As part of the Design and Build community, I attended a wonderful Xmas in July event in the creative hub in South Melbourne.
A fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and learn about latest design trends.
#designmelbourne#designcommunity#designandbuild
This round coffee table wasn't bought separately. It was cut from the offcuts of the same Vicostone slab used for the kitchen benchtop (Anore 1904)
Music: Four Seasons — Ednapoli| CC BY-SA 4.0
Is Oyster Grey still the right choice for your kitchen in 2026? According to Laminex experts, the answer is a resounding yes — and it always has been.
A colour that speaks of ancient stone and timeless calm.
https://t.co/an9aLqand6
A Docklands apartment. A tiny room. One client who said "I want deep blue — and I don't care if it's safe." So we built them a full custom study wall in Polytec Aegean Oak Ravine. Overhead cabs, shelving, desk, drawers. Every centimetre resolved.
Engineered Stone vs Porcelain vs PVC Wall Panels — Which One Is Right for Your Home?
One of the most common questions we get at F-Studio on the Mars is: "What surface should I use — and where?"
So we put three of the most popular options side by side to show you exactly what sets them apart.
Engineered StoneRich depth, stunning veining, and that beautiful way it catches the light. Fully heat resistant — perfect behind a cooktop or gas stove. A premium choice for benchtops, splashbacks, and feature walls. Professional installation required, but the result speaks for itself.
PorcelainSophisticated, durable, and heat resistant. Large-format porcelain slabs can mirror the look of natural stone beautifully — and hold up exceptionally well over time. Also suitable for splashbacks. A brilliant choice for clients who want elegance with outstanding longevity.
PVC Wall Panels 100% waterproof. Rigid. Surprisingly good-looking — and fast to install without grout or mess. An excellent solution for bathrooms, laundries, and feature walls. One important note: PVC is not suitable as a kitchen splashback due to low heat resistance. But where it works — it really works.
Each material has its place. The key is knowing which one suits your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.
"How could I have chosen that purple?!" — the owner, eight years later. 😅 Dark walls. Heavy cabinetry. No light to speak of. We gave it the full transformation. Gloss white, open space, recessed lighting. Same kitchen. Completely different life. #KitchenReno#BeforeAndAfter #MelbourneDesign
If your kitchen has been quietly frustrating you for years, it might be time for that conversation.
Black in a wet area? Everyone has an opinion — until they see it done right.
The key lies in selecting the right finish and substrate for the environment. When executed correctly, black becomes the most versatile neutral in the space — complementing warm timbers, white stone benchtops, and concrete-toned tiles with equal ease.
This is not a trend. This is a shift.
Everyone loves receiving a parcel — especially when it contains beautiful premium products.
There is a clear return to nature in today’s design and architectural collections, with woodgrain, veneers, timber handles, and brass making a refined comeback.
A bit later I will show you the waven panels in a kitchen design, hold on!
Check out our projects at https://t.co/l0aQ4cSB6e
#archant #kitchendesign #lpremiumkitchens #luxuriousdesign #kitchenrenovators #kitchenspecialistmelbourne #kitchencompanymelbourne #kitchenideas
Join me as I explore this delivery from Archant and celebrate the timeless luxury of natural finishes.
Thermolaminated (vinyl-wrapped) doors have traditionally been considered a budget alternative to 2Pac or painted doors. However, their reputation — as well as their long-term appearance — has, in some cases, been affected by improper application (for example, installation near heat sources without adequate insulation) and, in others, by poor manufacturing quality.
Despite this, Australian customers continue to favour vinyl due to its vibrant colours and the almost unlimited range of profiles available. Historically, some of the more traditional, straight-edged profiles did not perform as well due to technological limitations.Also, profiled doors, such as Shaker or Hampton style, could not be fabricated in melamine, either. So, the design options were reduced to 2Pac or vinyl. However, Polytec appears to have address this by introducing two new decorative door options, which combine 18mm thermolaminated or melamine frames with 9mm inserts of the same colour - Problem solved!
Just received a box with the samples from Luxpanels. 🎉 💃
They were exhibited at the recent KBDi Trade Show 2026 in Melbourne and I thought you might like them, too!
New cooking options to consider!
Still thinking of a new cooktop and an oven? You might not be aware of a new cooking technologies which are now available in your kitchen!
1. PITT Cooking is a concept which suggests integrating separate burners (induction or gas) are directly into the porcelain or DEKTON benchtop. Besides a unique look it gives you an option of burners selection and placement, even in the corner., in other words, offering ultimate flexibility for cooking enthusiasts. The technology was developed and is still crafted in the Netherlands. The application is approved for use with Caesarstone Porcelain and Cosentino Porcelain and Dekton.
2. Invisacook is an induction cooktop positioned under the kitchen benchtop which heats the pans through the surface. Imagine cooking directly ON the benchtop!
3. You might also consider the buffet applications for invisible induction heating under benchtop provided by COOKTEK INCOGNEETO (USA), GASTROS INDUCTWARM (Switzerland) and DIPO (South Korea). It works through natural stone to keep food warm and fresh.
#cookingtech #caesarstone #cosentino #pittcooking #cookingappliances #kitchenrenovation #kitchendesign
@MarioNawfal As a statistical machine (whatever attributes are given to it by its developers in attempt to monetize it), AI bots provide the answers of the majority, the most often given answers. And when the majority was right, I am asking you?
Thinking of renovating a kitchen in 2026? Here are a few professional insights!
The world has entered a new era of instability driven by the geopolitical conflicts and economic volatility both globally and on the national level. All Australians are concerned with the growing fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis. What factors should be considered to avoid blunders?
1. Smart preparation. Analyze your household’s financial situation and establish a realistic, secure budget.
2. Prioritisation. Identify your essential requirements placing functionality first and design second.
3. Get domestic. Consider Australian-made appliances, fittings, elements and materials to minimise frustrating delays and reduce the risk of cost increases on the way.
4. Buy nice or buy twice. Research the hardware options and focus on features which will enhance your kitchen and perform reliably over the long term. Invest in quality!
5. Good, fast, cheap — pick any two! Remember the project management triangle or triple constraint: scope, time and cost.