When looking for kitchen renovations, many Sydney siders will opt for the new trend of pre-packaged kitchen deals from IKEA or Bunnings. Whilst on the surface it looks like a steal with some of the kitchens costing 70-80% the price of a quote at a specialised store like ourselves. There is much more than to the story than just the surface.

We are going to outline why it is much better to get a kitchen renovation in Sydney from us than one of the big hardware and interior design chains.

1. Flexibility

The priced advertised on pre-packaged kitchens encompass merely the display in front of you. It is not customised nor adaptable. It is simply the cabinets, countertop and drawers in front of you at the store in the same setup as you see it. If the dimensions are off by just a few centimetres, the fit will not be right and nor would the aesthetics of your home. They also don’t offer different entry positions for electrical wiring or plumbing which is unique to every home. They lack the ability to substitute; for example, if you wanted more storage in the form of a pantry rather than a set of drawers, they are unable to fulfil your request as pre-packaged kitchens are mass produced overseas and shipped here giving them zero leniency in design.

Other the other hand, we at Kitchen Creation can fit any shape kitchen in your home and accommodate for any colour combination and spatial arrangement. Your kitchen will be truly custom and unique. We are here to help with 25+ years of family owned business experience, to make your kitchen the most aesthetic, functional and comfortable component of your house.

2. Everything is managed

A key principle in our process is that everything is managed. Just like on job sites there are site managers who organise all the labour to ensure that they function sequentially and altogether. What we offer here at kitchen creation is unique. We are the all in one package site manager of your future kitchen refurbishment. We organise all the labour, ensure all the deliveries are on time and fix any problem which may arise. We make your kitchen renovation process from a logistically nightmare to fun design process.

You will get to sit back and relax and correspond with us as much or as little as you like. You can make every decision throughout the whole process from the colour of the kickboard to the type of handles on the cabinets. Or if you choose to, we can make them all for you to make it carefree experience for you.

3. Quality Australian materials

Our stone is sourced from local businesses such as CaesarStone and QuantumQuartz which ensure ethically business practises and the money is going back to the Australian community. Our joinery is YDK which is a Sydney based cabinetry business with over 30 years of history. We use MDF in our joinery which is a heat treated and toughened version of the particle board often used in these pre-packaged kitchens. We offer a 10-year warranty on all our products; subject to replacement and repair.

IKEA and Bunnings kitchens are outsourced and made overseas with materials that may or may not be compliant with Australian standard and regulation. Furthermore, it is questionable whether they workers have been fairly paid for their labour. The cabinets hold international dimensions are they sold in countries all around the world which might be the right fit for some Australia families and their needs and often employ particle board which easily absorbs water and deteriorates over time.

4. Reliable and reputable contractors

When you purchase with IKEA, they do not offer installation. As such you the consumer upon purchasing the kitchen must find someone to build it for you. Take it from personal experience they are very hard to build, especially considering that they must be broken down to the smallest pieces possible in pre-packaged kitchens to save on freight when they are transported into Australia. It may then be stressful for you the customer when the contractor is negligent or does a poor job and there is no upper management you can talk to.

We on the other hand use reputable and all fully licensed tradesmen with many years of experience installing kitchens and bathrooms. We commit ourselves to resolving all issues that may occur along the way to ensure you get what you are promised.

5. Helping the community

Finally, our store is 100% Australian owned, we have been in Caringbah, Sydney doing kitchen and bathroom renovations for 25 years. Every cent you spend with us helps our family and contributes to the community that you live in.

Types of kitchens

There are countless ways to lay out a kitchen design, today we will go through the pros and cons of the four most common that covers 90% of all customers.

One wall:

The one wall kitchen excels in homes where the living space and kitchen are not separated by walls or dividers, meaning it features in mostly in small homes or open circulation homes. It is very convenient from a practical point of view keeping all the appliances, storage spaces and subsequent tools within reach. Furthermore from an interior design point of view, it keeps the room symmetrical and does not segregate space with lateral legs (benches) which dissect the space. Recently it has been widely popular in the ‘tiny house’ movement in America where the key to design is making the space flexible and adaptable. These one wall kitchen can be easily stored away completely behind doors and allow the space in front to be used for something else completely.

The downside is the lack of space, unless you have a very long run of wall to use, the accumulation of the sink, range hood and fridge take up a lot of room meaning that finding space for food preparation is difficult. Due to the size of the design, the storage space and options are limited too. Finally, as this design unlike a U shaped or island bar kitchen which provides sitting space, an one wall design limits how much social attention the kitchen draws and limits the ability for the kitchen to be a social focal point of the house.

U-shaped:

Like the one wall kitchen, the U shaped layout is most suited for households with one primary cook. This type of kitchen is mostly found in small apartments and unit layouts. It’s especially efficient maximising the amount of storage and appliance space by using all the walls available, essentially having the most storage area to ground surface area out of all the designs. For most clients, it’s unavoidable due to how their apartment or unit has been planned out, however if you are looking to build this particular configuration there are some problems to consider.

Firstly, it has very limited circulation, as the standard bench is 700mm wide; having a bench on both sides in a typical unit layout leaves around 1-1.4 metres of circulation space in between the benches for walking. This limits the ability to have one member of the household clean and prepare whilst the other cooks due to circulation issues Furthermore when one member is trying to enter the space and the other is trying to leave, the narrow corridor in the middle makes it extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Also, with a sink usually placed at the very end of the U; under what is usually a window, it makes it impossible to place a dishwasher next to the sink or a bin. Finally, U shaped kitchens have no seating options or room for a dining table, limiting the kitchen as a flexible and social space.

G-shaped:

The G shaped kitchen is the bigger brother of the U shaped kitchen. It is for home owners with a very small dedicated kitchen floor plan and want to pack everything they could ever need into their kitchen without having to sacrifice a bar bench and seating options. It is typically found in small houses in which there isn’t enough room for an island bench arrangement.  A fourth leg is added to the end of the U shaped kitchen to form a right or obtuse angle. This last leg is usually a peninsula or bar stool type bench.

The problem with this type of layout is that it limits the circulation of the kitchen even more than that of the U-Shaped circulation. Having the patron walk around peninsula to enter the U-portion of the kitchen makes the space highly restrictive and very uncomfortable to work in. this can be alleviated by having a wider U portion, in which some small houses have the space for. However in comparison to the U, it lacks symmetry but obtains seating space and potential for family time in return.

L-shaped Island:

For entertaining and hanging out, the L shaped kitchen is the way to go. This open circulation large luxury style kitchen layout is mostly for large houses. It works especially well in houses with a second storey kitchen which overlooks a scenic view, or a large kitchen space near the back of the house which also serves as an entertaining area. It has by far the best circulation out of all kitchen layouts with people able to come and go. The island bench allows all 4 sides to be used independently from the L shaped wall mounted layout meaning that it facilitates multiple chefs.

A few things to consider is whether to have the cooktop on the island or the wall, having the cooktop on the island means difficulties with rangehood options, whilst your back will be facing guests if you decide to put the cooktop on the L shaped portion. Furthermore, planning is key in L shaped islands as the distance between points of focus is very long compared to other arrangments, meaning a lot of moving when cooking, it is preferable to pair up compatible components such as the sink and the bin, cooktop and the food

hope we have informed you a little today on the standard configurations in the kitchen industry today, if you want one of these built into your home or just any kitchen question in general from the best in the industry; call us on 95256555. Or visit us at Shop 3/52, President Ave, Caringbah. We are open 6 days a week and offer free in home quote and measures

Newly completed kitchen and bathroom project in Caringbah;

The kitchen utilises a very contemporary and slick colour and material palette. Featuring handleless polyurethane doors, with a reflective mirror splashback, and high gloss metallic appliances. the white is broken by a 20mm stone benchtop.

The bathroom features the same handleless white polyurethane design with a 40mm cream coloured benchtop and stylish mirror and antique ceramic basin.

We worked with renowned Jacaranda Construction Interior Design firm to create these series of bathroom, partition and kitchen cabinetry and joinery.

All of the cabinets seen here are Antique White USA Polyurethane with a Satin finish.

This apartment is soon to be on the market, watch out for it!

Upon driving throughout the busy streets of Sydney, one cannot help but notice the increasing number of ‘For Sale’ signs popping up left and right. What people might fail to notice and realise is the intricate marketing strategies that real estate agents employ behind each of these signs in an increasingly competitive market where marketing is key.

What is plain to see is that in the majority of these sales, especially in the case of units and apartments the main photo employed on these banners are kitchens. Through the use of a perspective view and wide angle lens, real estate agents can create an illusion of space. Beyond that, a well-furnished and styled kitchen is obviously a very important selling point in the minds of these experienced experts.

Thus it is imperative for potential sellers to construct a modern, slick and flexible kitchen in order to attract higher figures and more potential buyers. Upon feedback, it is often the first place wives will look when inspecting the house, and as the kitchen is often an area of social interaction and consistent use it is sometimes considered to be the most important room of the house.

The problem with kitchen design is often price, but you’re in luck. We here at Kitchen Creation specialise in making kitchens appear expensive whilst saving the back pocket. Our designers will assist our customers to be able to find a beautiful looking kitchen design for every budget. We understand that beauty should not come at the cost of extreme prices.

The key is creating the illusion of price by using quality sturdy materials that look very expensive and using the right colour palette and material palette. A common combination we recommend is using laminate doors with a 40mm standard range stone benchtop. The quality and appearance of a stone benchtop is very hard to imitate so that can not be changed, however from a distance even to a keen eye it is hard to differentiate quality laminate and polyurethane. Obviously polyurethane offers flexibility, higher quality standards and a longer shelf life, however in a case of a resale property, the illusion is what is important.

Another important aspect is to work backwards, with customers with a very strict and defined budget, its much easier to go backwards and not compromise on the very key aspects such as the benchtop whilst saving money on aspects such as appliances, which can be selected to look good for a much cheaper price.

DO: Have one element that is fun or creative

DON’T: Be boring.

In order to stand out from the crowd, the best kitchens always have some kind of soul that makes the kitchen warm, inviting and personal. Every time we take on a job we see it as a chance to make something new and creative and truly unique that brings out positive emotions in each individual customer.

DO: Know enough is enough.

DON’T: Overdo it.

Often kitchens can be over designed; excessive use of materials and colours, too many fancy doors and lift up doors, too many attempts at being modern and contemporary. The age old saying of less is more is very applicable in any form of design, a concept does not have to be overly complex to be successful.

DO: Make a small kitchen work for you.

DON’T: assume that bigger is always better.

Spaciousness is often overrated in terms of interior design; we often get customers wanting to downsize their kitchens as large distances between key points in the kitchen can get tiring and frustrating to use on a day to day basic. A well designed kitchen with lots of thought about practicality and long lasting, good quality materials can make a small space work perfectly for you.

DO: Leave some space to breathe

DON’T: Don’t go overboard with cabinets and fill the whole room with cabinets

The placement of every drawer and cabinet should be done on a ‘need to be’ basis in which you careful think beforehand what you’re going to place and where. Too often customers just want to fill a room with cabinets; a lot of these cabinets go unused and the circulation of the kitchen is completely ruined, it also requires a lot of unnecessary movement to get ingredients or components that should be placed next to each other.

DO: Invest in aesthetic cabinets that will last a lifetime.

DON’T: buy things for cheap and regret it in a few years.

A kitchen is the core to the home; it’s something that you use frequently, constantly opening and closing doors and drawers, these panels and doors take a lot of wear and tear.

it’s something that is crucial to every party and something that you want to show off and continue to show off at parties for years to come. Consumers are often tempted to purchase flat pack predesigned kitchens from hardware or furniture stores, these are usually made overseas without the quality and standard of the Australian market, and when it breaks prematurely it will be something that you’ll regret.

DO: Have counter top around wall ovens and microwaves.

DON’T: Put these appliances alone.

Make sure there is adequate space around ovens or microwaves that serve as a landing zone next to these appliances. The last thing you want to do is put on your oven mitts and have to hold the 200 degree turkey 10 steps across the kitchen to place on a countertop and possibly give yourself second degree burns in the process.

Have you been toying with the idea of revamping your kitchen and think 2015 may be the perfect time to take the plunge? Before you start searching for a pro to tackle the project, it’s important to think about what you’ll need and how you can improve your kitchen setup, as well as what you want the space to look like. It’s also worth reading up on emerging kitchen trends, which may provide a spark of inspiration and, ultimately, influence the design of your new cooking zone.

Though we can’t write your dream kitchen wish list for you, we can lend a hand with a list of design elements that are on the rise. We recently caught up with three designers who shared their short lists of kitchen design ideas they believe will be the biggest trends of 2015.

1. Furniture-style design features. Interior designer Greg Natale predicts that furniture-style cabinetry and other features will be one of the top trends in 2015. This approach marks another step in the evolution of the kitchen as the hub of the home and a treasured space the whole family can enjoy, rather than just a functional area that’s used for food prep and cooking alone. “The incredible designs available celebrate the different elements of the kitchen as pieces of beautiful furniture, not just workstations, which allows people to bring their own personal, warm, welcoming touch to this space,” he says.

2. Airy (and user-friendly), open shelving. “We are seeing a trend toward using open shelving as a practical solution for the kitchen space, rather than simply for display,” says Sydney kitchen designer Kesha Pillay of Art of Kitchens. “Open shelving personalizes the space, making it feel lived in and warm, while keeping the kitchen functional and easy to use.”

3. Wallpaper that wows. Want to add interest and character to your cooking zone? Incorporating wallpaper — which will be a major trend in 2015, according to kitchen and bathroom designer Lee Hardcastle — into the design of your kitchen is the perfect solution. “Wallpaper provides an easy way to add visual impact, even in small amounts,” Hardcastle says. “Wallpaper gives you the control of complementing the architectural elements throughout the kitchen or adding a beautiful contrast to an otherwise simple color palette.”

4. Modern traditional style. Designs that marry modern and traditional elements will be one of the most influential looks of 2015, according to Pillay, who says that homeowners are shunning ultrasleek, contemporary kitchens in favor of spaces that are “warm, homey and reflect themselves.”

“This trend is affecting everything from cabinet design to colors, materials to textures. We are really mixing it up,” she says. “Flat-panel cabinet doors are being replaced with classic door profiles, such as Shaker doors,” for example. And materials are being mixed, such as stainless steel with wood, and wood with marble.

5. Ceilings that make you look up. Next year will see statement-making ceilings, says Hardcastle, who designed the striking kitchen seen here. “For a long time now, we have all forgotten to look up. More emphasis will go into ceiling design, in terms of shape, features etc.,” he says. “Whether it be through the use of lighting, bulkheads or coffer ceilings, or the addition of classic embellishments, our ceilings will become part of the room’s beauty once again.”

Not sure how to take your kitchen ceiling design to new heights? Look to the space here for inspiration. The wood design feature that frames the kitchen thoroughfare and runs from one side of the island to the bank of cabinets on the opposite wall instantly draws the eyes up, as does the row of clerestory windows that creates the illusion of a floating ceiling.

6. Luxe metallics. While silver, chrome and stainless steel are three metallics commonly used in the kitchen, next year warmer metals, like gold, copper and bronze, will have their moment to shine, according to Natale. “Metallics in all their forms were prominent at [Paris design fair Maison & Objet], from copper to bronze to gorgeous gold, and I’m a fan,” the designer says. “The texture and gleaming finish of metallics provide a stunning accent to most palette choices.”

7. Touch-me textures. “There’s a move toward using more textured and tactile materials,” Pillay says. Natural marble and granite in honed finishes, as well as engineered stones that replicate raw finishes, are a few materials we’ll be seeing a lot of next year, the designer says.

Wood will still be a trend in 2015, Pillay adds, but in finishes that represent it in its natural form, rather than high-gloss or smooth finishes.

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1.  Compact Corner Sinks

Whether it’s a chic, contemporary model or a traditional one as pictured below, small, compact corner sinks make an ideal solution for small kitchens.  Most kitchens don’t utilize the corner for anything more than a counter top or appliance; but putting a corner sink can save space and open up the circulation flow of a kitchen. this was a large trend in 2014.

2. Warmer Metal Fixings

last year there was a shift toward warmer metal tones such as brass and copper, edging away from the brash, stainless steel and chrome colder metals.  Iron and similar tones maade a come back, very much leaning towards the timeless traditional.

3.  Monochrome Basics

Like the Scandinavians do best: Simple, classy and sleek.  The trend has been around for some time, but this basic, stream lined look was here to stay 2014.  To avoid a cold uninviting kitchen experience, add some natural wood accessories, which will do wonders to the aura of the room.  Tiled splashbacks aren’t welcome here: Just solid slabs of marble, strips of glass or other solid wall coverings.

4.  Outside Kitchens

Outside kitchens, like the one below were a big hit in the year that was 2014.  While they’ve been growing and have been popular in the United States for a while, other countries had not picked up the trend until the latter parts of 2014; when planning for an outdoor kitchen, keep in mind weather as a limiting factor.

5.  Interesting & Colorful Splashbacks

The kitchens of 2014 were yearning for a sip of excitement and edge which is why interesting and colorful splashbacks become popular.  Grand Designs magazine has placed this as the number 1 Kitchen trend for 2014. Most designs featured tiles with interesting patterns, in colors (blue), colorful splashes of the rainbow or exotic designs.  Keep the rest of the kitchen minimalistic.

6.  Burst of Blue

Blue was the colour for 2014 and was without a doubt a winner for kitchens also.  The popular kitchen designs of 2014 were not limited to one type of blue either, they for a lack of a better phrase mixed it up;  soothing navy blues, uplifting sky blues, energetic electric turquoise; they all have their merits, and if done right, they’ll hit the spot if combined together.

7.  Au Natural

Old is new, and outside is inside. the contemporary and minimalist trends of the turn of the decade is starting to phase out like all trends and designers are trending to a more natural look with wood and wooden textures making a huge comeback. Natural wood or stone counter tops, natural walls (possible brick veneer), natural wooden cupboards.  Anything that comes from the earth was in, not only does the wood add a degree of warmth, it shows sophistication and class.

8  Black Countertops

Again, we’re going natural black countertops here using black granite or quartz.  Whether left glossy, or has a dull matte finish, in contrast with a cool white interior, oozes a timeless and clean cry of, ‘I’m not new, but I’m here to stay, and I look GOOD!’.  It’s was not a fresh trend but god was it popular and with anything popular, the trend isn’t going to expire without a fight. Black counter tops were definitely in for 2014.

9.  Open Shelving

Kitchen cabinets will always be useful in all kitchens, but in 2014 we saw a trend towards open shelving.  Why hide away those eye catching kitchen accessories and crockery behind closed doors: These have design and appeal too.  the people of 2014 wanted to not only show off their kitchen but the utensils that they had stored inside as well; these all add a sense of personal taste and style of the kitchens.