Cabinet meeting Savvy kitchen design is an open-and-shut case

FROM GORGEOUS DOOR FINISHES TO GENIUS INTERNAL FIXTURES, CLEVER CUPBOARDS ARE THE SECRET TO A BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN

STARTING POINTS

Begin by asking who the kitchen is for and how they will be using it. “Everything from the layout to the materials should be specific to your needs,” says interior designer Rebecca Pountney of Yellow Letterbox. Think about whether you need a butler’s pantry and acres of bench space, or if you will be content with a simple layout and basic materials. Next, consider budget. Flat-pack kitchens, such as the Kaboodle range, are economical, but in spaces where walls and floors are irregular, a custom kitchen can be a better option, made more affordable by choosing laminate finishes over 2-pac or solid timber. “Mixed with high-end touches like a stone benchtop or beautiful handles, a laminate kitchen will punch far above its weight,” says Rebecca.