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Not everyone has the room to create a cookzone packed with everything from the latest appliances to a double sink and dining bench. However, it is possible, with a few clever design tricks, to make the most of the space you have. This Perth kitchen may be small, but it’s mighty – plus it contains all the essentials for a usable space that also looks good.
The biggest issue in any compact kitchen is lack of storage. This one, reveals owner Jamie, “had just two overhead cabinets and no pantry, so the challenge was providing more storage space, without encroaching on the dining area opposite which was also quite small.” Jamie used the online Kaboodle kitchen planner to try out layout and cabinetry options, then had a Bunnings in-home services team member visit to discuss options and measure up the new configuration. The original U-shaped layout was kept, with the new peninsular bench pushed out to slightly enlarge the kitchen footprint.
This layout delivers lots of bench space – the peninsula even allows room for a casual dining zone, and the side wall accommodates a 1.5 bowl sink – as well as extra storage through the corners. To make the most of these tricky areas, invest in specialist internal fittings, such as corner rotating baskets, to enhance your storage options and for ease of access. Also, use the height; here, vertical space was maximised with a bank of overhead cupboards and a 600mm pantry cabinet.
For a look that’s bright, fresh and makes the room feel larger than it is, it’s hard to beat white. Jamie opted for Taubmans Crisp White on the walls and ceiling, Kaboodle ‘Modern’ profile cabinetry Gloss White – personalised with slim, brushed brass pulls – and a Kaboodle Mayonella laminate benchtop, which resembles natural stone. “I wanted something affordable and low maintenance and the finishes are so easy to clean,” says Jamie. “Being white it feels fresh, modern and more spacious than it actually is.” Simple white splashback tiles add to the timeless palette and help to enhance the sense of space.
As white-on-white kitchens run the risk of looking a little plain, consider creating a point of interest – this could be through a zingy splashback; accessories such as tapware and handles; or, as in this kitchen, adding wow to the face of the peninsula bench with contrasting texture and colour. This was a simple DIY project to tackle; Easycraft wall lining panels were cut to size, painted in Taubmans Admiral Blue and attached to the base cabinets. “It’s a beautiful classic colour, which is sophisticated and adds depth and personality,” says Jamie.
Follow our guide on designing a modern family kitchen.
Photo Credit: Jody D'Arcy and James Moffatt
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
