Counter measures

Scene-stealing kitchens chosen by ALANNA GALLAGHER

CHEAP CHIC

Stainless steel is softened with red brick walls and Moroccan-style tiles. This freestanding Ikea Faktum kitchen costs €2,110 and includes the black Ramsjo units to the top left of the picture and the adjacent Rubrik stainless steel shelves, drawers and double unit under the sink and island. It also includes solid wood oiled worktops.

Ikea, St Margaret's Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11. Tel: 1890-987938, Ikea.ie

KEEP IT COUNTRY

The country-style kitchen is making a return. Clive Nunn is a self-taught bespoke cabinet maker whose his work can be seen in the interior of the Merrion Hotel’s Cellar Bar. He specialises in country-style kitchens that have with their roots in our native tradition. A painted galley style kitchen in French oak with wraparound counter costs €9,500.

Clive Nunn, Ballyduff Mill, Thomastown,

Co Kilkenny. Tel: 056-775 8473 / 086-250 0561, Clivenunn.com

CHALK UP A NEW LOOK

Homeowners who had planned to trade up but are now staying put are upgrading, says Martin Lenehan of Global Village. “They want hand-painted designs in a chalky colour palette.” The Neptune collection is solid wood and comes in 26 colour options. This free-standing Suffolk style in dove gray has contrasting interiors; from €17,200 for approximately 25 sq m. Sideboard (€1,250), dining table (€995), chairs (€245 each), stools (€295) and crystal ball pendant lights (€190).

Global Village, 10 KCR Industrial Estate, Ravensdale Park, Kimmage, Dublin 12. Tel: 01-4055035, globalvillage.ie

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A BOOST

Is your kitchen looking tired? Give it a boost with new doors and counter tops. Customers want a cheap, chic facelift, says Stephen O’Donoghue, commercial manager of In-House, which sells a selection of soft pastel colour doors from €49 each. Costs start at €799 for a kitchen makeover, including new doors, brushed chrome handles, laminate worktops and a kicker board.

In-House has several branches in Dublin as well as Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick. Tel: 1850-212 214, in-house.ie

LET THE SUN SHINE

Lift your mood with a splash of yellow. Arena Kitchens’ Hacker design has mango matt laminate doors with contrasting units in antique white. Worktops are tobacco oak laminate. Including fitting, it costs €8,900.

Arena Kitchens, Sailmaker Buildings, Cardiff Lane, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2.

Tel: 01-671 5365, arenakitchens.com

WHITE HOT DIFFUSION LABEL

White remains the number one colour choice for kitchens, says Rosie Shortt of Houseworks. She’s just introduced a new, lower-priced diffusion range from SieMatic called SmartDesign. The gallery white model costs €16,750, including VAT, delivery, installation and granite worktops.

Houseworks, 11-15 Upper Erne St, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-6769511, Houseworks.ie