Home help: I'm ready to redo my kitchen but the choice is overwhelming. How do I avoid making an expensive mistake?
But fear not. According to Áine Browne, owner of Cucine Lube Ireland – the Irish home of Italy's best-selling kitchen brand – the secret lies in grounding your vision in practicality from the very beginning.
'Firstly, take a moment to reflect on your lifestyle,' Browne advises. 'How do you actually use your kitchen now? Do you cook daily, host big gatherings, or need a space for the kids to do homework while you prep dinner? Step away from Instagram! You don't need a state-of-the-art oven if your idea of cooking is reheating a takeaway.'
Likewise, a wine fridge might not be necessary, but a boiling water tap could be a total game-changer if you're a serial tea drinker.
'One of the golden rules in kitchen design is that form should follow function,' Browne adds. While the classic 'working triangle' of sink, cooker and fridge still holds relevance, today's kitchens often benefit from zone planning – think prep, cooking, storage and socialising.
'Personally, I'll take deep drawers over cupboards any day. They're easier to access and far more space-efficient.'
Features like integrated larders, hidden cabinetry and a much-loved nook – a concealed prep area, bar, or pantry – are favourites for their stylish practicality.
Trends for 2025 are leaning into warmth and tactility: rich wood textures, muted colours and brushed metals. 'Timeless doesn't have to mean boring,' Browne notes. 'Mixing matte finishes with a splash of colour or touches of glass can make a kitchen feel luxurious without sacrificing durability.' The key is selecting surfaces that look great and can handle everyday life.
So what's Browne's top tip before visiting a showroom? 'Come prepared. Bring accurate measurements, photos of your current space and be clear about what you don't want.'
A kitchen is a big investment – emotionally and financially. With thoughtful planning, clear communication and expert guidance, your kitchen of dreams can become a beautiful, functional space that truly works for you.
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