From breakfast to dinner and all times in between, the kitchen is the most important room in the home.

It’s where kids’ artwork is showcased on the fridge, meals are made and shared, and conversations are had. It’s where arguments over who is unpacking the dishwasher occur, a gourmet feast prepared, and late-night snacks happen. More recently, the kitchen bench has become the home office or classroom for many, so overall kitchen design has become more important than ever.

Changing kitchen design trends

How we use and think about our kitchens has changed drastically over the last few decades. Kitchens from different eras have very distinct features – think of the bright colours and new materials of the 1950s and 1960s, to the muted earthy tones of the ‘70s, and white laminate of the ‘80s. The ‘90s and early noughties saw a shift to a more minimalist style. Today, the kitchen is all about being light, bright, functional, and stylish. Where kitchens may have been previously tucked away behind a wall or two, they now take centre stage and are a main focal point and design feature of modern homes.

If the kitchen has been elevated to such prominence, it stands to reason that a good deal of attention should be spent on its design. Today’s open-plan designs reflect a desire for the kitchen to be more than just a place for cooking and eating. The kitchen is where family and friends come together to make memories and share in all of life’s best moments. Not only do family and friends tend to congregate in the kitchen, but it’s also one of the key rooms buyers consider when looking to buy a new property.

Here are four important design considerations for your new modern kitchen.

1. Space and functionality

How you plan to use your kitchen will play a major role in how much space you’ll need. The main thing to think about is known as the working triangle or kitchen triangle. These are the imaginary lines between the three most used areas of a kitchen – the stovetop, sink and fridge. These areas should be in close enough proximity that you aren’t running back and forth while making dinner, but still leave plenty of breathing room so your family isn’t tripping over each other.

You’ll also want to consider the most practical placement for things like power points, rubbish and recycling bins, and what items you want to display, and what items you want to be tucked away.

An island bench is a great place for friends and family to gather, while a walk-in pantry is perfect for hiding away the mess before your dinner guests arrive.

2. Design and integration

How your kitchen looks, feels, and flows with the rest of your home is an important part of creating a cohesive design. If indoor-outdoor living is on your must-have list, then you’ll likely want to consider a floorplan that seamlessly connects the main living areas of the home, including covered outside space.

Being such a central part of a modern, open-plan home the overall design aesthetic is crucial. The list of fixtures and finishes to choose from is seemingly endless and it can be overwhelming knowing where to begin. A good starting point is to think about what you would enjoy spending your time in, and then incorporating on-trend colours and finishes for cabinetry and benchtops. Tapware will complete the look, giving you a designer kitchen you’ll love spending time in.

3. Storage and smart technology

Who doesn’t love having everything in its place, especially in the kitchen? Having the right storage solutions in your new kitchen is just as important as the design and will help enhance its functionality. Whether you like everything within reach in the main kitchen area or prefer to have separate space in a walk-in or butler’s pantry, there are plenty of options to suit.

Smart home technology is advancing all the time. You can turn lights on and off with your phone, connect to your fridge via Bluetooth to know when you need to buy eggs and warming drawers so you can cook like a pro, just to name a few.

4. Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to add a sense of style to any room, including the kitchen. While you want there to be enough light to make cooking, cleaning, and meal prep easy, you can also incorporate a statement pendant or light bar above the bench or breakfast table to really make the kitchen your own. The custom style and lighting options available today offer sensor and dimmer options so you can create a lighting plan that is right for you.

Tying everything together

It can be challenging to think about how all the elements of your new kitchen will come together. It helps to see the options and get a feel for how you will make the space your own.

Our display homes are a great way to see some of our most popular home designs including the Ashley, Sandown, and Parkdale.

We have over 50 home designs to choose from, with options to suit every budget, block size and style. Why not take a virtual 3D walkthrough to get started.