A sneak peek into the norsuHOME 2 kitchen design

As I sit here writing this on a gorgeous sunny afternoon (and yes, it's now Tuesday night — it took so long to finish), I reflect on the past few months and cannot believe we are already one year into our renovation. Don't get me wrong, I'm counting down the milliseconds until we're back in our home, but running a business, being a mum and buying a countryside log cabin (and renovating it) is certainly enough to distract you as time flies past.

Now that the frame is up and we have a roof, windows and doors, the rough-in stage has been the key focus. For those wondering what roughing in means, it's when all of your electrical and plumbing is brought in, before the walls are plastered. If you ask me it's the most integral part of any build, and one where you have to be laser focused on the detail.

Even for a seasoned renovator this is the part that's stressed me the most, because you simply cannot get it wrong — it's a very costly mistake. Luckily I'm surrounded by a sensational team of experts: our designer from the norsu Design team, our architect from Herbert and Howes, and the legendary trades from The Carbonist on site. My biggest recommendation: if you're renovating, invest in getting help in this area. It doesn't only affect the aesthetics — it's the key to a home that's practical and functional.

Your designer or architect will create electrical and plumbing plans specifying exactly where everything goes and how it will work: at what height, how far off the wall, how far above a vanity, where lights switch on and off from, where power and charging points go, where the alarm sits, where speakers give the best sound, whether toilets have in-wall cisterns. It's been a steep learning curve, but an enjoyable one — and I've never been so happy to know I won't be drenched when I turn the shower on.

Now that stage is complete we're prepped for insulation and plaster, and then the fun really begins: fittings and fixtures. So with that in mind, I'm overjoyed to share more of the detail with you — starting with our kitchen. Drum roll please.

Why is there so much pressure when it comes to selecting the finishes for your kitchen? I know the answer, really: because it's the central hub of a home. In an open plan arrangement it's not only where you prepare and cook meals, it's where you share countless moments with your loved ones. You all know Dan and I love a glass of bubbles or an icy cold beer with friends, so nailing this space is a must.

Our designer is the queen of functionality, and her technical skills were used to the max planning this layout. She always thinks about how a space will be used — keeping the bin and dishwasher close to the sink, ample bench space for preparing food, copious large drawers for pots and pans, and places to hide the small appliances. We're getting a butler's pantry too, with another sink, a Zip tap, a dish drawer and a fridge.

In case you don't know: you need to have selected all of your appliances, tapware and sinks by this stage, because your designer and cabinet maker need the exact sizes for their technical drawings. Trust me — secure these early in the build.

Once you've nailed the layout, it's time to work out what it's going to look like — and this is the part I love most. When I'm selecting colours and finishes I'm in my happy place. For this reno I put so much pressure on myself to get it right that decision paralysis absolutely kicked in, so you're not alone if that's happened to you. Here are our final choices, and why I chose each one.