Expert kitchen design advice

Find out what kitchen design experts like Nicky Oliver from Dzyne Resolve Kitchens can do to make your kitchen space not only functional, but also visually appealing.

What's your favourite benchtop material?

Personally, it would have to be solid timber. It doesn't matter what style of kitchen you have, you can find a timber benchtop to suit and the result will be spectacular. Unfortunately they can be more expensive and less durable than some other options, but you can't beat the result visually.

What sets a high-quality kitchen apart from the rest?

I'd have to say the quality of the cabinetry. Well-constructed units that will last the life of the kitchen are a valuable investment. When you consider that your kitchen is one room that will take a lot of knocks and a lot of spills, it's worth spending money on construction.

Your best kitchen renovation trick?

Spending a few hundred dollars on some quality, stylish cupboard door handles. For a relatively small investment they can make what might otherwise be inexpensive cabinetry look a lot more impressive.

What's the one thing most people want in their kitchens?

Gadgets. Most people have a wish list that includes everything from pull-out-pantries to in-cupboard storage systems. Whether we end up using them depends on the space available, budget - because they can be expensive - and how the client plans to actually use their kitchen.

What colour is currently trendy for kitchens?

At the moment I'd have to say avocado green. But the trick is using it sparingly, pairing it with relatively neutral cupboards and benchtops and using a splash of green on just a couple of cupboard doors to create an impact.

Do you have advice for people designing their own kitchen?

Take advantage of the internet. It's such a valuable tool for gathering information and ideas, seeing what's happening overseas and finding contacts. You'll find you can get so much achieved and make a lot of decisions relatively quickly.

Contact an expert kitchen designer like Nicky Oliver in your area to find out what you'll need to bring your kitchen design to life: