern look and maximizing workspace.

Double ovens

They offer independent temperature control, allowing for simultaneous preparation of various dishes. This optimizes workflow, especially for elaborate meals, ideal for accommodate big roasts or baking trays, all in one place.

High-Tech Options: Downdraft ventilation keeps the air clear, as the smoke has less distance to travel while maintaining a sleek look. Downdraft ventilation often doesn’t require large bulky extractors and can be cleaned easily, freeing up more space for storage and organisation. 

Double Ovens: If you love to bake or entertain, a double oven provides extra cooking flexibility, or mix it up with an air fryer or microwave for quicker cooks when you want quick meals.

Coffee, Tea & Bar Stations

Contrasting Colours

Large Coffee Station

Glass Cabinet

Pull out drawers

Minimal Design

Backsplash

Dedicated Beverage Center: Carve out a space for your coffee maker, kettle, or even a built-in espresso machine

Undercounter Beverage Fridge: Keep drinks chilled and easily accessible without sacrificing valuable counter space.

Preparation & Storage: Having a separate station frees up space keeping the drinks easy and accessible as these are higher traffic areas, keeping the cooking space decluttered.

By incorporating these tips, you can design a modern kitchen that perfectly reflects your style and cooking needs. Remember, a modern kitchen doesn't have to be cold or sterile, it's about being highly functional to your needs and style. Play with textures, colours, and statement pieces to create a space that's both beautiful and functional.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your dream modern kitchen!