The Personal Touch
Customisation is a crucial aspect of any project allowing you to tailor your renovation to your lifestyle and preferences. But beyond that, it allows you to express yourself and your personality through your unique design aesthetic. Here, Sydney Kitchen + Bathroom Design’s Jacqueline Foy sits down with Joel Fitzgerald, director at Dewars Cabinets, to talk about the limits of customisation, including colours, materials and beyond.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the cabinetry business and as a proud member of the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association, Fitzgerald and Dewars Cabinets have firmly positioned themselves as respected, quality cabinetmakers. Specialising in the design, manufacturing and installation of high-quality custom cabinets and expanding its services to include kitchen design, renovations, and custom furniture making, Dewars Cabinets’ philosophy of professionalism and dedication to the craft, ensures that all renovations are of the highest quality. The company prides itself on a unique attentiveness to detail, providing an outstanding result each time. Specialising in the design, construction and installation of projects, Fitzgerald knows the ins and outs of kitchen design and all the ways to make your kitchen your own, without compromising on functionality.
FORM AND FUNCTION
When it comes to balancing functionality with style and personality in kitchens, Fitzgerald has a few suggestions that can help create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space. “One of the key aspects of a functional kitchen is its layout and organisation, a well-designed kitchen should have an efficient workflow, allowing for easy movement between different work areas such as the sink, stove, and refrigerator,” he says. One well-known method to kitchen organisation is the ‘kitchen work triangle’ concept, which Fitzgerald says suggests that the area between the stove, refrigerator and sink should form an imaginary triangle to minimise unnecessary steps while cooking. This ensures that your working area is practical as well as balanced.
Customising around certain style restrictions in your home requires creativity and strategic decision-making, Fitzgerald explains. “By incorporating key elements, utilising colour and texture, mixing and matching styles, focusing on accessories, customising furniture and fixtures, embracing statement pieces, and considering temporary accessory solutions, you can achieve a personalised space that reflects your desired design style,” he says. Even if you’re going for a particular design style, you can still infuse your kitchen with personality, “don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your interests and hobbies,” he says.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Whether you prefer bold and vibrant hues or subtle and calming tones, incorporating colour is one of the easiest ways to transform your kitchen into a unique reflection of your taste and preferences. “Consider using bold, bright colours or soft, muted tones to create a look that reflects your personal style,” Fitzgerald says. Colour can be effectively used in various elements of the kitchen design to make it your own. From cabinetry and walls to splashbacks, countertops, appliances, and accessories, each area offers an opportunity to inject personality and style into the space. “You can incorporate your chosen colours into cabinets, countertops, walls, and accessories such as appliances, lighting, and hardware,” Fitzgerald says.
Alongside colour, different material options add a multitude of possibilities for customising your kitchen design. “From aesthetics to functionality, texture to environmental considerations, the choice of materials allows you to create a kitchen that is tailored to your personal style and requirements,” Fitzgerald says. “By carefully selecting materials that align with your vision and considering factors such as durability, maintenance, and sustainability, you can create a truly unique and personalised space,” he goes on. According to Fitzgerald, one way to really make your kitchen your own is thinking about a less traditional splashback material. This area of your kitchen is a great place to highlight your style. “Consider using unconventional materials to create a one-of-a-kind look, options like stainless steel panels, mirrored surfaces, glass or even chalkboard paint can add personality and visual interest to your kitchen,” Fitzgerald finishes.
OUT OF THE BOX
Alongside built-in elements, you can personalise your kitchen with items that are more easily changed-up as your style shifts. “When it comes to adding style to a kitchen, there are numerous ways to incorporate accessories and that can elevate the overall aesthetic,” Fitzgerald says, “these additions can range from decorative elements to functional gadgets that not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve the functionality of the space,” he says. He suggests a few ways to incorporate an artistic touch, from simply adding art to the walls to installing a flourishing vertical garden. “This innovative idea not only adds visual appeal but also provides fresh herbs and greens right at your fingertips,” he says. “Consider incorporating colourful mosaic tiles, unique artwork, or even a chalkboard wall where you can showcase your creativity or write down recipes and grocery lists,” he continues, also suggesting changing out window treatments as a way to greatly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
If you’re looking for a slightly more permanent way to creatively accessorise, Fitzgerald suggests customising your lighting, kitchen island, or even your appliances. “Installing unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures can instantly transform the look and feel of a kitchen,” he suggests, citing adding feature pendants above the island as one idea. “Adding decorative corbels or legs to the island can create a furniture-like appearance,” he adds as another way to feature your island. When it comes to your appliances, Fitzgerald says investing in statement appliances can be a bold way to add style to a kitchen. “Opting for appliances in unique colours or finishes, such as vibrant red or sleek matte black, can serve as focal points and elevate the overall design,” he says. “Ultimately, the choices you make should reflect your personal style and preferences while creating a functional and inviting space,” he finishes.
Images courtesy of Dewars Cabinets, Unsplash