Kitchen renovation trends move slower than most people expect — a well-planned kitchen should still feel right in ten years, not just this season. That said, here’s what we’re consistently seeing Hobart homeowners ask for in their kitchen renovations this year, and why some trends are worth chasing while others are better left as a passing look.
In this guide
Layout: opening up, but deliberately
Fully open-plan kitchens are still popular, but we’re seeing more homeowners ask for a “broken plan” layout instead — a kitchen that’s visually connected to the living space but retains some separation, whether that’s a half-wall, a different ceiling height, or a change in flooring. It gives some acoustic and visual separation without losing the connected feel. This is especially relevant in older Hobart homes, where removing a full wall between kitchen and living space can raise structural questions that a partial opening avoids.
Materials and finishes
- Natural stone and stone-look benchtops remain the most requested benchtop material, with warmer, veined patterns replacing the stark white marble-look finishes that were popular a few years ago.
- Timber-look cabinetry, particularly in warmer oak and walnut tones, is showing up more often as a contrast to painted cabinetry rather than a full timber kitchen.
- Textured and fluted cabinet fronts are increasingly popular on island fronts and feature cabinetry as a point of difference.
- Matte black and brushed brass tapware and hardware continue to be popular finish choices, often mixed within the one kitchen rather than matched exactly.
Function first
Beyond the visual trends, the requests we hear most often are genuinely about function: better pantry storage, dedicated appliance cupboards to keep benchtops clear, and enough bench space either side of the cooktop to actually prepare a meal. A kitchen that photographs well but is awkward to cook in isn’t a successful renovation in our view.
Lighting
Layered lighting — a mix of general ceiling lighting, under-cabinet task lighting, and a feature pendant or two over an island — is now close to standard in the kitchens we renovate, rather than a single ceiling light doing all the work. Any new lighting circuit is installed and certified by a licensed electrician as part of the renovation, consistent with the wiring rules that apply across Australia.
Trend vs timeless: how to tell the difference
A simple test we use with clients: would this choice still look considered in a photo from ten years ago? Layout decisions, benchtop material and cabinetry colour tend to be the expensive-to-change elements, so we push clients toward timeless choices there. Hardware, pendant lighting and splashback tile are comparatively cheap to update later, so that’s where it’s reasonable to chase a current trend if you love it.
Planning a kitchen renovation and want to talk through what’s realistic for your space and budget? Get in touch for a free quote, or read our guide on what actually drives renovation costs — the same principles apply to kitchens.