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Kitchen Planning

A well designed kitchen is more than a place to cook, it’s the heart of the home. A good layout makes the space work day to day, turns it into a place to gather, entertain and unwind.

In most Australian homes, kitchen renovations start with the layout. Renovating an existing kitchen minimises disruption and maximises the space’s longevity, appeal and functionality. From cabinetry to appliance placement, every element counts in flow and functionality. Whether you’re building new or refreshing an existing space, the right kitchen plan brings clarity, efficiency and style to your daily living.

Key design principles such as creating zones for prep, cook and clean ensure the kitchen works seamlessly. Positioning the kitchen in relation to other rooms helps the flow of the home.

Kitchen Layouts

Choosing a layout is often the first big decision in any kitchen renovation. Optimising your kitchen space is key to both functionality and style. Here are some of the most popular kitchen layouts in Australia:

L shape kitchen layouts are ideal for medium to large kitchen spaces, open plan areas or homes that require a natural flow between cooking and dining. Perfect for entertaining and has efficient work zones with plenty of storage.
U shape kitchen layouts are great for busy households or avid home cooks. Suitable for larger kitchen spaces, they work well in square or galley style rooms and can be adapted to include an island, combining privacy with openness to living areas.
Galley kitchen layouts are enclosed at one end and are perfect for narrower kitchen spaces. This configuration makes the most of the walls on either side and is all about practicality over social use.
Straight line kitchen layouts are often used in open plan apartments. Despite their small footprint they are suitable for compact kitchen spaces and can have everything from a fridge and cooktop to integrated storage solutions.

For smaller rooms a peninsula layout is another way to optimise kitchen space, provides extra workspace and defines kitchen zones without needing a full island.

Each layout has its pros and cons, so choosing the right one depends on how you cook, entertain and interact with the kitchen space around you.

Island Kitchen

The island kitchen layout is a favourite in both new builds and renovations across Australia. With a main wall of cabinetry and a central island bench, this layout creates a natural hub for cooking, casual dining and conversation. For space optimisation you can also opt for an attached island or peninsula which connects to the main cabinetry or wall.

For comfort and usability a minimum area of 16m² is recommended. Ideally the island bench should be 3200mm long and the back wall 5.2m wide. This allows for integrated appliances, under bench storage and seating – all within easy reach.

Open by nature island kitchens flow seamlessly into adjoining dining and living areas. Many designs also incorporate premium features such as cooktops, prep sinks and custom lighting to add style and functionality. A free island without sinks or hotplates can be a dedicated social or entertainment space. Or a double sink can be added to the island for extra practicality. With natural light and open plan living the result is a space that invites connection.

Cooking and Kitchen Layout

Every household uses their kitchen differently so tailoring the layout to your cooking habits is key. Think beyond aesthetics and consider how you prep meals, how many people cook and how often the space is used for entertaining.

A good kitchen layout provides ample workspace, plenty of storage and logical zoning for food prep, cooking and clean up. For smaller rooms a peninsula layout can add storage and surface area without taking up too much space and if space allows you can add an island or a dining table for extra functionality. Larger kitchen spaces can combine zones – a galley layout with a central island – to balance workflow and openness and place appliances or cabinetry along the back wall to optimise the layout.

Straight line kitchens also work well in studio apartments or compact homes, allowing essential appliances and cabinetry to fit along a single wall without sacrificing style or function.

Kitchen Style and Aesthetics

Your kitchen should be an extension of your lifestyle and taste. From sleek modern minimalism to timeless country charm the aesthetic direction you choose sets the tone for the entire space.

Popular kitchen styles in Australia include:

Modern kitchens with clean lines, integrated appliances and understated materials
Country and farmhouse styles with warmth and texture with timber finishes and shaker cabinetry* Shaker kitchens for their versatility and classic appeal

Neutral colours like whites, greys and soft greens are timeless and will adapt to changing trends. Materials also play a big part stone benchtops, natural timbers and brushed metal finishes add style and durability. The floor finish whether timber, tile or polished concrete is also important in creating a cohesive and functional kitchen space.

Lighting, layout, floor and finishes should all work together to reflect your home’s architecture and your personal style.

Kitchen Design Considerations

A well designed kitchen renovation balances form and function. Consider:

Appliance placement for ergonomic use
Traffic flow especially in open plan designs
Sufficient and accessible storage
Natural light and ventilation
Harmonising design elements like cabinetry, flooring and fixtures

The best kitchen designs are both beautiful and intuitive. Whether you’re doing a full renovation or just upgrading specific areas thoughtful planning is key to ensure the space works for your lifestyle now and into the future.

Creating a Functional Kitchen

A functional kitchen starts with a well thought out kitchen layout that supports your daily routines and cooking style. Whether you’re a keen home cook or love to entertain the right kitchen layout can turn your space into an efficient and enjoyable food prep and social hub.

When designing your kitchen think about how you use the space. Do you need space for multiple cooks or a streamlined workflow? Popular kitchen layouts like the L shape kitchen, U shape kitchen and island kitchen layout are all designed to maximise workspace, storage and flow. Each shaped kitchen has its advantages – L shape kitchens are great for open plan living, U shape kitchens have plenty of cabinetry and bench space and an island kitchen layout creates a central social space for family and friends.

A good kitchen layout should prioritise the “work triangle” – the optimal placement of the sink, cooktop and fridge – to ensure efficient movement between the zones. This classic principle minimises unnecessary steps and keeps everything within easy reach making cooking and cleaning up a breeze. Storage is another key element of a functional kitchen. Mix in cabinets, drawers and a well organised pantry to keep your kitchen essentials tidy and accessible. Clever storage solutions like deep drawers for pots and pans or pull-out shelves for pantry items can make a big difference in small and large kitchens.

Don’t forget about natural light and ventilation. Position your kitchen to take advantage of windows or add skylights to flood the space with light and make it feel larger and more inviting. Good airflow is important especially when cooking for a crowd.

Finally consider the placement of appliances like the oven, microwave and dishwasher to maintain a safe and efficient flow. By planning your kitchen layout and focusing on functionality you’ll create a space that’s not only beautiful but enjoyable to cook and entertain in.

Kitchen Designs

Australian homeowners continue to favour layouts that support everyday living and entertaining. Top designs:

L shape kitchens for flow and flexibility
U shape kitchens for families and foodies
Island kitchens for socialising and open plan living
Galley kitchens for maximum efficiency in narrow spaces
Straight-line kitchens for smaller footprints

Each style has its strengths and your decision should reflect how you use the space, your home’s layout and your long term vision for comfort and style.

Ready to Create Your Dream Kitchen?

Designing a kitchen that really works for you means understanding how you use the space, what you love most and how design can support both function and form. Whether you like an L-shape, a galley or a contemporary island, the key is to find a layout that suits your cooking habits, storage needs and how you live day to day.

At Luxury Bathrooms Melbourne we work closely with homeowners to bring this to life. From sleek cabinetry and smart storage to layouts that flow and comfort, our renovations are tailored to your space. We believe every kitchen should be as practical as it is beautiful, ample storage, premium materials and a design that blends seamlessly into the rest of your home.

If you’re renovating, now’s the time to map out every detail from your must-have appliances to the cabinetry style that suits your taste. Look at current trends but don’t lose sight of what feels right for you. Our team has experience in both design and construction so we can help you make informed decisions throughout the process.