If you’re dreaming about your Sunshine Coast kitchen renovation, you’ve landed in the right place! Many of our design clients come to us wanting something special for their kitchen. They want it to function well, look and feel beautiful, and complement the rest of the home. They also know that a kitchen renovation is a massive undertaking, and they want to ensure that they optimize this opportunity to create their dream kitchen. I’ve gathered a list of must-have inclusions that I regularly recommend to our clients for their Sunshine Coast kitchen renovations. Sit back and save this post for later!

The kitchen in our project, ‘The Dunes‘, was designed to enhance the natural light via the window splashback and the homes’ orientation, and we used soft warm cabinetry colours and organic textures to create a soothing, ambient feel.

1. Zip Tap

A Zip Tap or Hydrotap is a fantastic inclusion for your kitchen. Yes they are pricey, but they are true workhorses of the kitchen and if you work out their cost-per-use, they outperform their cost every day of the week. A Ziptap eliminates the need for a water purifier, Soda Stream, kettle and cold water jug, all in one! Plus they come in many styles and colour finishes so you can complement your kitchen design.

2. Integrated Appliances

For a dream kitchen with a streamlined, high-end finish I would always recommend integrated appliances. Especially a dishwasher and fridge. These bulky appliances simply look so much better concealed within the cabinetry, plus they’re easier to keep clean, and they collect no dust as they’re built in to your kitchen. I’ve previously spoken passionately about my strong dislike of the canopy rangehood: nothing will ruin the aesthetics of a beautiful kitchen faster than a canopy rangehood! You definitely want to consider incorporating an undermount or integrated rangehood into your dream kitchen design.

 

3. Natural Stone

I just adore natural stone, each piece is like a work of art. The depth, natural feel and texture, and visual effect of natural stone just can’t be replicated. If you’re looking to create your dream kitchen, a stunning piece of stone will be something you’ll LOVE to see and use every day into the years, so I would recommend sourcing the perfect piece 🙂 If you need help learning the basics of natural stone, you can read our ultimate guide here.

4. Functional Layout

The kitchen is often the busiest part of the home, and it simply has to function well. A functional layout will have a ‘working triangle’ at its core, and large kitchens will likewise be made up of several smaller working triangles. Our kitchens are designed with the end user experience in mind, where we visualize our clients working and flowing effectively, from fridge to food prep to cooking to clean up. Your kitchen simply needs to function beautifully.

5. Good lighting

A well-lit kitchen is a functional kitchen. Maximize natural lighting with large windows, skylights and voids. Good kitchen design considers a mix of task lighting and ambient lighting. By task lighting I don’t mean dirty old downlights- I mean pendant lighting over the island, strip lighting by the back bar, as well as downlights. Wall sconces, warm led strip lighting and even lamps can provide lovely soft ambient lighting.

6. Smart Technology

Technology can be utilized throughout the kitchen to help you cook, automate, heat and set timers. There is a world of smart technology available in kitchen appliances, power points, lighting and cooktops. Today you can opt for appliances with wifi connectivity, hybrid gas-induction cooktops, ovens with self-cleaning, steam and voice command functions, fridge’s that connect to your phone so you can check the contents whilst out shopping, and so much more. If you think you’ll use the available features, you should consider upgrading and investing in quality appliances for your kitchen.

7. Hero splashback

The splashback is obviously on a vertical plane, and is generally visible across the central living and dining zone. Therefore, a special feature splashback is an investment that you’ll get to enjoy. My favourite type of splashback is natural stone, but there are also gorgeous tiles, stone mosaics, fluted features and glass/window options that look beautiful. I’ve even seen a marble splashback paired with a simple Caesarstone back bar, proving that the splash is more visually important than the surface. My advice is to choose something you absolutely love!

8. Considered Seating

A well-designed kitchen is the heart of the home, and should feel inviting, and promote conversation and connection. Seating is a must-have inclusion that should be considered in the design. Casual counter stools can be incorporated under your kitchen island- just ensure your island has an overhang for stools to tuck in underneath. You might like to consider a bench seat or banquet seating that becomes an extension of the kitchen or dining table. A breakfast bar extending off your island (or an extra long island!)  can double as a food prep/ working zone or a more casual dining option. The client feedback I hear is that  these tend to get used more than a formal dining table, with kids doing homework here or friends and family chatting while the host is cooking dinner.

9. Clever storage systems.

Having a place for everything and everything in its place streamlines day to day living. We can utilize several of the clever storage systems available such as pull- out bin drawer systems, revolving corner carousels and spice racks to name a few. These are truly invaluable as they reduce dead space and clutter and promote organization and cleanliness.

10. An expert, experienced eye to pull it all together.

Last but not certainly not least, engage with a trusted and experienced professional who can make your kitchen renovation a success. Working with someone who listens to your needs, works with you to custom create 3D drawings of your space, fills it with gorgeous selections, quality appliances and durable finishes, as well as executing it is an investment that ensures you an excellent result, as well as saving money and stress.

Ultimately, your dream kitchen can be easily achieved when you’re surrounded with the right professionals. Coco Interiors offers full project management services, and we work with trusted suppliers and skilled trades to execute your dream kitchen design and renovation.