The kitchen is undoubtedly the most important room in any house, with scores of people imagining themselves as the next Jamie Oliver or Heston as they go about their day.

And while the interior of your kitchen can be a plus, its functionality matters too. The kitchen is the new living room, and often also serves as an office, a dining room, and even a peaceful retreat for stressed-out foodies.

It’s the heart of the home, and it’s the one room that’s guaranteed to incite a flurry of interest from those with an interest in interior style. With this in mind, we’ve chosen seven of the best kitchens you can work and relax.

1. A spacious showcase for neutral colours in Sandymount

Gilford Avenue, Sandymount is perfect for house-hunters looking for a house with character that’s still functional in terms of modern living.

The red-bricked Edwardian property was fully refurbished in 2010 and now boasts stunning mod cons. The pleasant neutral décor is appealing to any taste, and can be made “your own” on a budget with the addition of a few personal accessories.

The bright and spacious kitchen is fitted out with contemporary-county cabinetry in abundance. There’s plenty of storage room, which limits the chance of a clutter build-up too!

2. A walnut throwback in Clontarf

The swanky walnut kitchen in this four-bed home on Haddon Road, Clontarf is the stuff of culinary dreams.

The reclaimed brick stove surrounds tunnels through to the living-dining area, helping the space feel unified. The floor-to-ceiling window lets in tons of sunlight, brightening the darker tones of the timber.

With space for two at the island, this kitchen is perfect for hanging out with family while cooking.

3. A granite dream in Killiney

The stunning kitchen in this home on Glenalua Road, Killiney is just as glamorous as its location. The cream units are complimented in a tone-on-tone style granite countertop which adds just a tint of texture.

The Scandi-look white oak flooring makes the room appear even larger. Domestic gods will love the Miele double oven and hot plates with lots of room for ingredients in the pull-out pantry units.

4. A homely apartment kitchen in Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire is a home buyer’s dream with its sweeping coastal views and vibrant community. For fans of apartment living, this cosy kitchen in George’s Place is ideal, with its neutral tones, pops of colour, and balcony access to sea views over Dublin Bay.

Combining wall-high gloss units, granite worktops, and Bosch appliances, this kitchen is perfect for a small family or a couple looking to set up home on the edge of Dublin city.

5. A light-filled kitchen-cum-living room in Rathfarnham

Nestled in a gated community in Rathfarnham, this gorgeous three-bed boasts a spacious open plan kitchen, dining, and living area, finished with a Smeg range, and black granite splash back and worktops.

Originally two rooms, the owners made the design decision to knock down the wall to create one gorgeous open space. Overlooking a patio garden, this kitchen is the ideal heart of any home.

6. The epitome of glamour in Foxrock

Costa del Foxrock – or so it would seem! This breath-taking six-bedroom home on Hainault Road, Foxrock has the feel of a Mediterranean villa with its terracotta floor tiles, timber beams adorning the ceiling, and large windows that allow the sun to stream in.

The Smeg range and American-style fridge-freezer means it offers both form and function.

7. Scandi style in Cork

We may have saved the best for last with this stunning three-bed apartment in Blackrock, Co. Cork.

This immaculately decorated apartment would be perfect for a style-loving dweller, combining Scandi minimalism with luxurious, rich stylings in the bedroom and palatial halls. Although the kitchen is small, it packs tons of storage with its taupe-coloured traditional units.

Are you looking to set up a home with a dream kitchen of your own?

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