We previously wrote about the hottest kitchen design trends this 2021 and discussed the designs that homeowners are embracing nowadays. That doesn’t stop there. Here, we look at more practical and pandemic-driven design ideas and how they can improve your at-home lifestyle. These kitchen renovation ideas will:
- turn the kitchen into a perfect spot for hanging out with family and entertaining guests
- make the kitchen low-maintenance and easy to clean
- give you more benchtop space to prepare home-cooked meals
- turn the kitchen into a multifunctional space that’s a breeze to cook in

Simple, straightforward layouts
Many homeowners are using their kitchens more often now than before, and this helped them pinpoint the things that are not working well for them. Most of our customers early this year knew exactly what they wanted in their kitchens. The very first thing they requested to fix was the kitchen layout ⸺ to ensure the new layout suits the size and shape of the room, and to design all furniture and cabinetry in a well arranged,ergonomic way.
Kitchen layouts:
There are several different types of kitchen layouts that can work well depending on the amount of space you have.
- L-shaped
- U-shaped
- G-shaped
- One wall
- Galley
- Island
- Peninsula
More personalised design
As previously mentioned, many homeowners are hands-on with their home renovation projects nowadays. They choose to work very closely with their designer to be involved in all aspects of the design process. As a result, kitchens will look and feel more personalised and will showcase the design preferences of the occupants.

Scullery or butler’s pantry
A scullery is a small kitchen near the dining area (or at the back part of the house) that’s dedicated to washing dishes and doing other messy tasks in the kitchen. On the other hand, a butler pantry is a storage with a limited bench space inside; usually used for operating small appliances such as a toaster, electric kettle, and a microwave. These areas keep the mess and dirty dishes hidden from plain sight, so the main kitchen remains clean and organised.

Gourmet kitchen at home
For those who love cooking at home, investing in a state of the art kitchen set-up with tons of extra storage, wide bench space, specialty accessories, cool cooking gadgets, and luxury appliances that help make a gourmet meal will be worth it.
Double island kitchen
Kitchens with double islands enable homeowners to entertain and cook simultaneously with ease. Two islands streamline the cooking process and save the host’s energy. With twice the bench space, more people can lend a hand during food preparation. All of this comes in handy whenever there’s a celebration or when an extended family comes to share a meal regularly.

Gas strut or sliding window for an indoor-outdoor bar
Make the kitchen accessible even from the outdoor lounge using a window serving bar. The host could simply pass the food and beverages through this window, which saves energy and minimises accidents. Add this to an existing indoor-outdoor area to make it more functional, or to simply open the kitchen to the porch without a major renovation.
Check out this new building design project in Brisbane:

Hands-free tapware technology
Touchless faucets are safe, convenient, and hygienic. It helps minimise the spread of pathogens (germs, bacteria, viruses) inside the house. It is an irresistible feature especially for homeowners investing in smart home technology too.
Anti-microbial tapware and benchtop materials
Consider using building materials and surfaces that reduce the transmission of germs, bacteria, and viruses around the house as well. This includes anti-microbial stainless steel tapware and Corian benchtops.

Pet-friendly additions
For fur-loving families, consider having a custom-built feeding station or a doggy drawer in your cupboards just like this:

The kitchen is the busiest and the hardest working space in the house. When renovating yours, remember to prioritise three things: ergonomics, use of quality building products and choose durable finishes. Invest in features that will serve you and your family well for years to come. That way, your kitchen renovation will be worth every dollar you spent.
Which of these kitchen renovation ideas did you like?
These kitchen renovation ideas are possible when you:
- Plan your next kitchen project like a pro, and
- Engage qualified and skilled design and construction professionals on the job
Go check out ArchiX today, our project planning platform where you can get all the tools and professionals you need to get the job done!