Kitchen Renovation Tips From an Australian Design Pro

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Kitchen Renovation Tips From an Australian Design Pro

In this episode of Houzz TV Live, Australian kitchen designer Anne Ellard of Kitchens by Kathie chats with Olivia Stuckey of the Houzz communications team. Ellard discusses how a design professional can help guide homeowners through a renovation project by managing tradespeople, offering insight on materials and finishes and creating the best layout for a space.

Ellard also highlights several kitchens she’s renovated. She shares advice on when to include an island and when to choose a peninsula. She recommends shopping around for quality rather than price. And she talks about how if you’re undecided about a backsplash material (called a splashback in Australia; a countertop is a benchtop), you can wait until the end of a renovation to make your selection.

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Comments (22)
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Kiya Kelly

Love this video, thanks for sharing such helpful tips!

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Leah

Amazing!

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Luke Buckle

This was handy pads I am designing a kitchen right now. Nice timing Olivia. :)

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Melissa Pace

Very insightful!

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Susan Ciaravino

I noticed in one renovation the hardwoods were different, I was happy to see! I’m starting a remodel and would like to replace the tile
with lighter hardwood. The dining room which is separate has a darker bamboo floor.

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Seating Innovations

Great tips!

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Owling Dog

What is the white, embossed square tiles shown at 9:11 minutes? Thank you!

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Mary Young

What brand and color paint did you use not he cabinets?

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evabukholder

I used to live in Indonesia and loved the nod to Lombok Island in the woven basket on the countertop!!! I have one almost like it.

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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Thank you everyone for watching and for your comments. I hope you enjoyed it.

Anne - Kitchens by Kathie

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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Susan Ciaravino - It's quite common here when renovating extending or simply opening up our original Queenslander style homes for there to be a visible join where new meets old. It's something to embrace and work with. I'm glad the example in our video has inspired and reassured you. A light hardwood and darker bamboo floor would contrast each other beautifully. Don't forget to share your renovation with the community here on Houzz!

   
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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Hi Owling Dog. 9:11 minutes is the end of the video so I'm not quite sure which tile you are referring to. The tiles in the first two kitchens are subway tiles. At 6:30 the splashback is a hand painted pressed metal.

I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to get in touch is we can be of any further assistance.

Thank you for watching

Anne

   
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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Hi Mary Young, Happy to share - which kitchen in particular did you like the colour of?

   
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Daphnemaria Sch

Very helpful info

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Cheryl

I’m in the process of getting quotes for my new kitchen, the main issue for me is comparing like for like. Apples and oranges are not the same and this has be come apparent with my quotes so far.
Three quotes ranging from $20 K to $60 K not including appliances. When speaking with kitchen companies other than the design and basic materials what else do we ask for and get a quote on? Im in western Sydney.
Thank you
Regards
Cheryl

   
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Sheraton Interiors

Fantastic tips and advice on creating a beautiful kitchen.

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Merrin Hodge

In the green Qlder kitchen the cook top “rings” sit straight into the bench top, can you advise what this type is called and what bench tops are suitable for them. Many thanks

   
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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Hi Cheryl, Thank you for getting in touch with us here and also via email. You may want to look at what services are included in your quotes also such as design (by a professionally trained designer), installation services (in which case the company should have the relevant states licence and insurance to carry out this work) or in some cases full project management of all trades.

It's also a great idea to go on line and read reviews like those you will find here on Houzz or on Google (not just the businesses personal website). This will give you an insight into the level of customer service the business offers and the level of customer service.

Ask lots of questions! Particularly about the origin of materials and warranty periods.

I hope this helps.


Best Regards

Anne, Designer at The KBK Team

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KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Hi Merrin Hodge, The cooktop in the green kitchen is a PITT Cooktop from @Pitt Cooking Australia. Our best advice for the benchtop material would be to discuss this with your cabinet maker and stone mason. They should refer to the installation specifications of the particular Pitt cooktop that you would like to use (or ANY appliance for that matter) to determine the correct materials that can be used along with any specific modifications that need to be made to cabinetry (as we did here) to accommodate the parts of the cooktop that lie under bench level.

The installation specifications can be obtained from the Pitt website or from your local Pitt appliance retailer. We always found Pitt's representatives and customer service team most helpful when we had any questions.

I hope this helps.

The KBK Team

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Kitchen Project Management Inc

Very professional!

   
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WB Comprehensive service PTY LTD

love this video

   
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NOBLESTUDEOUZ

Thank you for the advice. nice Ideas. Thank your l

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