Why kitchen designs are more important than ever for Canberra buyers

“Kitchens sell houses” is a general rule of thumb as far as agents are concerned, but why does this space hold such a place in the hearts of owners and buyers?

Justin Gay of Ray White Goulburn says it’s the hub of every home, the place that draws the family together.

“It’s also often the key area that has benefited from the biggest investment in terms of budget,” he says.

“People are spending more money on the kitchen than almost any other space in the home.”

Gay says the aim is to get the balance right between aesthetics and functionality. 

“The kitchen space and layout has to work efficiently before the choices move into the aesthetics and the selection of appliances, fixtures and fittings.”

Louise Kichenside of Fyshwick-based Dept. of Design, was behind the award-winning kitchen (above $100,000) in the 2021 Master Builders ACT Home of the Year in Forrest.

“Our role as interior designers is to bring together the functional and emotional aspects of a design brief into a realised form,” she says.

“We invest a lot of time in understanding how a client wants to use a space to a minute level of detail – even whether they prefer to work from left to right.”

Kichenside says clients have become increasingly educated around their visions for their kitchen spaces and have new levels of confidence.

“They want to make the space as functional and interesting as possible and are willing to consider new ideas,” she says.

• Heart The kitchen is the undoubted heart of the home, the one space that draws everyone together – family and friends. It’s been a place of comfort, conversation and sustenance since time immemorial.
• Evolution The kitchen area has evolved in sophistication in design, functionality and aesthetic appeal. In many ways, it has become the most visible showpiece within a home and an expression of the home owners’ personality.
• Innovation Kitchens have come a long way from the cooker, sink and fridge. Induction tops, Zip taps, built-in coffee machines, integrated appliances and a butler’s pantry have become the new standards.

Check out our top pick of homes with the best kitchens:

Goulburn

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Canberra buyers will be quick to gauge the value this Goulburn property presents compared with other local offerings. 

Here’s a grand residence with plenty of everything to meet the needs of a growing family: a six-bedroom home sitting on more than 2000 square metres within the sought-after Platypus Banks Estate.

This home knows how to make an entrance, showing off its classic homestead lines in a grey and white palette and sited to perfection in immaculately landscaped grounds.

There’s a grand entry statement with double front doors. Inside, the story gets even better with a foyer that’s suffused with natural light drawn in through a skylight.

This home has a floor plan that offers plenty of options. Aside from five dedicated bedrooms, there’s also a study or office, and a home theatre.

There’s a generous main bedroom with an en suite that has a free-standing bath, and walk-in wardrobe. All the other bedrooms have built-in robes. 

The main feature of the home is the showcase kitchen that sparkles in white custom cabinetry highlighted by a recycled brick island bench and landscape window splashback. There’s a contrasting black range hood and a muscular Smeg oven.

The kitchen is backed up by a butler’s pantry with plenty more storage. Glass sliders lead to a wide covered deck for year-round entertaining. There is a double garage and more parking in a big side shed that is being used as a home gym.

Price guide: $1.65 million

Private Sale

Agent: Ray White Goulburn, Justin Gay 0429 795 507

Or try these:

Harrison

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Price guide: $1.2 million +

Auction: 10am, November 13

Agent: HIVE Property, Steve Langford 0451 115 122

Monash

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Auction: 1pm, November 13

Agent: The Property Collective, Sean Hegan 0431 158 330

Jerrabomberra

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Price guide: Circa $1.5 million

Auction: 10am, November 13

Agent: Ian McNamee & Partners Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra/Canberra, Lucy MacGregor 0433 310 366