Melbourne, a bustling city known for its rich culture, diverse architecture, and a penchant for contemporary design, is currently witnessing a surge in the popularity of kitchen renovations. With homeowners prioritizing functionality along with aesthetics, kitchen renovation in Melbourne has moved beyond mere redesigning to optimizing spaces for efficiency, comfort, and style.
1. Designing Your Kitchen
In Melbourne’s ever-evolving property landscape, the kitchen is increasingly viewed as the heart of the home. The current design trend leans towards open-plan spaces, blending the kitchen with the living or dining areas. Opting for neutral colour palettes, with bold accents, gives a chic and timeless appeal. The incorporation of energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials also mirrors Melbourne’s environmental consciousness.
2. Removing Existing Cabinets
Out with the old to make space for the new. Before any fresh installations can begin, the old cabinets must go. Residents are becoming environmentally responsible by repurposing or recycling these old structures, in line with Melbourne’s push for sustainable living. The city’s local councils have regulations in place for responsible disposal, and it’s crucial to be compliant.
3. Beginning the Building Work
Melbourne’s rich architectural history means many homes have heritage elements. Undertaking structural work requires knowledge about the regulations and often permissions from local bodies. It’s pivotal to engage with professionals familiar with Melbourne’s specific requirements, ensuring renovations respect and complement the original character of the property.
4. Installing Cabinets
Modern cabinetry trends in Melbourne are all about maximizing space. Homeowners are gravitating towards taller units and drawers over traditional cupboards for easier access and optimized storage. The use of soft-close mechanisms and pull-out solutions for corner cabinets is gaining traction.
5. Setting the Benchtop
Marble and granite have always been the favourites for benchtops in Melbourne. However, the rise in demand for durable, low maintenance options has made engineered stone and quartz popular choices. The blending of functionality with aesthetics, such as waterfall edges, has made the benchtop a significant design feature in the kitchen renovation Melbourne scene.
6. Connecting Electricals and Plumbing
Australian standards and regulations are strict when it comes to electrical and plumbing works. In Melbourne, only licensed electricians and plumbers can carry out these tasks. With the kitchen being a hub of multiple utilities, it’s crucial to ensure safety standards. Innovations like pop-up sockets and under-cabinet lighting are not only compliant but also add a touch of modern flair.
7. Fitting the Splashback
While tiles remain a traditional choice for splashbacks in Melbourne kitchens, the city has seen a surge in the popularity of glass, mirror, and even window splashbacks, providing both style and an illusion of space. Such innovative ideas reflect Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s design capital.
8. Laying Flooring
While hardwood floors have been the perennial favourite in Melbourne homes, there’s a rising trend of using tiles, especially the large-format ones, for kitchen floors. They offer durability, ease of cleaning, and can seamlessly integrate with the open-plan design, creating a uniform look.
9. Painting the Walls
The colour palette in Melbourne kitchens is gradually moving from stark whites to muted greys, blues, and greens, often complemented with bold statement walls or accessories. The use of low-VOC paints, reflecting the city’s push for sustainability, ensures the renovated space remains eco-friendly.
10. Enjoying Your New Kitchen
A kitchen renovation in Melbourne isn’t just about updating the space. It’s about creating an environment that resonates with the homeowners’ lifestyle and preferences, while also adding value to the property. Melbourne’s culinary scene is thriving, and with these renovated spaces, residents can replicate gourmet experiences in the comfort of their homes.
In Conclusion
The trends in the kitchen renovation Melbourne market are an amalgamation of international design influences and the city’s unique character. With homeowners aiming for a blend of style, functionality, and sustainability, the kitchen renovation journey is not just about transforming a space; it’s about enhancing a lifestyle. As with any renovation, it’s pivotal to understand local regulations, embrace sustainable practices, and incorporate trends that align with personal preferences and the property’s character. With Melbourne’s rich tapestry of design and innovation, the possibilities are endless.