Designing a Functional & Stylish Kitchen Using Standard Dimensions

Designing a kitchen can be both an exciting and daunting task. With so many elements to consider, it is important to stay organised throughout the process and ensure that all safety regulations are met. For those designing a Kitchen in Australia, there are some specific standards that should be followed.

 Overview of Australian standards for kitchen design

There are standard dimensions that should be adhered to when designing your new Kitchen, let's start from the floor up.

• Kickboard height - The height ranges between 100 - 200mm. TIP: If you choose to go to 200mm you can make use of the kickboard space for drawers to store trays, shallow baking items etc in. 
• Bench top height - Ideally this sits at 900mm +/- 20mm (35 inches). Some clients, particularly if they are tall, have requested to have their bench height slightly higher at 950mm (37.4 inches). Note: This height is based on the finished floor level. If you choose to go any higher with your bench top and you have a dishwasher sitting under the bench you will end up with a gap, as most dishwashers are designed to sit under a 900mm bench. To resolve this, you can put in a narrow cutlery drawer above or sit the dishwasher on a plinth. NOTE: The higher the bench top the higher the overhead cupboards will have to sit.
• Bench top depth - The standard depth is 600mm. In some instances, we have taken this out to 700mm if there is enough room on the floor plan. TIP: Making the bench deeper takes the fridge depth into consideration, giving a more streamlined look to your cabinetry. These days many fridges are slightly wider rather than deep.
• Island bench top depths - These can vary starting at 600mm, 750mm, 900mm and 1200mm. If you wish to sit at your island bench you will need to set it out at a minimum of 900mm which will allow for cabinetry on one side and seating on the other. This allows space under the benchtop for knees. 350-400mm is most comfortable TIP: If you have plenty of floor space to play with don't make the mistake of filling it with a deep island bench...you don't want it so deep that it is awkward to clean.
• Bench top thickness - This depends on the material used & the design aesthetic. For example, laminate comes in 33mm, Engineered stone 20mm to 40mm. Any depth is possible, at the expense of the cupboard space under. To achieve the large sizing the stonemason uses a built up edge (mitring 2 slabs) TRENDING: Porcelain slabs are on trend, these bench tops are narrow at 12mm, The narrower porcelain slabs coming in at 3-6mm are used on vertical surfaces for the cabinetry doors and drawers.
• Space between bench tops - If you have for example, an island bench opposite your cooktop zone (Galley style Kitchen) the space between should be no less than 1200mm (47.24 inches). This allows for 2 people to pass each other comfortably and to open and close ovens, dishwashers and cupboards comfortably. This dimension also applies to U-Shaped Kitchens.
• Clearance between benchtop and the overhead cupboards - At a minimum this should be 600mm. If you have a gas cooktop you will have to bump it up to 650mm. Anything lower, you're likely to hit your head on the overhead cupboards unless you make them shallow.
• Depth of the overhead cupboards - No deeper than 400mm at a maximum. Anything more, you're likely to hit your head on the overhead cupboards. 300-350mm deep is ideal. This allows a reasonable depth to store and access items.  
• Space around your cooktop - Standards state that there should be a 50mm gap between non-combustible materials and 200mm clearance to combustible materials. Either side of your cooktop you want as much space as possible. However, if you're short on space, go no less than 300mm

Functionality & aesthetics - what to consider when designing a Kitchen

Functionality and aesthetics are two of the most important aspects to consider when designing a kitchen. It is essential that the kitchen layout encourages efficient workflow and provides enough functional space for cooking and entertaining. At the same time, the design should be aesthetically pleasing, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements its purpose and the rest of your home.

When considering a Kitchens functionality, it is important to make sure that all the necessary elements are included and that they are easily accessible. This includes adequate bench space, storage solutions, and the right appliances that suit your lifestyle & cooking style.

Bench space is prime real estate in any Kitchen and should be sufficient to accommodate the tasks of meal preparation, cooking and entertaining. Kitchen islands are a great way to add extra bench space as well as create an area for socialising and entertaining. The size of the island should be proportionate to the size of your kitchen – it should not overwhelm or overcrowd the space.

Materials used in kitchens – safety regulations and guidelines to follow 

When it comes to the materials used in kitchens, safety regulations and guidelines must be followed. Australian standards require that materials used for kitchen construction and surfaces must comply with the relevant standards set by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). These standards ensure that all parts of the kitchen remain safe for use and are fire resistant and slip-resistant.

Use these tips as a guide to ensure the space flow, functionality and safety regulations are met before you sign off on the design of your dream kitchen.

Whether it’s for practicality or aesthetics, there is no shortage of ideas when it comes to creating a beautiful and functional kitchen that meets all of your necessary requirements. In addition, looking at examples of well-designed kitchens may give you further inspiration as you embark on your renovation journey.