White

Article header

Get the latest on our developments. We will update you once a month.

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Once upon a time, kitchens were used solely for cooking and eating. Today, they are the heart of the home for the entire family.

Hosting everything from homework to midnight snacks to social occasions, the role of the kitchen is a hugely important one. And if it’s your first home, there are even more decisions to be made.

So how do you know when you’ve spotted a good kitchen while house hunting?

We spoke to three interiors experts to discover the ingredients of a good kitchen – from the smartest layout to the best materials.

A great kitchen is… one you’ve put time into planning

According to Darran Heaney, interiors expert at Old Victorian New, thinking about how you will use the space on the day-to-day is a good place to start.

Planning a good kitchen layout requires time. While choosing the cabinet colour and worktop material might send your head in a spin, getting the layout that works best for you is key.

If you’re planning a kitchen from scratch, take the time to measure carefully, sketch out floor plans and think about how you will use the space. For any kitchen, keep the work triangle in mind and ensure you can move between the sink, fridge and cooker with ease. Factor in sufficient worktop space too and consider a pantry to reduce overhead kitchen cabinets.

You want to ensure that the cabinets are good quality. A kitchen is a hard working room in any home, it has to stand up to plenty of use.

Power points are very important to think about when considering your kitchen space. Will you need them on your island? Lighting can be another thing people find tricky. Task lighting is important for cooking and cleaning, but by adding simple things like dimmer switches or island and wall lighting on separate switches, you can adjust the light in the kitchen to suit the use at the time.

A great kitchen is… one that’s tailored to your individual needs

Interior architect and designer Aoife Tobin from Style So Simple recommends taking the time to consider you and your family’s individual needs and what it is you want to achieve from the space.

The first thing I look at in a kitchen design is the workflow and how the client wants to enjoy and live in their space. A kitchen is very individual as to how people see this space; is it more of a functional or a social area? I would advise buyers with a new build kitchen to write down their main needs within the space for them and their family. Does it have enough storage? Is the layout going to work for you and how you plan to spend your time in the kitchen?

For example, when adding an island some of my clients want it to be an area to cook at while chatting to their family or guests, so a hob on the island would be ideal. Others want their children to be able to gather around the kitchen, drawing or doing homework. For those clients, a worktop-free island, if it’s an option, could work well.

It’s important to look at the materials in a kitchen too: is it something you can repaint in a few years if you want to? Is the material going to be hard-wearing enough to last through the years?

A great kitchen is… one that has nailed the smaller details

The importance of paying attention to the smaller details – like the correct plumbing and wiring for your appliances – cannot be underestimated, says architect and design consultant Denise O’Connor of Optimise Design.

When visiting a show house, it can be easy to focus on the aesthetics and miss some of the important practicalities.

Depending on the appliances you select you might require additional plumbing or wiring. For example, some steam ovens need to be plumbed-in, meaning you will need to fit a water supply and have a waste pipe installed.

A hot water tap will require power to heat the water which means extra wiring. It’s crucial that the contractor knows in advance what appliances you intend to put in your kitchen otherwise you may find there will be additional costs after the work has started that you hadn’t budgeted for.

At Glenveagh Homes, our vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to access great-value, high-quality homes in flourishing communities across Ireland. We understand that buying a home is possibly the biggest decision you will ever make in your life – but we want to make it your easiest. 

Click here to find out more about Glenveagh developments.

Step Inside My Home: Conor's Story

Love Where You Live: Cork - Episode 1

Step Inside My Home: Bill and Allison's Story

Love Where You Live: Cork - Episode 2

Step Inside My Home: Ruth's Story

Love Where You Live: Cork - Episode 3

Love Where You Live: Cork - Episode 4

Step Inside My Home: Rob and Ryan's Story

Step Inside My Home: Claire's Story

Step Inside My Home: The Sharma Family's Story

Step Inside My Home: Grace's Story

Step Inside My Home: Lisa's Story

Step Inside My Home: David's Story

Step Inside My Home: Simran and Kshidij's Story

Step Inside My Home: Letticia's Story

Step Inside My Home: Bryan's Story

Step Inside My Home: Fintan's Story

Step Inside My Home: Emma and Kev's Story

Step Inside My Home: James and Wendy's Story

Step Inside My Home: Hannah's Story

What happens after the sale has been agreed?

How the Affordable Purchase Scheme Can Help You Buy a Home

The Help to Buy Scheme: How It Works And Why It Can Benefit You

From deals to documents: a first-time buyers guide to mortgage applications

The ABCs of mortgages for first-time buyers

Why a New Two Bedroom Home might be the Perfect Fit

Getting ready to buy a home: a simple guide for first-time buyers

How to design a comfortable home office

At a Glance with Glenveagh - June '24 

The advantages of buying through a large home builder

Everything you need to know about mortgage interest rates

How to organise and personalise your living room

A step-by-step guide to closing the sale on your home

Schools Embrace Nature Hero Bootcamps 

Balmoston Site Update

 Balmoston First-Time Buyers Event

Donabate Ready for 4-Mile Road Race

How to save a deposit for your new home

Recreational Hub Planned for Ballymastone

Building Balmoston - Construction Underway

Episode 5 - The Big Decision

Episode 4 - The Financial Advice

Episode 3 - The New Build

Episode 2 - The Doer-Upper

Episode 1 - The First-Time Buyers

The hidden costs of buying a house  

How to organise your kitchen for maximum functionality

The First Home Scheme: Here’s what you need to know

How to choose a home that'll suit your needs now and in the future - from garden size to layout

Simple tips to keep your garden green

How do I decorate on a small budget? Your home design questions, answered by an expert

Looking to buy a new build? Here's how to spot a great development - and be first in line for updates

New to gardening? Here are some top tips for beginners

How to create a bedroom where you’ll always feel relaxed with designer Aoife Tobin

How to get that 'Show-Home Look'

Lighting, layout and storage: What makes a great kitchen? We spoke with 3 designers to find out

How many houses should I view? 5 big questions from a first-time buyer, tackled by an expert

Top tips for saving energy in your home

How can a solicitor support you during the homebuying process?

Buying a House in 2023: How to Save for a Deposit

A Superb Collection of A-rated Homes in the Inviting Community of Mullingar. Register for Farranshock Park

The Trending Interior Style of 2023: Organic Modern

Stylish State of the Art Homes, Located At the Heart of it all in Athlone. Register for Gracefields @ Drumaconn. 

Modern Homes with Great Transport Links and Local Amenities close to Dublin City, Register for Citywest Village 

These New Commuter-Friendly Homes in Wicklow are Sure to Improve your Work/Life Balance, Register for Ushers Glen

Energy-Efficient Homes set in a Community Location, Register for Grey Abbey View 

What Financial Supports Are Out There For You?

What's Important About The Local Area?

Mistakes To Avoid As A Self-Employed First-Time Buyer

What's Most Important For Young Families Looking For a New Home?

How You Can Make Huge Savings In Energy Consumption

Could Your Home Make You Money?

What Does The Future of Housing Look Like?

Applying for a mortgage in 2023: New lending amounts for first-time buyers

A Community Christmas Event: Barnhall Meadows 

'Everyone's so friendly and warm': Locals share what they love about living in Trim

How We're Reducing Our Impact on the Environment

What Is the Most Energy Efficient Way to Heat Your Home?

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer at Alone Housing Facility

Village Life with Added Convenience in Kilcock

‘There’s Always Time for a Chat’: Locals on What Makes Balbriggan a Great Place to Live

Clare and Meath stars unveiled as new Glenveagh Homes Gaelic4Girls ambassadors 

Green Days with Glenveagh - Biodiversity Education in Schools

Green is the New Neutral: The Interiors Trends Every 2022 Buyer Should Know

Top Five Wellness Tips for 2022

Great Job Opportunities & Spacious Accommodation for First-Time Buyers in Citywest

Stylish, spacious and close to all you need: Three-bed homes in Co Offaly from €250k

Modern, Low-Impact Family Homes on Dublin's Doorstep Coming Soon

Locals Share What They Love Most about Citywest

The Sanderling Christmas Showhome with Muriel Simpson from H+G Design Group

Launching soon: Brand new three and four-beds close to the north Dublin coast

Five easy eco-friendly Christmas decorations to make at home

How to design a multi-purpose living area in your new home, according to the experts

Glenveagh Staff Volunteer Day at Jack & Jill Charity Boutiques

Want a family home that has it all? Explore two brand new developments in Kildare.

'Everyone's so friendly and warm' : Locals share what they love about living in Trim

‘There’s so much art and energy’: Locals on why Newbridge is a great place to call home

Jack & Jill Founder Celebrates his Milestone Birthday with a Fundraiser  

Glenveagh Homes supports Newbridge Community First Responders

Glenveagh supports 10th annual June Fest in Newbridge

Lighting, layout and storage: What makes a great kitchen? We spoke with 3 designers to find out

Related Articles

How to design a comfortable home office

How to organise and personalise your living room

Lighting, layout and storage: What makes a great kitchen? We spoke with 3 designers to find out