If kitchen was a language, then Wood Wizards would be fluent.
Nothing makes us happier than seeing the joy on our client’s faces when their dream kitchen has materialised in the heart of their home. Kitchens are our specialty, and we are exceptionally proud of our signature product.
Whether you’re a fan of the ultra-modern, something more country casual, or twist of the two, your custom designed kitchen will have our quality guarantee. With 30+ years of experience in the industry, you’re assured excellence from beginning to end. This starts with our dedicated in-house team, and extends to the supply of kitchen fittings and appliances from our trusted suppliers.
But, where to start?
What’s your style?
Congratulations! You have decided to renovate or remodel your kitchen and have just begun the Google journey down the rabbit hole. Don’t worry you’re in safe hands. All too often we hear our clients say “I have no idea where to start…?” Well, rest assured you are in the right place.
Typically, people tend to begin with a wish list when it comes to a kitchen redesign, and that list usually includes colour, appliances, storage or perhaps even a desired layout. Yes, these elements are all vital, but we suggest you rewind a little and start right at the beginning – with style.
Your chosen style forms the basis of your kitchen and brings cohesion to design. There are lots of different styles available to you, and here at Wood Wizards Kitchens we’re fluent in them all:
Research and familiarise yourself with the different styles to ensure that you get the most from your kitchen before you build or renovate. Our advice? Stick to the classics. They won’t date, age or become unfashionable – which means you can entertain in your kitchen decades later and still have the same pizzazz.
Browse our gallery of recent Melbourne projects which feature functional and luxury kitchens, designed with custom cabinetry and bespoke furniture - demonstrating how a Wood Wizards kitchen can entirely transform your home.
Narrowing down your kitchen style…
When it comes to kitchen inspiration, there are thousands of images online of modern, contemporary and more traditional style kitchens, with countless variations and unique quirky touches. A good place to start developing your digital scrapbook of ideas is mainstream visual bookmarking websites like Pinterest. Simply search for the kitchen styles that appeal to you and add them to your library.
When you’ve Googled all that you can, bring your wish list to our showroom and chat through your ideas with our friendly team – we’ll use our design expertise and experience to make your dream kitchen a reality.
If that all sounds a bit too much, and making a mood board really isn’t your style then do not panic… we are here to help. It's what we do and what we love, so come on down and say hello - or give us a call on (03) 9557 2988 - to talk through your ideas and bring them to life.
Process
We provide a bespoke end-to-end service, from the moment we meet.
Whether we’re working with you on a small, one off kitchen or an entire home with custom cabinetry in every room - to us, they’re the same, and so is our process. We never sacrifice on style, quality, or functionality - and our happy clients are at the heart of our business. Explore our 6 step process to see how we can work with you to build your dream kitchen.
Budgets & Trades
Setting your budget will likely be an important first step when embarking upon your kitchen renovation project. As with most things, arming yourself with information is key to ensuring your project is smooth sailing throughout.
Our team are available to talk through the various elements involved in a kitchen redesign with you, and can advise where your budget can be optimised. Having an understanding of all the components involved in a kitchen renovation sets a clear path for you, enabling you to consider what you wish to prioritise.
From experience, we know all too well that expert help and effective project management lead to streamlined installations and cost savings. That’s why we are on hand to help throughout the entire project to make sure you are looked after from day one. Whether it means multiple site visits to plan and conceptualise from within the space itself, or spending additional time in our showroom making colour and material selections - our system works.
That’s why we have thousands of satisfied clients across Melbourne. You can be one too.
How much does a kitchen cost?
Common question. Complex answer.
The reason this answer is tricky is because the requirements vary from home to home. For example, you might need a complete new kitchen solution, or simply an upgrade to an existing floorplan…
The cost of your kitchen is largely determined by the size of the space, the materials and finishes chosen, any structural changes required and the professionals and tradespeople involved.
The Price Guide
As a guide, our kitchen cabinetry projects range broadly in price from:
$20,000 to $25,000 smaller kitchen, entry-level
$25,000 to $45,000 medium size kitchen, mid-range
$45,000 to $90,000 larger kitchen, higher-end
This includes your custom design, plans, cabinets, internal systems and accessories, handles, cabinetry installation and overall project coordination.
From here, you can estimate an additional:
$10,000 to $15,000 for porcelain benchtops and splashbacks
$10,000 to $15,000 for trades such as kitchen removal, site preparation, electrics, plumbing, caulking and plastering
$10,000 to $15,000 for all new appliances
In total, a full kitchen renovation (including cabinetry, benchtops, splashbacks, trades and appliances) averages between $50,000 to $90,000 total spend for our clients.
We always recommend that you meet with our team and book yourself in for a kitchen consultation so we can help you to paint an accurate picture of all of the costs involved in bringing your dream kitchen to life.
Please refer to the Budget Checklist for more detail on the various trades and suppliers to consider. The list is long, and never fear, we are here to coordinate everything and ensure you have a clear picture of what to expect.
The Budget Checklist
Key kitchen components to consider…
□ Design consultation - book here
□ Custom design and plans
□ Cabinets, handles, internal systems and accessories
□ Benchtops and Splashbacks
□ Appliances
Trades …
□ Removal of existing kitchen by Builder
□ Site preparation, could involve a Builder for removal of walls and/or changes to floorplan
□ Cabinetry installation
□ Electrics
□ Plumbing
□ Plastering
□ Caulking
□ Tiling
□ Flooring
□ Floor protection
□ Lighting
□ Rubbish removal
□ Cleaning
We provide advice and ball park pricing on all of the above to ensure there are no costly surprises for our clients.
The Kitchen Essentials
What you need to consider…
When it comes to kitchens, researching can be daunting. There is a lot of information out there and sometimes, it’s not all relevant to you. In this section we focus on the essentials worth considering to help get you started, so you can understand how the process works.
From here, you can book in your design consultation to chat through your ideas with our team. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question or a design idea that’s too wacky – we love personality and relish bringing our clients kitchen dreams to life.
| Colour
| Door Materials & Profiles
| Organisation & Storage
| Appliances
| Benchtops
| Splashbacks
| Floors
| Process
| Budget & Trades
Colour
Don’t be shy when it comes to colour, you can incorporate it in everything from bold wall features to minor accents.
Food for thought…
When considering the colours that you would like for your kitchen, some important points to consider are:
A neutral colour palette for cabinetry is always a safe bet; this way it won’t date or go out of style too quickly.
It’s always a good option to use your cabinetry colour as your base palette for a collection of tones.
If you like contrast, incorporate it into your design with featured elements.
If you’re feeling adventurous then don’t be scared to make bold use of colour.
Remember as a general rule of thumb - darker colours should be used below and lighter above to create an uplifting effect.
If you’re looking to create something dramatic, consider mixing bold cabinetry with subtle colour elsewhere.
Do not forget that even in a neutral-toned kitchen, steer clear of monotony. It is important to incorporate a subtle tonal variation somewhere to create a bit of interest for the wandering eye.
Come into our showroom to explore a range of colour and patterns in-situ – from the latest styles to materials we’ll have it on display for you to explore and consider.
Door Materials
Materials matter…
When it comes to doors and cabinetry, the material choice is abundant. From laminate to 2 pack to timber, there are a range of textures which can be applied to your chosen style to transform the whole look of your kitchen.
As you would imagine, with each material comes positives and limitations. Ultimately, it is up to you which features are the most important when choosing the material you would like in your home.
Scroll down to explore some of our most popular custom cabinetry materials…
-
Laminex / Polytec / Tesrol
Cost-effective
Highly durable, especially when a quality product has been chosen
Extensive range of colours and finishes
Flat panel only
Visible edge seam-line
-
Polytec
Cost-effective
Durable if a quality product is chosen
A large range of profiles and contours are available
No visible edge seam-line
Extensive range of colours and finishes
The material can be susceptible to heat, moisture and impact damage, risking peeling in the longer term
-
Available in all Dulux Colours
A 2 Pack finish consists of two containers (packs) of liquids that are mixed to create a durable surface and beautiful finish.
Can be applied to almost any profile / contour
Extensive colour range
Fairly durable, providing that a quality product is chosen
No visible edge or seam-line
Repairable, but at an expense
High quality finish
Installation requires high skill and care of tradesman (not a problem at Wood Wizards)
-
Natural timber finish
Material is not prone to warping (even over time)
Extensive range of colours, textures and finishes on offer
High quality finish
-
Natural timber finish
Variety of textures and colours are available
An extensive range of profiles on offer
Expensive to purchase
Colouring can vary and be inconsistent
Splitting and warping can occur with age
Door profiles
What’s your shape?
The term ‘door profile’ essentially describes the decorative surface on the face and edges of your kitchen cabinetry, and this can vary hugely.
If you’re in the market for a plain-faced door, then the world is your oyster as all material options are open to you. If you opt for vinyl wrap, 2 pack paint or solid timber (explore the benefits and limitations of each material above), then there are hundreds of door profile options available. As the range is extensive - and can sometimes feel overwhelming - our team are on hand to talk through the collection to see which shape best fits the kitchen style you have chosen. Simply visit our showroom to browse the Wood Wizards range of cabinetry materials and samples, or book in for a design consultation to talk in more detail.
Explore the Polytec range of door shapes and styles here as a starting point to see which one will blend seamlessly with your overall kitchen style.
Organisation & Storage
Easy-to-reach, easy-to-find, easy-to-store.
A well organised kitchen is a great kitchen. Why? Because kitchen storage brimming with spacious drawers and effective cabinet space mean one thing – less clutter!
Good kitchen storage contributes to effective kitchen design, which ultimately can increase the value of your home – so it’s a no brainer when it comes to planning effectively for a storage rich space.
Smart storage solutions are typically built around the right mix of deep pan drawers, cupboards (vertical and horizontal) for crockery and small appliances, and a pantry with wide open shelving or drawers. Though storage solutions and cabinetry can always be customised, it will be affected by the space you have available for your kitchen and the style you have chosen.
Some of our most popular storage options include:
Browse our suppliers to explore the full range on offer.
Top Tip | Remember, while convenience and common sense are key, there is still plenty of room for personalisation and prioritising what matters most to your family and lifestyle.
Appliances
Performance & practicality.
We encourage you to visit an appliance showroom so you are able to browse the full range when considering your options. At Wood Wizards, we are here to guide you through the process and work closely with you to ensure that your appliances not only function for your family, but fit both practically and spatially into your design. Browse our suppliers to explore the full range on offer or talk with our team about what you would like to prioritise in your kitchen design.
Creative block and need some inspiration? Check out our preferred supplier E&S Trading. From their extensive range of premium brands to their honest and human service, we partner with E&S because time and time again they deliver inspired, impeccably made appliances that function for years.
Benchtops
In a kitchen, we probably ask the most of our kitchen benchtops. They need to be tough, durable, able to withstand heat, all while looking amazing and repelling all scratches and stains...
Whether you’re a keen cook or have messy little helpers, it is important to select the right material for your benchtops from the start. Our team can walk you through the benefits of each material so you can make an informed decision when selecting which is the best fit for your home.
-
Available in a range of colours and finishes, these benchtops have evolved in recent years into a stylish option. Practical: moisture and heat resistant, with a tough shell protecting countertops against impact and scratching.
-
Forged by volcanoes, granite is tougher than tough. Available in a range of varieties, it’s durable and unique – with beauty in its imperfections. Due to it being an organic product, you can expect it to develop patina over time.
Marble is a common natural material found in kitchens and beloved by many. Its timeless beauty has been preserved by evolved sealing techniques; reducing its susceptibility to staining and etching over time.
-
A high-quality product, popular due to its ability to perform well alongside heat, moisture, impact, scratching and staining. With a range of edge profile options on offer, it can be integrated into many varied kitchen styles.
-
With 12mm porcelain now on the market, this material has become more popular due to the elegant fine edge profile which can be achieved. Heat resistant and aesthetically appealing, be cognisant that this material will require maintenance as chipping can occur.
-
An age old classic, solid timber has been used for hundreds of years, however more recently the material has declined in popularity. Aesthetically rustic and akin with stunning craftsmanship, the material requires upkeep to maintain hygiene and ensure durability.
-
Originating in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is popular in industrial kitchen styles for its ‘chef kitchen’ theme and durable qualities. Second to none for hygiene and easy to maintain, this material creates a clean look that is defined by its dints and scratches which inevitably accumulate over time.
Splashbacks
Practicality is key.
Splashbacks can be a great way to inject some personality into your kitchen design and do something a little different. Often becoming a feature of your space, splashbacks weave together the void between custom cabinetry, walls and benchtops – and there are a range of materials for you to choose from.
From sleek glass and porcelain to textured tiles or statement stone, the options are as varied as the homes we design for. Each choice brings its own character, influencing how light, colour and texture play across the room.
-
Traditional & varied
Typically chosen for their aesthetic, the range of tiles available to you is extensive in terms of both colour and finish. A shiny tile choice is recommended above patterns or textures as it is more practical; enabling easy regular cleaning of the surface. Bear in mind that upkeep will be required with any tiling choice to ensure that the grout is kept clean. We always suggest that when clients apply tiling to their splashback, grouting is kept to a minimum and rectified edge tiles are used.
-
Toughened & durable
Toughened glass (or mirror) is relatively hardy, once treated, and is a durable choice. Devoid of grout or texture it makes cleaning and upkeep a breeze which is undoubtedly why it remains a popular choice. With glass you are able to use any paint colour to achieve your desired look, and so this backsplash choice can be easily matched with your kitchen theme. If you’re looking to achieve an exact colour match, our team can advise around tints and glass properties in more detail as there’s a science to it. Remember it is a reflective material and so consider your surroundings when selecting this material.
-
Streamlined & clean
Used to seamlessly match natural stone benchtops and create a stunning aesthetic.
-
Simple & elegant
Clean and elegant, this material is often chosen for its simplified look and feel.
Floors
Not to be underestimated in a kitchen redesign, the floor is a vital component which connects your custom cabinetry together with all components within the space.
We mention flooring to our clients as it requires careful consideration. Make sure you flag it early and decide on the best course of action for your property, enabling you to avoid surprises further down the track during your renovation.Don’t forget, no matter what you chose, we are here to help you with the best practice process when it comes to your flooring and cabinetry installation.
-
Do nothing
It is not uncommon to see renovations in which the new kitchen design is simply laid over the existing kitchen footprint, resulting in the floor not being replaced. This often occurs when a timber floor (difficult to replicate) is in place or perhaps existing tiles are no longer available. We always recommend floor protection during cabinetry installation.
Re-polish existing floors
If you chose to re-polish timber flooring in the kitchen, remember that it will look starkly different to the existing flooring elsewhere. Bear in mind that it’s likely you would incur the cost of re-polishing the entire floor (throughout your home).
New floors - Delay, delay, delay
When new flooring needs to be laid, do it as late as possible. We recommend floating timber and tiles be laid after cabinetry installation. For solid timber, the new floor is laid, cabinets installed and then the floor is sanded and polished. Wherever possible, you want to avoid trades stepping - and transporting materials - on a newly laid floor.
