The 10 First Steps to Achieving Your Dream Kitchen
Where to start…
This isn’t just another room in your house. It’s what makes your house a home.
Everything happens here, from cooking to entertaining, to cleaning and connecting with others. That’s why it is vital to have a kitchen that works perfectly for you, one which moves and adapts with your life. A space that provides you with exactly what you need, just when you need it.
How do you achieve all that? One word: Planning.
But where to start?! It can be a little overwhelming when you jump headfirst into the world of splashbacks, kickboards and end panels. Fear not! That’s where we come in. We’ve got a meticulous Getting Started guide to help you navigate through all this in great detail; helping you to find ingenious solutions to compliment inspirational aesthetics.
For now, let’s start with the first ten steps to bring your dream kitchen to life. Or, at the very least, formulate a plan to get you on the right track.
Step One: Style
You do you.
Let’s start at the very beginning…
When it comes to kitchens, there are thousands of options available. Style is the very first step for a reason. It helps dictate every other decision you will make to achieve your perfect design.
We know that every style is as unique and individual as the person. So, take your time to consider what feels the most you.
We recommend using the following options as a guide:
Looking for clean-cut edges and sleek design?
Modern Kitchen
Pining after neutral tones and what’s “in vogue”?
Contemporary Kitchen
Searching for a smooth and simple design that doesn’t get in the way?
Handleless Kitchen
Is “rustic” more your vibe?
Country Kitchen
Need a more “raw” feel with contrasting colours and textures?
Industrial Kitchen
Looking for natural materials and elegance at its best?
Shaker Kitchen
Remember
No matter what style floats your boat, remember to aim for timeless. This simply means it’s a design where the core elements (flooring, cabinets and benchtops) won't need to be changed in five or 10 years. Timeless will allow you to stick with your preferred style, while maintaining the core principles that have spanned kitchen design throughout the ages.
Start compiling inspiration for your style in a scrapbook, or by using sites like Pinterest. Check out our Recent Projects or Kitchen Gallery to spark ideas. Google images is also a fantastic tool to fuel your creativity and help you narrow down your look.
Make sure to save everything you like and bring it along with you to our showroom. We can chat through all your ideas and help provide guidance around what’s possible, practical and perfect for your space.
Whatever your style, make sure you know it first before embarking on the next steps. It will lay the groundwork for the brilliant plans you have.
If you are still unsure, or just can’t quite decide, then chat to an expert. We are here to understand your needs and make suggestions.
Step Two: Design
Unleash your creativity.
When it comes to design, the reality is the sky is the limit. From layout to functionality there are many different things to consider, all while imprinting design flare and uniqueness into your kitchen.
First things first, decide what needs to stay and what has to go. What do you love? What isn’t quite working…? Your kitchen is an area that’s used daily, and so it’s essential that you step through your own kitchen rituals in your mind so you can create a space that functions with your family routine.
The 6 key design features to consider:
Think about your workspace & benchtops
Whether you design your kitchen around keeping things in grabbing distance or defined kitchen ‘zones’, the most important thing to remember is that your kitchen needs to work for you and your lifestyle. Plan your design around how you use the room day to day.
Make it sociable
Yes, functionality is key, but let’s face it – everyone gravitates towards the kitchen. If you are planning to use your kitchen as an entertaining space too, then consider spatial planning to ensure visitors are comfortable.
Think about the flow
Okay it may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many times people forget which way a door opens into a room. Don’t obstruct the free flow of the kitchen, block doorways, or overlook items like fridges/freezers and how to manoeuvre yourself around them when their doors are fully open…
Remember the clean up
The bin is not the first thing that comes to mind when the excitement of kitchen design sets in, but it has an important relationship with your sink and dishwasher. Ensuring these essential items are in close proximity will make tidying up that much easier. We have an entire blog dedicated to kitchen waste & sustainability, that’s how important it is!
Planning for the weekly shop
A kitchen is about so much more than cooking. If you actually think about it, you’d be surprised how much time you spend unpacking weekly grocery shops - assembling items in their assigned spots. Think about benchtop space around key storage places like the fridge, or pantry, and minimise the back-and-forth of unpacking.
Be smart and save
While you are designing your kitchen, is there anything else in your home you are looking to upgrade? If you are considering custom cabinetry such as wall units, wardrobes, vanities or perhaps a new laundry, then we recommend you do this all at once for efficiency. Not only will it create design continuity within your home, but it will save on your budget by grouping trades together and being clever with installation.
Step Three: Floors
Let’s lay it out.
To change, or not to change?
Flooring isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when planning your dream kitchen, but it’s important to think about.
It sets the foundations for the aesthetic you’re looking to create. It also is fundamental to the practicality of the space. Realistically you have two choices:
Don’t fix what’s not broken…
There is something to be said about leaving good flooring alone. If you are happy with the way it functions and think it will work with your renovation, then you can either:
Keep it the way it is (making sure to cover it adequately during the renovation).
Re-polish it (to give that fresh new look without new flooring). Be aware if you decide to do this, you may want to re-polish the rest of the floor in your home; otherwise it will look very different.
Out with the old, in with the new...
If you think new flooring is the way to go, then lay it out late. In most instances, we recommend getting the cabinetry in first, where possible, and doing the new floor last. We have several flooring retailers next door to our Melbourne kitchen showroom and are always happy to help you with this important decision.
Step Four: Doors
Body & build.
Start with your materials. Your “body”.
Of course it’s all about the look when it comes to your cabinet doors, after all they take centre stage in the kitchen and are always on show - but don’t overlook their functionality. It’s integral. Before we focus on storage (that comes next), let’s nail down the finish.
Think about how the textures of your cabinetry will work with your chosen colour palette. Certain materials will perform better than others for your space, so make sure you consider them all.
Here are just some of the options we can provide:
Melamine & Laminate | Laminex / Polytec / Tesrol
◎ Cost-effective
◎ Highly durable, especially when a quality product has been chosen
◎ Extensive range of colours and finishes
◎ Flat panel only
◎ Visible edge seam-line
Timber Veneer
◎ Natural timber finish
◎ Material is not prone to warping (even over time)
◎ Extensive range of colours, textures and finishes on offer
◎ High quality finish
Solid Timber
◎ Natural timber finish
◎ Variety of textures and colours are available
◎ An extensive range of profiles on offer
◎ Expensive to purchase
◎ Colouring can vary and be inconsistent
◎ Splitting and warping can occur with age
Thermo-Formed & Vinyl-Wrapped | Polytec
◎ Cost-effective
◎ Durable if a quality product is chosen
◎ A large range of profiles and contours are available
◎ No visible edge seam-line
◎ Extensive range of colours and finishes
◎ The material can be susceptible to heat, moisture and impact damage, risking peeling in the longer term.
2 Pack Paint | Available in all Dulux Colours
A 2 Pack finish consists of two containers (packs) of liquids mixed to create a durable surface and beautiful finish.
◎ Can be applied to almost any profile / contour
◎ Unlimited colour range
◎ Fairly durable, providing that a quality product is chosen
◎ No visible edge or seam-line
◎ Repairable, but at an expense
◎ High quality finish
◎ Installation requires high skill and care of tradesman (not a problem at Wood Wizards)
Once you’ve decided on the “body”, it’s time to look at “build”.
We’re talking door profiles.
This is effectively the shape and form of the door.
There are tons of different variations that you can choose from. Bear in mind that the material you decide on will dictate the different “door profiles” which are available to you.
Remember what style you are aiming for. This will also influence your decision.
Take a look at the full Polytec range here, or browse our Cabinetry Gallery to get a sense of what’s possible.
Not sure where to begin with cabinetry? We’re always on hand to work our magic and discuss the best options for you.
Step Five: Appliances
Making light work.
How a kitchen looks is one thing, but the way it works is a whole different story. It’s a hive of activity at least twice a day (if not three), so it needs to function like a well oiled machine. Cue the technology.
You’d be amazed at all the different mod-cons available to you in the kitchen world. From smart fridges to ovens, the world is your oyster when it comes to savvy tech and ready-to-go practicality.
A great way to start is by listing down your needs in order of priority. Jot down anything you do regularly in the kitchen, and what you might need for it. Even if you aren’t sure what appliance would work for a particular function, put down the need anyway.
Keep this saved somewhere so that we have something to refer back to when you talk to us.
Your appliance selections and specifications are integral to your kitchen design, to ensure every aspect is considered to make the most of your space and maximise functionality.
We work with E&S Trading as they have an extensive list of appliances and expert advice for all kinds of kitchens. Take a look at what they have to offer here.
With a bit of imagination and careful planning, your kitchen will be flawlessly functional in no time.
Step Six: Storage
Out of sight, out of mind.
There’s no such thing as too much storage. Fact. It’s one of the essential elements of any good kitchen.
Clever organisation solutions mean spick and span benchtops, allowing all the beautiful features you’ve chosen to shine.
Deep drawers, cabinets, pantries and spaces for appliances can all be custom fit. Of course, you will have to consider your plans and available space, but we can work our magic to find the best solutions for you. You’d be amazed at the wizardry we’ve created in all kinds of spaces.
Whether you are looking for oh-so-smooth Blum soft close drawers or a Hafele pull out pantry, our suppliers have everything you could need.
See a complete list of who we work with and what they can offer here and get inspired.
Step Seven: Colour Scheme
Don’t hold back.
Now you know your style, it’s time to think about colours.
We like to suggest being smart with your choices so your kitchen has longevity. Neutrals are always a safe bet and it is important to find the right contrasts to suit your taste.
Mix it up and look at inspiration to find what works.
Consider the basics:
Cabinetry is the best place to start. Finding the right colour here means you can work your palette around this and create the perfect mix of tones.
Consider the space:
If your kitchen is open-plan, this may affect your choices and how they echo through the rest of your home. If it’s a smaller space, you may want lighter shades to make it feel larger. Remember darker tones can sometimes make a space appear smaller, so think about what you’d like to achieve with your colour selections and explore all the possibilities.
Consider the structure:
As a general rule, dark and texture should be used below and light above. This helps uplift spaces. Keep in mind the shapes and structures you use and how these work with the colours you have picked.
Step Eight: Benchtops & Splashbacks
Wiping the slate clean.
The crowning glory of any kitchen has to be the benchtops. Constantly visible, they’re a true statement piece, but equally need to be durable - ready to withstand knocks and spills. This means the material you chose makes a big difference.
You can choose from:
◎ Laminate - strong, steady and affordable.
◎ Natural Stone - individual, high-quality and timeless.
◎ Reconstituted Stone - tough, hard-wearing and in-vogue.
◎ Porcelain - refined, durable and pliable.
◎ Solid Timber - rustic, organic, and a classic.
◎ Stainless Steel - clean, practical and sleek.
Splashbacks are often overlooked in a kitchen. Yes, functionality is key here, but you can still add some oomph to your kitchen with unique designs and materials.
There are plenty of options:
◎ Tiles are diverse and practical
◎ Glass & mirror is sleek and specific.
◎ Natural stone is unique and neutral.
◎ Reconstituted stone & porcelain is simple and beautiful.
Step Nine: Budget & Timing
On your marks…
It’s time to set a budget for your dream kitchen. This may seem daunting at first, but once you’ve put all your requirements out on the table, it’s easier than you think.
Make sure to put all your necessities down, and then look at what you can add/cut to reach your target.
Take a look at our Recent Projects (scroll down to the bottom) to see our price guides for creating your dream kitchen with us.
We also have a budget checklist to help get you started and make things a little easier:
□ Design Consultation
□ Project Documentation
□ Demolition
□ Site preparation
□ Rubbish Removal
□ Cabinetry Installation Carpenter
□ Electrician
□ Plumber
□ Plasterer
□ Tiler
□ Flooring
□ Lighting
□ Appliances
□ Accessories
□ Kitchen Cabinetry Benchtops
□ Splashback
□ Cleaning
If you book in a design consultation with us we can provide advice and ballpark costs on all of the above.
Timing is key.
Time is precious, and we understand that when you decide to renovate your kitchen the completion date can’t come soon enough.
Typically, we would advise allowing four weeks for the design and consultation phase, followed by four weeks to finalise details, complete necessary checks and take all required measurements of your home.
It will take around 6 to 8 weeks for ordering and the production of your custom kitchen, plus an additional 2 to 4 weeks for installation of cabinetry, benchtops, floors, trades and all the magical finishing touches. All in all, depending on the complexity of your project, renovating and building your dream kitchen will take around 4 to 6 months - from sitting down with us for your initial consultation to enjoying your first family meal.
Step Ten: Build your dream kitchen
Get set… and go!
That's it! You’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to see it all come together.
We are with you every step of the way. We will work our wizarding magic to help you from start to finish.
And yes, “Finish” means your very own completed, dream Melbourne kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call on 9557 2988 and let's get started.