The kitchen is the most used and most expensive room per sqm. Getting design right means balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget.
Island kitchen: Central island for prep, seating, and socialising. Dominant layout for Gold Coast open plan homes. Minimum 3.6m room width for comfortable walkways.
Galley: Two parallel runs. Extremely efficient for cooking. Works in narrower spaces. Can open at one end to living area.
L-shaped: Cabinetry on two adjacent walls. Versatile, space-efficient. Can add island or peninsula.
U-shaped: Three walls. Maximum bench and storage. Can feel enclosed — use peninsula or window on back wall.
Integrated appliances: Fridge, dishwasher, rangehood behind cabinetry panels. Premium look, premium cost ($3K-$8K extra for integrated fridge alone).
Butler’s pantry: Hidden second prep kitchen. Handles the mess while main kitchen stays presentable. Adds 4-8sqm and $15K-$30K. Hugely popular.
| Material | Cost/lm | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $150-$400 | Affordable | Can chip |
| Engineered stone | $400-$800 | Durable, consistent | Heavy, can crack |
| Natural stone | $600-$1,200 | Unique character | Porous, needs sealing |
| Porcelain | $700-$1,200 | Very durable, heat-resistant | Can chip edges |
Dark cabinetry with light benchtops trending. Handleless cabinetry for minimal look. Thin benchtop profiles (12-20mm).
Ventilation: Ducted rangehood essential (not recirculating). For island cooktops: ceiling-mounted or downdraft extractor.
Indoor-outdoor serving: Servery window, island near outdoor opening, butler’s pantry accessible from outdoor entertaining area.
Natural light: North-facing windows. Skylights for kitchens in centre of floor plan.
Renovation: Budget $15K-$25K. Mid-range $25K-$45K. Premium $45K-$80K+.
New build (supply and install): Standard $15K-$25K. Mid-range $25K-$45K. Premium $45K-$80K. Luxury $80K-$150K+. Excludes appliances, flooring, lighting.
For full renovation pricing, see our complete renovation cost guide. For new build costs, see our guide on custom home building costs.
Island kitchen with cooktop on island and sink on back wall. Most efficient and social.
Minimum 3 linear metres clear. Island kitchens provide 4-6lm. Serious cooks: 6+ lm.
Social (face living area while cooking) but mess is on display. Alternative: cooktop on back wall, island for prep and seating.
If you entertain or have a messy family kitchen: transformative. If not: floor area may be better used elsewhere.
Design to completion: 3-6 months. Kitchen out of action: 3-4 weeks during construction. For full timeline details, see our guide on building timelines.
The kitchen matters most for daily living and property value. Invest in layout, quality benchtops and cabinetry, and design for Gold Coast indoor-outdoor flow.
Design Science designs kitchens as part of our holistic home design approach. Book a $280 consultation.
David Steadman
Licensed Builder & Building Designer
David Steadman is the founder of Design Science, a Gold Coast building design practice backed by over 30 years of hands-on construction experience. One of few Australians holding both a QBCC Builder's Licence and Building Designer licence, David brings a rare combination of design thinking and practical building knowledge to every project.
