Before you start any new kitchen project or kitchen renovation, make sure you take a look at our selection favourite kitchen design ideas and tips, direct from the specialist design team at Harrington Kitchens. Our favourite kitchen design ideas might just prove invaluable when planning your dream kitchen project and maybe you’ll discover your favourites too! What better way to get the inside scoop on all the kitchen trends, tips and tricks than straight from the professionals who live and breathe it every day?
There’s no doubt that a new kitchen deserves plenty of attention, and that begins long before the first kitchen cabinet is installed. Get off to a great start planning for your new kitchen with our favourite kitchen design ideas and tips to ensure that your kitchen has maximum aesthetic appeal as well as practical function.
We asked each of our dedicated and experienced Harrington Kitchens’ designers to answer a few questions all about kitchens (of course!) – including their favourite style, dream kitchen aspirations and tips and advice for anyone starting (or thinking about starting) a new kitchen project. Here’s what they had to say.
#1 James Clarke – Modern Industrial Style Kitchen
What is your favourite kitchen design style at the moment and why?
My favourite kitchen design style changes frequently, but at the moment I really like the modern industrial look. I like the sleek lines with its mixture of dark, moody tones against timber grains to create a dramatic look and feel.
What are some of your favourite design ideas and features for a modern industrial kitchen?
I love the open plan space with tall ceilings that can provide plenty of real estate for the use of skylights and other ceiling features. Large kitchen island benches are also a must, as they deliver so much functional use and help improve the workflow of a kitchen.
I also personally like having the sink in the island, as I believe in an open plan home, it helps maintain a social feel when entertaining and undertaking everyday tasks.
* Tip: for some kitchen island bench inspiration, ‘try these stunning kitchen island bench ideas’.
What are your favourite colours to use in the modern industrial style kitchen?
To pull this look off, I recommend a mix of colours such as charcoal, dark wood grain, black, brass highlights and grey-based stone benchtops.
What would you love to have in your dream kitchen?
The key “must-haves” in my dream kitchen would be a large, separate butler’s pantry; large island bench; lots of drawers; integrated appliances; and tall ceilings.
If money was no object, what would you recommend that all your customers include in their kitchen?
Lots of drawers. While drawers are typically more expensive than standard opening door cabinets, I think they are well worth it. In recent times it is not uncommon for a kitchen to have 20+ drawers and I don’t think you can beat them for function and organisation. They are one of my favourite kitchen design ideas as I love that they bring the entire contents of a cabinet out to you, which saves a lot of bending down and digging through the back of cabinets.
What is your favourite piece of technology or advancement that you think has really impacted modern kitchen design?
The technology for this has been around for some time, but I believe the ability to draw and create a clients’ dream kitchen and present it to them in 3D really allows people to be more creative and make informed decisions as part of the planning and renovation process. It is absolutely vital in providing a connection to the real potential of a kitchen space and is the driving force for a customer’s creative confidence.
What is your most important piece of advice for anyone starting a new kitchen project?
Don’t get caught up in the colour, material or aesthetic details in the early stages as the number of products and materials on the market can often be very overwhelming.
Work out what you like and dislike about the current space first and how you would prefer to use the area in terms of functionality. Making sure the space works the way you want is first and foremost. Also be sure to strongly consider the type of appliances you want as early as possible in the process as this can heavily dictate the layout and look of your kitchen.
What is your top tip for saving money on a custom kitchen, that will not compromise the end result?
If your budget doesn’t stretch to include all the top-end luxury inclusions you dream of, consider using edged board products such as melamine, fingerprint resistant board material and acrylic board material. Edged board products can be considerably cheaper than painted polyurethane products in certain applications. The technology and quality of edged board materials has far surpassed the stigma of melamine of yesteryear and is a great hard-wearing alternative. This option could help to better manage your budget and may allow you to include some of those “nice to have” items such as built-in bin systems and numerous drawer units.
#2 Danielle Fossati – Traditionally Inspired Modern Kitchens
What is your favourite kitchen design style at the moment and what features do you love most about it?
Danielle’s favourite kitchen design style at the moment is a modern kitchen with a traditional take. Her top kitchen design idea for this popular style is to include a tiled splashback to add plenty of character. Integrated appliances are also a must to be able to create a cohesive visual aesthetic in the space.
What are your favourite colours to use in a traditionally inspired modern kitchen?
According to Danielle, you can’t beat the endless options of grey tones and hues for classic and timeless appeal.
If money was no object, what would you recommend that all your customers include in their kitchen?
For the best-of-the-best, Danielle recommends Sub-Zero appliances.
Do you have any favourite technology or advancement that you think has really impacted modern kitchen design?
Absolutely. Pyrolytic, also known as self-cleaning, ovens are an amazing addition to any kitchen. I’m not sure there’d be many people who wouldn’t love an oven that cleans itself!
Induction cooktops are another great innovation in kitchen appliance technology – precise temperature control as well as quick to heat and cool makes for efficient and safe cooking.
And finally, hot water and sparkling water taps mean that you can have your favourite water options available on demand.
What is your most important piece of advice for anyone starting a new kitchen project?
Do your research on all aspects of the kitchen project – from design choices to the renovation process. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Take time to learn about, and better understand, the process of creating a new kitchen as this knowledge will be invaluable when it comes to managing expectations and knowing what to expect, and potentially avoiding any surprises, when it comes to your kitchen project.
#3 Craig Harmer – A Modern Kitchen with Straight Lines
What are some of your favourite kitchen design ideas and features?
I really like the sleek, straight lines of a modern kitchen design style. Soft closing drawers and cupboards are the perfect complement to any kitchen style and they particularly enhance the modern feel in a contemporary kitchen.
I also love kitchens that make great use of the three types of lighting – task, ambient and accent. A well-executed lighting plan can really transform an already amazing kitchen to a whole new level.
What are your favourite colours to use in a kitchen?
My favourite kitchen colourings are the use of dark solid colours coupled with timber grain features incorporated throughout the space, perhaps on cabinets, benchtops or flooring.
If money was no object, what would you recommend that all your customers include in their kitchen?
This one is an easy choice for me. Great kitchen design ideas should always include beautiful natural stone benchtops.
Do you have any favourite technology or advancements that you think has really impacted modern kitchen design?
Designing kitchens with CAD software and producing high resolution 3D images of any kitchen style has definitely had a huge impact on how we create and present our kitchen design ideas. It is great to be able to show our clients realistic images of their completed kitchen before manufacturing has even begun. It provides them with a really good understanding and visual representation of what the space will look like and helps with decision making too.
What is your most important piece of advice for anyone starting a new kitchen project?
Take the time to have a good understanding of, and plan for, your intended appliances as early as possible in the design process. Think about the size as well as the aesthetics and how the features of your appliances will fit (physically and style wise) in your new kitchen.
What is your top tip for saving money on a custom kitchen, that will not compromise the end result?
Like James has said above, if your budget does not allow for a premium polyurethane paint finish in your kitchen, consider using a pre-finished board product instead to still get a great looking result.
#4 Scott Whitehurst – French Provincial Kitchen
What are some of your favourite kitchen design ideas for a French Provincial Kitchen?
A fan of the French Provincial kitchen, Scott’s favourite kitchen features are detailed joinery and design practicality that creates a good flow in the space.
What are your favourite colours to use in a French Provincial kitchen?
I really like the crisp and classic white of Dulux Lexicon for kitchen doors and drawer fronts, and CaesarStone Alpine Mist for the kitchen bench tops.
What would you love to have in your dream kitchen?
My dream kitchen has function, flair and is not just about following the trends for the sake of doing so. My kitchen would be a twist on traditional French Provincial beauty with plenty of modern contemporary practicality. I would use a variety of finishes and textures – such as bar-back panels in corrugated iron to add a personal touch and point of interest to the space.
If money was no object, what would you recommend that all your customers include in their kitchen?
Drawers are practical beyond any doubt and they provide infinite access to all of your kitchen accessories and pantry items.
Do you have any favourite technology or advancement that you think has really impacted modern kitchen design?
Kitchen design software is getting better by the day. Also, the technology for kitchen accessories and appliances is impressive and continues to grow.
What is your most important piece of advice for anyone starting a new kitchen project?
Research via lots of different mediums and sources. This might include websites, social media, customer reviews and visiting showrooms to gather information and inspiration about what design elements you like, or don’t like, as well as getting a feel for different suppliers and what they have to offer.
This goes for researching the financial side of things and setting budget expectations too. There is no point planning and designing your dream kitchen if you aren’t quite financially ready to execute it.
What is your top tip for saving money on a custom kitchen, that will not compromise the end result?
Being honest in what you need first before adding what you WANT. Wants will always be more expensive and are where the budget typically blows out when emotion tends to come along for the ride.
This is where engaging an experienced designer is key. A good designer will listen and guide to help you to filter down to what you need (and want) to make sure that you get as close as possible to your dream kitchen aspirations while keeping within your budget. They can advise where it is wise to direct your hard earned dollars and where there might be room to pull back.
#5 Scott Green – High-End Hamptons Kitchen
What is your most favourite kitchen design style at the moment and why?
For me, high-end Hamptons kitchens is where it is at right now. I love the timeless, luxury feel that a very well-executed, classic Hamptons kitchen provides. It always adds value to a home.
* Tip: see these “Essential elements to create a stunning Hamptons kitchen in 2021”
What are some of your favourite kitchen design ideas?
Perhaps not surprisingly, my favourite kitchen design ideas centre around quintessential Hamptons kitchen style features.
- proud kickboards to give the kitchen a solid “grounded’ feel
- custom Hamptons canopy hoods with ‘iso-drive’ whisper quiet range-hoods fitted
- natural rather than reconstituted benchtops – each one is unique and hard wearing
What are your favourite colours to use in a Hamptons style kitchen?
At the moment I am really liking a two-toned look. A great colour combination is Dulux Lexicon at a quarter strength with a deep blue island. Then complete the look with gorgeous brass fittings.
Tell us about your dream kitchen.
My dream kitchen would be a large L-shape with a huge island and separate walk-in pantry and a two-toned colour palette, as I described above. I’d include X-frame glass display doors and finish it off with Super White Dolomite for the benchtops and splash-backs.
If money was no object, what would you recommend that all your customers include in their kitchen?
I would tell everyone planning a new kitchen to include Lemans corner access systems. They are a great product to be able make the best use of every available space, especially those “tricky corners”.
Zip instant hot and chilled water systems really add to the level of convenience in your space and multi-function ovens are just the thing for a wide range of cooking needs.
Do you have any favourite technology or advancement that you think has really impacted modern kitchen design?
The ongoing advancement in CAD design software continues to impact the way that we design and present our kitchen design ideas. We can design a spectacular kitchen in around one hour, with premium results for our clients.
What is your most important piece of advice for anyone starting a new kitchen project?
Talk to kitchen design experts in the early stages of planning a kitchen! Before you even begin to build or extend, our experienced designers can save you lots of time and money by assessing the big picture of how the kitchen will integrate with the surrounding areas of the home and making recommendations in those early stages based on the available space. This results in a kitchen with premium function and aesthetics and minimises unnecessary hassle.
What is your top tip for saving money on a custom kitchen, that will not compromise the end result?
Talk to your kitchen designer! We can use material finishes, cabinet quantities, number of drawers versus doors, and lots of other tweaks to ensure that you receive an amazing kitchen that is within your desired budget.
So, there you have it. Our experienced team’s favourite kitchen design ideas and tips all together in one very helpful article. When you are ready to start planning your dream kitchen be sure to take their advice and talk to our kitchen design experts.
Call us on 1300 662 112 or visit our website to book a consultation with one of our talented and passionate kitchen designers.
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