Phase 1: Design and Planning (Don’t Rush This)
Great kitchen design begins with understanding how you actually use the
space. How often do you cook? Do you entertain? How many people
typically use the kitchen simultaneously? Where is the natural light?
What is your storage requirement? A kitchen designed around your real
life will serve you infinitely better than one designed to look good in
photos.
The kitchen work triangle — the relationship between the stove, sink,
and refrigerator — is the foundational principle of kitchen design.
Minimise the distance between these three elements while ensuring they
don’t obstruct each other. In a well-designed kitchen, the total
distance between the three points should be 4–8 metres.
Phase 2: Products and Materials Selection
The materials you choose determine both the look and the longevity of
your kitchen. Stone benchtops (engineered quartz or natural stone) cost
$500–$1,500 per lineal metre but last indefinitely. Laminate
benchtops cost $150–$400 per lineal metre but are susceptible to
water damage and wear. Cabinet fronts range from basic laminate
($300–$600 per linear metre of cabinetry) to painted timber profiles
($600–$1,200) to custom joinery ($1,200–$3,000+).
Phase 3: Installation and Project Management
Kitchen installation is a complex trade coordination exercise. The
sequence matters enormously: demolition first, then framing changes,
then rough plumbing and electrical, then plastering, then floor
preparation, then cabinetry installation, then benchtop templating and
installation, then appliance installation, then splashback, then final
electrical and plumbing connections. Getting this sequence wrong is
expensive. Engaging a project manager or architect to coordinate the
trades can save significant stress and cost.
Cost-Saving Tips Without Compromising Quality
Keep the kitchen in the same footprint (moving drains and waterproofing
zones costs $5,000–$20,000 extra). Splurge on benchtops and handles
(high visual impact) but save on internal cabinet hardware. Choose
quality appliances — a $2,000 rangehood that lasts 20 years is better
value than a $600 one you’ll replace in 5 years. Use tiles in the
splashback area rather than stone (tiles from $30–$100/sqm versus
stone panels at $400–$800/sqm).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Typically 4–8 weeks for the construction phase, but 3–4 months from
design brief to completion when you include design, procurement, and
permit processes.
Do I need a building permit for a kitchen renovation?
If you’re keeping the kitchen in the same location and not moving any
walls, a building permit is generally not required. If you’re extending
the kitchen, removing walls, or making structural changes, a building
permit is required.
What is the return on investment for a kitchen renovation in
Melbourne?**
Well-executed kitchen renovations typically return 80–100% of their
cost in increased property value — and 100% in liveability. A $50,000
kitchen renovation in a $1M Melbourne home can increase the value by
$50,000–$80,000.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Integral Design Solutions today for
expert kitchen renovation design services in Melbourne and Victoria.
Visit integraldesignsolutions.com.au/ or call us to book a free
consultation.
