Kitchen interior design secrets

Expert advice and kitchen design ideas from Sonya and Carolyn, interior designers from Harward and Brown Interiors.

Q. What colour is currently 'in' for kitchens?

A. It's our experience that somewhere in the selection process 'white' always appears as one of the most popular kitchen ideas, either in the cupboards or the benchtops, or both. This interior design style always looks great when it's teamed with finishes in dark timber or charcoal for contrast.

Q. If the budget is tight, what would you recommend splashing out on?

A. Really nice door handles and knobs are a great investment. They can make relatively inexpensive cabinetry look luxurious and are also a great stand-alone feature.

Q. Do you prefer white, stainless steel or integrated appliances?

A. A favourite is always stainless steel. But of course it really does depend on a client's particular needs, what sort of look they're aiming for and, of course, their budget.

Q. Do you prefer glass or tiled splashbacks?

A. Glass splashbacks are very fashionable and can work well in any space - so they're one of the best kitchen ideas. And due to the colours available, the choices are endless. But, if the budget is a little tighter, then ceramic tiles are also fantastic. We often use very large polished tiles or timber-looking tiles.

Q. What's your number-one tip for creating a timeless kitchen?

A. Select a neutral colour palette rather than bright laminates that you may end up hating in a couple of years. I'd also say that attention to detail is the most important aspect of a well-designed, dateless kitchen, so if you want to create a kitchen that exceeds your expectations, employ a designer.

Q. Why is employing a professional designer such a wise investment when it comes to a kitchen project?

A. The kitchen is the most important spatial area in a home, so it's crucial to get it right. I also believe that kitchens and other wet areas are often the first rooms to date in a home, so it's best to get expert interior design advice about colours, finishes and layout, as well as resale potential, when you're discussing interior design ideas for your kitchen.