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Thought starters
 Just like bathrooms, the kitchen is one of the most complicated and most expensive renovation projects you can do and, frankly, is best left to the experts. Of course that doesn't stop you having ideas and doing the final touches yourself. In fact knowing what you want to achieve is probably the best brief for a kitchen designer or architect.
So, what do you want in a kitchen? A place to gather or a place to do your own thing?
The phrase "always in the kitchen at parties" has some truth to it because the kitchen is really the hub of a home. It's the source of sustenance and it's where you make your cuppa and (quite often) where you chat while you drink it. So if you're planning on lots of ‘parties' in your new kitchen you may want to rethink your current space and open it up more.
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Open plan
Look on the other side of the wall. Could you benefit by making it open plan and exposing the kitchen to the living area? If you've got the budget consider moving the external wall and building out – you may just create a dream kitchen that adds many thousands to the value of the home.
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Smaller space
 If you're looking for smaller space gains look at ideas like these:
- Moving a hot water cylinder outside could make space for a pantry.
- Replacing a swinging door with a sliding door (or simply removing the door) can create more practical cupboard and bench space.
- Taking cupboards all the way to the ceiling will give you more storage.
- Replacing the kitchen benchtops can be inexpensive yet dramatically alter the look of your kitchen.
Layout
If you'd prefer more workspace to a crowd in your kitchen, then consider some traffic engineering. For example, you may be able to turn a L-shaped kitchen into a more functional U-shape by redirecting traffic through a different exit/entrance.
An island bench in the kitchen may be what you've always wanted, but if there's no space for it then let it go. Whatever design or idea you've seen on TV, in a magazine or at a neighbour's house, remember to apply it to the physicality of your own kitchen. When measuring up allow enough space for the opening of cupboards, oven, dishwasher etc. as well as for movement of people.
Also think about types of finishes. Stainless steel is "in" at the moment but for how long, who knows? Classic finishes stand the test of time as do simple, practical designs. Bench space is critical. Make sure you have enough left for food preparation once you have allowed room for the microwave, kettle, toaster, breadbox etc.
Be aware of the cook's triangle! The cook's triangle is made by drawing an imaginary line from the sink, to the stove, to the fridge, and back to the sink again. The smaller and more even sided the triangle is, the more functional the kitchen layout will be. As a guide, three good steps is the furthest one should be from the other.
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Prefabricated cupboards and benchtops
If you have the skills and the inclination you can have your kitchen manufactured to your specifications and delivered flat for you to assemble. This will require very careful measurement on your part and an extra pair of hands when you're doing the install as the benchtops are very heavy. It will also require extraordinary patience from your spouse who will be encouraging you with words like "be careful not to drop it" and "are you sure you can do this?" It's an option that can save you money but may just create more headaches!
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Heating and ventilation
When you think of kitchens you usually think of heat and steam. That's why a good rangehood over your stove is essential. An extractor fan over the sink is also a consideration. If your kitchen is part of an open plan living area then a heat pump is ideal because it will clean the air as it cools or heats. Other heating options for kitchens are panel heaters and fixed fan heaters.
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Powerpoints
When you think about the electrical appliances in your kitchen you will soon realise that you can never have enough powerpoints. So make sure you include plenty in your plans. A good idea for bench top areas is the new range of 4-plug powerpoints that are now available. It will leave you plenty of room for all your kitchen gadgets.
Future tip: Include a couple of data sockets in your plans – one near your fridge, and one on the bench near your microwave. Trust us, you may not need them today, but digital technologies in whitegoods will be commonplace in the not too distant future.
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Lighting
As the kitchen is a practical area, consider fluorescent lighting as the main overall lighting source. Directional down lights or track lighting over the sink and food preparation areas is also recommended. Or why not put in sensor lights that come on automatically when and where you need them?
Click here for painting tips and types of paint.
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