'Best benchtops
"You want a benchtop space that has a good run so you've got a decent
amount of space to work with," says Cameron. "Also consider the benchtop
landing space next to appliances." Opt for the best quality material you can
afford and be practical; if you're on a tight budget, bear in mind that timber and
easy-care laminate can be fitted DIY, but surfaces like engineered stone will need
to be installed by professionals. Find more information at the Special Orders Desk.
Illuminate
Consider lighting in the early
stages. Ambient, task and accent
lighting all should be in a kitchen
plan, zoned for separate duties. It
needs to be functional - particularly
in food prep areas - and to create
distinct atmospheres. Safety is
paramount, especially when dealing
with sharp knives and hot pots. A mix
of downlights and pendants will
illuminate work spaces, as well as
allowing you to adjust the ambience.
Nail the flooring
Tiles are affordable, easy to
clean and available in a vast array of
colours, patterns and finishes. Natural
stone, such as marble, slate, granite
and travertine, brings a luxury look, but
requires more care than ceramic tiles.
Engineered timber flooring lends
warmth and is more forgiving under
foot. For the look of stone or wood,
ABOVE As well as providing light,
pendants can help to define zones,
such as the dining area of this kitchen
vinyl is budget-friendly, hard-wearing
and water-resistant.
Tap tips
OFor tapware, the key thing to think
about, says Luke Di Michiel of Caroma,
is how the kitchen is used. "If you enjoy
cooking, tapware with a pull-out or
pull-down retractable hose system
is great for quick clean-ups and
practical for big, deep sinks," he says.
BELOW Kaboodle Kitchen
ABOVE Kaboodle Kitchen laminate
"Modern' profile cabinetry in Egg
White and laminate benchtop in
Mayonella, bench V-groove lining
painted with PPG Paints Admiral
Blue paint. All other products,
stylist's own
benchtop in Calcutta Gloss. Some
products are not available at all
Bunnings stores, but may be ordered
Scan the
QR code
Follow these tips to DIY a U-shaped
kitchen: bunnings.co.nz/how-to-
install-u-shaped-kitchen-cabinets
Watch it!
O Keep in mind..
1 Always engage licensed tradies to carry out
plumbing and hardwired electrical work.
bunnings |O bunningsnz | bunnings.co.nz 29