Please tell us a little about the origins of Clover Kitchens and how you became involved with the company:
DW: The company was in operation for six to seven years before it was renamed Clover Kitchens. There was a larger focus on building work that didn’t require a huge amount of design. A few years ago, I was approached to come on board and fill that space in the market. The first ten years of my career I specialised in hand-built French provincial, farmhouse and Hamptons-style kitchens. I am self-taught with modern-style kitchens.

What style of kitchen does the company specialise in?
We offer locally manufactured and full-custom designs, specialising in all styles of custom-built cabinetry, not only for the kitchen but the entire home or office. Our joinery services also include wall units, TV units and all built-in cabinetry.

Which design trends continue to remain popular in Melbourne kitchens, and what are some of the new, emerging trends?
Hamptons style is very popular, though it is also becoming a trend to mix and blend different styles in the one kitchen. A continuing trend is the integration of dining and kitchen areas. People are really looking to incorporate their dining table with their island bench, doing away with dining rooms and giving more space to the family room.

What are some of your favourite materials to work with, and why?
I love to work with natural products such as granite and recycled timber. I love natural materials because they draw me in; real granite and real marble have a lot more depth to them – they aren’t just a print on a surface. I also favour recycled timber as it has so many great uses. With natural materials, nobody else is going to have the same benchtop or cabinet; it will be unique to your home.

What features can elevate a kitchen design from ordinary to extraordinary?
The use of LED lighting. LED lighting is inexpensive and can be used to highlight a marble splashback, waterfall edge or natural materials. Strategically placed LED lighting can create a hero piece of the kitchen.

What advice would you give to our readers undertaking a new kitchen build?
Come and speak to us, do not rush into a contract that has hard sales attached to it. Find a company where you feel like the designer understands you and your needs. You might find they are not the cheapest, but the final product will be what you wanted and not something that was designed just to sell on the spot.

Can you discuss the AxiTech Bench and its functions?
The AxiTech Bench is a dual purpose bench for the kitchen. In a retracted position, the AxiTech Bench acts as a breakfast bar, while in open position it can seat between four and six people for a dining table situation. I came up with the idea when purchasing a dining table from a lady that had moved into an apartment that could not fit both her dining table and her lounge. The product was designed as space-saving concept for people struggling to make room in smaller apartments that only have a kitchen or family room. The AxiTech Bench adds a ‘wow’ factor and allows room for a dining table and a spacious kitchen. We hope to eventually see AxiTech sold worldwide.