Kitchen Planning Guide

INTRO

Not sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This complete renovation guide will give you all of the ins and outs of a dream kitchen makeover.

At Homedec, we truly believe that every Australian should have the opportunity to love their kitchen without breaking the bank. We’re not going to lie, it can be a big job. There’s lots of planning, designing and installing which is exactly why we’ve laid out these steps in an easy-to-read guide.

This guide gives you all the trade secrets and know-how in one handy little resource that you can refer back to over and over again. Here, you’ll learn the step-by-step process for a general kitchen renovation and get access to loads of tips, tricks and advice.

If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you.As one of Australia’s largest kitchen specialists, we pride ourselves in giving you the whole kit and kaboodle,including the expertise.

Step 1. Plan & Design

managing your renovation

Think about what aspects of your renovation you want to do yourself (D.I.Y.) and what you want to outsource to a cabinet maker for a full custom kitchen. You can
D.I.Y. most, some or none of the process, depending on your budget, time and skill level.

Here are some pros and cons of each process:

D.I.Y. pros – you’ll save money and feel a great sense of achievement at the end.

D.I.Y. cons – you’ll be learning along the way and there can be the odd hiccup. You’ll need some time and patience to navigate through the process.

Cabinet maker pros – your chosen provider should handle the entire process for you, simple!

Cabinet maker cons – can be expensive and you have less control over the process.

Or, you could get the best of both worlds. For example, you could measure and design your kitchen but outsource the rest. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to
project manage your tradespeople but you’ll save money and feel great pride and satisfaction in your new kitchen.

Remember, you’ll always need licenced professionals for any gas, plumbing and electrical works.

budget

Let’s get down to business. It’s vital that you understand your spending capabilities prior to undertaking your kitchen project, so you can budget accordingly.

This table is designed to give you an overview of where your budget will be used in the kitchen renovation process. It gives you the opportunity to prepare your cost allocation and establish where you might be able to save some money. Remember to keep a portion of your budget aside for any unforeseen costs or circumstances.

A fully installed kitchen can cost anywhere from $5,000 right up to $90,000 if your budget allows. On average, a completed Australian kitchen will cost approximately $25,000.

Generally speaking, flatpack and DIY kitchens are on the lower end of the cost scale but this does not mean you have to skimp on style. Visit the Homedec inspiration gallery for some stylish and cost-effective kitchen ideas.

Once you know your spending limit, you’ll need to do your own research and get your own quotes. Keep in mind that you may not need to budget for all of the items in the table as they may not be applicable to your build.

Above all else, remember that renovating your kitchen is an investment in your home, re-sell value and lifestyle.

kitchen products - knowing what’s out there and how to choose

A kitchen is a sizeable investment of both your time and money so you’ll want to be prepared. Do your research across different retailers to get an understanding of the most common kitchen products. Then, you can start to formulate what matters most to you.

cabinets
Find cabinets certified with the AFRDI tick, the AS/NZ gold standard for furniture construction, safety and strength. It is a good idea to ensure your cabinets have a solid back construction for a sturdy and durable frame. Look out for cabinets with pre-drilled holes to make life easier when assembling and, of course, make
sure you’re getting the best warranty available. Some clever kitchen companies even offer customisable options on modular flatpack systems. This can help you
achieve the perfect fit for your kitchen space and can be a more affordable solution than a full custom kitchen.

benchtops
Benchtops range considerably in price depending on the material, look and texture. If you’re looking for a versatile, economical option, there’s plenty of realistic stone lookalikes on the market that are created with laminate or acrylic material. Other options include real timber, polished concrete, granite or porcelain. One of the most popular options is engineered stone, it will add value to your home but can be an expensive outlay.

doors
Different door colours and profiles offer a completely different look and style to your kitchen space. If you’re after a sleek, modern look then choose a flat seamless profile, but if you’re after say a costal or classic style kitchen then choose a profile with subtle detailing to help add texture and character.

Then, you have a choice of door materials. The two most popular options are melamine and vinyl (also known as thermoformed). Melamine provides a true
square edge and is considered to be a durable and cost effective option. Thermoformed doors and panels use a vinyl coating that is heat wrapped around the face of the panel, providing a seamless finish with no exposed corners. Easy to clean and maintain, you can choose between various profile options.

If you’re feeling creative, there’s also paint your own door options which can be a cost effective solution so you can achieve the exact colour you’re after.

hardware
Hinges can be have a big influence on the functionality of your kitchen. Standard hinges are a great choice but other reliable choices such as soft close and push to open hinges might better suit your functionality needs. Soft closing hinges provide a smooth and silent closing option for your doors and cabinets. Push-to-open hinges allow your kitchen to achieve the sleek, ‘handle-less’ look. If you do want handles for your doors, drawers and cabinets, make sure you choose handles that will compliment your colour and style choices throughout your kitchen.

splashbacks
Are available in many forms depending on your preferred style and budget. The most common forms of splashback are tile and glass. Alternative options for your splashback include copper, exposed brick, timber, marble and pressed metal.

planning and timing checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you plan your kitchen.

We’ve also given you a rough indication of the time you should allocate to each step so you can plan around your end goal. For example, do you want to complete your renovation by a certain month or in time for a special event? Planning ahead will make your renovation as smooth as possible but our best
advice is to plan for the unexpected. Sometimes life can throw you some curveballs so factor in some extra time so you’re not too stressed!

measure your kitchen – 1 day
collect inspiration once you understand the size of your space – 1-3 days
work out your budget and get some quotes – 4 weeks
sort out your appliances – up to 4 weeks
complete your design – 1-2 weeks
get it delivered – average 4 weeks (every supplier will be different)
work out how you’ll live without your kitchen
organise a skip bin – 1 day
remove your old kitchen – 1-3 days
install your new kitchen – up to 2 weeks
invite your family and friends over to show off your handywork and enjoy your brand new kitchen!

approximate time from start to completion – 12 weeks.

measuring up your kitchen

The first step to planning your new kitchen is understanding the space you have to work with, so you can maximise every nook and cranny! Here is your guide on how to accurately measure your kitchen space, as well as some top tips to help you along the way.

double check
Ever heard of the saying, measure twice and cut once? That applies here too. We always recommend measuring your kitchen space twice over, just in case you missed something.

rely on good tools
Your tape measure will be your trusty friend for measuring your kitchen space. Make sure you own a good tape measure that’s free from kinks and bends.
Manual tape measures will do the trick, but for keen DIY’ers digital measuring tools are a great alternative.

record your specs
It sounds obvious but make sure you accurately record your measurements. A scrap piece of paper will work, or, if you have access to a printer, you can download and print our grid sheet here. It will assist you to record and layout your kitchen measurements more accurately.

be accurate
Remember, you don’t have to measure your benchtops or cabinets that are currently installed. These will eventually be replaced and potentially moved to a
different position depending on your new layout. As such, just stay focused on the kitchen space itself and measuring the items listed on the next page.

keep it consistent
Write down your dimensions in one type of metric. Millimetres is the best option to be consistent with all trade and hardware products.

architraves
Always measure to the outside of the architraves as they need to be taken into account. Architraves are the frames around your doorways and windows.

know your appliances
Whether you’re getting new appliances or using your existing ones, make sure you have your appliance dimensions handy (heights, widths and depths). Better
yet, ‘take note of appliance model numbers’, which will be helpful when you’re designing your new layout. It’s important to consult your appliance manufacturer’s specifications to ensure adequate clearances are allowed between cabinets and appliances.

take photos
If you’re seeking advice from a professional, have some photos of your existing kitchen handy. This will give context and clarity on the space and reveal if any
further measurements are required.

measure the correct height
Measure roughly 200mm off the ground for base cabinets and approximately 1,500mm off the ground for wall cabinets. For benchtops, measure around 900mm off the ground.

check for square
Always measure along the wall but then take another measurement 600mm off the wall to allow for measurement changes if your walls are out of square.

If your walls are not square, add wall panels or re-plaster to bring them to square.

measurements you’ll need

floor to the ceiling/bulkhead _________ mm
floor to window height _________ mm
any wall lengths, e.g. wall to wall, wall to window, wall to door (record all) _________ mm
*waste service points: wall waste pipe (WWP) to floor _________ mm, OR
floor waste pipe (FWP) to wall _________ mm
height from floor to incoming water source (usually located inside your sink cabinet) _________ mm
mark all windows with a ‘W’ (measure to the outside of the architrave)
mark all doorways with a ‘D’ or ‘SD’ (measure to the outside of the architrave)
mark the location of any service points if you can see them (sometimes they’re not accessible).
mark any light switches/power points with an ‘LS’ or ‘PP’
mark any gas service points with a ‘G’
mark any other permanent fixtures such as balustrades, beams, pillars, low ceiling

*Your waste service point is normally a 50mm PVC pipe that carries waste
water out from your kitchen sink. A waste service point will flow through
either the floor or the wall. If your waste pipe is installed on the wall you’ll
simply need to measure the distance from the floor to the pipe in the wall.
But if it flows through the floor, look inside the sink cabinet, and measure
from the middle of the pipe to the wall. Remember, you’ll always need
licenced professionals for any gas, plumbing and electrical works.

floor plan sample

note: the ‘c’ symbol (with a cross through the middle), means that the measurement is taken from the centre point.

designing your kitchen

No idea about kitchen styles or design? Don’t fancy yourself an
interior designer? Don’t stress, here’s some top tips to help you
find a style that will suit both you and your home.

Most kitchen retailers and local cabinet makers offer online, in-store or in-home design consultations. If you go for an online or in-store consultation you’ll probably need to bring your measurements to the consult, whereas a ‘measure-up’ is usually included as part of the in-home consultation process. Regardless, your provider will consult with you on your style preferences and can complete the design on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can completely design your new kitchen yourself. There’s a number of clever online design programs that can help you layout your new
kitchen from the comfort of your own home, in your own time. These programs can also be a great way to instantaneously play with colour and design to see what style you like best. Unless you’re a seasoned renovator, we recommend getting your design checked by a kitchen expert before you place your order.

style

get inspired
Start collecting inspiration – look at magazines, websites, Pinterest, Instagram and go into stores to checkout kitchen displays. Get familiar with popular kitchen styles like country, modern, industrial and scandi - there’s plenty out there!

be cohesive
When forming your style preferences consider how the kitchen style will work with the décor around the rest of your home. A simple way to achieve a designer look is to integrate a cohesive theme throughout your home. This can be as simple as using the same door profile or handles for cabinetry in your kitchen, laundry, bathroom and living space. It’s also a good idea to consider the era
of your home and match accordingly.

functionality

make your kitchen work for you
Start writing a kitchen wish list and consider the functionality of your kitchen. Are you an avid entertainer? Perhaps a big island bench will act as a central meeting point. Are you a budding chef? Maybe you need two ovens. Do you have small children? Consider soft-close door hinges.

storage
Most people want to maximise storage so here’s some tips to get the most out of your space.

Use as much wireware as you can, it’s a great way to organise and create extra space.
Use the full height of your kitchen space by stacking cabinetry.
Waste bins will conceal clutter and odours.
Minimise filler panels by being clever with your design or opting for flatpack kitchen companies that offer customisable cabinets.

check your property’s structure
If you’re considering moving your kitchen to a different room, knocking down walls or moving appliances to improve the functionality, always identify the
structural status of your property. Does your house have timber stumps or a concrete slab? Solid brick walls or timber stud walls? Which walls are load bearing?

should you customise?
Consider the size of your kitchen space, if you’re using a modular, flatpack system you’ll need to fit standard size cabinets into your given space. It’s common to use filler panels to fill gaps in your design but they can be a waste of space detracting from the overall look of the kitchen. Luckily, there’s some clever kitchen companies out there that offer customisable options on modular systems.

understand the working triangle
This is the distance between your cooktop, fridge and sink. The most effective workspaces allow 1200mm between each of these stations to minimise movement in the kitchen. Common layouts include a U-shape, L-shape, straight line, island or galley kitchen.

U-shape kitchen

The U-shape is most commonly suited to larger kitchen spaces and is the perfect layout for families who spend lots of time in the kitchen.

L-shape kitchen

The L-shape kitchen suits open plan living areas, smaller areas and long
rooms. It also enables you to move freely between the various areas within the kitchen and gives you ample benchtop working space.

L-shape island kitchen

An island in this format is most suited to larger, more spacious kitchens.
Additional cabinets and benchtop workspaces also makes this kitchen family friendly and an entertainers paradise.

straight line kitchen

The straight line kitchen is ideal for small and narrow areas, but can also comfortably accommodate larger kitchens. It’s a simple kitchen design and is often the most inexpensive.

galley kitchen

The galley kitchen is a functional kitchen design that allows you to reach all areas of the kitchen with minimal walking distance. A galley kitchen is contemporary and the choice of many chefs.

appliances

check your specs
Carefully review the specifications of your chosen appliances. All appliances must be installed according to their manufacturer’s instructions. Different appliances have separate requirements for things such as clearances and safety regulations. So, you’ll need to consider these space, placement and safety requirements whilst you’re designing your new kitchen.

compliance
Research any relevant builders codes or appliance standards that you’ll need to be compliant with. Most appliances available in major retailers will meet Australian standards but it is important to check. Builders standards can change with time and vary between Australian states, so check with your relevant builder’s authority.

end panels
Remember to use end panels either side of appliance cabinets and at the end of a run of cabinetry to hide exposed carcasses.

clearance space
Don’t forget to leave a minimum of 300mm clearance on either side of your cooktop to any pantries or panels. This clearance space is to prevent your end panels burning or developing heat damage over time. It is also important to ensure there is free space on either side of your cooktop for the handles of your pots and pans. You don’t want to burn your hands!

watch your windows
Avoid positioning cooking appliances under windows or near inward opening doors (especially gas units). You could scorch or burn window architraves, or your blinds could catch on fire.

position your appliances
Don’t place your fridge and cooking appliances next to one another to reduce energy consumption on competing hot and cold producing appliances.

important
Do not attempt to undertake gas, plumbing or electrical work yourself. Always hire a licenced professional.

Step 2. Select & Purchase

purchase your kitchen

Once you have decided on your dream kitchen design, the next
step is to purchase your kitchen.

Be sure to ask about purchase options when you’re buying your kitchen, and make sure you’re fully aware of all financial terms and conditions. Many retailers offer finance options for large purchases, or buy now, pay later solutions, but always make sure you’re making an informed decision. Refer back to your budget allocation and total amount available.

Some kitchen retailers require you to purchase your entire kitchen at once, while others give you the opportunity to purchase your items such as benchtops and splashbacks as you go. If you’ve chosen to work with a local cabinet maker, they’ll usually handle the ordering of your kitchen as part of the service.

Step 3. Delivery

If you’re going down the D.I.Y. route, there’s a few considerations for getting your kitchen home that you may want to think about. If you have decided to go for a custom kitchen, your provider should arrive with your cabinetry on the day of installation.

delivery vs pick up
Most retailers will provide home delivery for a nominal fee, or some may offer pick-up options (you’ll probably need a van, trailer, truck or ute to collect).

customisable or off-the-shelf
If you’ve chosen any customisable products, delivery is likely to take longer than off-the-shelf options. This can impact your overall renovation timeline so it’s something to think about if you’re in a hurry.

storage vs staging
Consider where you’ll store your new kitchen, you may need to make space in your home or garage. Alternatively, you can stage the purchase of your kitchen if you don’t have the space to store your unassembled items. Some people draw up their benchtop plans once their cabinets are installed. This reduces the risk of ordering your benchtop at the wrong size if your cabinet layout changes during installation. It also spreads the cost of your kitchen purchase.

prepare your assembly area
It’s a good idea to lay down some tarpaulin or painters drop sheets to avoid damage to your flooring.

Step 4. Remove & Install

how to remove your kitchen

Removing your old kitchen can be a liberating experience!
Follow our guide to make sure you do it right.

tip: how to live without your kitchen
To make things easy, create a make-shift kitchen with your microwave and fridge in another space like your dining room or garage. Do some meal prep (before you remove your kitchen), then simply heat in your microwave. You could also use your BBQ, buy prepackaged meals and make use of other rooms that still have running water, like your laundry. Easy!

pre-demolition

safety
Prepping correctly and keeping a clean workspace is really important to avoid tripping or slipping over. You also need to be safe when handling heavy tools and equipment, ask for help if lifting heavy items. Make sure you use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and if there is something you aren’t sure about, call in the professionals!

empty your kitchen
Store and label all your kitchen items so they are easy to find when your new kitchen is built.

call in the professionals
You’ll need a qualified tradesperson to turn off your electricity, water and gas. An electrician will be required to turn off your electricity, remove or relocate
powerpoints and ensure all cables are safe. Call in a plumber to turn off your water supply and install stop valves for your existing kitchen taps so you can access water throughout the rest of the house. Your plumber will also need to make sure your gas is turned off and disconnected from any gas appliances.

protect your floors
Cover your floors with hardboard or a drop cloth to prevent scratches, dents and other damage to your floors. Trust us, you’ll drop something heavy or drag
something sharp at some stage!

take down art, fixtures and fittings
Want to keep your artwork, light fittings and handles safe? Remove them, label them and store them away from the demolition area. A qualified electrician will
assist with any light fittings that need to be removed.

seal off your space
If practical, try to seal off your work zone to help keep dust and dirt out of the rest of your home.

use the right tools
Do some research and speak to the right people about what tools to use. It will keep you safer, keep your demolition cleaner and best of all will make your life
easier! Suggested tools might be a drill, hammer, pry bar or crowbar, scraper, Stanley knife and a circular saw.

hire a skip bin
Don’t forget to hire a skip or a rubbish trailer before you start demolition. There are plenty of local skip companies who will offer competitive quotes. Building
materials cannot be placed in your regular rubbish collection and you don’t want building materials lying around your home – it’s asking for trouble.

By taking your time with demolition you’ll keep your work zone safe, minimise damage to your home and save preparation time when it comes to installing your new kitchen.

remember, you’ll always need licenced professionals for any gas, plumbing and
electrical works.

demolition

PPE
Get your personal protective equipment on before you start any demolition. Make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear such as steel capped boots,
ensure you have eye protection and wear safety gloves.

sink
Carefully cut the silicone bead with a Stanley knife then use a pry bar and hammer to help lift it out. Once you have an edge out you could also use wooden planks to help leverage the sink out of place.

wall cabinets
Remove your wall cabinets before any base cabinets so that you can use the existing base cabinets as a resting point. It’s best to use at least two pairs of hands here, or a cabinet support if you have one. Firstly, locate which screws are holding your cabinet to the wall. Then start by removing the screws holding your cabinets together. After you’ve done that, carefully remove the screws that hold the cabinets to the wall and bring them to the ground. Save and label any parts for recycling or throw the old kitchen straight in the skip bin as mentioned above.

benchtops and splashbacks
Remove any screws that are holding benchtops in place. If you can lift the benchtop off then do so, otherwise you may need a pry bar to help you out. If the benchtop is too heavy for one person and you don’t have a second pair of hands to help then you could cut the benchtop into more manageable pieces.
If you have a glass splashback, we recommend using a clear PVC self adhesive film to protect yourself from the glass. Pry your splashback off the wall carefully and try to avoid any sharp shards as much as you can.

base cabinets
First, remove drawers, doors and shelves, then remove any screws that are fixing the cabinets to the walls. If the cabinets are stuck on the wall, you may need to use a pry bar to remove them. Once they are free from the wall then remove any screws that are attaching the cabinets together. Finally, take the carcass apart and store out of your work zone or throw straight in the skip bin. If the kitchen is going to be used by someone else for a second life then help them out by bagging the screws and labelling the parts as you go along.

appliances
Use a voltage tester to ensure there is no power going through any appliances before you remove them. Remember, you’ll need a licenced professional to turn
off your electricity, water and gas before taking any appliances out.

what to do with your old kitchen

out with the old

Renovating your kitchen means you’ll have old cabinets, benchtops, tiles and appliances on your hands. It’s damaging to send these items straight to landfill and there’s plenty of options for upcycling. Here are our tips for disposing of old kitchen goods responsibly.

If your kitchen cabinets, doors and benchtops are in a reasonable condition, you can either donate, sell or reuse them within your home.

sell
Try to sell your old kitchen online through marketplaces such as eBay, Gumtree or Facebook. You can also repurpose different cabinets across the home for items like TV units, home offices or garage storage.

donate
GIVIT is a national online charity which matches generosity with genuine need. They work with over 4000 charities and support organisations across Australia to ensure people and communities get what they need, when they need it. To donate, visit givit.org.au.

Or, talk to your local council and research local businesses that support communities rebuilding after recent fires and floods. A working kitchen, even if it’s outdated, would certainly be put to good use.

appliances
Fridges, freezers, microwaves, ovens, stovetops, dishwashers and other appliances can be reused or recycled. Your first option should be to check if a
second-hand dealer or local charity will accept your old appliances, or you could sell them online yourself through marketplaces such as eBay, Gumtree or Facebook.

If you have no luck with upcycling, then ensure you dispose of your old appliances through metal recycling programs, where they are shredded and
their metal is recovered. For second-hand dealers, charities and recycling options for appliances, visit recyclingnearyou.com.au/whitegoods.

tip: responsibly remove your old fridge and freezer
It’s really important to ensure old fridges and freezers are disposed of correctly and degassed to avoid harmful greenhouse gasses leaching into the atmosphere. Check with your local council waste centre for degas services.

in with the new

As well as considering responsible disposal of your old items, it’s wise to carefully dispose of the packaging from your new kitchen build, whether it’s cardboard from cabinets, plastic from tools or foam from appliances.

Australasian recycling label
Used across Australia and New Zealand, the ARL label provides you with instructions on how to responsibly dispose of each component of your packaging. It removes confusion, saves you time and reduces waste going to landfill. For more information on the ARL label, visit arl.org.au.

cardboard
Most cardboard packaging can be recycled through your kerbside bin. Check for the ARL label or with your local council if you’re unsure.

soft plastics
Many soft plastics (like bubble wrap) can be collected in a large, plastic bag and placed in a REDcycle drop off bin at supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths.

expanded polystyrene
EPS, which is often used in appliance packaging, can’t be collected in your council recycling service, however, there’s heaps of facilities that are capable of accepting all types of EPS. To find a collection facility in your state, visit www.epsa.org.au/where-can-i-recycle-eps

important
Do not place soft plastics such as bubble wrap or expanded polystyrene in your kerbside recycle bin. These items will upset the recycling process of the other
items in that bin.

For all other materials, checkout Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website, you can sort by material and location, it’s super helpful and easy to use.

installation timeline

Now that it’s time to install your kitchen, here’s a realistic timeframe for your renovation.

We suggest following the order below but you may need to be flexible as it will depend on the availability of your tradespeople. Keep in mind that the timeframes provided are averages only. Each step will depend on the extent of your renovation and a good rule of thumb is the bigger your kitchen, the more time you’ll need!

pre-assemble cabinets ready for installation - 2 days
be prepared for your plumber and electrician to disconnect services. empty cabinets of all kitchenware, unload the dishwasher and find out where your mains water meter is located. if you’re paying by the hour you don’t want these trades waiting for you to get organised - time is money! – 1 day
remove existing kitchen - 1 day
plumber and electrician to rough in new outlet positions (if required) – 1 day(allow more time if you’re changing from electricity to gas or vice versa)
install cabinets, doors and panels – 3-5 days
install benchtop - 1 day
plumber and electrician to fit off new appliances - ½ day
optional - plasterer, this will depend on the extent of your job - 1-2 days
optional - tiler for splashback, this will depend on the extent of your job - 1-2 days
optional - painter, this will depend on the extent of your job - 1-2 days

approximate installation timeline – 11 – 17 days.

installation tips

keep a clean and clear working space
Ensure your new kitchen area is clear and as free of clutter as possible. There will be lots of items to unpack and assemble and you don’t want any confusion.

level your walls and cabinets.
Always remember to check your walls are level and even before you install your new kitchen. If your walls are not level, add filler panels or re-plaster to bring them to square, this will allow a plumb finish for your new kitchen cabinets. Most kitchen cabinets have adjustable footers which allow you to achieve a level finish on your base cabinets where your floor may be on a slight fall.

remove architraves
Where necessary to achieve a flush finish to your walls.

follow instructions
It sounds simple right? Instructions provide necessary safety guidelines which need to be followed. Following instructions will allow you to efficiently install your kitchen without unnecessary mistakes, costing you time and money.

use the correct tools
Here is a guide on what tools are generally required when installing a kitchen.

paint and plaster
Repair all plaster and paint your walls and ceiling before installing your new kitchen. It will be much easier to carry out these repairs in an empty room. Then, just touch up any extra spots as required.

check your water, power and gas services
You’ll need a qualified tradesperson to turn off your electricity, water and gas to your kitchen during the installation process.

seek assistance
When in doubt – seek further information from your kitchen provider’s website or call in a professional.

Step 5. Share & After sale

styling tips for your kitchen

Once your kitchen has been installed, add the finishing touches to achieve your desired look and feel, completing your brand new space.

Revisit your initial style goals and understand current trends using magazines, Pinterest, Instagram and kitchen displays as inspiration. Think about what soft furnishings will compliment your space. This is your opportunity to add the ‘icing on the cake’.

keep it clean
Declutter and maximise your working kitchen space with accessories for hidden and off bench storage. By concealing everyday items with wireware and using
hanging storage accessories you can easily free up bench space to add functionality.

personalise your space
Open shelving can be used as stylish storage solutions and as a design feature. Create this look with steel frame shelves or introduce a new material element with complementary-tone panels. Display personal items like cookbooks, candles and plants to add your own creative flair. Your kitchen is the heartbeat of your home, make it your own.

create a cohesive look
Ensure cohesion and a designer look by applying consistent design elements and styling to all rooms across the home. Consider applying accent hues, colours and materials from your kitchen in other areas of the house. Most kitchen cabinetry solutions can be installed across multiple spaces in your home, check with your supplier if that’s an option for their products.

bring the outside in
Adding greenery offers life and warmth to any kitchen space, whether it’s with fresh flowers, herbs or indoor plants.

add ‘wow’ factor with furnishings
Choose lights and stools that will complement the flow of your kitchen and home. You might want to add in a feature light fitting or some pendant lighting to act as a centrepiece in your kitchen. Or you might choose functional lighting that lets your new space speak for itself. Then, find some stools to fit your bench and finish off your space. Consider the height and width of your new stools relative to the height of your kitchen bench. This will influence what stools to choose and how many will fit.

Most of all, be creative and have fun!

For more ideas, check out the Homedec design blog for styling tips and to see what’s trending.

care and maintenance

Now that you’ve built your dream kitchen, it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back and invite some friends around to admire your handywork!

maintain your kitchen
Make sure you know how to properly care for your kitchen to make it go the distance. Check your manufacturer’s care instructions and comply with their recommendations. It’s generally as simple as using soapy water or nonabrasive cleaners but it’s a good idea to check.

keep your warranties handy
You’ve invested a lot of time and effort into your kitchen and if anything goes wrong your supplier should replace any products with manufacturing faults. Some kitchen companies offer online registrations for your warranty. Always check if you can register your products for any further support that might be required.

Apart from that, it’s now time to enjoy your new kitchen. Invite your family and friends over and get cooking!