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Standard dimensions for Australian kitchen design

When you intend to renovate your kitchen, you wish to work towards the standard dimensions for Australian kitchen for optimum ergonomics and functionality. In addition, don’t forget to grab some kitchen design inspirations in passing.

Please find your expert guide for optimal kitchen design measurements below.

Kitchen Design Lower North Shore Sydney — Standard kitchen dimensions ensure functionality and sophisticated looks

Benchtop

Height

Standard benchtop height is 900mm. However, depending on your stature it can range from 850mm to 1000mm.

Depth

Standard depth of a benchtop is 600mm. But have a look at your fridge’s depth first. If you don’t want the fridge to protrude out of your kitchen row, adjust the depth of your benchtop accordingly. See standard fridge dimensions below.

Thickness

The most popular benchtops in Australia are made of engineered stones (e.g. Caesarstone, Quantum Quartz, Essastone, Smartstone) and laminate finishes. The average thickness of the latter one is around 33mm, whereas engineered stone usually comes in 20mm or a multiple thereof. If you wish to choose an engineered stone, our recommendation was to go with a thickness of 40mm as this looks well-proportioned and classy.

Island Bench

Distance

Galley kitchens with an island bench are still going strong in 2021. For its installation allow for approx 1200mm between the kitchen row and the island bench. If this space is too narrow, it becomes awkward when more than one person is working in the kitchen or the kids are running around your legs. Installed too far apart from each other, the kitchen becomes less efficient to work in.

Width and depth

The size of your kitchen island bench can be as large as your space allows. The only restriction is the width of the slab, if you opt for an engineered stone. A standard slab size is 3060mm by 1440mm, but some suppliers offer oversized jumbo slabs which eliminate the need of an unsightly joint between two slabs.

A good island width to work with is 1200mm, especially if you plan to place some barstools on the other side. In this case you wish to accommodate for the necessary leg room.

Leg room

An island bench is a great place to sit on bar stools while having your breakfast or a snack. Allow for 300mm of leg room underneath the benchtop to sit comfortably. You need to check with your kitchen manufacturer how big an unsupported benchtop overhang can be based on your chosen material.

Walkway

Plan for 1000mm walkway either side of the island bench. This will allow enough space for people to move around without having to turn sideways.

Fridge

The sizes of fridges vary significantly. For a single door fridge allow around 800mm width and 780mm depth. A double door fridge is around 1200mm wide and 850mm deep. If you have selected a fridge, check its required ventilation space in the manual to incorporate this space into your planning.

Oven

Whether you go for a wall or under bench oven, the standard width is 600mm. For large families and for entertainment standard options include 700mm and 900mm.

Overhead cupboards

Clearance between benchtop and overhead cupboards to be a minimum of 600mm. However, if you wish to install a gas cooktop, you need to allow for at least 650mm. Read the manual of the cooktop and rangehood manufacturers and follow their requirements. If uncertain, please check with a licensed electrician for the safety of your family.

Dishwasher

Dishwashers and dish drawers are usually 600mm wide, but they also come in 450mm suitable for an apartment or studio.

Sink

Sinks come in all shapes and sizes. For a double sink allow for a length of around 800mm and a width of 480mm plus drainage area on the benchtop. The depth of the sink is around 200mm.

If you wish to plan your kitchen sink with a single bowl allow for a length of 550mm and a width of around 500mm.

Kickboards

Kickboards height is usually between 90mm and 150mm and set back from the cabinet’s carcass by around 50mm.

We hope this information helps you with the design of your new kitchen. In addition, here are some kitchen design ideas up for grabs.

You can get a pdf version of the Standard Dimensions for Australian Kitchen emailed for you to print out. Please type in your name and email address below:

If you have a question or need help with your kitchen makeover, please send an email to martina@martinahayes.com.au or call 0434 498 450. Alternatively, you can use this contact form.

Kitchen ideas for you

Are you need of some inspiring kitchen ideas?

Watch this short and sweet video to learn about our nifty kitchen ideas that you may easily incorporate in your new kitchen design.

Kitchen idea #1: A rack for pot lids

There is, for instance, a rack that accommodates all your pot lids. Properly stored this way, grab and access the lids easily when you need them.

Kitchen ideas create superb aesthetics

Inside the kitchen cabinet door, install the rack out of sight, keeping your kitchen clutter free. Deciding on this concept for your design will add style and create a superb aesthetics in your kitchen.

White Kitchen Design — Nifty kitchen ideas help you to create a clutter free kitchen

Kitchen idea #2: A pull-out bin

The second nifty idea is to implement a pull-out bin to the kitchen design.

You may install a pull-out bin underneath the kitchen’s benchtop. This allows you to simply slide all your food scraps easily over the edge of the bench right into the bin. It’s a great use of the space that is under your kitchen’s benchtop.

Kitchen ideas around waste management

The pull-out bin may also be divided into separate compartments, making it easy to separate your food scraps from your recyclable items. Doing this helps you to live more sustainably without creating extra work or effort for yourself and your home.

After its use, push it back and your kitchen is tidy again. In other words, the bin is hidden, but still easy to access.

Have a look at different waste management options.

Kitchen idea #3: A cargo pantry

A cargo pantry (also called pull-out pantry). This cabinet is your best friend when space is at a premium

Pull-out pantry also known as cargo pantry — In a cargo/pull-out pantry, stocks are of easy access

It holds all your food that doesn’t need refridgeration from Avocado to Ziti Pasta. Just pull on the handle and all your supplies are clearly arranged for you to grab.

What a great space saver.

These are just 3 of many nifty kitchen ideas you may incorporate into your own kitchen design.

If you have a question about kitchen design, please email to martina@martinahayes.com.au or call on 0434 498 450. Alternatively use this contact form.

Create a mood board online step-by-step

If you can’t decide whether to purchase this cosy beige sofa or the stylish charcoal one, just do what the pros do: create a mood board.

Decorate like a pro

Watch this short video that shows step-by-step on how to create a mood board online.

Questions on how to create a mood board

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

How to select paint colours for your home

Eight questions you should ask yourself before you select paint colours

Your eyes may have wandered around your home recently, thinking that it is time for a fresh coat of paint on your walls. This is a good opportunity to rejuvenate your interiors. But how do you select paint colours to determine a new colour scheme?

Select paint colour — Selected Dulux Milky Spearmint for the back wall of this Eastern Suburbs living room

But where to start? Here are eight questions to ask yourself to make your painting project successful.

What direction does the room face?

With the right paint colour choice, you are able to adjust how warm or cold a space feels. For example, with a cooler hue you can take the edge of a north facing room that is baking in the sun light. But when you always reach for this thick cardigan in a room, you might select a warm colour to make the room feel warm and comfortable.

What atmosphere do you wish to achieve?

For a fresh, coastal ambiance you are likely to look for the blues and greens in the colour chart. But to achieve a cosy and homely feeling, neutral hues in the warm spectrum are ideal for you. Or you might be an eccentric character who thrives in a clashing colour scheme. Then have fun with mixing up your colours!

What is your ceiling height?

With a ceiling height of 2.7 metres or more, you can play with colour on your ceiling. A warm, dark hue gives your living area this snug atmosphere you always wanted. Whereas a bright colour has a dramatic effect on how the space is perceived. A standard ceiling height of 2.4 metres doesn’t mean you need to go for the traditional white, a pastel colour can also look stunning without weighing the ceiling down visually.

Thought of a feature wall?

If your room lacks interest, a feature wall might be the right choice for you. Check, if you have a wall that could work as the feature wall: It is ideally located opposite the entry door and has no window or large cabinetry. Paint the wall in a contrasting colour or just a couple of tones darker than the rest of the room.

Which colour to choose for a feature wall?

Get some inspiration from looking out of the window. What about the greyish green of a gum tree? Or the deep blue of the sky? Or the colour of the blooming plants in the backyard? Alternatively, look around in your room. Is there a colour in your rug or in your cushions you fancy? Then go for it!

Select paint colour for this particular space

Get yourself some matching swatches from the paint shop or handware store and order A4 brushouts online from the paint manufacturers’ websites (Dulux, Taubmans, etc). Place the sheets against the wall, step back and compare the hues at various times of the day and at night with the lights switched on. You will soon know what colour is the right one for you.

What about wallpaper in your interiors?

Don’t limit yourself to a solid colour for your feature wall while there are so many beautiful wallpapers out there. Subtle fabric wallpapers add extra texture to your space for this comfy atmosphere. And a bold pattern can transform your room from boring to absolutely stunning.

How to match the colour of the remaining walls?

Once you made your choice, keep the remaining three walls fairly neutral. Look for a similar undertone to your feature wall. For example: If you have chosen a purple, opt for a neutral with a slight purple undertone to create a harmonious look.

If you have questions on how to select paint colour or wallpaper for your space, please contact me.

Family room design with indigenous touch

The clients in Lane Cove asked for a contemporary family room design with an indigenous touch.

Colourful focal point

With its vivid colours, the rug is the focal point of the space followed by the artwork above the fireplace.

Family room design with organic feel

While rug and artwork spell out indigenous, the rustic furniture pieces support the organic feel of the family room.

Bring nature into your home

The Turpentine tree branch in the corner has been stripped down to its beautiful bare timber, set into an oversized planting pot.

Neutral colours

For a soothing backdrop for this contemporary family room design, I opted for paint colours and sofa in a neutral palette.

If you have any questions, please contact me.