Hi Nicole, thanks for your message! I do love my kitchen. Our layout is absolutely perfect. I honestly wouldn't change anything. The island is 3m x 1.2m (nice and big) and the distance from cooktop bench to island is 1120mm. Cooktop bench is 2380mm. Sorry, on second thought I would change just one detail! The cupboards under the island on the stool side are push-open and it is actually very irritating as my kids don't sit still so they're constantly kicking them open with their feet/legs! Other than that, I love everything. I like having the sink in the island as I'm washing up more often than cooking so I can keep an eye on the rest of the house. We have a big bin drawer for separated rubbish and recycling next to the sink. Our dishwasher is on the other side. The microwave is under bench too with a drawer underneath and next to this is a smaller cupboard for kids plates, bowls, beakers (easy access for the kids to help themselves) and chopping boards. It all works well. Goodluck!

We are doing a new kitchen with antique white shaker cupboards & drawers and I'm thinking a painted, pressed metal splashback behind a free standing 90cm heritage style electric cooker and the subway tiles elsewhere. We are doing an oiled natural shaped huon pine slab for the main benchtop.

Another thing to consider when choosing handles, especially when they are mounted at hip height - is the end shape - square final edge or stems hurt when you bump into them when naturally moving around the space. For positioning, working to a 1/3 2/3 principle is the most visually appealing; take the depth/height measurement, divide into thirds and mount handle at the first third. (150mm drawers however, place centred but anything deeper, go for the 1/3 rule).

Kitchens have always been described as the heart of the home. So when you picture your dream kitchen, what sort of images come to mind? Are you loving the Modern Industrial style or maybe a Hamptons style kitchen is your current crush? Whatever you’re in to, we’ve got some amazing inspo for you! With so much inspiration floating around on the net, socials and glossy magazines, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of indecision. And just when you think you’ve nailed down the perfect kitchen, your thrown off track again because some other kitchen design pops up on Instragram. Creating a beautiful moodboard and pinning all your faves is the best way to start. Stalk all your favourite suppliers and designers social pages for up to the minute inspo. So then it’s just a matter of finding a common theme. It could be a cabinetry colour, backsplash tile, kitchen benchtop or even your tapware colour. Build your style from there. Maybe you pinned lots of black cabinetry, concrete benchtops and gunmetal tapware? Sounds like you’re into the Industrial Style. Crushing hard on marble benchtops, shaker style cabinets and polished chrome tapware? You’re definitely leaning towards a Hamptons style kitchen, for sure! If modern is more your style, you’ve probably got loads of neutral, clean finishes on your moodboard. White push-to-open cabinetry, stone benchtops and brushed nickel tapware is probably more your vibe.