Why Perth is Moving Away from the Benchtop

For years, the microwave sat on the kitchen counter, taking up valuable real estate. It gathered dust and left little room for food preparation. In a busy household, especially during the heat of summer when we want to keep the kitchen cool and efficient, every centimeter of bench space matters.

By moving these appliances into a dedicated wall cupboard, you open up the room. It creates a cleaner "line" in the kitchen. Instead of a bulky machine sitting on your stone top, you have a sleek, integrated wall that looks like furniture rather than just storage.

The Benefits of Vertical Design

The shift toward built in cupboards isn't just about looks. It is about how we move and work in our homes.

• comfort design: Traditional under bench ovens require a lot of bending. This can be tough on the back, especially when lifting a heavy Sunday roast. Placing the oven at chest height makes it much safer and easier to check on your cooking.

• Safety for Families: For those with young children in the house, a wall mounted microwave is a blessing. It keeps hot dishes and heavy doors well out of reach of curious toddlers.

• Increased Storage: These tall cabinets often include deep drawers at the bottom for heavy pots and smaller cupboards at the top for items you don't use every day, like Christmas platters or baking tins.
  
  
  

  Smart Planning for Your Renovation

  If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Perth, you need to think about the "Work Triangle." This is the path between your fridge, sink, and stove.

  Local designers often suggest placing the oven tower slightly away from the main prep area but still within easy reach. You also need to consider the electrical requirements. Most standard microwaves just plug into a wall, but built in units often require specific ventilation so they don't overheat inside the cabinetry.

  Expert Tip: Ensure your cabinet maker leaves enough "landing space" a section of clear benchtop right next to or opposite the wall oven. You need a safe place to set down hot trays the moment they come out of the heat.

  A Worthwhile Investment

  Choosing built in cupboards is a smart move for property value. In the competitive Perth real estate market, buyers look for "integrated" kitchens. They want a space that feels custom made and high end. While it might cost a bit more upfront for the cabinetry, the result is a kitchen that feels much larger and stays organized with far less effort.