Neale Whitaker's 9 Go-To Kitchen Design Strategies

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It takes a considerable amount of pre-planning to ensure a kitchen renovation not only goes without any hiccups, but also delivers on its promise to provide a stylish, efficient and practical space for family and guests to enjoy. And no one would know more about this than interiors guru Neale Whitaker, who has recently completed a huge transformation of a 1930s country home in NSW, where he combined meticulous planning with a comprehensive designer brief to create a stunning entertaining space.

As well as a sophisticated and timeless palette, Whitaker was keen to create a functional, easy-to-use kitchen that could withstand plenty of entertaining. He decided to work with with Silestone® surfaces, having experienced its durability and functionality on many interior shows, and looked to combine these stunning, good-to-touch benchtops with warm metallic accents for a contemporary yet timeless space.

Want to know how Neale Whitaker survived his mammoth kitchen reno? Here’s his top kitchen design strategies for keeping your kitchen project heading in the direction of success.

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1. Keep your budget in check. Being realistic with your budget from the outset, and being honest with what you require of your kitchen will ensure you won’t splash out on unnecessary extras. “It’s absolutely vital to decide upfront what you can afford to spend and keep a contingency of around 25 per cent in reserve,” says Whitaker. “There are so many sleek and desirable kitchen gadgets available these days, but there’s no point installing that teppanyaki grill unless you really plan to use it.”

2. Save by reusing what you can. Consider how you can claw back valuable dollars by recycling parts of your existing kitchen, such as the appliances, or try and work with the current layout so you don’t incur extras costs for moving plumbing, gas or electrics. “Sometimes a change of benchtop and some new cabinetry is all that’s required,” says Whitaker.

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3. Consider your lifestyle needs. The budget you’ve set yourself will ultimately determine the type of transformation you can afford – whether you can extend your space, relocate your kitchen to another spot in the house, or simply work within the existing area. But, whatever your project size, ensure you consider the best use of the space to suit all your needs. “Ask yourself what you’ll be using the kitchen for and if you’ll have enough room for all its functions, as well as enough natural light to make it feel welcoming,” says Whitaker.

4. Make the best use of any natural light. A kitchen that opens onto the outdoor area will naturally be flooded with light, however if your layout doesn’t allow for this set-up, there are other ways of ensuring the room feels bright and spacious.
“Plan the orientation of workspaces and appliances in relation to the available light so that you have enough task illumination in the busy areas, while it’s also important to think about access to other areas of the home and, where appropriate, the view,” says Whitaker.

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5. Find inspiration everywhere. Deciding your kitchens’ style and look can be a minefield, not to mention the struggle of bringing it all together. Collating ideas from design sites, such as Houzz, will help you hone your likes and dislikes, and find the look that speaks to you. “Ignore the latest trends!” says Whitaker. “Kitchens should have a lifespan of at least 10 years, as should the fittings. Choose benchtops, cabinetry, splashbacks and appliances that will stand the test of time. I picked Silestone® for its durability and ease of maintenance.”

6. Pick accessories that can be changed up easily. Whitaker suggests that trend-driven kitchens are likely to date more quickly than classic looks, however you can still add in some on-trend details through buys that can be updated when you feel like a new look. “Use artwork, lighting, bar stools and cookware to bring the latest textures and colours,” he says.

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7. Add special additions where you can. If you’re lucky enough to have the space and the budget, an island is definitely worth a consideration. Not only is it the cornerstone of a big kitchen, it’s the workhorse of the space. “In my home, the island bench is used for food preparation, cooking, dining, dishwashing, storage, chatting, watching TV, listening to music… it’s where life happens,” says Whitaker. “Choose a benchtop that is as practical and hardwearing as it is great-looking and good to the touch. Our choice of Silestone® Calacatta Gold in Suede was perfect for our lifestyle and aesthetic.”

8. Go all out with a pantry. Another special touch if you have the space, would be the addition of a pantry, offering extra storage and an area for the messy kitchen jobs. “It’s a sign of the times that a butler’s pantry is on many people’s wish lists, but it really is a brilliant space for storing secondary kitchen appliances like microwaves, toasters, kettles and wine fridges,” says Whitaker. “I’ve also seen butler’s pantries combined very effectively and efficiently with laundries.”

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9. Let the details do the talking. From the number and position of power points to the height of the benchtops and bar stools, Whitaker believes the kitchen devil really is in the detail. “With so many options to choose from, such as handles or soft-close cabinetry, integrated or freestanding appliances, or open-fronted or closed units, it’s all these details that will dictate the convenience and functionality of your kitchen, so it’s worth investing time and thought at the outset,” says Whitaker.

More: Take a tour around Neale Whitaker’s light and bright kitchen, plus find out more about Silestone® surfaces here.

Tell us: What’s your favourite thing about Neale Whitaker’s kitchen?

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.