Whether you are building new or renovating, a new kitchen requires a significant financial investment .

When it comes to designing your kitchen, a great starting point is to identify your core inclusions otherwise known as your non -negotiables! Obviously, these will look different to each of us depending on your lifestyle and how you like to use the kitchen…

We all know Darren has designed his fair share of kitchens over the years and as a huge foody and passionate home cook, he certainly knows his way around the kitchen. Today on the blog, we sit down with Darren and ask him to share his non-negotiables when it comes to his own kitchen.

Let’s take a look…

1. Coffee Machine

But first…

Everyone needs and deserves to have good coffee at home. But good coffee comes down to a lot of things but at the top of the list is a good machine! Sure, if you want to tuck it away in your appliance cupboard that’s great, but truth is they are so good looking these days they kinda deserve a spot on your kitchen counter!

Design by Coyyiontis Architects

Design by Shapeless Studio

2. Pull out Spray

I am a stickler for having a clean sink (just ask my kids), and if there is an easy way to do that, then I am all for it! A pull-out spray feature on your mixer tap or even mounted to your bench top WILL make cleaning down your sink and large items easier – I promise you!

Our Red Hill Residence

Our Gordon Park Residence

3. Zip Tap

Again, your kitchen should be convenient to your lifestyle and make typical tasks simply easy. Zip taps can give you boiled, chilled and potentially even sparkly water with the push of a button… They’re super ideal and I find myself using it for cooking, entertaining and even just day to day life. Having one at home, definitely aids in our kids drink bucket loads of water too which is always a plus!

Design by Collins Pennington

4. BLUM soft close drawer and doors

Having the outside of your kitchen look beautiful is one thing, but the inside of your kitchen is just as important and this ultimately comes down to the hardware!

BLUM is hands down the best kitchen hardware in the world and works for any style of kitchen! They provide different colour options too so the inside of your kitchen is looking just as good as the outside. The fact that they are super heavy duty stops the kids slamming cupboards and drawers and ultimately protects your joinery, adding to the lifespan of your kitchen – which is something I am very passionate about!

Our Ascot Residence

5. Integrated Appliances

We always push to have appliances integrated into the kitchen joinery. It gives you a seamless aesthetic and allows you to preserve space with in the kitchen.

Our Gumdale Residence

6. Amazing Benchtops

I consider the benchtops the workhorse of the kitchen! therefore making sure the surface you pick is suitable to your lifestyle and how you plan to use it is paramount! Whether that be an easy maintenance product such as solid surface or porcelain or maybe you have an appreciation for more organic materials and that’s where natural stone can come into play – do your research and listen to the professionals!

Our Redland Bay Residence