In the 18 years since TDF first began, we’ve seen an endless stream of kitchen trends come and go.

But one thing that never goes out of style is that the very best kitchens know how to balance functionality with flair. And if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to customise a kitchen to your own lifestyle, then there are a few important things to consider.

Plan the layout first

For those in need of a hardworking footprint, consider a U-shaped layout like the one in Sister Studios designer Emma Cutri’s Melbourne home. This allows the entire kitchen to be enclosed with integrated joinery, while the centre leaves room for a green marble island bench that’s ideal for casual meals and food prep.

Choose your benchtop wisely

Another big consideration is what materials you’ll use for your benchtops. A natural stone like Maximum Calacatta by Artedomus is a classic option to create a light-and-bright kitchen like the one in this coastal family home; timber is great for warmth but does require more maintenance.

We also love how a stainless steel benchtop looks in the Broken Head Settlers Cottage project by Studio Isaza. Pairing the sterile, sleek, and exceptionally durable steel with more tactile details like the yellow tiled splashback and built-in timber drawers is a clever way to keep the kitchen feeling full of character.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours and materials. In Lauren Egan’s Northcote renovation, the kitchen plays with various pink hues, using CDK Stone’s Breccia Pernice Marble to introduce blushing tones across the splashback, complemented by the red-tiled benchtop and gold tapware.

Don’t forget to have fun with the styling

Art director Annie Portelli’s home is a great example of a kitchen that’s used for more than just cooking. It features a full wall of timber joinery to create a work-from-home nook, peppered with personal items on the built-in ledge — a clever strategy for incorporating artwork. And the yellow Flowerpot VP7 Pendant light from Cult is a perfectly unexpected touch.

Because it’s the little details like tapware, handles, lighting, and styling where the kitchen really comes to life!

Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in flooring, furniture, lighting, tiles, paint and more!