Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, and in 2025, I’m seeing Sydney homeowners designing kitchens with more thought than ever. Whether you’re renovating a heritage terrace or building your forever family home, your kitchen needs to do more than just look good. It has to work for how you live.
As a kitchen designer based in Sydney, I’ve pulled together what I’m seeing in kitchen designs Sydney-wide right now, along with some of my best advice to help you plan a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle.
Start with how you live, not what’s trending
Before we even talk about finishes or colours, I always ask my clients one question: How do you use your kitchen?
There are generally two types of people.
Some want to showcase their high-end appliances and make the kitchen a real statement. Others prefer everything hidden behind sleek cabinetry. Neither is wrong – and both can look great – but you need to pick a lane, otherwise your kitchen might feel mismatched.
Once I know how you cook, entertain or just live day-to-day, I start to shape a kitchen interior design that Sydney clients will actually enjoy using, not just looking at.
Layout lessons from real Sydney homes
One of the biggest mistakes I see is kitchens designed in isolation from the rest of the house. Kitchen companies will generally focus on just the kitchen, but they often miss how it connects with the dining and living spaces, which are just as important.
In one recent project, I reworked what was originally a small kitchen into a much larger open-plan space by borrowing room from the dining zone. The result was a beautiful kitchen, ample storage and a layout that also highlighted the feature window. It flowed naturally and made much better use of the space.
Had my client stuck with one of the standard kitchen plans Australia builders often use, she would have missed the opportunity to make her space more functional for real life.
Concealed or showpiece when it comes to appliances
There’s been a real shift lately. Clients either want fully integrated, minimalist kitchens, or they want to make their appliances the focal point. I’m seeing people invest in top-of-the-line fridges and ovens, but not always thinking about how they sit in the room (or if they complement each other).
If you’re going for a feature fridge or rangehood, you need to balance it with other visible elements. Otherwise, it can stick out (literally and visually).
And of course, if you’re concealing appliances, plan for it properly. Pocket doors, integrated cabinetry, and thoughtful placement make all the difference.
These are the kinds of layout choices I help guide in the kitchen designs Sydney homeowners are planning right now – especially in tighter spaces or open-plan builds.
What I’m seeing in colours, finishes and splashbacks
In many of the kitchen designs Sydney homeowners are choosing, all white cabinetry with timber flooring or accents continues to be popular.
Most kitchen interior design Sydney clients are playing it safe with colours. And while that can work, I always suggest softening it with warm tones or textured finishes to give it balance. Your chosen flooring, lighting and home layout all need to be considered as part of this process, as the overall theme (hamptons, french provincial, modern, contemporary, coastal) will generally dictate the base elements.
Some of my favourite finish combos:
- Stone benchtops with matching splashbacks
- Polytec doors in soft timber tones, matte greys or feature colours
- Reeded or fluted glass inserts to break up large blank cabinetry
One thing I really encourage is thinking about where you’re placing a splashback tile. Tiling around a window? Not my favourite. If you want a feature tile, give it a wall of its own to shine.
Let’s talk about butler’s pantries
If you’re going to include a walk-in pantry, do it properly. That means space for a sink, maybe even a second fridge and plenty of bench space. Otherwise, it’s just an awkward open cupboard with a fancy name.
And if you’re putting in a door? Ask yourself: Will I use it? I’ve seen so many clients install cavity sliders that stay open forever. Sometimes it’s better (and cheaper) to leave it open and style it beautifully instead. On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a minimalist and understated aesthetic, a pantry door might be a better option for you.
In many of the kitchen plans Australia clients show me, pantries are either too small or not planned around how the household actually functions. If you have to walk too far just to get your basic essentials while cooking, it’s probably not an effective design. A good pantry needs convenient storage, easy access and a clear purpose.
Think beyond the kitchen walls
When I design a kitchen, I’m always thinking about how it fits with the rest of your home. If you’ve got open-plan living, I’ll often suggest carrying cabinetry or finishes through to the dining area or bar zone to create consistency.
In one recent project, I extended the kitchen joinery into the dining room, using the same style cabinetry to build a custom bar and coffee nook. It’s this kind of planning that makes a space feel intentional, not like an afterthought.
In another project, I suggested my client move her fridge to a more accessible location. It was originally located much too far from the prep zone, making everyday tasks feel clunky. It’s not just about where the fridge or oven will fit on a plan – it’s about where it makes the most sense for how you actually use the kitchen. Little layout tweaks like that can completely change how the space feels to live in, and they’ll need to be considered as you’re reviewing your architectural plans.
That’s the difference between choosing a standalone kitchen plan and working with kitchen designers Sydney who understand how the whole home comes together.
A few timeless details I always include
I don’t follow trends too closely, because kitchens are so personal. What works for one family might not work for another. But I do have a few go-tos that always add warmth and interest:
- Open shelving or glass-front cabinets (even with textured or reeded glass)
- Statement pendant lights above the island
- LED strip lighting for soft, ambient glow
- Subtle timber elements or stone to break up all-white cabinetry
Whether it’s a contemporary design or a Hamptons-style kitchen, these little touches help bring personality into your home.
My approach to kitchen interior design Sydney clients love
The best kitchen interior designers offer more than just trends, they’ll build the space around you. Your habits, your style, your space.
So before you pick a benchtop or start looking at tapware, ask yourself how you want the space to feel. That’s where the magic starts – and that’s what I love helping my clients figure out.
Need help with kitchen planning?
If you’re planning a renovation or new build and need guidance on layout, finishes or functionality, I’d love to help. I work with clients across Sydney and Greater NSW to create kitchen designs that feel beautiful, practical and personal.
Choose from our hourly kitchen interior design review or full kitchen plans Australia-wide support.
Get in touch to book a consultation or see some of my recent projects.
