Maeve's Top Tips for Planning Your Kitchen

Whether you are renovating your current home or beginning a new build, planning a kitchen brings many important decisions. From the layout and appliance selection to storage, materials, colour and establishing a realistic budget, every choice plays a part in how your finished kitchen will look, feel and function.

In this video, Maeve, one of our experienced designers in our Galway showroom, shares her advice on where to begin and the key areas to consider when planning your new kitchen.

Planning a new kitchen can quickly feel overwhelming. A new build brings countless decisions competing for your attention. With a renovation, there is the added pressure of resolving what has never worked and getting it right this time.

Whatever your starting point, an experienced kitchen designer brings clarity to the process. By understanding your home, lifestyle, priorities and budget, they can identify the best use of your space, address existing frustrations and introduce possibilities you may not have considered.

A successful kitchen begins with understanding how the space will be used. Maeve recommends approaching the layout through a series of practical zones, including preparation, cooking, cleaning, storage and entertaining.

It is also important to include a dedicated “drop zone”, a place for keys, post, schoolbags and the everyday items that naturally make their way into the kitchen. Planning for these details can help keep your worktops and island clearer while making daily routines feel more organised.

Appliances should form part of the kitchen design from the beginning rather than being treated as a final addition.

If you are building your forever home and have always imagined a traditional kitchen with a Rangemaster cooker, for example, this decision may influence the layout of the entire room. It can affect its placement, the symmetry of the surrounding cabinetry and the main focal point of the design.

Considering your appliances early allows them to become an integral part of a kitchen that works naturally for the way you cook and live.

Maeve also discusses the renewed appreciation for natural materials and the warmth, character and longevity they can bring to a kitchen.

Natural timber tones and wood-grain finishes can be introduced throughout the design, from cabinetry and islands to feature shelving and carefully chosen accents. They do not have to dominate the room. Used selectively, they can add depth and texture while sitting comfortably alongside painted finishes and more contemporary elements.

Colour is another important part of creating a kitchen that feels personal to your home. Our designers work with colour every day, helping clients compare shades, understand how they respond to natural and artificial light, and see how they will work alongside flooring, worktops and the surrounding interior.

Having a realistic budget from the beginning allows your designer to guide you towards the right materials, features and design choices for your project.

Based on kitchens completed during 2025 and 2026 to date, the average price of an MLK kitchen is approximately €15,000, including stone worktops. Every kitchen is individually designed, so the final cost will vary depending on its size, layout, materials, internal storage and chosen features.

Whether you are renovating or building a new home, Maeve’s most important advice is to begin the kitchen-planning process early.

Allowing sufficient time gives you the opportunity to properly consider your layout, appliances, storage, finishes and budget without feeling rushed into decisions. It also makes the experience more enjoyable, giving you the space to explore your options and feel confident in the kitchen you are creating.

When you are ready to take the next step, book a complimentary design consultation at our Galway or Roscommon showroom and begin creating a kitchen designed around your home, your priorities and the way you live.

Where Would You Like to Go Next?

Whether you're gathering ideas, refining your plans or exploring real homes, we've created resources to support you at every stage of your kitchen journey.

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