Pavilion HouseContemporary Kitchen, Sydney

7. Location: Sydney, NSWWhy we love it: Just stand back and take it in. We love the invitation to admire this stunning space, and the way the marble panels are used solely on the outside of the island bench tone down the ‘look at me’ aspect just enough.

Although it’s important to stay true to your interior style, don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking by mixing different metallic finishes in the same space. This kitchen provides a good example as the stainless-steel appliances and fittings recede into the background while the copper light fittings take centrestage.

1. The traditional kitchen work triangle has evolved beyond geometry The ‘kitchen work triangle’ refers to the relationship between the stovetop, fridge and sink, which were traditionally arranged at points of an invisible triangle. This concept came about in the 1940s when kitchens were usually smaller, sequestered rooms. Today, however, our kitchens come in countless configurations, from U-shape or large open-plan layouts to narrow single- or double-walled galley styles.Browse U-shaped kitchens

Opposites attractMarble has seen a huge resurgence in popularity throughout the kitchen, with its bold veining adding drama to surfaces, splashbacks and breakfast islands. However, it’s also pretty dramatic on the wallet, and as each slab of natural marble varies in colour and pattern, so does the price – expect to pay upwards of $800 per square metre. Therefore, dedicating a sizeable chunk of work surface to another material, such as wood or laminate, will save you a fortune and still retain that classic look.

Something different? Same color family as our kitchen