Laminex has released its 2026 Kitchen Design and Renovation Guide, designed to help home owners navigate the evolving complexity of modern kitchen projects. As the kitchen continues to anchor daily life in Australian homes, the guide aims to bridge the gap between design inspiration and real-world renovation decisions.
With Australians spending an average of $30,000 on kitchen renovations, the guide introduces a structured six-stage roadmap that prioritises longevity, planning and material understanding. It also highlights key innovations in surface technology, including AbsoluteGrain, which delivers a durable timber aesthetic, and TrueScale, designed for large-format applications such as cabinetry and island benches without visible pattern repetition.
Beyond materials, the guide outlines practical design fundamentals such as bench heights, depth considerations and the essential “work triangle” that shapes efficient kitchen layouts. It also supports renovators through planning, budgeting, styling and execution, including guidance to allow a 15% contingency for unexpected structural or plumbing issues.
“Your budget will not only guide your selection of finishes and appliances, but also help guide your architect, designer or cabinet maker,” CJH Studio director Cassie James-Herrick says.
“It will give them knowledge of the best scope of works and selections they can recommend for that budget.”
Central to the guide is the Laminex Colour Collection, supported by four curated Design Directions that group neutrals, woodgrains and bold solids into accessible style pathways. These act as starting points for renovators to build cohesive schemes and simplify decision-making.
Home owners are also directed to the Laminex Design Ideas Page, a digital tool that allows users to explore curated palettes, experiment with combinations and order samples online before committing to a design direction.
For a more hands-on experience, Laminex’s showroom network offers access to large-format samples and tactile finishes, helping renovators better understand how colours and textures work in real spaces before making final selections.
By combining practical guidance with design inspiration and material innovation, the 2026 guide positions Laminex as a key resource for Australians looking to approach kitchen renovation with greater clarity, confidence and creativity.
