The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Kitchen

Designing your dream kitchen is one of the most rewarding parts of rebuilding or renovating your home — but it also comes with big decisions. Whether you’re an avid home cook, love entertaining guests, or just want a clean, functional space, this guide walks you through the essential elements that will make your kitchen not just beautiful, but built to last.

1. Start with the Kitchen Layout: What Works for You?

Choosing the right kitchen layout is foundational. The common formats include:

• L-Shaped: Great for open concepts and compact homes.

• U-Shaped: Offers generous storage and workspace.

• Galley: Efficient for small spaces, ideal for serious cooks.

• Island Kitchen: Adds functionality and sociability in larger homes.

Tip: Think about your cooking habits and how many people use the kitchen daily. Consider appliance positioning, traffic flow, and whether you entertain frequently.

2. Plan Your Electrical and Plumbing Early

The worst kitchen mistake? Realising too late you don’t have enough power points or your sink is in the wrong place.

Plan ahead for:

• Power outlets for kettle, coffee machine, rice cooker, blender, etc.

• Water point for fridge (if needed).

• Sink placement (main + possibly prep sink).

• Gas vs. induction cooking.

• Hood ducting requirements.

Pro Tip: Discuss this during your M&E coordination stage so all services are routed before carpentry is fabricated.

3. Material Selection: Function Meets Aesthetics

Your choice of materials will impact both maintenance and longevity.

• Countertops: Quartz (low maintenance), granite (natural beauty), sintered stone (ultra-durable)

• Cabinets: Plywood carcass, laminate finishes, soft-close hinges

• Backsplash: Glass, porcelain tiles, or quartz continuation

• Flooring: Non-slip matte tiles or engineered timber

Pro Tip: Choose neutral palettes for timelessness, and bring warmth through textures like wood grain or warm LED strip lighting.

4. Kitchen Zones: Design for Efficiency

Organise your kitchen into zones for peak functionality:

Zone	Includes
Prep	Chopping board, sink, countertop
Cooking	Hob, hood, oven, spice drawer
Cleaning	Sink, dishwasher, waste bins
Storage	Pantry, dry goods, cutlery
Serving	Island, breakfast counter

Pro Tip: Apply the “Kitchen Work Triangle” principle to optimise distance between sink, stove, and fridge.

5. Built-In Storage That Works

Clutter-free kitchens always have clever built-in storage. Examples:

• Full-height pantry units

• Corner pull-outs or lazy Susans

• Cutlery and utensil organisers

• Drawer inserts for spices and sauces

• Integrated trash bins

Pro Tip: Use Blum or Hafele hardware for soft-close durability and lifetime warranty.

6. Appliances: Integrated vs. Freestanding

Appliances should match both your design aesthetic and daily usage.

• Built-in ovens, combi-steam ovens

• Induction hob or gas hob

• Concealed or statement hoods

• Freestanding or integrated fridge

• Dishwasher — drawer type or full panel

Pro Tip: Ensure the appliance dimensions are locked in early so carpentry can be built to fit.

7. Kitchen Lighting Matters

Don’t rely on just one overhead light.

Use a 3-layered approach:

• Ambient: General ceiling light

• Task: Under-cabinet strip lights

• Accent: Pendant over island / backsplash lighting

Pro Tip: Warm white (2700–3000K) works best in kitchens for inviting ambience.

8. Budgeting & PC Items

Kitchens can cost anywhere from $25,000–$60,000 in a landed home depending on:

• Length of cabinets

• Choice of materials

• Branded appliances

• PC (Prime Cost) allowance for fittings

📄 At Hitomo, we include a clear breakdown in our quotation so you know your PC allowances and upgrade options up front.

9. Golden Dimensions to Remember

9.1. Countertop Height

• Use the formula in the picture

• Standard: 850mm – 900mm from floor finish level (FFL)

• Tall homeowners: Consider up to 950mm

• Universal Design (UD): Lower section at 750mm for wheelchair access if needed

9.2. Countertop Depth

• Standard base cabinet: 600mm

• With backsplash: 650mm to 700mm (especially with quartz or sintered stone overhang)

9.3. Overhead Cabinet Height

• From FFL to bottom of cabinet: 1450mm – 1500mm

• Cabinet height itself: 600mm – 800mm

• Clearance between counter & cabinet: Minimum 500mm

9.4. Island Counter

• Height: 900mm (for prep), 1050mm (if bar stool seating)

• Minimum width: 900mm

• Clearance around island: 1000mm – 1200mm ideal

9.5. Sink Dimensions

• Single sink: 600mm wide

• Double bowl: 900mm – 1000mm wide

• Undermount sink: Allow additional depth for cabinet installation (min 700mm counter depth)

9.6. Hob & Hood

• Hob size: 600mm (standard) or 900mm (for serious cooking)

• Hood height above hob:

  
  

  • 600mm – 650mm for electric/induction

  • 750mm – 800mm for gas hobs (BCA recommendation for fire safety)

  
  

9.7. Oven/Microwave Tower

• Oven height: Mid-tower at 900mm – 1200mm above floor

• Microwave: Either same tower or integrated into upper cabinets

9.8.Circulation and Clearance

9.8.1. Walkway Clearances

• Between counter and wall: 900mm minimum

• Between two counters (e.g. island & main): 1000mm–1200mm for comfort

9.8.2. Cabinet Door Clearance

• Drawer open depth: Plan at least 450mm clearance in front

• Fridge door swing: Account for full opening without hitting walls/counters

9.9 Safety and Utilities

9.9.1. Power Points

• At least 4–6 sockets across kitchen counter

• Use double gang outlets with safety shutter

9.92. Gas Valve

• Should be accessible, not hidden behind fixed cabinetry

10. Work with Professionals You Trust

A beautiful kitchen starts with solid planning and execution.

At Hitomo Construction, we integrate:

• Architectural planning

• M&E coordination

• Custom carpentry

• Handover-ready build with no template-based shortcuts

Let’s Build Your Dream Kitchen

Already own a property or planning to buy one? Bring us in early. We can help align the kitchen design with your overall home structure, layout, and even suggest ways to make the kitchen the heart of your home.