Joinery. Such an integral part of every space. We all want the most beautiful result we can get, but sometimes, budgets are tight so we need to be clever about our selections. Here are 8 decisions that can increase your joinery quote: 1. Intricate door profiles Fluting, V-groove, and routed detailing dramatically increase labour and spray time — particularly when using 2-pack polyurethane. If budget is tight, keep door profiles plainer. 2. Stone edge detailing Mitred 40mm edges, laminated build-ups, shark nose profiles, ogee edges and waterfall ends all add fabrication time. Stone pricing is often quoted per slab — but edge detail is charged in labour. 3. Sprayed bulkheads to match cabinetry Once a bulkhead is finished in 2-pack instead of paint, it becomes part of the joinery scope (which looks gorgeous) But then also requires the same prep, sealing, sanding and spraying apply. You'd be surprised the impact this addition has on budget over a whole home. 4. Fully integrated appliances Integrated dishwashers and fridges require custom doors, hinge systems, deeper cabinetry and precise alignment. In my opinion, the dishwasher at least is 1000% worth the extra cost - but again. Leaving these out will save you. 5. Internal joinery lighting Routing channels, concealing drivers, transformer access and coordinating with electrical all add complexity. When done correctly, it does look incredible though. 6. Slab thickness upgrades Moving from 20mm to 40mm or 60mm stone affects cabinetry support, installation labour and transport. You will also use more material which could mean you require additional slabs. 7. Curved joinery There is nothing off-the-shelf about curves. Bending ply, CNC cutting, veneer wrapping and hand finishing significantly increase cost. 8. Upgraded internal finishes Timber veneer interiors or 2-pack finished drawers effectively double the finishing scope. Let me know which ones would be your choice of additions in your space, and why! KX

Today is the first of these, and today I am answering @Kylie Gale She has added some pics (attached) Firstly, how lovely to be able to create such a spacious kitchen area! First question was regarding the colour selection of PolyTec, Florentine Walnut. My comment on this would just be that, it's quite orange. Given you're in a coastal area, I would probably look more a something like Notaio Walnut, as it will still give you a contrast to your light floors, but in my opinion, will tie in better tonally, and is more fitting to a coastal area. In terms of space. Here are some comments: - Is it an option to remove the table off the side of the island and create banquet seating along the other wall so you can fit a larger table in? Without measuring, the space looks large enough. I just wonder if it would be more usable that 2 seperate and small areas. - The space next to the wine fridge that is left as just wall, could that be extended to be a part of the bar joinery too? Or just some extra, either closed or display shelving? - Can I ask - from which direction will you mostly be walking in to this space? And do you mud / bag drop zone as you enter your home? - In the render, it looks like you have 2 double sinks. I usually would have 1x double, then have 1 large sink that is easy for washing large pots and pans / large trays etc.. Just some initial thoughts. Hope that helps XX

Hi Kate and other Reno/design enthusiasts, I’ve added a photo of the current kitchen and living space that I’m renovating. We have two other living areas, which means I can utilise this whole large room (7m x7m approx.) for a new kitchen. We are going for a modern coastal luxe vibe as the home is on the water. I’ve had these mock ups done and would love some feedback? I love the dark walnut colour but I’m thinking it’s too dark (polytec florentine walnut) for the style and I will be looking to make changes (maybe laminex refined walnut). The current kitchen will be removed and turned into a butlers kitchen. I’ve got some other ideas for nice finishes, but would love some feedback before I get the changes made 🙏🙂. I have a whole house to Reno, this is just the beginning!

Good Morning all. Starting TOMORROW, I will be starting a new 'thing' coined Feedback Friday's. Post questions you need answers for, for your current build or reno and I will answer them. Feel free to drop images / floor plans whatever. I look forward to helping you all X