Where space and functionality are key

No longer just a room to prepare meals, today’s kitchens tend to be more open, connected spaces where we cook, congregate and even celebrate. As the hub and the heart of the home, it’s important your kitchen functions well for you, your family and your lifestyle.

Gemma and Jo have both been working at Fluid Interiors for ten years, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about kitchens. Here they give us the lowdown on what’s most important when designing a kitchen, including some pretty unexpected priorities and those little details that can make all the difference.

M: First of all, what are the most important things to consider when designing a kitchen for a new build?

G: Use an experienced kitchen designer who’ll provide a holistic approach to your design. Put together a list of all the items going into your new kitchen and note their measurements. For instance small appliances, the height of your plates when stacked, tallest glasses and mugs. Think about what is working well and what is not in your current kitchen and spend some time researching your appliance details prior to your initial meeting. Your designer can then advise if the appliances are able to be accommodated in the design prior to purchase.

J: I cannot agree more. Having a good look at which appliances you want before you start planning your kitchen is really important, because they can change the design of the whole space. Also, knowing what small appliances you have and how regularly you access them, so your designer can factor this into the layout.

M: True. It’s no good having your coffee machine tucked away on a bottom shelf if you can’t function without your flat white in the morning!

J: Another important thing to consider is how the space will be used. Questions I always ask in the initial meeting include: Who is the primary cook? How do they cook? How many people are likely to be in the space at once? How do they shop? What do they store? Do they entertain? Do they use the breakfast bar much? It is important to have the space function for their unique requirements.

M: What are your ‘must haves’ in the kitchen?

G: There are many obvious must haves to mention, like durability, functionality, compartmentalisation and lots of drawers, but if you’re after that one product, I always include a Concealo waste bin.

J: Great hardware is a must! Soft close drawers and doors are standard at Fluid Interiors, with a few different options to choose from. Invest in great drawer runners and accessories such as inserts. The hardware is super important as its basically the bones of the kitchen. And, like Gemma said, bins.

M: Really? A waste bin?!

G: Yes. A good quality bin is a must have and the Concealo is my top pick.

M: Wow, that’s a bit unexpected! I thought you’d suggest something more glamorous like a beautiful splashback… but from a professional point of view, space and functionality are definitely more important than style and trend.

G: Absolutely! Space and function are the foundation of achieving a stylish kitchen. I wouldn’t include a glamorous splashback in every space, that decision is driven by the client's style, colour scheme, layout and budget.

J: Have a think. What is your must-have?

M: Well, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and I wish I had one of those really quiet rangehoods, where the fan and motor are fixed outside the house.

J: There you go! Functionality has to come first!

M: Now, shall we talk about the aesthetic side of the kitchen. What are the current trends and WOW factors?

G: Neutral colour palates, textured cabinetry, slim profile doors, brass and curves.

J: Muted and neutrals tones are very popular. Colours such as soft greens and brush pink can create connections to the outdoors. It’s exciting to see a lot more use of colours, and woodgrain patterns.

M: After many years of experience working with clients, what are the most common mistakes people make when designing a kitchen that we should avoid?

J: Following fast trends. They may not work for your own space and lifestyle. Sometimes clients want things that won’t be practical in their space, but this is where we come in, to offer professional advice and provide options. Nailing a functional layout is key! Spend plenty of time thinking about how you are going to use the space as a family.

G: Consult with a designer early in the process – don’t leave it till the last minute. This allows time for any changes, if needed, and makes the experience more enjoyable. Luckily this is not an issue with Maddren clients because they always come to us at building consent stage.

J: Yes, it is important not to chase the trend. Designing something that works for the family is far more important.

A little about Fluid Interiors

Established in 2008 by qualified joiner Steve Stirling, the passionate team at Fluid Interiors is dedicated to delivering high quality bespoke kitchen and cabinetry. They do everything in house for total quality control with every stage from design and manufacture through to the final installations and cabinetry fitting.

A little about Gemma Mills (middle in photo)

With a diploma in Architectural Technology, Gemma found her passion in kitchen design more than 20 years ago and has been designing beautiful kitchens ever since. Gemma is the Design Manager at Fluid, overlooking the design process. She is so passionate about good design that bad design sometimes keeps her up at night!

A little about Jo Lanham (left in photo)

After graduating with a Bachelor of Design, Jo set off on her OE to the UK. She returned to NZ ten years ago and has been working at Fluid ever since. On top of designing kitchens, Jo also takes care of Brand and Customer relationships. She loves all things pretty inside the home.

Professional interviews: Fluid Interiors

Where space and functionality are key

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