THE GLOSS and interior designer Sarah Cosgrove teamed up at BSH Home of Innovation to discuss the do’s and don’ts of kitchen design and explore the latest trends.
THE GLOSS welcomed readers to its second Hot Kitchen event of 2024 in partnership with Bosch, Siemens and Neff on Saturday, October 12 at the BSH Home of Innovation. The event began with a delicious brunch in the presence of the magazine’s co-founder and publisher, Jane McDonnell. THE GLOSS and THE GLOSS INTERIORS were joined by interior designer and RTÉ Home of the Year judge Sara Cosgrove for a session on the latest trends in kitchen design. Check out Sara’s top tips below…
plan
The most important thing to do before embarking on a kitchen remodel is to consider how you will use your space, the location of your kitchen, the orientation of the rooms, and figure out what works and what doesn’t. It just doesn’t work in my current kitchen. As Sarah says, the kitchen is “the most expensive room you can go wrong with.” Top tip: Make sure you get it right the first time. By understanding what you want to achieve from your project and focusing on durability, you can make the most of your budget.
pantry
According to Sarah, pantries are a trend. Having a room outside of the kitchen that can be used for storage, food preparation, or other purposes can make a big difference in your workflow. It doesn’t even have to be a room. A large cabinet will do the trick. The important thing is that everything is visible. Top tip: Place dishes and utensils that you don’t use often at the top.
kitchen island
The kitchen island is very unique. Although they offer opportunities for luxury (think quartzite and recycled glass instead of marble), the most important aspect of islands, according to Sarah, lies in the spatial planning. It’s all a matter of ratio. It’s important to have an island that fits and functions in your space and suits your lifestyle. Sarah advises against making your island too large at the expense of other living areas. Personally, she says, she prefers the island to be clutter-free with few sinks or stoves. Important tip: The depth of the island should not exceed 1400 mm. If you go deeper than this, you won’t be able to clean the center of the island.
hand painted or spray painted cabinets
The dilemma of choosing between hand paint and spray paint is a question of budget, practicality, and durability. Sarah says that while spray-painted kitchen cabinets are a durable option, hand-painted kitchens are a much softer look and are a flexible option because the colors can be updated easily. Top tip: Dark colors look great in kitchens with lots of glass because they absorb light.
flooring
If you choose timber flooring for your kitchen, incorporating a shuffle zone (the tiled area around the sink) is a smart design choice. This is the area in your kitchen that is most prone to splashes, spills, and wear and tear, which can lead to damage to your wood floors. Sarah plans to incorporate a shuffle zone into her new kitchen redesign. Top Tip: This is a feature you can always retrofit, so don’t panic if it’s not in your immediate plans.
sink
The sink is definitely a very important part of the kitchen. Sarah recommends a sink with a cutting board and drainer in one. The key, Sarah says, is to save space. A split sink is a good option if you need additional space and dual functionality in your sink, but it may not work if you use a lot of large roasting trays. It all depends on how you use your kitchen. Top tip: If you hate clutter, don’t put your sink on an island. Dishes, sponges, and soap inevitably accumulate on the countertop next to the sink, making the surface look crowded.
innovative home appliances
One of the major innovations in the world of home appliances is the induction cooktop. According to Sarah, no one punches holes in walls anymore. Integrated extraction is a major development in technology and we need to make the most of it. Another development in technology is the Home Connect app. With it, you can now download additional features to your Siemens oven, such as an airfryer function. Wine refrigerators and warming drawers are also very trendy now. www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com. Top tip: Read your manual! Learn about your appliance to get the most out of it, or schedule a demonstration at Home of Innovation to learn everything you need to know. www.homeofinnovation.ie.
Appliance customization
Sarah believes that there is a serious need for kitchen customization and that certain appliance brands offer this service. NEFF introduces oven customization with a variety of trims to make your oven surface feel a little more discreet and stylish with the rest of your kitchen. Top tip: Learn more here. www.neff-home.com/ie
lit
When it comes to lighting, Sarah says incorporating task and decorative lighting is a good design choice, and everything can work together to create an ambient atmosphere. She looks to hotels and restaurants for inspiration. You want your kitchen to run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., so consider that aspect of your kitchen when making your plans. Top tip: Incorporating Scandinavian-style lighting inside a contemporary or antique-style kitchen adds a real element of interest to the space. PH 5 Mini, Louis Poulsen, from 934 euros, available at Nordic Elements.
Considering a new kitchen? Or do you need to replace your current kitchen appliances? Then come to the home of innovation in Dublin (just off Junction 10 of the M50) and find inspiration with our extensive collection of kitchen appliances from Bosch, Siemens and NEFF. Get rations. Book a free product advice consultation in our showroom or attend a cooking demonstration or hands-on workshop. www.homeofinnovation.ie
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