How to create your dream kitchen

From favourite finishes to money-saving tips, three Perth design experts share their recipe for kitchen success.

What are the latest must-haves in today’s kitchens?

Lincoln Trager, managing director at The Maker Designer Kitchens, says today’s hero ingredients are all about practicality.

He lists tandem pantries, task lighting and “drawers, drawers and more drawers” as some of his top kitchen must-haves, along with integrated appliances, pyrolytic ovens and combi-steam ovens.

“What’s not to love about appliances that cook great food and then clean themselves?”

Alysia Pekel, interior designer at Western Cabinets, adds sculleries (also known as butler’s pantries) remain a highly sought-after inclusion, while Dean Humphrey, director of Humphrey Homes, says coolrooms are another increasingly common wish-list item.

“Some of our most recent clients have installed cool rooms which I personally love,” he says.

“They are essentially walk-in fridges with loads of wall space to store food (where you can easily see it all),” he says.

Are there any areas where you can afford to scrimp?

Ms Pekel says laminate is a great product to get a luxury look for less.

“There are so many laminates out these days where you can achieve the same look as veneer,” she says.

“That feature contrast in your new kitchen can easily be achieved by using a laminate.”

Do you have a favourite kitchen surface?

“My favourite benchtop is probably my own concrete benchtop at home,” Mr Humphrey says.

“We don’t need to be precious with it and it's great to have a bunch of people sitting around it making pizzas and generally entertaining and making a mess.”

Ms Pekel’s favourite surface material is 6mm and 12mm porcelain tiles.

What is your top tip for those in the process of building or renovating a kitchen?

“Start with the basics when designing your kitchen, like how many people will use it at once, how many people will you prepare food and meals for and how much storage will you need,” Mr Humphrey says.

“Also do you like to present your kitchen as a spotless area or are you happy to entertain in front of people?

“Then the design, materials and products will flow from knowing these things.”