Maker Series | Kitchens designed and built to last
“We want our clients to feel absolute confidence and satisfaction every time they use their kitchen – that every decision, from design to materials, was the right one. It should feel considered, functional, and built to last, giving them long-term peace of mind with no second guessing.”
– Aaren Yilmam, Best Kitchens
For the team at Best Kitchens, setting themselves apart means transforming a client’s vision into a living reality. Driven by a philosophy of creating spaces that last a lifetime, they have built a foundation grounded on balancing aesthetic appeal with uncompromising durability.
“Craftsmanship, quality, and longevity are at the core of everything we do. We focus on building kitchens that not only look right on day one but continue to perform and hold their finish for years to come,” says Aaren Yilmam of Best Kitchens.
Recalling their beginnings, Aaren explained that they saw a clear gap in the market where kitchen makers focused on either on design or on craftsmanship but rarely on both.
"We’ve always wanted to have a company that focused on thoughtful, well-designed kitchens combined with genuine quality and attention to detail," he added, recalling when his father started the business.
In a home renovation dubbed as the Nardoo project in Wollongong NSW, Best Kitchens did just that. As the home's focal point, the kitchen embraces a considered, minimalist aesthetic from every angle. A fully integrated butler’s pantry cleverly conceals appliances and serves as everyday storage, allowing the main space to remain clean, refined, and effortlessly functional.
Carefully curated, the materials and finishes purposely evoke warmth and a welcoming atmosphere that blend seamlessly with the rest of the interiors.
To complement the rich, organic texture of the woodgrain cabinetry, Best Kitchen selected Volakas Gold from the Sintered Collection for benchtops, splashback and rangehood cover. With the collection’s enduring performance, Volakas Gold met both the aesthetic and longevity requirements. Its distinct veining and warm undertones perfectly matched the home's overall mood, delivering a striking visual impact that was subtle enough not to overpower the space while providing the durability demanded by modern kitchens.
“I’ve always had a passion for design, but just as importantly, I wanted to create kitchens that would stand the test of time — not only visually, but in the way they function and perform for years to come,” said Aaren.
A standout feature of the project is the meticulously detailed rangehood surrounded by the same sintered stone surface. When viewed front-on, the rangehood virtually disappears into the stonework, creating a stunning effect achieved by perfectly aligning the intricate veining of the Smartstone splashback with the vertical frontage of the rangehood.
By combining expert design and craftsmanship with the timeless and durable Sintered Collection, the home has become an epitome of Best Kitchen’s founding philosophy and a demonstration of how a design vision comes to life.
Designing and manufacturing kitchens for over 30 years, Best Kitchens has grown to be one of the best joineries in the NSW Illawarra region and recognised for its design, excellence and quality.
Design and cabinetry: Best Kitchens
Project: Nardoo
Featured stone: Volakas Gold
Stone application: Kitchen benchtops, splashback and rangehood
Stonemason: Uniquip Stone
Photography: Life in Still
“The veining and warm tones (of Volakas Gold) worked perfectly with the woodgrain kitchen and the overall vibe of the house.”
– Best Kitchens
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