6 Kitchen Renovation Must-Haves, According to Our Designers

Kitchen renovations are right up there with the most exciting home projects. With endless inspo on Pinterest and more styles than you can count, naturally it can be a little overwhelming to lock in on what’s most important. That’s where we come in. We asked our in-house TileCloud designers—the same talented team who help renovators bring their ideas to life every day—to share their top kitchen must-haves.

From clever designs and ideas to practical upgrades that make everyday life smoother, these tips are grounded in real experience across design, building, and architecture. Whether you're doing a complete kitchen overhaul or just updating key features, these designer-approved kitchen must-haves will help create a space that's as functional as it is beautiful.

Meet Our Expert Design Team

Our in-house design team brings decades of design expertise to every renovation project. Our talented designers hold qualifications ranging from diplomas in interior design and building design to advanced studies in interior architecture at institutions like UNSW and Billy Blue Design School. This education is backed up by fine arts, graphic design, and construction backgrounds, giving our team a well-rounded perspective. Their hands-on experience has helped hundreds of Australian renovators, which means they understand what kitchen must-haves truly make a difference in everyday life.

Retractable Sprayer Hose for Kitchen Mixers

Kitchen renovations should improve everyday functionality, and a retractable sprayer hose does exactly this. It is perfect for rinsing bulky pots, oversized chopping boards, or quickly cleaning the sink after food prep. 

The extended reach provides flexibility when cleaning larger items, and the retractable design keeps everything tidy when not in use. These days they come  in various finishes to match your kitchen design aesthetic, from matte black to brushed brass. This inexpensive addition offers massive practicality without taking up extra counter space, making it a must-have for any kitchen renovation.

Integrated Dishwasher

An integrated dishwasher with a clean look has to be one of our favourite kitchen renovation inclusions. You create a seamless look throughout the space by concealing the appliance behind a cabinet panel that matches the rest of your kitchen. 

Concealed appliances create a calm, organised feel, particularly important in open-plan living areas where the kitchen is visible from both living and dining spaces. While integrated models typically cost more than standard dishwashers, their visual improvement makes them one of the smartest kitchen design must-haves for creating a seamless look. The integrated dishwasher doesn’t just work for big, high-end kitchens; it also helps to create a clean finish in smaller spaces. Take a look at our previous article for more small kitchen design hacks.

Proper Kitchen Lighting

Good lighting in the kitchen isn't just nice to have; it improves the way you use your space. With a little forethought, you can ensure the lighting you select works for the tasks you will do in your kitchen. Task lighting over your benchtops, cooktops and sink is a must for safe food prep and cooking. 

We recommend mixing it up with a few different light sources: some overheads for general brightness, under-cabinet lights to illuminate your workspace, and a pendant or two for a bit of personal style. Dimmers are also brilliant for flexibility and adjusting the light depending on whether you are cooking up a storm or hosting friends for dinner. Planning your lighting early in your kitchen renovation saves you the headache of adding it later when walls and cabinetry are already done. For more renovation tips and myths, check out our previous article.

Double Sink

Once you've had a double sink, you'll wonder how you managed with just one. It makes kitchen tasks that much easier, with ample space to do everything from cleaning to food prep. One side can be full of soaking pots while you can still rinse veggies or fill the kettle in the other.

If you're short on space, consider a 60/40 split rather than two identical basins; the bigger side fits your bulky items, while the smaller one is perfect for quick rinses. A double sink is a must-have for busy households or anyone who wants to up the ante with kitchen convenience. 

Concealed Rubbish Bins

Let's be honest: No one wants to see or smell bins in their lovely new kitchen. Pull-out bin systems keep all your rubbish, recycling, and even compost neatly hidden away but still easy to access when you need them.

Try to position your hidden bins near your food prep area so you're not walking across the kitchen with handfuls of scraps. You can get great multi-compartment systems that split everything up for you – general waste, recycling, soft plastics – making sorting simple. It's a small touch that makes a massive difference to how clean and functional your kitchen feels. For other kitchen storage ideas, check out our previous article.

Thoughtful Storage Solutions

One of the common mistakes people make when renovating is not planning storage based on what they use. Before finalising kitchen plans, take stock of your stuff and consider how you use the space. Big drawers for pots and pans, pull-out shelves for pantry items, and vertical dividers for chopping boards and baking trays make daily life much easier.

Custom storage is a little more expensive, but considering the daily use of your kitchen, we think it’s worth it—think a drawer sized perfectly for your spice jars, a pull-out spot for the mixer, or vertical storage for baking sheets. The best kitchens include these practical touches that match how you actually cook and live, rather than generic storage that looks pretty in a showroom but doesn't work in real life.

These six must-haves might seem simple, but they're the features our design team sees making the biggest difference in how people enjoy their kitchens day in and day out. From the practicality of a double sink and retractable sprayer to the clean aesthetics of integrated appliances and hidden bins, these additions strike that perfect balance between good looks and functionality.

Most of these features can be incorporated into kitchens of various sizes and budgets. While some might require a bit more investment upfront, they pay dividends in daily satisfaction and help avoid those "I wish we'd thought of that" moments down the track. So before you finalise your kitchen plans, make sure you've considered these designer-approved essentials—your future self will thank you!