We got the IKEA shelves that are pictured in the butlers pantry photo I posted when we were on holiday in Melbourne, Australia. We don't have IKEA here in New Zealand! Hubby is going back over in May/June so will get him to get more of that sort of thing when there. We would pay about 4x the price for that sort of thing here in NZ. I need to work out what I will do now where the fridge was and there is the angle change (does that make sense?).

Unless buying custom manufactured wood cabinets, you are buying a series of boxes. A 100k euro kitchen installation of an Italian kitchen is one example from my portfolio. Differences are found in the hardware, the door/drawer pulls, weight of doors and exterior finishes. It is about the design, first. In our region, you can knock off 1200-2000 just be sticking with a full depth fridge--but it is design that will make it possible to install full depth and get a counter depth effect. In the Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation residential display suite I needed to prove that a high-end design can be executed for less. Again, it is design that does the trick. The owner of the kitchen above loves the pendants over the breakfast counter. I did not have the heart to reveal the price--$19 each. That owner likes/needs bling so the 14k euro chandeliers (2) in the foyer are a feature. But we get more comments on our pendants--because they are integral to the overall design. Real estate agents have pegged this kitchen at anywhere from 45-75k. It cost under 30k. DYI projects offer the opportunity to take the time that you might not otherwise allow to a designer (hence our need to come equipped with knowledge, contacts and suppliers that augment our services). I recommend drawing from images (Houzz is great for that) to start, then researching suppliers, collecting specs, and developing a document that covers all aspects of the kitchen from lifestyle needs to style to comparisons of product reviews. Whittle it down to an instruction for purchase and installation. Consider challenges such as the dreadful corner cabinet turntable and splurge on solutions that make your design truly functional. You'll appreciate the expense that delivers practical functionality. There are remarkable solutions for the corner cabinet--but my fav is to determine whether that space can become storage (cabinet or drawers) in an adjoining room. When not practical, articulated pull-out stainless shelves are functional--and cool. Undermounted sinks are great for clean-line counters. Well placed recessed lighting (design again) eliminates the need for other fixtures--and allows you free rein to purchase for focal point impact or (my preference) to fit seamlesly into the overall look. Enjoy the journey--have fun!

Hi Emma, Great to see your thoughts around functionality in the planning stage of your kitchen. If you would like a few idea's on how to make your new kitchen practical you can have a look at DYNAMIC SPACE - Blum's ideas for practical kitchens online or I can send you a print or PDF brochure. If you are in Auckland or Christchurch you can also pop into a Blum showroom to get ideas about workflows, space and motion as well as experience Blum hardware first hand. All the best for your new build project. Kind Regards, Sophie - Blum New Zealand

Hello everyone =) Only In the early stages of redesigning kitchen (for the first time). I'm doing this on quite a tight budget, so will not be moving plumbing around. Below are the first set of drawings that have received - to which have made a few modifications to and you can see my notes are written all over it. Drawing is pretty close to scale, and have already extended bench on the left to make room for a breakfast bar- so this can't go out any further. I feel that I do have at least 1 or 2 areas of wasted space (see blue note on 2nd image), and am hoping for any ideas/solutions what i could do for this corner, or any other suggestions for that matter would be fantastic. Thank you! FYI i have asked and there is not enough room for a 'lazy susan' corner cupboard.