Sometimes, the key to a successful kitchen renovation is knowing how to deliver the most efficient and effective kitchen without compromising on style. According to kitchen designer Gavin Rudd, families don’t always know if there’s a better way to use their kitchen when they’re renovating. Rudd thinks that there are a few important rules that families should keep in mind if they want to create a kitchen that’s both fabulous and functional at the same time.
Whether you’re planning a full home renovation or simply looking for more ideas, creating your dream kitchen comes down to balancing your personal style, budget and available space. Choices around colour, texture, storage and light can all matter when creating a functional yet stylish space.
Rediscover the Butler’s Pantry
TThe butler’s pantry has started to appear more often in the last few seasons of The Block in various display homes around the country. These pantries are great for hiding the mess of the kitchen, and they can create a second room for dinner prep too. However, these rooms aren’t always super useful, and they may not be ideal for your kitchen.
Open-plan kitchens are designed to help people socialise with their friends and family while they cook. This means that you could be banishing yourself to a walk-in cupboard when you cook with a butler’s pantry so that you avoid messing up the actual kitchen. Rudd thinks these rooms are best suited to mansions, not regular homes.
Where available space is limited, alternatives such as pull-out pantries can make use of narrow gaps and provide extra storage without requiring a separate room. Using cabinetry that extends towards the ceiling can also capture unused upper wall space and help create maximised storage.
Go Beyond the Golden Triangle
According to Rudd, the working triangle was invented in the 1940s, and although it’s still relevant, there’s a lot of room for improvement. For instance, you can use the space in your kitchen in a host of different ways depending on how many ovens you have, whether you have a dishwasher, and so on. This could mean that you need to disconnect your pantry items and include them in the kitchen space.
For instance, it might be helpful to have spices and oils near the cooktop. Additionally, baking zones could be near the oven, with cups and spoons for measuring. What’s more, cutlery and dinnerware should be stored close to your dishwasher so you can unpack it more easily.
Increase Drawer Size
Rudd noted that drawers can be costlier than cupboards, but it’s a good idea to stock up if you can. The party in the kitchen often happens below the benchtop, and drawers are great for using the entire space properly. Rudd says that if you’ve ever worried about overloading drawers, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that drawer runners are often stronger than we think. Stick to durable runners and you’ll be fine.
Vertical storage is another way to make better use of the kitchen. Full-height cabinetry can take advantage of otherwise unused space, while pull-out storage can help accommodate everyday kitchen essentials without sacrificing valuable bench space. Consider these options during the cabinetry and construction planning stage so they can be incorporated into the overall layout.
Create Corner Cupboards
Unless you’re working with a galley-style kitchen, you might need to contend with the limitations of the corner cupboard. However, kitchen design has evolved to allow for some clever solutions with this storage area. For instance, you can install adjustable shelves that are shallower than the typical cupboard depth, which works well for storing items that you don’t use frequently, like slow cookers and food processing tools.
Additionally, Rudd says that if you want to store larger items in your corner unit, then you can try using a Lazy Susan carousel or a LeMans corner unit. Both options are great for things that you need to access regularly, like pots and pans.
Rotating shelves and Lazy Susans can turn awkward corners into useful extra storage, helping you make better use of the space already available rather than leaving difficult-to-reach areas unused.
Think About Colour and Lighting
Functionality isn’t only about storage and layout. The right light, colour and texture can influence how comfortable and practical a kitchen feels. Neutral palettes remain a timeless option and can provide a flexible base for adding your own personal style through finishes, cabinetry and accessories.
Lighting also deserves careful consideration, particularly in a smaller kitchen. Task lighting over preparation areas, under-cabinet lighting and good general lighting can make the workspace easier to use while helping the kitchen feel brighter and more open.
Find the Right Rangehood and Cooktop
Rangehoods are a common concern in the kitchen; however, people generally don’t know how to use these items correctly. The systems that work well for gas cooking won’t necessarily work properly for an induction cooktop. Additionally, gas cooktops warm up the splashback and nearby cupboards. Induction uses cold cooking, so the surfaces around the induction stay cool when the heat produced by cooking hits the cookware. Additionally, the rangehood needs rigid ducting to suit gas cooking.
If motor noise is an issue, you can consider an undermount rangehood housed in a soundproof cupboard, or a rangehood with an external motor if necessary. It’s also worth turning the fans on a good five minutes before you start cooking to create a vortex of air.
Your cooktop and rangehood should also be considered early in the kitchen design process. Their dimensions, installation requirements and position can affect cabinetry, bench space and the overall layout, so check the product specifications before finalising your plans. If you’re undertaking a larger renovation, discussing these requirements during your design consultation or with the relevant trades can help determine what your space can accommodate.
Bringing Your Kitchen Design Together
There isn’t one formula for the perfect kitchen. Your layout, available space, cooking habits, storage requirements and budget all play a part. Whether you’re adding an island, creating maximised storage or simply introducing better lighting, focus on choices that make the kitchen work for your household while still reflecting your personal style.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore Goldline’s kitchen appliances and discover options for different layouts, cooking styles and spaces.
