How to choose kitchen materials and finishes

Before you begin making new selections, take a moment to look at what you’re planning to keep. Flooring is a big one - in many homes, especially open-plan layouts, the kitchen floor continues through to adjoining living and dining areas. If you’re keeping your existing floor, you’ll want to choose cabinetry and benchtop finishes that work with it. Think about how colours, tones and textures complement or contrast with the flooring to achieve a balanced and cohesive look.

To make the selection process easier, start with a standout feature - this is often your cabinetry or benchtop. Use this as the foundation for your kitchen palette, and build from there with complementary tones and finishes. Consider how the colours and materials will flow into the rest of your home, especially if your kitchen is visible from adjoining spaces like the living and dining room. A consistent scheme helps everything feel more connected, while layered textures and finishes add depth and interest.

Cabinetry design is one of the biggest visual features in your kitchen, and also one of the most used. Material choices can vary depending on style preferences and how much you want to spend. Melamine is a cost-effective and durable option that comes in a variety of colours. Laminate is another budget-friendly choice and now comes in a wide range of textures - from matte and gloss to timber-look finishes. For a more seamless, high-end appearance, thermoformed cabinet doors are a great option, offering smooth profiles and resistance to moisture. Don’t forget to consider the profile of the doors as well - from flat fronts to shaker-style, the shape plays a big part in the final look.

Your benchtop needs to be tough enough for daily kitchen tasks while also contributing to the overall design. Laminate benchtop is a solid, affordable choice available in an extensive range of styles, including finishes that mimic natural stone or wood. Engineered stone is a premium option that’s highly durable and low-maintenance, perfect for a family kitchen. Timber benchtops can add warmth and character, especially in more traditional or natural-themed kitchens, but keep in mind they require sealing and regular maintenance to protect from moisture and stains.

If your kitchen flooring is being replaced as part of the renovation, now’s the time to explore your options. Kitchens are high-traffic areas that need flooring that can handle moisture, spills and regular cleaning. Vinyl planks are soft underfoot and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice. Hybrid flooring gives you the look of timber with added water resistance and stability. Ceramic tiles remain a classic choice - they’re durable, water-resistant and available in a huge range of colours and finishes to match your chosen palette.

Once the main surfaces are chosen, it’s time to personalise your space with splashbacks and cabinetry handles. Splashback tiles offer a classic, practical option and are easy to clean. You can also consider glass or stone for a more modern, sleek look. Handles may seem small, but they’re an important part of the overall design, often referred to as the jewellery of the kitchen. Choose finishes that complement your tapware and appliances for a polished, cohesive look. Whether you go for black, chrome, brushed nickel or another finish, the key is consistency.

The final touches can make a big difference in the overall experience of using your kitchen. Soft-close hinges and drawer runners not only create a more premium feel but also help extend the life of your cabinetry. Choose tapware that’s both functional and stylish - a finish that matches your handles will help tie the whole look together. Think carefully about integrated storage solutions like pull-out drawers or corner units, which can improve usability. And lighting shouldn’t be an afterthought - combine task lighting with ambient options to create a kitchen that works as beautifully as it looks.