EK Design Kitchens
Kane and his team have turned complex Queenslander renovations and multi-room overhauls into a specialty, with several customers returning for a second project.
Kane is mentioned by name in the majority of reviews as the person who keeps things on track, manages trades, and ensures the design actually suits the client's budget and space; if you're booking a consultation, asking for Kane directly makes sense based on what's written here. Recent reviews in this sample average higher than earlier ones, though with only 12 reviews total that's an observation rather than a trend you can take to the bank — treat it as encouraging rather than definitive. One reviewer describes a poor experience with a commercial cabinetry enquiry and a showroom visit where staff were reportedly unwelcoming — worth keeping in mind if you're testing the waters with an informal drop-in rather than a booked appointment.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (12 total)
“kitchen, bathroom and ensuite fully renovated all at once”
“Duncan explained the showroom options and provided 3D plans”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 344 bathroom renovations in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About EK Design Kitchens
A family-run cabinet and joinery business operating out of a well-equipped Portsmith facility for roughly 26 years, EK Design Kitchens handles full kitchen renovations, bathroom vanities, and built-in wardrobes — frequently tackling tricky heritage homes where walls are rarely square. Kane leads client-facing work from initial site inspection through to project oversight, and reviewers consistently describe him as knowledgeable, reliable, and respectful of budget constraints; Duncan runs the showroom and produces 3D design plans so clients can visualise the final layout before anything is ordered; Harley and Cameron handle installation on the tools, with multiple customers noting they were punctual, took pride in their finish, and left the site clean. The Portsmith showroom is worth visiting in person — reviewers mention it as well-appointed and stocked with current options, and the business coordinates all associated trades (electricians, plumbers) rather than leaving homeowners to wrangle contractors separately. They appear particularly well-suited to homeowners doing multiple rooms in one hit — kitchen, bathroom, and robes simultaneously — and several reviewers mention returning for a second project, which is notable given the small total review count. Where EK doesn't seem to thrive is with commercial or workplace cabinetry enquiries, where at least one prospective client reports losing momentum after the initial visit.
Best for: full kitchen renovations in Queenslander or heritage homes, multi-room renovation projects (kitchen, bathroom, and wardrobes combined), and homeowners wanting a single business to coordinate all associated trades.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about EK Design Kitchens
What does the design and consultation process look like with EK Design Kitchens?+
Based on reviews, the process typically starts with Kane conducting an on-site inspection and providing advice about what's possible in your space. Duncan then takes over at the showroom, walking you through material and finish options and producing 3D plans so you can see the layout before anything is ordered. Customers describe this staged approach as clear and low-pressure. If you have a fixed budget, reviewers mention Kane is good at working within it rather than upselling.
Can EK Design Kitchens handle a kitchen and bathroom renovation at the same time?+
Yes — several reviewers specifically mention having their kitchen, bathroom, and ensuite (or wardrobes) renovated simultaneously in a single project. The business coordinates all associated trades including electricians and plumbers, so you're not managing multiple contractors yourself. One reviewer notes that Blake managed all the trades and kept them updated on timing throughout. This seems to be a strength of theirs for homeowners wanting to do a larger renovation in one hit.
How does EK Design Kitchens handle older homes like Queenslanders where walls aren't straight?+
Multiple reviewers specifically mention Queenslander renovations, and it comes up as something the business handles competently. Reviewers describe the team as attentive to the quirks of old homes — one notes they 'left nothing to chance' when fitting cabinets where nothing was square, and another says Kane knew how to 'correct hard areas' in a tricky old Queenslander. If you have an older home with non-standard dimensions, it's worth mentioning this when you book your site inspection.
Who will I be dealing with during my project?+
Kane is the most frequently mentioned team member and appears to handle initial site inspections, project oversight, and client communication throughout. Duncan runs the showroom and handles design planning including 3D renders. Harley and Cameron are mentioned by name as the installers, with reviewers noting they were punctual and thorough with cleanup. Julie is mentioned in one review for going out of her way to source the right handles at the last minute. It reads like a stable, named team rather than rotating contractors.
Is it worth visiting the EK Design Kitchens showroom?+
Reviewers generally describe the showroom as well-appointed and current, and the 3D planning process Duncan runs from the showroom is mentioned as helpful for visualising the finished result. That said, one reviewer describes a negative experience dropping in unannounced for a commercial cabinetry enquiry, where staff seemed disengaged. To get the most out of a visit, it may be worth calling ahead and booking a proper consultation rather than walking in cold — particularly if you're bringing a specific project to discuss.