Kitchen Inspiration: 20 Aussie Kitchens With a Contemporary Edge
For a kitchen that oozes contemporary style, you can't go past these beautiful homegrown examples
Are you dreaming of a new kitchen that speaks volumes about your style? There’s no need to head to Europe or America for inspiration – these Australian kitchens have more than enough appealing elements. So take a look at their set-ups and incorporate anything that catches your eye into your own kitchen design plans.
2. Personality plus (Tarrawanna, NSW)
Here is proof that a compact kitchen can have loads of personality – the restrained use of a daring blue and stepped lighting add colour and texture, establishing the bold identity of this small space.
Here is proof that a compact kitchen can have loads of personality – the restrained use of a daring blue and stepped lighting add colour and texture, establishing the bold identity of this small space.
3. Ethereal glow (Sydney, NSW)
Yes, the stunning back-lit oynx feature panel on this Sydney home’s island bench is the genuine article, not a Perspex imitation. A brittle product rich in tactile effect, the panel has mesh at the rear for structural integrity. The light fixtures are accessed from within the cabinets.
Yes, the stunning back-lit oynx feature panel on this Sydney home’s island bench is the genuine article, not a Perspex imitation. A brittle product rich in tactile effect, the panel has mesh at the rear for structural integrity. The light fixtures are accessed from within the cabinets.
4. Warm and welcoming (Queens Park, Sydney, NSW)
The extensive use of native jarrah timber cabinetry offers warmth to this space, and its rich tones offset the pristine corian benchtops. Louvred windows flood the interior with sunlight and can be automated or manually adjusted depending on your preference and budget.
The extensive use of native jarrah timber cabinetry offers warmth to this space, and its rich tones offset the pristine corian benchtops. Louvred windows flood the interior with sunlight and can be automated or manually adjusted depending on your preference and budget.
5. Repurposed beauty (Perth, WA)
This imaginative kitchen features a timber bulkhead made of smoked, limewashed oak floorboards. The feature was conceptualised and built during an extension/renovation of the 1970s residence and it defines the space with its strong lines and pared-back natural beauty.
This imaginative kitchen features a timber bulkhead made of smoked, limewashed oak floorboards. The feature was conceptualised and built during an extension/renovation of the 1970s residence and it defines the space with its strong lines and pared-back natural beauty.
7. Winning wow (Port Macquarie, NSW)
It’s no wonder this abode’s kitchen was a Master Builders’ Association national award winner for kitchen design with its offset island bench that forms a dramatic centrepiece with its transparent central panel, while the choice of wide floorboards ground the funky space.
It’s no wonder this abode’s kitchen was a Master Builders’ Association national award winner for kitchen design with its offset island bench that forms a dramatic centrepiece with its transparent central panel, while the choice of wide floorboards ground the funky space.
8. High drama (Melbourne, Vic)
Throw caution to the wind by taking risks with timber in the kitchen. In this city home, limewashed oak floorboards provide a subdued base on which to display an imported Italian table and cabinetry. There is also built-in LED lighting in the kitchen for dramatic effect.
Throw caution to the wind by taking risks with timber in the kitchen. In this city home, limewashed oak floorboards provide a subdued base on which to display an imported Italian table and cabinetry. There is also built-in LED lighting in the kitchen for dramatic effect.
9. Stylish seating (Menora, Perth, WA)
The eye-catching island bench with floating breakfast bar in this kitchen battles it out for design honours with the bespoke backless bar stools. A ceramic splashback in a metallic finish completes the room’s masculine appeal.
The eye-catching island bench with floating breakfast bar in this kitchen battles it out for design honours with the bespoke backless bar stools. A ceramic splashback in a metallic finish completes the room’s masculine appeal.
10. Bold brilliance (Sydney, NSW)
It’s nightclub glamour all the way at this residence where splashes of red make a bold visual statement on both the glossy splashback and concealed island bench’s lighting panels which can be switched off to tone down the drama during the day.
It’s nightclub glamour all the way at this residence where splashes of red make a bold visual statement on both the glossy splashback and concealed island bench’s lighting panels which can be switched off to tone down the drama during the day.
11. Practical appeal (Melbourne, Vic)
No wonder this kitchen was a winner at the Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia Awards in 2013. Its bold aesthetic appeal comes from its unabashed colour palette and generous proportions.
No wonder this kitchen was a winner at the Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia Awards in 2013. Its bold aesthetic appeal comes from its unabashed colour palette and generous proportions.
12. Step up (Tennyson Point, Sydney, NSW)
Who would have thought a kitchen on a raised platform accessible by steps would be a inviting space in which to cook and eat? This unusual design, reminiscent of a trendy eatery, works by putting the generous island bench to use as both a bench and cabinetry while food prep is given its own space in a wall alcove.
Who would have thought a kitchen on a raised platform accessible by steps would be a inviting space in which to cook and eat? This unusual design, reminiscent of a trendy eatery, works by putting the generous island bench to use as both a bench and cabinetry while food prep is given its own space in a wall alcove.
13. Glossy glam (Richmond, Melbourne, Vic)
For a cafe look in your home, follow in the footsteps of this fabulous kitchenette that showcases black subway tile along with complementary top cupboards featuring undermounted lights for visual pop.
For a cafe look in your home, follow in the footsteps of this fabulous kitchenette that showcases black subway tile along with complementary top cupboards featuring undermounted lights for visual pop.
14. Mix it up (Melbourne, Vic)
Don’t let the modest size of this kitchen fool you. There’s plenty happening here, from the choice of exposed lightbulbs and a celery green subway tile splashback, to the selection of aubergine feature cupboards and a multipurpose island bench with a waterfall edge and mixed textural components.
Don’t let the modest size of this kitchen fool you. There’s plenty happening here, from the choice of exposed lightbulbs and a celery green subway tile splashback, to the selection of aubergine feature cupboards and a multipurpose island bench with a waterfall edge and mixed textural components.
16. Subdued palette (Melbourne, Vic)
Shades of grey, metallics and glossy two-pack cabinetry finishes in charcoal and white were used to create fuss-free beauty in this kitchen. To light the area are LEDs, art lighting and a pendant to highlight the architecture, work areas and accessories.
Shades of grey, metallics and glossy two-pack cabinetry finishes in charcoal and white were used to create fuss-free beauty in this kitchen. To light the area are LEDs, art lighting and a pendant to highlight the architecture, work areas and accessories.
17. Quiet abundance (Turramurra, Sydney, NSW)
At first glance this kitchen may seem conservative, but look closer to see its user-friendly design features. There’s abundant bench space to accommodate two cooks, plenty of nooks for cookbooks and technology, a handy chalkboard panel for memos, and shelving to keep everyday items within arm’s reach.
At first glance this kitchen may seem conservative, but look closer to see its user-friendly design features. There’s abundant bench space to accommodate two cooks, plenty of nooks for cookbooks and technology, a handy chalkboard panel for memos, and shelving to keep everyday items within arm’s reach.
18. Illuminated darkness (Sydney, NSW)
It’s all about feature lighting and mirrors at this apartment. Strip lighting and an artistic range hood descending from the ceiling with concealed spotlights over the cooktop make the island bench the place to be, while mirror panelling makes the space appear larger.
It’s all about feature lighting and mirrors at this apartment. Strip lighting and an artistic range hood descending from the ceiling with concealed spotlights over the cooktop make the island bench the place to be, while mirror panelling makes the space appear larger.
19. Flowing space (Castlecrag, Sydney, NSW)
In this Sydney cellular brick bungalow, the kitchen functions as a pivotal area connecting indoor and outdoor areas in terms of style and function. An exposed feature wall, dramatic lighting, a mixture of textures and sleek, clean cabinetry lines create a down-to-earth appeal that’s ideal for sustainable living.
In this Sydney cellular brick bungalow, the kitchen functions as a pivotal area connecting indoor and outdoor areas in terms of style and function. An exposed feature wall, dramatic lighting, a mixture of textures and sleek, clean cabinetry lines create a down-to-earth appeal that’s ideal for sustainable living.
20. All-in-one (Bronte, Sydney, NSW)
There are cabinets galore and plenty of practical polished concrete bench space at this striking yet unpretentious Sydney abode where the kitchen was rebuilt to maximise winter sun and take advantage of the view. It was a 2013 Waverley Design Awards winner for exemplary contemporary design.
There are cabinets galore and plenty of practical polished concrete bench space at this striking yet unpretentious Sydney abode where the kitchen was rebuilt to maximise winter sun and take advantage of the view. It was a 2013 Waverley Design Awards winner for exemplary contemporary design.
This kitchen leads the way in sophisticated splendour with its central feature of a stunning marble splashback and coordinating end panels on the island bench. The pendant lighting punctuates the space with shimmery colour and texture.