Kitchen Design Ideas: From Indoors to Outdoors

What’s the most important room in your home? Chances are, it’s the kitchen—the space where meals are created, memories are made, and everyone seems to gather, no matter the occasion. But a great kitchen doesn’t just happen—it’s designed. Whether you’re dreaming of bold, modern interiors or planning the perfect outdoor setup for entertaining, the right kitchen can transform your home and the way you live.

From statement indoor kitchens to functional outdoor cooking spaces, let’s explore the latest ideas, trends, and tips to create a kitchen you’ll love.

Indoor Kitchen Trends to Watch

Bold Cabinetry Colours

Forget the all-white kitchen—bold cabinetry is in! Shades like deep green, navy blue, and terracotta are adding personality and sophistication to homes across Australia. Nexus Built recently collaborated on a stunning kitchen at Cathy’s home, brought to life by Lathams Kitchens. Featuring deep green cabinetry, a striking veined marble benchtop and splashback, and polished accents, this design exemplifies how contrasting colours and textures can make a powerful statement. Grace McGrath from MEL MAR Design notes that “bold colours can anchor the entire design, bringing warmth and individuality into the space. By introducing colours that you feel a connection with, your kitchen will be a source of joy for many years"

Mixed Materials and Textures

Mixing materials like natural stone, wood, and metal adds depth and interest to kitchen designs. Incorporating textured finishes, such as fluted wood cabinetry or matte brass handles, creates a timeless yet modern appeal. Grace’s expertise in blending materials ensures these combinations feel cohesive, not chaotic. 

"The key to successfully mixing materials in kitchen design is balance and cohesion. Choose one material that sets the foundation, whether it’s wood cabinetry or a feature stone benchtop. Then layer in complementary materials such as tiles and tapware to create depth and contrast. Maintain a cohesive look with a consistent colour palette, finish and style. If your kitchen features cool toned stone then opt for wood in similar undertones such as light oak for a soft, modern feel or walnut for richer contrast. 

Repetition ties everything together. If you introduce a specific material, repeat it in subtle ways—such as using the same metal for cabinet handles and light fixtures or incorporating wood elements in both the cabinetry and open shelving".

Sustainable Innovations: Glass Benchtops

For a unique and eco-friendly touch, consider glass benchtops. Locally crafted by Ecosurfaces Australia, these benchtops are made from recycled materials, offering both style and sustainability. Durable and low-maintenance, they’re a fantastic choice for adding character while helping the planet. Grace points out;

"Sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity in modern home design. Making sustainable choices doesn’t mean sacrificing your preferred style and sticking to a certain aesthetic. Recycled glass benchtops prove you can achieve the look you're after while being eco friendly"

Technology-Driven Kitchens

Embrace the future with smart kitchen technology. From app-controlled ovens to touchless taps, integrating tech into your kitchen makes everyday tasks easier. Premium brands like Miele are leading the way, offering cutting-edge appliances that combine elegance with innovation.

Open Display and Floating Shelves

Display shelving is perfect for personalising your kitchen. Use it to showcase decorative ceramics, glassware, or even your favourite cookbooks. It’s a practical trend that adds personality to your space. In her latest blog post, Grace discusses Sustainability, Streamlined kitchen design and open shelving.

Outdoor Kitchens: Where Style Meets Functionality

Outdoor kitchens are a staple of Australian living, perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying the great outdoors. Here’s how to make yours shine:

Weather-Resistant Materials

Opt for materials like stainless steel, stone, or treated wood to ensure durability and style. For a standout and sustainable option, recycled glass benchtops by Ecosurfaces are a perfect choice. Their weather-resistant qualities make them ideal for outdoor use, while their unique look adds character to any alfresco setup.

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Ecosurfaces factory in Cardiff and see their recycled glass benchtops in action. Witnessing the craftsmanship and sustainability behind the product was truly impressive. Ecosurfaces also welcomes clients to visit their factory to view their manufacturing process and explore their innovative designs firsthand, offering a glimpse into how sustainability can be beautifully integrated into your outdoor kitchen.

Comprehensive Setups

Include essentials like built-in barbecues, pizza ovens, and outdoor fridges to make your outdoor kitchen as functional as your indoor space.

When designing or renovating your home, it’s crucial to consider the layout and integration of your outdoor kitchen during the planning stages, rather than treating it as an afterthought. For more insights, check out our recent blog on replanning your landscape design and outdoor kitchen for seamless integration. It’s packed with helpful tips to ensure your space is functional, stylish, and perfectly aligned with your overall vision.

Seamless Integration

Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces is key in Australian design. Large sliding doors, consistent materials, and complementary layouts create a unified flow.

Lighting and Heating Solutions

Good lighting transforms the space for evening use, while heating options keep it comfortable year-round.

International Kitchen Trends

• Scandinavian Simplicity
  Light tones, minimal designs, and an emphasis on functionality define this trend.

• Japanese Influence
  Inspired by “wabi-sabi,” these kitchens highlight natural materials, earthy tones, and organic details.

• Mediterranean Warmth
  Rooted in earthy tones, textured walls, and rustic charm, Mediterranean kitchens offer a welcoming and timeless appeal. Grace suggests incorporating features like open shelving for ceramics and soft, natural materials to bring the look to life.

• Industrial Edge
  Combining raw elements like concrete and steel with sleek accents creates bold, modern kitchens.

A NEXUS BUILT Kitchen

At NEXUS BUILT, we work closely with experts to deliver kitchens that stand out for their quality and attention to detail. The bold kitchen featured on our website, designed for Cathy, is a perfect example of this collaboration. Brought to life by Lathams Kitchens, the design features deep green cabinetry, veined marble surfaces, and polished accents, creating a look that’s both daring and elegant. While this style isn’t for everyone, it showcases how the right team can tailor designs to match a client’s unique vision.

Kitchens are more than just functional spaces—they’re the heart of every home. By incorporating global trends, sustainable practices, and the expertise of professionals like Grace from MEL MAR Design, you can create a kitchen that’s both stunning and practical, whether it’s inside or out.

At NEXUS BUILT, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. We believe great homes start with great kitchens, and that’s why we partner with the best designers and craftspeople to deliver spaces you’ll love for years to come.