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Many modern kitchens transcend the everyday, presenting as stunning showpieces with plenty of appeal

- CARROL BAKER

In the not-so-distant past, a kitchen was a practical space designed for meal preparation, cooking and clean up. Now you'll find state-of-the-art appliances, cutting-edge technology, and beautiful, liveable, well-designed spaces that are a focal point of a home from handsome stone benchtops to decorative splashbacks, handles designed to impress, elegant rangehoods, stylish seating and much, much more.

If your kitchen is looking and feeling a little lacklustre, it could be time to explore the possibilities that await. Michael Boulattouf from Lush Kitchens says the role of the kitchen has changed considerably in the past few years. "These days, I'm finding the kitchen has definitely become more of a showpiece; people are really looking for that wow factor," he says.

Michael adds that butler's kitchens (or pantries) are now on most people's wish list. "Sometimes the kitchen is there to be on display; for many people it is a focal point for entertaining and the work is done in the other kitchen out back."

The materials used in kitchens is also evolving. "I'm seeing a shift away from glass splashbacks and marble benchtops," notes Michael. "Now we're moving towards porcelain and benches with thin profiles and matt-finish and woodgrain laminates. These are scratch-and fingerprint-resistant."

Michael adds that in kitchen panelling, a three-dimensional look is in demand. "For example, an MDF board that has padding or a design on it is used as a feature panel, not throughout the whole project," he says. Handles have also changed, with a greater variety on offer in different materials, finishes and tones. "There's black, brass, gold, leather and a large range of coloured handles now being fitted in kitchens."