Templeton Built

Kitchen storage is where good design meets daily life. In Adelaide’s older homes — particularly the character properties in Unley, Norwood, and Prospect — original kitchens often lack the storage modern families need.

This guide covers what Adelaide homeowners need to know about cabinetry and storage when planning a kitchen renovation — from practical considerations to design choices that stand the test of time.

Kitchen Renovation Essentials for Adelaide Homes

Every kitchen renovation in Adelaide needs to account for local factors: the housing stock (many homes have galley or L-shaped kitchens from the 1920s–60s), the climate (40°C summers mean ventilation and material durability matter), and regulations (electrical and plumbing work must be done by licensed trades under SA law).

If you’re removing or modifying load-bearing walls to open up the kitchen — which is extremely common in Adelaide’s older homes — you’ll need building rules consent and a structural engineer’s assessment. Your builder should manage this process as part of the project.

Design Considerations

Layout and Workflow

The work triangle (sink, cooktop, fridge) still matters, but modern Adelaide kitchens have evolved beyond it. Island benchtops have become the social hub — a place for cooking, eating, homework, and conversation. If your space allows it, an island transforms how your kitchen functions.

For smaller kitchens (common in Adelaide’s inner suburbs), galley layouts with clever storage maximise every centimetre. Pull-out pantries, corner carousels, and overhead cupboards to the ceiling are all practical solutions that Adelaide builders use regularly.

Materials That Work in Adelaide

Benchtop choices for Adelaide kitchens typically come down to engineered stone (durable, low-maintenance, $400–$1,200 per linear metre installed), natural stone (premium look, requires sealing, $600–$2,000+), laminate (budget-friendly, vastly improved quality, $200–$500), and timber (warm character, needs maintenance, $500–$1,500).

For splashbacks, large-format porcelain tiles and glass panels are popular in Adelaide — both are easy to clean and handle our dusty, dry summers well.

Costs in Adelaide (2025–2026)

• Budget kitchen renovation: $15,000–$25,000 (new doors/benchtops, retain layout)
• Mid-range renovation: $30,000–$55,000 (new cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, tiling)
• Premium renovation: $55,000–$85,000+ (custom joinery, stone benchtops, premium appliances, layout changes)

If structural work is involved (removing walls, relocating plumbing), add $5,000–$15,000 depending on complexity. In older Adelaide homes, rewiring and replumbing the kitchen area is often necessary and should be factored into the budget.

Working With the Right Builder

A kitchen renovation involves cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, benchtop templating and installation, appliance fitting, and sometimes structural work. That’s a lot of moving parts, and coordination is everything.

Look for custom home builders in Adelaide with specific kitchen renovation experience, a current BLD licence, and a clear process for managing the project from design through completion. Templeton Built delivers kitchen renovations in Adelaide across Adelaide, along with bathroom renovations in Adelaide, home extensions in Adelaide, and full home renovation builders in Adelaide.

Ready to Get Started?

Templeton Built has been helping Adelaide homeowners bring their renovation and building projects to life — from the Hills to the beaches. We understand local regulations, soil conditions, and what it takes to deliver a quality result in South Australia.

Contact Templeton Built today for a no-obligation chat about your project.