Table of contents for Vol. 29 2025 in Kitchen Yearbook

A liveable home is designed to support you and your family throughout all stages of life. Whether you’re raising young children, accommodating elderly parents or simply planning for your future needs, incorporating liveable design features in your kitchen can improve comfort, accessibility and safety. By following universal design principles, you can ensure your kitchen is functional for all household members, regardless of age or ability. WHAT IS LIVEABLE HOUSING DESIGN? Liveable housing design focuses on making homes adaptable and inclusive. It incorporates elements that enhance useability and accessibility, reducing the need for costly modifications in the future. Unlike fully accessible homes designed for individuals with specific mobility needs, liveable homes include practical, user-friendly features that benefit everyone. An informed kitchen designer will help you create a liveable kitchen that meets…

design & build rochet kitchens Rochet Kitchens has brought a seamless blend of craftsmanship and contemporary design to this new build in Smiths Beach, Victoria, fulfilling the owners’ vision with precision and creativity. Tasked with manufacturing and installing cabinetry throughout the home, Rochet Kitchens has delivered standout interior details, particularly in the kitchen, which features a sophisticated contrast of materials and finishes. The two-tone cabinetry combines flat-profiled two-pack painted doors with George Fethers Spotted Gum Veneer, specially sourced for its rich grain and warm tones. This pairing creates a refined yet inviting atmosphere, anchored by the stunning island bench. Clad in 50mm Infinity Stone Calacatta Heritage in a satin finish, the benchtop is a showstopper, complete with a striking apron edge that adds depth and character. Matching splashbacks amplify the…

design rebecca wallis (kitchens u build, geelong) build kitchens u build The previous small, dark kitchen was no longer suitable for this growing family’s needs, so the homeowners requested a modern update. On their wishlist was a free-flowing space suitable for hosting. Importantly, they needed plenty of storage space. The team at Kitchens U Build paid close attention to the homeowners’ requests when designing this kitchen. They ensured the new area was the main focal point of the home by designing it to stand out. They selected Fjord Suedette for the island for precisely this reason – to ensure the kitchen’s hero feature commands attention from the get-go. They chose Ottoman Grey for the room’s benchtops as it complemented the island due to its similar undertone. The Janper Thompson 5…

design & build sarah de szoeke (premier kitchens) photography Bose Creative Struggling with limited bench space and inadequate storage, the homeowners of this small and outdated kitchen were looking for something that more accurately reflected the grand proportions of their family home. Turning to Premier Kitchens for help, the owners requested a new kitchen design that would raise the aesthetic and functional level of the room to meet the rest of the house. Choosing a bold, high-contrast colour palette of black and white, the design for the new kitchen included matt black cabinetry with a slimline shaker-style profile that gives it an element of modern glam. This contemporary touch ties in nicely with the steel framed and gridded sliding doors that stand between the kitchen and the outdoor space, creating a…

design & build direct kitchens photography rz studios Offering a contemporary take on classic country style, this beautifully bright kitchen in a space-challenged, inner-Melbourne home successfully bridges the gap between period cottage charm and 21st-century functionality. As you would expect of a kitchen in an older dwelling, the space was rather gloomy, storage was in short supply, and the overall look was a bit passé. This presented Direct Kitchens with numerous challenges, chief among them bringing in more light and updating the cabinetry to provide ample storage, as well as seamlessly accommodating modern appliances. This, however, had to be achieved while remaining true to the character of the home. The Shaker-profile thermolaminated cabinetry conjures timeless country style and echoes the room’s original period-style cornices. For a sleek, modern look the…

The Assisted Living range by Häfele helps people live an independent life while also creating spaces everyone can enjoy and work in together. Discreet, effortless and ergonomic, Häfele’s ROPOX FlexiElectric Bench is perfect for projects that require adjustable working heights, like aged care, training facilities, education and specialist disability accommodation. It is easily integrated into any interior design scheme, with installation details, legs and hardware cleverly hidden while the user adjusts the worktop via simple button control. As well as benchtop options, Häfele provides wall cabinet fittings that come to you, such as the Verti Electric, Verti Inside and Verti Diagonal, all controlled with the touch of a button. All electronic-driven fittings are supplied with safety stop plates to avoid the risk of trapping. The Assisted Living range also includes…

AvanTech YOU Illumination integrates LED lighting into the drawer system by Hettich, illuminating the sides and the contents when opened. Scoring high with design diversity and creative flexibility, AvanTech YOU Illumination places the homeowner and designer at the forefront, tailored to your specific needs. It emphasises individualisation while delivering enhanced functionality, recognised by its award-winning prestigious accolades, including the High Product Quality Award at Interzum 2021, iF Design Award 2022, and Reddot Design Award the same year. The unique inlays on the drawer sides set AvanTech YOU apart, offering a stylish way to showcase its internal contents. Transparent glass inlays, combined with the ambient lighting of Illumination, add a touch of elegance, and create a striking sophisticated statement. The drawer system also pays attention to internal organisation with OrgaTray 270,…

Whitfords Designer Appliances has been a cornerstone of Sydney’s home appliance scene since 1922, evolving from a family-owned business to a trusted name in quality and reliability. Over the decades, Whitfords has become synonymous with excellent customer service and an impressive range of top-tier appliances. It’s easy to see why it’s the must-visit destination for Sydney homeowners and renovators. Now located in Camperdown, Whitfords’ vast showroom boasts an impressive collection of kitchen and laundry appliances from world-renowned brands like Smeg, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, ASKO, ILVE, Unox, Beko, Miele, Falcon, AEG, Vintec, Bosch, Neff, Beefeater and more. Whether you’re looking for ovens, cooktops, fridges, dishwashers, washers, sinks or taps, Whitfords offers an extensive selection of the latest technology designed to meet the needs of the modern Australian home. What sets…

Designing and building a kitchen with sustainability front of mind takes into consideration many aspects. These include natural light and ventilation, how the space connects with nature, and appliances chosen. One of the most important considerations, however, is material selection. Taking it one step further, sustainable materiality looks at how the product has been manufactured and whether there are green certifications. It examines embodied energy, which is how much energy has gone into making the product. It assesses the product’s lifespan and if materials can be reused or repurposed at the end of their life. Ben from Ben Callery Architects says, broadly speaking, when building sustainably, there really is much to deliberate. We need to choose materials that contribute to thermal performance where possible, and source materials that are sustainably…

KITCHEN LAYOUT From U-shaped to open plan, the layout of your kitchen is largely dependent on the size of the space you are working with. “When designing a kitchen, layout is key to both function and style,” says Manny Alas, Sydney-based director at Made by Alas Design Studio. “U-shaped kitchens maximise counter space and create an efficient workflow but can feel enclosed with limited access points. L-shaped kitchens, on the other hand, are open and great for entertaining, though corner cabinets can be tricky to use effectively. Galley kitchens work well in small spaces, offering an efficient layout, yet they can feel narrow and lack a natural gathering area. Open-plan kitchens provide a social, airy feel but can often appear cluttered if not organised well and can allow noise and…

design & build rosemount kitchens photography tim turner While the homeowners liked the kitchen’s existing flooring, footprint and timber veneer wall, they were craving an update to the dated cabinetry, benchtops and splashbacks, as well as better functionality throughout. With this in mind, they contacted Rosemount Kitchens and requested a high-quality kitchen, laundry room and pantry. They had engaged Rosemount Kitchens to renovate their previous abode, so were confident the team would meet their expectations for this one too. The owners were after a wow-factor kitchen that would command attention yet match the rest of the dwelling, so the team planned for the island benchtop and splashback to be the hero of the space. Vasari in Morocco was chosen for the island, with the curve detail and waterfall end adding…

design & build nobby kitchens Keen to update the dark, timber-style kitchen with a black granite benchtop that previously occupied this space, the homeowners approached Nobby Kitchens for a bright, modern upgrade. The former island was far too angular, and the raised servery made the room feel quite small. Fixing this during the renovation was high on the homeowners’ priority list. They were after a forever kitchen, one in which they could share long family meals and entertain guests. They requested a two-tone kitchen and personally chose the timber colour that appears on the cabinets, hero lighting and rangehood canopy. They loved the look of Silestone in Ethereal Glow, so this was selected for the splashback behind the rangehood, as well as the island. This kitchen’s new island is made…

design & build nouvelle designer kitchens & bathrooms The new owners of this spacious luxury unit in Mosman wanted a refresh to their outdated kitchen, laundry and joinery. Set in the iconic Thirri Tyirri building, something special was required. Previously, widespread use of rather heavy timber and beige tones created a very sombre “brown” palette, which the owners were keen to change. A contemporary look with plenty of high-end design features was therefore a must. This was brilliantly achieved by the careful selection of each design element. As the “hero” element, Laminex’s stunning Brushed Bronze metallic laminate, with its lovely warm coppery-gold tones, was selected for the curved rangehood, feature shelving and island support. This was perfectly paired with Polytec’s Florentine Walnut WoodMatt timber-look laminate, with its subtle woodgrain embossing, for…

design lee hardcastle (enigma interiors) build enigma interiors photography establishment image co What was once a dated and impractical kitchen has been transformed into a warm and sophisticated space by the design team. The original kitchen consisted of dated cream gloss cabinetry with a drab timber benchtop and an assortment of awkwardly sized drawers that didn’t meet the homeowner’s storage needs. The new homeowners reached out to the experienced design team at Enigma Interiors to create a clean, elegant kitchen that integrates modern functionality seamlessly. The list of requests included minimal wall cabinetry, maximised drawer storage with practical sizing, and a cleverly concealed walk-in pantry. Integration was key, with fridges and the dishwasher also hidden within the cabinetry for a sleek, uninterrupted aesthetic. Design-wise, this kitchen is a study in…

With REVEGO pocket systems by Blum, homeowners can merge living spaces and create multi-functional rooms, giving them more flexibility and opportunities than ever before. REVEGO pocket systems consist of seamless slide-in doors that disappear into a small narrow cabinet – the pocket. As more people begin to merge their kitchen, dining, living and office spaces, homeowners can now utilise REVEGO slide-in doors to quickly open practical workflows and spacious work surfaces when needed and close them again when they are not in use. The REVEGO double-door and single-door applications can be mixed and matched to suit the style and requirements around the home. The flexibility of design with REVEGO also allows for a range of cabinet styles to be fitted within the pocket system. Behind the slide-in doors, homeowners can…

Specialists in movement systems, GRASS is a pioneer in the furniture and kitchen industry. From the first concealed hinge to the invention of the double-wall drawer, GRASS has been shaped by visionary engineering expertise and countless ground-breaking products. The best furniture in the world is moved by GRASS. The company’s Nova Pro Scala range is synonymous with versatility, neutral aesthetics, inspiration and creativity: the embodiment of exceptionally easy opening, excellent running characteristics with minimum drawer deflection and outstanding reliability. The special character of the Nova Pro collection is hallmarked by its perfection, down to the last detail and the modular system concept. From the precision craftsmanship of every part to the colour and surface finishes, everything is focused on perfect function, quality and lasting value. Manufactured in Austria, Nova Pro…

Hoping to maximise storage as part of your reno to keep clutter at bay? Nover’s clever Salice Exedra pocket door system could be the solution you’re after. And if you prefer bifold doors, the Exedra 2 double bifold pocket door system might be more down your alley. Designed for tight spaces, the innovative Exedra system features a cam-assisted sliding mechanism that operates smoothly and effortlessly, thanks to its advanced linear damping technology. This means you’ll be able to enjoy seamless, controlled openings and closings and reduce unwanted accidental slamming of cabinet doors. That’s right, the Exedra system is capable of transforming your cabinetry into a sophisticated and functional feature of your home. Here’s some more good news – the system is easy to install and remove from cabinets. That means…

Kitchens that form the hub of a light and airy open-plan living space – one encompassing seamlessly connected zones for dining, relaxing with family and entertaining – are now de rigueur. They are a feature of every new build, one of the most common home renovation requests and a reflection of just how much our lifestyle expectations – and priorities – have evolved. “Connectivity has become both a celebrated value and a central goal in how we live, which has led to the design of houses that are distinctly different from the more compartmentalised homes of previous decades. Today, families seek environments that cultivate closeness and nurture meaningful relationships,” says Sarah Nolen, interior designer and director of Birdblack Design. “Gone are the days when kitchens were confined to one room,…

design rashi mathur (impala kitchens & bathrooms) build impala kitchens & bathrooms photography raymond cheung This home’s kitchen needed an uplift worthy of its great location. The homeowners were after a modern, open-plan space that made the most of the harbour view, nearby entertaining area and pool. A cool, contemporary facelift, complete with an improved layout, has given this kitchen a new life. You’ll notice the hero island is curved – this is a subtle nod to the dwelling’s exterior curved wall. Striking natural stone graces the island and the kitchen’s splashback. Featuring shades like peridot, mauve and grey tones, it was a fearless choice that sets the tone for the downstairs entertaining and living spaces. The dark-timber cabinetry provides the perfect backdrop, and integrated appliances ensure the design remains…

design flasting build flasting This home’s previous kitchen, which was more than 50 years old, was due for a modern update when the homeowners got in touch with Flasting. The brief was clear: update the space with fresh, modern touches, integrate soft blue hues, maximise storage and infuse the space with the owner’s personality, without changing the kitchen’s original footprint. The talented team at Flasting delivered a renovation that blew the homeowners away. The custom double island is the room’s hero feature. Designed to accommodate the homeowners’ specific needs, the island includes a recessed corner for a heated floor system. Integrated wine fridges and clever additional storage solutions ensure the island is a functional workspace and an elegant focal point too. Another clever touch is the walk-in pantry, concealed behind…

design & build ordanga construction services photography glen weiss This home’s previous kitchen has survived three children and busy family life for 18 years and was due for an upgrade. The homeowners wanted their new culinary space to be perfect for family gatherings where several people could cook meals together. The design team settled on an open-plan kitchen with an island bench that commands attention thanks to its sleek New York marble, waterfall edge and seating space. The area boasts a separate oversized butler’s pantry in which there’s plenty of space for more messy tasks like washing dishes. Though this involved increasing the size of some structural walls, it was well worth the effort as the family now has a large space to prep meals and wash up afterwards, away…

design & build dana kitchens When the homeowners approached Dana Kitchens for an update to their old and dated kitchen, the design team immediately knew the room needed a total overhaul and a brand-new look. The homeowners supported this plan and requested a modern design with timber features. The renovation was not without its challenges – including working with limited space and deciding the best places to integrate timber features – however the team persevered to bring this sleek kitchen to life. The island benchtop with integrated seating is among the kitchen’s most impressive features. While the Taj Mahal stone benchtop adds an element of luxury, the island’s timber elements create interest through contrast. The white Shaker-style cabinetry is a perfect backdrop for these hero features. The room’s integrated appliances…

design kila clarke (mystoryco) build mystoryco and northside joinery This modern kitchen is an artful fusion of country-style elements and beautiful functionality. Before the renovation, the galley kitchen restricted movement. It also had a sense of disconnect to the rest of the open-plan living spaces. It was dark, due to a single window and heavy timber cabinetry from floor to ceiling, and there were storage issues that needed to be addressed. During the renovation, the existing skylight was replaced with a clear glass version, and two large windows fitted to invite in more light. The cabinet doors and panels in two-pack finish add a touch of elegance. A custom island bench replaced the L-shaped benchtop, offering plenty of much-needed storage. As part of the renovation, a wall was removed to…

Modern-living architecture often features an open layout where different living areas and functions blend seamlessly. The kitchen might integrate with the living room, or the workspace might flow into the living area. Furniture with pivot and folding or slide-in doors offers a clever solution for these flowing transitions without compromising the quality of living. The HAWA Concepta sliding and folding solution from Häfele maximises space efficiency in your home. Whether it’s in the kitchen, wardrobe, laundry or other areas, Australian designers love these pocket doors that slide back and are never in your way. The all-new HAWA Concepta III is perfect for modern, sophisticated and innovative spaces. It allows storage rooms, washing/drying areas, home offices and kitchens to be visible and usable only when needed. The flexibility, comfort, aesthetics and…

Searching for Italian-designed kitchen appliances? Daniela Kitchens is a must-visit destination for high-end appliances. Whether you’re a culinary expert or just an occasional dabbler in home cooking, there will be plenty of appliance options there for you. 1. Daniela Appliances’ 10 function air fryer oven is a must have if you love versatile appliances. It comes with a bake tray with a wire insert, two wire racks and an air fryer basket to help you whip up delicious meals quickly. Pair it with the company’s 40L built-in microwave for extra functionality. Featuring seven cooking combinations, this sleek appliance can help make weeknight dinners a breeze. 2. Resilient, durable, virtually unbreakable and scratch-resistant, this 63cm white granite sink is as functional as it is beautiful. It’s oil-proof, waterproof, mould-proof – and…

Renovating a kitchen can be overwhelming, but Rendrd by Kitchen Culture’s downloadable Kitchen Design Kits takes the guesswork out of the process. Offering seven distinct styles – Resort, Classic, Mid-Century Modern, Japandi, Modern Farmhouse, Urban, and Contemporary – each kit is a thoughtfully curated resource for those seeking professional-grade design without the hefty price tag. Each kit provides five expertly crafted kitchen layouts, complete with technical drawings, high-quality rendered images, and a comprehensive schedule of finishes, appliances and hardware. A carefully selected colour palette and a digital flat-lay further enhance the experience, ensuring homeowners can envision the final result with clarity. What sets these kits apart is their ease of customisation. Designed by interior designers specialising in cabinetry, the layouts are adaptable, allowing clients to work seamlessly with their architect…

SHouse, located in Kekliktepe in Urla, Turkey, represents an exquisite transformation of an old structure into a luxurious architectural gem. The result is a striking integration of materials, fusing reinforced concrete with architectural features that redefine the character of the building. The entrance to S House provides a serene and inviting threshold, ushering visitors into the living spaces. A warm mix of wood and marble creates a seamless transition to adjacent areas, including the kitchen and other living quarters accessible through open corridors. The living room serves as a central hub, exuding a formal yet inviting ambience that blends a dining area with a cosy lounge. Semi-transparent sliding doors expand the area, effortlessly linking the interior with the terrace and garden, promoting a sense of openness and interaction among spaces.…