Kitchens are becoming more of a focal point in home design, and every homeowner we help seems to want the same thing—to create a show stopping kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

That’s something we know can only be achieved by incorporating some smart design ideas.

If you’re in need of a few winning kitchen renovation design ideas that will help you create a kitchen of distinction, here are a few of our Mint Kitchen Group experts’ favourite design ideas that always seem to come up a treat!

Welcome in the light

Few things can amplify the sense of space in a kitchen than loads of natural light.

If space permits, incorporating a window in place of a splashback or using French, bi-fold or sliding doors within close proximity to the kitchen will instantly welcome more light into the space and draw a greater connection between the indoor and outdoor areas of the home.

If you have elevated or raked ceilings, clerestory windows are another excellent alternative, or if the home simply can’t accommodate any more windows, skylights are another fantastic option that will add a sense of grandeur.

Take an ‘integrated’ approach

If you find yourself saying words like ‘clean’, ‘contemporary’, ‘sleek’ or ‘streamlined’ while trying to describe the desired style of your kitchen, you should opt for integrated appliances.

From fridges and range hoods to dishwashers and ovens, most kitchen appliances are now available in integrated options or can be cleverly concealed, where your cabinetry can be customised to disguise them entirely from view and create a completely seamless aesthetic. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, integrated appliances can also be a good space saving solution, as they allow you to do things like place your fridge where you might normally put a cupboard, or save bench space by incorporating your coffee machine into your cabinetry without throwing off the balance of the space.

As an added bonus, you’ll also be able to say goodbye to fingerprints on your appliances!

Add a servery window

Where in your home is your kitchen located? If it shares an external wall with your outdoor entertaining space, why not install a servery window to open the space up and draw a greater connection between the two zones!

It will bring in loads of light and fresh air, you’ll be able to easily keep an eye on the kids while they’re playing in the yard or pool, and it will completely revolutionise the way you entertain. Think about how easy it will be to hand drinks out to your guests or quickly pass the meat or veggie burgers to the chef whipping up a storm at the BBQ.

Even more, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the party if you need to duck inside to prep the salad!

Incorporate a butler’s pantry

Butler’s pantries have become a much-desired feature of designer kitchens for their storage-adding and mess-hiding abilities, but plenty of homeowners write of the idea of adding a butler’s pantry too soon because they think they simply don’t have the space.

While this may be the case if you stick to the existing footprint of your kitchen, with a little rejigging of your floor plan and potentially removing or shifting a wall or two, you may be able to incorporate a butler’s pantry where you didn’t think it was possible.

If you can come up with a concept that allows you to incorporate a butler’s pantry into your kitchen renovation, it’s worth giving it some serious consideration, as it will add significantly to the functionality of your kitchen while adding extra buyer appeal if you ever decide to sell.

Create a breakfast station

Imagine rolling out of bed and stumbling your way to the kitchen to find a little sanctuary set up with everything you need to make your morning toast and tea or coffee in one space.

Sound appealing? Then why not incorporate a breakfast station!

Whether it’s an open nook or an enclosed cupboard, creating a dedicated breakfast station which houses your toaster, kettle, coffee machine, bread and spreads is a feature that’s sure to make your mornings that little bit more pleasant.

Looking for some more kitchen renovation design ideas? Head into one of our Mint Kitchen showrooms across Melbourne for plenty of other cutting-edge kitchen design inspiration.