Kitchens

Layouts, cabinets, worktops, storage, ventilation, finishes, appliances, and renovation cost decisions.

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Kitchens guides

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How to plan a kitchen renovation budget

Build a realistic kitchen budget by fixing the scope, pricing hidden work, comparing equal quotes and protecting a genuine contingency.

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A sound starting point

What to check first

Kitchen planning starts with workflow, clearances, storage and services, then chooses finishes. A beautiful layout still fails if doors clash or tasks have no landing space.

Map daily tasks

Place storage, preparation, cooking, cleaning and waste around the way the household actually uses the room.

Check every opening

Draw appliance, cabinet and room doors open at the same time to find collisions and blocked circulation.

Coordinate services early

Ventilation, power, water, drainage, lighting and appliance specifications should be resolved before cabinetry is made.

South Africa · Australia · New Zealand

Regional context

Appliance supply, electrical or gas certification, ventilation, plumbing and approval rules differ across the three countries. Obtain local models and current installation documents early; cabinetry built around an overseas specification can leave unsafe clearances or unusable connections. Check warranties locally.

Plan the work

A better project brief

Draw every door open

Overlay cabinets, appliances, entry doors and people. Protect circulation and landing space beside ovens, refrigerators, sinks and dishwashers.

Zone storage by task

Place everyday items where used, heavy objects at reachable heights and waste near preparation and cleaning without blocking movement.

Resolve extraction and lighting

Duct cooking moisture and contaminants appropriately, light work surfaces without body shadows and provide service access for maintenance.

Specify cleanable junctions

Detail worktop joins, sink edges, splashbacks, kickboards and cabinet ends to shed water and remain accessible. A kitchen ages at its edges long before broad surfaces wear out.

Common questions

Kitchens quick answers

What is the best kitchen layout?+

The best layout fits the room, household, access and work sequence. Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped and island plans each have different clearance needs.

Where should a renovation budget be protected?+

Prioritise sound services, durable hardware, ventilation, worktop function and well-built cabinets before decorative extras.

Is a kitchen island always a good idea?+

No. It needs useful clearances, safe circulation, proportion and a genuine function. In a narrow room, a peninsula or clear floor may work better.

Should cabinets reach the ceiling?+

Full-height cabinetry can add storage and reduce dust ledges, but check ceiling variation, access, proportions, ventilation and services before committing.

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