Choosing Your Kitchen Fixtures

One of the many considerations when designing your dream kitchen is thinking about the fixtures you will include and how they will work with and compliment your overall design. Aesthetics will play a part in these choices as will how you utilise the space and your own personal needs.

Essential inclusions such as sinks, and tapware can be daunting to choose as they come with several considerations. Whilst decisions can sometimes be limited by space and functionality in a space it often just comes down to personal choice and the way that we like to or are used to using our kitchen.

Take the time to think about what you like in your current kitchen and what you don’t. Water efficient taps/mixers, a double or single sink, draining board, garbage disposal, water purifier, instantaneous boiling water on tap and soap dispensers are all things to consider including.

Materiality is also important and again will be guided by the way that you use the kitchen. Sinks for example come in several finishes – some more durable than others and some better suited to less delicate treatment than others. Ceramic farmhouse style sinks look amazing but do require more care than a stainless-steel option. Whilst they won’t dent, they can chip or crack which will then compromise the colour around the affected area. Does the sink that you have chosen accommodate your largest pot? Making sure that the size is adequate is as important as the finish as it needs to be practical as well as beautiful. Do you want an undermount, top mount or flush mount sink and what are the differences?

It is also important to get some input from your kitchen designer on the items that you are considering as sometimes there are limitations with bench widths for sinks and the inclusion of fixtures such as instantaneous boiling water systems and garbage disposals. These limitations may mean that you must alter the design or the choice of fixtures.

The following article from Build provides some additional tips for choosing your sinks and taps - https://build.com.au/how-choose-kitchen-sinks-and-taps

Common Kitchen Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When it is time to design your dream kitchen there are so many decisions that need to be made. We need to consider everything from layout, functionality and aesthetics and this can feel very overwhelming without some expert guidance.

Inspirational images can give your kitchen designer a good base for the style and look of the space that you want to create, however everybody has their own unique way of functioning in their space and this should also be a consideration when making choices.

Kitchen designers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the functionality of your kitchen. It is their job to highlight areas of your design that may make the use of the space more cumbersome and/or problematic long term. We have all watched design shows where the oven is not in the right place for the transfer of hot dishes to a bench or the dishwasher is too far from where the crockery and cutlery are stored. These are great examples of how a little planning and knowledge can ensure that you don’t have long-term design flaws.

Take your time to note how you are utilising your current space and what you like or dislike about the form and function. Talk to our designers about maximising the space you have so that it can encompass all of the most practical and time saving features that you may not even know are available.

The following article is from prominent Australian interior designer Greg Natale and lists the Top 5 commonly made design mistakes and how to avoid them - https://www.homestolove.com.au/kitchen-design-mistakes-19197

Kitchen Lighting

One of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen design is lighting and the effect it can have on your overall design and aesthetic. Our clients are often unsure about how to incorporate lighting that will meet their needs for the daily use of the space and create ambience to define areas and highlight features. There are four types of lighting to consider and these include task lighting, ambient lighting, accent lighting and decorative lighting. Confused? You are not alone!

Our lighting choices can help to further compliment our chosen style whether they be indictive of an era or contemporary. Consider carefully how you will utilise the areas of your kitchen and create a lighting plan that is reflective of the way in which you live to maximise both the form and function of the space. Other things to think about are the size and scale of the lighting, the lumen output and whether you prefer warm light or white light.

The following article provides some helpful suggestions when planning this important part of your kitchen design - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/expert-advice-how-to-get-kitchen-lighting-right-stsetivw-vs~26465360

Styling Your Kitchen

We spend an incredible amount of time choosing all of the right materials, finishes and fixtures for our kitchens but how do we complete the look? Interior Designers and Stylists have a myriad of ways to help make your space swoon worthy and here are just a few simple tricks you can try that will instantly elevate your kitchen and help create a designer finish no matter your budget.

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Creating a Vignette – layering a few items such as cutting boards, salt and pepper grinders and ceramics against your splashback is an easy and very effective way to create interest. Think about the shape and size of the items that you are layering and also the materials – do they effectively match or contrast the other materials and finishes in your space? Here are some great examples of vignettes –

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Floral Arrangements and Vases – There is nothing more stunning and simplistic than a beautiful floral or native arrangement on your kitchen bench. Consider the size and height of your vase or vessel in relation to the size of your kitchen or island bench – scale is important. Your choice of vase or vessel can be as simple or as decorative as you like but keep in mind the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and its other design elements when choosing. If you cannot afford fresh flowers take a walk around your neighbourhood and look for natives – this is an inexpensive way to bring the outdoors in and can look incredible.

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Fresh Produce – Fruit and vegetables are an easy way to incorporate colour, shape and form into your space with the added bonus of being practical! Consider keeping the colour and produce uniform and look for interesting shapes and textures. Artichokes, figs, pears, lemons, oranges and apples all work beautifully.  

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Utilise your Utensils – Another practical and easy styling tip is to use your kitchen utensils to decorate your space. Add them to a vignette or place them next to a vase for a simple but very effective way to add texture and contrast. Consider your choice of materials, finishes and differing heights to get the aesthetic just right.

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Style your sink – Gather your hand soaps, lotions and candles together in a tray to create a stylish way of storing your necessities next to your sink. Consider keeping your bottles and candles uniform in colour and adding a small plant or vase to compliment your selection.

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Choosing Handles For Your Cabinetry

It may be one of the last things that we decide on when designing our kitchen, bathroom or laundry but the importance of choosing the right handles for your cabinets and doors cannot be underestimated.

The overall look and feel of the space can be enhanced dramatically by clever choices that give a nod to the time period or aesthetic you are aiming for. The choice not to include hardware may be just as important when trying to achieve a modern and clean look.

Here are some things to consider –

1. Your Interior Design Style – Does your choice compliment the overall design and time period?

2. The Ergonomics – Are the handles comfortable for you to use? Can you grip them easily and have you matched the right handle with heavier drawers for effective opening and closing?

3. Size – The right sized handles are essential to creating an overall cohesive look so consider this carefully and look at the kitchen in it’s entirety when deciding.

4. Matching isn’t essential – Differing handles in the same finish can be as practical as they are interesting so don’t be afraid to marry the right size handle for a cabinet or draw and change things up a little. Pairing a handle and a knob together in your design can make the overall design more cohesive and functional.

5. Examine the Cost – The time-honoured adage that we get what we pay for is yet again true in this scenario. Beware of using handles that are low quality as the finish and functionality will decrease over time. Your kitchen, bathroom or laundry are areas that are hardworking and require handles or knobs that will go the distance whilst still remaining beautiful to look at.

Checkout the following article for some more information –

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-select-cabinet-knobs-and-pulls-2109441

Floating and Open Shelving

Floating or open shelving can serve many purposes when designing your dream kitchen and it can be a beautiful and practical way of enhancing your space and giving it more personality. It is an easy and appealing way to incorporate materials such as timber, silver, metal or brass and can break up cabinetry and add flexibilIty to your design. You can combine open cabinets/ floating shelves with closed cabinets or make use of difficult areas that are too small or awkward for closed cabinetry. Depending on the size of your kitchen, closed cabinets can sometimes make the space feel heavier or dense – lightening up the walls with open shelving can help alleviate this.

Other benefits include the ability to change the look and feel of your kitchen with styling or collectable pieces that you wish to display. The key to making this is choosing items that suit the design and aesthetic of your space and curating them in a way that helps to create interest.

Some additional ways to add wow factor include making your shelving the same colour as your cabinetry so that it feels like a natural extension to the cabinets below and painting or tiling behind the shelving in an alternate colour or pattern to add depth and interest to the items being housed on the shelves.

Keep your styling chic and minimal and don’t be afraid to add some additional décor items such as potted plants, books and décor objects to give more personality and warmth to the display.

Here are some fantastic examples of how open shelving has taken kitchen design to a whole new level:

Zip All-In-One Arc Tap

Due to overwhelming demand from consumers Zip has released their All-in-One Arc Tap and it is designed to look right at home in your kitchen whilst eliminating the need for the previous additional tap. With current trends favouring a more minimalist look to our spaces Zip have evolved their product range to meet the needs of modern families and the result is a tap that is as practical as it is stylish.

Zip HydroTap delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered water, plus Hot and Cold washing up water from a single tap. The appliance features a single under bench command centre including full colour interactive touch screen display with pin code protection, boiling water safety mode, 3 energy saving modes including sensor activated "sleep when its dark" and 0.2 micron water filtration.

It comes in a wide range of finishes to compliment your design aesthetic and was recently awarded Kitchen Product of the Year in the US. You can read more about the Arc here - https://www.zipwater.com/zip-effect/zip-water-launches-brand-new-hydrotap-all--in--one-arc-design

How much of my bathroom should I tile?

One of the most common questions that our clients have when designing or renovating their bathrooms, powder rooms and even laundries is how much of the area should they tile? The overall aesthetic of the space and its success can often rely on these decisions and it is important to contemplate the overall look you are trying to achieve as well as the budget considerations that tiling brings.

Certain design styles such as the Hamptons look can benefit greatly from concepts such as half walls whilst a more contemporary style can be achieved easily by extending the tiling to the ceiling. Take the time to look at the options available and assess what works for your individual style and budget and when in doubt utilise a professional to assist with your tile selections.

The following article from Houzz has some great advice - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/how-much-of-my-bathroom-should-i-tile-stsetivw-vs~124919203

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020

Dulux have released the annual colour forecast for 2020 and it does not disappoint with four colour concepts that reflect the current desire to live organically and sustainably. Added to this is the inclusion of some truly beautiful accent colours that are styled impeccably in the curated images.

Colour forecasting is a detailed and involved process that takes inspiration from international trends and ideas as well as finding ways to make these schemes relevant for our everyday use. The inclusion of furniture and homewares in these spaces allows us to envision ourselves in these environments and to see how something as simple as a paint colour can transform both space and mood.

Here is a quick look at the concepts –

It is worth checking out the forecast for the images alone as they are stunning and so well-conceived that you will want to pick up a paint brush yourself! Take a look at - https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2020

What’s Hot in Kitchen Design?

The following article from Elle Décor highlights some of the predicted trends for kitchens in 2020. Some are variations on what is currently very popular, some are past trends that are making a comeback and there are a couple of new concepts that we are yet to see being used.

The most interesting of the ideas shown in this article is the concept of having double island benches. The idea is to separate the function of dining and cooking/cleaning and allow better traffic flow through the area. It’s an interesting concept and it certainly does give some additional scope when planning your kitchen design. Another idea that adds beauty to your kitchen space is using a metal hood as your rangehood canopy. This allows you to integrate design concepts from your kitchen into what otherwise is a pretty mundane area of the overall look and the results are stunning.

So whether you are currently planning your dream home or looking to renovate a tired kitchen, take a look at these ideas for inspiration - https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/g29890387/kitchen-trends-2020/

Laminex Colour Forecast 2020 – Beneath the Surface

Laminex have released an inspiring colour forecast for 2020 called Beneath the Surface featuring four different concepts that reflect our current mood and world trends. The great thing about forecasting is that by the time we have all caught up on the latest in home design, the products are readily available for us. Laminex have well and truly delivered colour palettes that are adaptable to a range of projects and design styles. The hardest part might be narrowing it down to one!

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CALM

The dreamy colours here give us a place to pause and recharge. They have a faded quality. They’re ethereal, muted, creamy, chalky. Warm and cool tones mix in surprising ways. All find a natural harmony.

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IN THE SHADOWS

Rich, graduated greens and deep, textural browns place us directly in nature, keeping us grounded. They’re organic and raw. Confronting to some, relaxing to others. An expression of respect for the environment.

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DEEP BELOW

Taking a deeper dive, we find our true selves. Strength and resilience are expressed in rich blues, deep greys and blacks. There’s shadow, reflection and, despite the darkness, safety and comfort.

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SEE THE LIGHT

Positivity springs forth with fresh, clean tones. Nuanced bright colours, tinted neutrals, chalky pastels and the pearlescent finishes of exquisite seashells mix in eclectic combinations. Playful yet elegant, and bursting with hope.

You can download the entire forecast at - https://www.laminex.com.au/trends-forecast-2020

Why should you use Woodmatt Laminates in your kitchen design?

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Wood laminates are a very easy way to bring warmth to your space whilst giving texture and added interest. The quality of Woodmatt laminate is so superior that you may be forced to do a double take thinking that it is natural timber being used for shelving and cabinetry. Its ability to elevate simple designs explains its popularity and Polytec has 15 different colours to choose from so you can compliment any style of design effectively.

The Polytec website is a great resource and we have chosen the following article about Woodmatt Laminates if you want to know more - https://www.polytec.com.au/blog/why-you-should-be-using-woodmatt-laminates-in-your-kitchen-design/

Don’t be afraid to mix colours and textures in your designs – as you can see from these images the results can be incredible!

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ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN INFLUENCES FOR 2020

It’s the start of a New Year and indeed a new decade so when better than now to take a look at the design trends and influences of 2020?

1. The ‘Unkitchen’

This concept revolves around the idea that we are now using our homes in differing ways and thinking about how we might incorporate things like additional seating and alternate shelving. The beauty and simplicity of integrated cabinetry will also continue its popularity and we have some seen some stunning results with many of our clients choosing this option.

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2. The ‘Cheeky Extras’

We have already seen this trend emerging in 2019 and if you purchase any home magazine currently you will no doubt find images that reflect its popularity. Adding banquettes to small kitchen spaces, extending joinery past the kitchen in similar if not the same material and maximising the space available with clever joinery solutions is not only beautiful but also clever.

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3. The rise of curves and arches

It takes skill, patience and expertise to create curves in joinery and we will no doubt be seeing lots more rounded edges in kitchen and bathroom design. Arched windows have already begun to rise in popularity and the interest that these forms can create in a space will have us all wanting to replicate this look in our homes.

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4. Terrazzo

Whilst already popular for flooring and homewares it is predicted that terrazzo will continue its reign and also be used for benchtops and splashbacks in 2020.

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5. Exterior Metal Cladding

Given the issues surrounding combustible materials both architects and designers are now utilising alternate cladding such as zinc, corrugated steel, copper and Corten steel to great effect.

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6. Neutral and Natural Colours

With the rise of sustainability and a focus on wellness it is easy to see how colours such as soft eucalypt green, beige, stone and earthy brown are having their moment. Natural, uncoloured, unbleached and non-processed materials that are good for the environment help us feel calm and enhance our well-being.

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7. Homewares made of biomaterials

Necessity is as they say the mother of invention and climate change and sustainability are creating a socially conscious society determined to reuse and recycle. The benefit is the creation of materials and homewares that are made from recycled and recyclable materials.

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8. Biophilic Design

You may have already seen the lamps you can purchase that change in accordance with the time of day to adjust circadian rhythms and promote restful sleep. This design principle takes us back to the basics and incorporates natural lighting, indoor plants and minimising the amount of pre-fabricated and synthetic materials in our homes.

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The following article explains these concepts in greater detail - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/the-8-top-architecture-and-interior-trends-set-to-influence-2020-stsetivw-vs~127719193

Clever Study Nooks and Offices

Studies and offices in our homes have long been necessities that have traditionally taken up whole rooms or at the opposite end of the spectrum a slice of the kitchen bench or dining table. With more and more of us taking up the option to work from home where possible the trend of cleverly disguising these functional and necessary spaces in our homes is producing many clever options for you to consider.

From student desks that form part of the built in wardrobes to kitchen cupboards that are a complete home office, we are embracing the idea that our homes can have many functions that do not always need to be on display and, if they are, they can fit cleverly into the available spaces we have rather than dedicating whole rooms to them.

Having a sense of separation between our work and home lives has become more important than ever and the ability to close a door on your work day is infinitely appealing.

We have many clients who have chosen this option for their homes and the results are stunning. Visit www.mtrcabinets.com or call us today on 03 9308 8811 to see how you too can achieve at home office bliss!

Comparing Kitchen Benchtop Materials

Kitchen benchtops are an integral part of any kitchen design, but which material is the right one for you? With a myriad of different materials and finishes available it is often difficult to know which option will best suit your design and your way of living. With our kitchens forming a large part of our entertaining and living areas, our benchtops are often part of an overall decorating scheme and can add character and value to our spaces.

Some decisions will be made by budget, some by the style of the home or functionality but it is important to know the difference between the differing materials and their best applications in your home.

Home Beautiful have broken it down for us in the following article by comparing seven popular surfaces - https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/kitchen-benchtop-material-we-compare-7-popular-surfaces?category=kitchen

Here are some of the benchtops our clients have selected to accentuate the beauty of their kitchens.

Designing the Perfect Laundry

All jokes aside there is a lot to consider when designing your laundry. Whilst it may not be the most exciting room in the house given its purpose, it is possible to create a space that you will love to work in.

With some thought and careful planning, you can avoid some of the common mistakes people make and future proof your laundry to ensure it can handle the years ahead and the potential changes to your family and their needs.

The most successful laundries are as beautiful as they are functional so immerse yourself in the colours, materials and textures you love!

Houzz have written a fantastic article full of great advice for planning your laundry and you can read it here - https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/12-must-know-tips-for-choosing-the-right-laundry-set-up-stsetivw-vs~114800018

In the meantime, here is some inspiration!

What’s Hot in Bathroom Design?

At MTR we have the occupational benefit of looking at beautiful and functional bathroom designs daily however it is often the materials and finishes that our clients are the most unsure about. There are so many choices it can seem overwhelming and matching the aesthetic of the home with tile choices, benchtops, tap fittings, fixtures and cabinetry can be tricky.

With this in mind, we have scoured the net for the latest design ideas for your project and found that adding interest with mis-matched tiles, ornate tapware and bespoke vanities are just a few of the ways that you can create an oasis of your very own.

https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/bathroom-trends-2020

http://www.trendesignbook.com/blog/decor-trends/designs-colors-and-tiles-ideas-8-bathroom-trends-for-2020/

https://www.homestolove.com.au/tile-trends-2020-20278

Kitchen Design Trends 2020/2021 – Colours Materials and Finishes

As each year draws to a close and we look forward to the future there are always predictions of what will be a ‘trend’ in kitchen design. Some simply flow on from this years trends and others require a leap of faith for home owners to make them a reality due to their innovative and bold design.

An emergent trend for 2020 seems to be fluidity of space – our kitchen, living and dining areas blending somewhat seamlessly into one another to create spaces that are not hampered by the traditional division of rooms. This gives us the ability to combine the functions of everyday life with socialisation allowing for more togetherness in our homes.

The use of colour for cabinetry and the addition of metallics to highlight features like marble are great examples of how we can add character and warmth to spaces with a little bravery. Glass cabinets, natural marble and the use of raw materials are all tipped to feature heavily as is the addition of green in all its hues as the prominent colour choice.

Recessed handles will be a popular choice and the continued use of muted and matt surfaces will be prominent.

Interiorzine has written a fantastic article about the emerging trends with images that will have you staring longingly at their beauty. https://interiorzine.com/2019/06/26/kitchen-design-trends-2020-2021-colors-materials-ideas/

CUSTOMISING YOUR CABINETRY

When designing a kitchen there are many aspects that are considered – not least of which is who uses the space and what are their individual needs? Storage and spatial planning are paramount in achieving a workspace that will not only look great but be pleasant to work in.

Smart kitchen design provides both function and style and by utilising the many options available to customise your cabinetry and drawers you can create the ultimate work space. The range of practical solutions for your everyday kitchen needs by Blum are as aesthetically pleasing as they are useful and they are many and varied.

Popular inclusions include customised cutlery and utensil inserts, spice racks, plate holders, space towers, oil inserts, u-shaped drawers for under sinks, corner cabinets and pot drawer inserts.

The following link to the Blum site will show you an example of how Blum products have been utilised by the Elliot family to customise their space -

https://www.blum.com/au/en/ideas/inspirations/family-elliot/

Our showroom at MTR has a wide range of solutions on display so that you can visualise how they might work for you and be incorporated into your design.

Caesarstone Visualiser

Our industry partners have some fantastic tools on their websites to aid in the process of being able to visualise what the materials and finishes you are considering will look like when they are put together. Caesarstone has created a visualiser on their site that has two different styles of kitchens, a bathroom and a commercial space that you can add finishes too and then compare different choices to see which overall look you prefer.

This interactive process allows you to create a summary of the choices that you have made and share your design with family and friends. Added to this you can download a HD image of the space to use as inspiration or a reference when discussing your design with us.

This is a fun and creative way to play with finishes that you may not have previously considered or to simply be able to see your own ideas come to life.

You can try Caesarstone Visualiser yourself by visiting https://www.caesarstone.com.au/visualiser