Mrs. Grace Salera has always loved her kitchen garage, from the time she was just a little girl growing up with Calabrian parents in the north of Melbourne. Now she’s introducing the trend of having an entire kitchen set up in a garage to the rest of Melbourne, too.
A Second Kitchen for Family Cooking
While Salera’s pristine white kitchen remains clean most of the time, it’s the garage kitchen that feeds seven grandchildren and a family of four. According to Mrs. Salera, the family uses the second kitchen all the time, as it’s just so convenient cooking with big pots. Although it’s still important to clean up after yourself in a garage kitchen, you’re less worried about people having fun with their cooking.
From Carport to Garage Conversion
The Saleras transformed their carport into a garage eight years ago, building a wall so that they could separate their planned cooking space from their parking. The kitchen was then renovated and the old one was moved into the garage.
Today, a garage conversion like this can offer homeowners another way to make better use of available space. However, anyone considering a kitchen conversion should plan the project carefully. The layout, ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical requirements, safety, and applicable local building codes and other building codes should all be considered before work begins.
Planning a Kitchen Conversion
However, anyone considering a kitchen conversion should plan the project carefully. The layout, ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical requirements, safety, and applicable local building codes and other building codes should all be considered before work begins.
The property, proposed kitchen design, appliance choices and homeowner’s individual preferences will determine the right approach.
Therefore, homeowners should check the applicable requirements and engage appropriately qualified professionals for any electrical, gas, plumbing or building work.
From the Garden to the Garage Kitchen
To make the experience even more amazing, husband Mick manages a chicken coop and fruit and vegetable garden on the property, keeping the distance from farm to plate incredibly short. Across Melbourne’s northern region, more people are creating garage kitchens to keep their main kitchens clean while enjoying greater freedom with their cooking.
Convenience of a Dedicated Second Kitchen
For some households, having a dedicated second cooking area is simply about convenience. A well-planned space can accommodate everyday cooking, larger family gatherings or the big pots and dishes that may be less practical in the main kitchen. Choosing practical, durable surfaces and appliances that suit the available space can also help create a kitchen that works for the household over the long term.
If you’re considering your own layout, our Kitchen Design Ideas guide explores different ways to balance functionality, style and available kitchen space.
A Melbourne Tradition with Migrant Roots
Ms. Helen Sartinas documented the new garage kitchen phenomenon in Melbourne in her new book. Sartinas grew up with a garage kitchen celebrated by her Greek family in Coburg. The concept intrigued her, so she started exploring other garage kitchens in the surrounding area. In the 1950s, many migrants who grew up on farms transformed their garages into ambitious kitchen spaces. Ms. Sartinas even traveled as far as Italy to see if garage kitchens were unique to the Melbourne migrant experience for instance.
Are Garage Kitchens Unique to Melbourne?
In Italy, she found families were more likely to source products from local experts. They were less likely to cook for themselves at home.
Meanwhile, experts in the real estate industry aren’t sure whether garage kitchens are actually adding value to a property. However, that’s not necessarily the point of the extra kitchen space. The whole family can enjoy a cosy and welcoming space. At the same time, children can get involved in cooking without making too much of a mess.
Planning a Garage Kitchen Today
For modern homeowners, converting part of a garage into a kitchen can be an opportunity to elevate an underused area and create a warm, practical space for cooking and spending time together.
Before starting, consider:
- How much available space you have and the type of kitchen layout it can accommodate.
- Whether the proposed kitchen design provides enough preparation, cooking and storage space.
- Ventilation and safety requirements for the appliances you plan to install.
- Gas, plumbing and electrical requirements, including whether appliances require a dedicated electrical circuit.
- Applicable local building codes, permits and other regulatory requirements.
- Materials and appliances that provide the quality and durable finish you want for the space.
- The expected duration of the conversion and whether professional trades will be required.
For anyone considering induction as part of a new kitchen, Goldline’s Induction Cooktop Installation Guide provides additional information about installation and electrical considerations.
Does a Garage Kitchen Add Value?
As the Saleras’ story shows, the appeal of a second kitchen isn’t necessarily about increasing a home’s sale price. Its significant value may instead come from the additional functionality and convenience it provides to the people living there.
For potential buyers, an additional kitchen may be attractive when it is thoughtfully designed and suitable for their lifestyle. Others, on the otherhand, may have different preferences for how they would use the garage space. Because every property and buyer is different, homeowners shouldn’t assume that completing a garage kitchen conversion will automatically increase a property’s market value. Instead, the goal may be simple. Complete a space that works better for your household.
For more inspiration on making a kitchen practical as well as inviting, explore our Top Tips for Maximising Kitchen Functionality.
