Your Top 8 Kitchen Renovation Questions Answered
Overwhelmed by all the decisions?
Design your perfect kitchen with tips from the experts.
SUSAN HASLER, HEAD OF INSTORE EXPERIENCE & DESIGN AT KINSMAN, ANSWERS KEY QUESTIONS OUR DESIGNERS WILL DISCUSS WITH YOU DURING YOUR FREE DESIGN APPOINTMENT.
1. WHAT’S THE BEST KITCHEN LAYOUT?
“This will depend on the space you have available. The three most common kitchen designs for maximising space, efficiency and functionality are the island kitchen, which combines seating, a cooktop, sink and appliances in one design for open-plan living; the U-shaped kitchen, perfect for smaller spaces such as apartments; and the L-shaped kitchen, a versatile, social layout often featuring an island or dining table.”
2. HOW DO I PICK MY CABINETRY STYLE?
“Picking your cabinetry style is all about the look you want to create for your kitchen. Kinsman offers a wide range of designs, from classic shaker doors and textured fluted or panelled cabinets to sleek, flat no-profile options for a modern feel. All doors and drawers are soft-closing and available in a variety of stylish colours, so your kitchen can be as practical as it is beautiful.”
3. SHOULD I STICK WITH WHITE, OR GO COLOURFUL?
“The kitchen is the heart of your home, so you want to love the colour for years to come. Neutral, light kitchens stand the test of time and can make smaller spaces feel larger, so white is always a great choice. I especially love warmer, natural whites. If you love colour, consider a two-toned design, timber tones or timeless shades of blue or green.”
4. WHAT’S THE BEST BENCHTOP MATERIAL?
“No matter your style, Kinsman offers a wide range of benchtop surfaces that will create a look you’ll love, from premium reinvented laminates to mineral and other materials that beautifully mimic marble, concrete, timber and more, giving your kitchen a luxurious and timeless feel.”
5. WHERE SHOULD MY FRIDGE GO?
“Your fridge should be positioned for easy use and efficient movement in the kitchen. Make sure it’s on a direct path to the sink and cooktop, and choose a spot that’s simple to reach, since it’s the appliance you’ll access most often.
Place your refrigerator where there is access to set down goods and where it flows naturally with food preparation. Allow enough clearance for doors to open fully and consider surrounding bench space to make unpacking groceries and daily use more convenient.”
6. DO I NEED A BUTLER’S PANTRY?
“Including a butler’s pantry depends on your space and kitchen requirements. If you love to entertain, a butler’s pantry can be a ‘must-have’, letting you hide mess from guests and providing an additional cooking and prep area separate from your main kitchen.
However, great design is formed around smart storage, and a separate pantry may not even be necessary. With clever storage solutions like pull-out pantries, integrated bins, and deep inner drawers, you can achieve all the storage you need without requiring an extra pantry zone.”
7. UNDER-BENCH OR WALL OVEN?
“Both are great options, and it really depends on how you like to cook,” says Susan. “Under-bench ovens are perfect if you want a classic setup with your cooktop above- they save bench space and look seamless in a kitchen.
Wall ovens, on the other hand, are ideal if you bake often or like easy access, as they sit at eye level and save you from bending down.
Ultimately, it’s about what works best for your layout and your cooking style- either way, you get a functional, stylish oven that fits beautifully into your kitchen.”
8. THE RANGEHOOD: ON DISPLAY OR HIDDEN?
“It really comes down to how you cook and the overall look you want to achieve. Both options work beautifully.
A concealed rangehood keeps the kitchen feeling streamlined and cohesive, blending into the cabinetry for a seamless finish. Alternatively, a statement rangehood on display can create a striking focal point and add personality to the space.”
