Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide for Melbourne Homes

By the Baroco team, Mount Waverley · Updated October 2026

01Work zones and layout

The classic kitchen triangle connects the sink, cooktop and fridge. Try to keep each leg between about 1.2 m and 2.7 m, with the three points forming a sensible total distance. In many Melbourne kitchens, especially older terraces or open-plan extensions, a perfect triangle is not possible. Work with the existing window, door and plumbing positions before moving anything.

Think about the main tasks: unloading groceries, preparing food, cooking, plating and cleaning up. Give each task a clear bench space. Allow at least 900 mm of walkway between facing benches or an island. If two or more people cook at once, separate the prep and cooking zones so you are not bumping into each other.

• Keep at least 600 mm of clear bench beside the cooktop and fridge.
• Put the bin, dishwasher and sink in one clean-up zone.
• Avoid placing the cooktop under a window or in a main walkway.

02Storage planning

Before choosing cabinet layouts, empty your current kitchen and sort what you actually use. Group items by task: cooking utensils near the cooktop, dishes near the dishwasher, food near the fridge or pantry, and baking trays near the oven. Drawers are more practical than cupboards for most lower storage because you can see and reach everything.

Melbourne homes often have limited pantry space. A full-height pull-out pantry, even 300 mm wide, will hold more than a standard cupboard. Use vertical dividers for trays and chopping boards, and include a pull-out bin near the sink. Corner cupboards work better with a LeMans or swing-out mechanism than a simple blind corner.

• Allow a drawer at least 300 mm wide for cooking utensils next to the cooktop.
• Use overhead cabinets for lightweight items only.
• Plan power points inside drawers if you want to charge small appliances out of sight.

03Benchtop selection

Benchtops take the daily abuse of heat, water, stains and knives. Engineered stone is popular for its low maintenance and wide colour range, but it can be damaged by sudden heat. Porcelain is heat resistant and very hard, though edges can chip if hit hard. Laminate is affordable and easy to clean but less tolerant of heat and sharp objects. Timber adds warmth but needs regular oiling and will show marks.

Decide on the benchtop material early because it affects cabinet strength, overhang limits and splashback details. Long runs of veined stone may require bookmatching and extra material for joins. Check whether your chosen material needs a substrate for thin profiles or if it can span a dishwasher opening without extra support.

• Choose heatproof trivets or mats regardless of benchtop material.
• Specify a 20 mm or 40 mm edge profile before finalising cabinet heights.
• Ask about stain resistance and sealing requirements before you buy.

04Appliance decisions

Confirm your appliance models before the cabinet maker measures. Ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, dishwashers and fridges all have specific cut-out sizes, power requirements and ventilation clearances. Induction and gas cooktops have different safety distances to overhead cabinets. A rangehood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, and ducted outside is far better than recirculating.

Place the fridge where it does not block the main work path. A plumbed fridge or coffee machine needs a water connection, so plan for that early. Integrated dishwashers and fridges need matching cabinet panels, which affects joinery. Any gas, electrical or plumbing work must be done by a licensed tradesperson.

• Write down model numbers and keep them with your cabinet drawings.
• Allow a dedicated power point for the microwave and an isolating switch for the rangehood.
• If you want a second oven or warming drawer, plan the cabinet height before tiling starts.

05Lighting and ventilation

Kitchens need three layers of light: general ceiling light, task lighting on the benchtop, and accent lighting for open shelves or a feature splashback. Under-cabinet LED strips are the most useful because they remove shadows from your hands while chopping. Position task lighting at the front of the bench rather than at the back, where your body blocks the light. All hardwired lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Ventilation matters for air quality and moisture control. Ducted rangehoods vent steam and cooking smells outside; recirculating hoods filter some odours but leave moisture in the room. Check the ceiling and roof space for a clear duct run before you commit to a particular rangehood location. If you have a gas cooktop, ensure the rangehood is installed to the manufacturer's height requirements.

• Clean rangehood filters every month to keep extraction working.
• Use warm white (about 3000 K) for a comfortable kitchen, not bright cool white.
• If the rangehood is noisy, check the duct size and run length.

06Order of decisions

Start with the layout and work zones, then storage, benchtop material, appliances, and finally lighting and ventilation. This sequence prevents the most common mistake: buying a benchtop or cabinet before the appliance dimensions are locked in. Draw a rough floor plan with measurements and mark the existing plumbing and electrical points.

Once you have a clear list of decisions, get written quotes. A measure by the renovation company or installer will give a much more accurate price than photos or a verbal description. If you are buying products separately, confirm stock and lead times before booking trades.

If you want to see and touch products before committing, Baroco Interior Innovations has a showroom at 21/105-111 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley. You can view toilets, vanities, tapware, sinks, cooktops and rangehoods, and either buy products for your own installer or use Baroco's full-service renovation team. Call 0426 520 859 or email info@baroco.com.au to arrange a time to visit.