The kitchen is the heart of the home—a place for cooking, gathering, and making memories. But designing a kitchen that balances style and practicality requires careful planning and expert insight. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or starting from scratch, the right choices in layout, lighting, storage, and accessories can elevate your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
We spoke with some of the industry’s top experts—designers, architects, and kitchen specialists—to bring you their best tips, must-have accessories, and insights into the latest trends. From lighting strategies and storage solutions to emerging materials and smart technology, these experts reveal how to create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful but works seamlessly for your lifestyle.
Efficiency and Elegance: Charbel Rizk of Hacker Kitchens Australia
Charbel Rizk of Hacker Kitchens Australia knows that a kitchen’s layout is the foundation of its success. “The layout and workflow are key,” he explains. “The classic working triangle—sink, stove, and fridge—is vital for efficient movement.” A well-planned layout, whether U-shaped, L-shaped, or galley-style, ensures seamless functionality.
Storage solutions are another cornerstone of Charbel’s designs. “We always recommend drawers over doors for accessibility,” he says. Innovations like integrated pull-out pantries and Le Mans corner cabinets maximise space and minimise wasted areas. Silent range hoods are also a priority, creating a quiet, enjoyable environment.
Charbel’s top kitchen accessories include anti-slip drawer mats, plate holders, and customised cutlery trays. “It’s about optimising storage while keeping everything organised and accessible,” he notes. He also encourages homeowners to consider emerging trends like bold colours—deep greens and navy—and smart appliances that simplify cooking and save time.
For those embarking on a renovation, Charbel’s golden rule is to budget three to five per cent of the home’s value for the kitchen. “This ensures you’re investing enough to enhance both functionality and aesthetics without overspending,” he advises.
Functional Beauty: Amber Nelson of Smith & Smith Kitchens
Amber Nelson and the Smith & Smith Kitchens team emphasise the importance of tailoring a kitchen to its users. “Think about how you’ll actually use your kitchen,” Amber says. “Organise zones for cooking, prep, and storage to keep everything within reach.”
Amber’s top kitchen essentials are cleverly hidden appliances, deep drawers for storage, and solutions for eliminating awkward corners. “Corners can be tricky,” she notes, “so incorporating corner hardware or opting for a galley-style kitchen can save you from wasted space.”
Lighting is another of Amber’s priorities, with an emphasis on layered solutions: ambient, task, and mood lighting all play a role. For those considering trends, she highlights the enduring popularity of curved designs, muted warm tones, and reeded glass. “These elements bring texture and warmth to a space, avoiding the sterile feel of flat surfaces.”
Her advice for avoiding mistakes? Don’t get too swayed by trends. “Choose timeless materials that suit your style and consider upkeep—natural stone, for example, needs regular sealing,” she explains. For Amber, the goal is a kitchen that balances personal style with enduring practicality.
Practical Luxury: Victoria and Leon Pirrello of Vicello
For Victoria and Leon Pirrello, owners of Vicello, a well-designed kitchen starts with a clear vision and a realistic budget. “Being clear from the outset about priorities helps avoid unnecessary compromises,” they explain. Whether the space is for family meals, entertaining, or gourmet cooking, understanding its function ensures the design aligns seamlessly with the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Storage and organisation are at the heart of Vicello’s approach. Their top kitchen must-haves include concealed waste management systems for a clean, uncluttered look, high-quality organisational storage like drawer inserts and sink organisers, and pull-out pantry systems that make every inch of space accessible. “A well-organised kitchen is the key to a happy home,” they say.
Balancing aesthetics with practicality is essential. “We prioritise function first—workflows, spatial planning, and storage—then layer in the aesthetic elements,” they explain. They see bold marbles, rich colours, and mixed textures as defining trends for 2025, adding warmth and sophistication to kitchens.
Their biggest caution? Overloading a design with too many features. “A well-executed design is about choosing inclusions that truly serve your needs,” they advise. For a smooth process, they recommend trusting professionals early to ensure a functional and stylish kitchen.
Bright Ideas: Expert Tips from Anna Worrell of Lighthouse Lane
Anna Worrell, founder of Lighthouse Lane, believes kitchen lighting is key to creating a space that’s both functional and inviting. Her advice focuses on balancing practicality with style for the heart of your home.
Embrace Natural Light
“Natural light is unbeatable,” says Anna. She recommends maximising it with skylights or large windows to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that evolves throughout the day.
Layer Your Lighting
A great kitchen combines three types of lighting:
- General lighting for overall illumination.
- Task lighting for workspaces, like pendants over an island.
- Accent lighting to showcase features, such as LED strips highlighting splashbacks.
“Each layer works together to make your kitchen both practical and beautiful,” she explains.
Mind the Scale and Trends
Choosing the right-sized fixtures and hanging them at the correct height (e.g., pendants 80–90 cm above benches) ensures balance. Anna also highlights trends like organic shapes and natural materials, which add warmth and timeless appeal.
Lighthouse Lane sources unique, handcrafted lighting from Bali, blending function and artistry while supporting small makers. “Lighting isn’t just functional—it’s an opportunity to transform your space,” Anna says.
Final thoughts
A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a space that enhances your daily life. As our experts have shared, the key lies in thoughtful planning, smart storage, layered lighting, and a balance between aesthetics and function.
Whether you’re drawn to bold materials, clever organisation solutions, or the latest smart appliances, the most important takeaway is to design a kitchen that reflects your needs and personal style. With expert advice and a clear vision, your kitchen can become a space that’s as enjoyable to use as it is to admire.