Lyndsey Dunne, Author at Dunvara Kitchen & Interior Design

Kitchen Island: Hob, Sink or Nothing? How to Choose the Right Layout

Lyndsey Dunne — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:10:05 +0000

When planning a kitchen island, one of the biggest decisions is what to put on it. Should the hob take centre stage? Would a sink make the kitchen work better? Or should you leave the island completely clear?

There isn’t one right answer. The best kitchen island layout depends on the size of your space, how you cook, where you want to prepare food and how you want the island to function every day.

Should You Put a Hob on Your Kitchen Island?

A hob on the kitchen island can work particularly well in an open-plan kitchen. Instead of cooking with your back to the room, you’re facing into the kitchen and living space, making cooking feel much more sociable. A BORA downdraft hob can also remove the need for an overhead extractor, helping to maintain open sightlines across the room. However, positioning a hob on the island requires careful planning. You need enough preparation space around it and a layout that keeps cooking comfortably separated from seating and busy walkways.

Should You Put a Sink on Your Kitchen Island?

For some kitchen layouts, placing the sink on the island creates a very practical working zone. If much of your food preparation happens around the sink, having it centrally positioned can improve the flow between preparation, cooking and cleaning. The downside is visual. In an open-plan kitchen, the island is often one of the first things you see, so it’s worth considering whether you want dishes, draining boards and everyday washing-up at the centre of the room. Plumbing also needs to be considered early, particularly on a new build or renovation where services may need to be brought through the floor.

What About Leaving the Kitchen Island Clear?

An uninterrupted worktop gives you plenty of space for food preparation, baking, serving and entertaining, while also creating a clean focal point within the kitchen. If the sink and hob work well elsewhere in the layout, keeping the island clear can make it a more flexible space for everyday family life.

So, Which Kitchen Island Layout Is Best?

Before deciding between a hob, sink or clear island, think about what you actually want your island to do.Is it primarily somewhere to cook? A preparation area? Somewhere for the family to sit? A place to entertain? Or a combination of all four? At Dunvara Design, we look at the kitchen as a whole before deciding what belongs on the island. The position of the sink, hob, fridge, storage, seating and surrounding walkways all need to work together.

If you’re planning a new build, extension or kitchen renovation, these decisions are best made early. A thoughtfully planned kitchen island shouldn’t simply look beautiful – it should make your kitchen work better every day.

— Lyndsey

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Two-Tone Kitchen Ideas: How to Combine Painted Cabinets with a Dark Wood Island

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:35:53 +0000

Two-tone kitchens are a great way to introduce contrast, warmth and character. Combining lighter painted cabinetry with a dark wood kitchen island can create a beautifully balanced scheme, while making the island a natural focal point. In this recent Dunvara Design kitchen, soft painted cabinetry is paired with a bespoke dark stained timber island, creating warmth and depth within the space.

Why Do Two-Tone Kitchens Work?

Using two finishes helps break up a kitchen and gives different areas their own identity. Here, the lighter cabinetry keeps the room bright, while the dark stained island anchors the design and introduces natural texture.

Choosing a Contrasting Kitchen Island

A successful two-tone kitchen is about more than simply choosing two colours. Cabinetry, timber tones, worktops, flooring and hardware all need to work together. The dark timber island in this kitchen complements the lighter cabinetry and stone surfaces, while traditional detailing and curved ends give it a distinctive furniture-like feel.

Considering a Two-Tone Kitchen?

At Dunvara Design, we design bespoke kitchens around the home and the people who live in it, combining thoughtful layouts with carefully considered materials and finishes. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Ireland, get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help create a kitchen that works beautifully for your home.

— Lyndsey

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Kitchen Extension Ideas: Creating an Open-Plan Kitchen That Works for Family Life

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:54:45 +0000

For many families, extending the home isn’t just about adding space—it’s about creating a kitchen that works better every day. One of our recent projects shows how thoughtful design can completely transform the heart of a home. By combining a spacious kitchen, walk-in pantry, bespoke bar and utility room, we created an open-plan space that’s beautiful, practical and designed around modern family living.

Start with How You Want to Live

The best kitchen extensions aren’t designed around cabinets. They’re designed around people. Before choosing colours or finishes, we work with our clients to understand how they use their home. Do they love entertaining? Need more storage? Want a place where the family naturally gathers? Answering these questions first leads to a kitchen that feels effortless to use every day.

Make Every Inch Work Harder

One of the biggest advantages of a kitchen extension is the opportunity to improve the layout, not just increase the size. In this project, a large island creates a natural social hub while generous storage keeps everyday essentials tucked away. A bespoke walk-in pantry provides dedicated storage, helping the main kitchen stay organised and clutter-free. The adjoining bar and utility room continue the same design language, creating a home that feels connected from one space to the next.

Choose Materials That Will Last

This kitchen pairs deep forest green Shaker cabinetry with Dekton Rem worktops, creating a timeless look that balances warmth with practicality. Rather than following short-term trends, we always encourage clients to choose materials and finishes they’ll enjoy for years to come.

A successful kitchen extension should do more than add square footage. It should improve the way you cook, entertain and spend time together. With careful planning, thoughtful storage and bespoke design, your kitchen can become the true heart of your home.

Thinking About Extending Your Home?

If you’re planning an extension in Tipperary or anywhere across Ireland, we’d love to help you create a space that’s designed around the way you live. Whether you’re extending, renovating or starting from scratch, our team can guide you from the initial design through to installation.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

When Better Design Makes All the Difference in a Kitchen Renovation

Lyndsey Dunne — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Every kitchen should look beautiful, but more importantly, it should work for the people who use it every day. For this renovation, our client wasn’t looking for a larger kitchen. She wanted a space that functioned better, offered more storage and felt connected to the rest of her open-plan home.

A Better Layout, Designed Around Everyday Living

The original kitchen wasn’t making the most of the available space. The layout felt awkward, storage was limited and the cabinetry stopped short of the ceiling, leaving the room feeling unfinished. By redesigning the layout, we created a kitchen that works effortlessly for family life. Full-height cabinetry maximises storage, while a generous island provides plenty of preparation space and a natural place to gather.

Timeless Design with Practical Features

French blue Shaker cabinetry is paired with a richly textured timber island, creating warmth and contrast throughout the space. Dekton Laurent worktops make a bold statement on the island, while Dekton Albarium keeps the wall run feeling bright and balanced. A BORA hob and Quooker tap complete the design, combining clean aesthetics with everyday practicality.

Bringing the Space Together

As part of the renovation, we also designed a bespoke media wall and a built-in window seat, helping to create a seamless connection between the kitchen and the open-plan living area. The result is a home that feels cohesive, practical and designed around the way our clients live.

Thinking About Renovating Your Kitchen?

If your current kitchen doesn’t work as well as it should, a complete redesign may be all that’s needed. Improving the layout, increasing storage and choosing the right materials can completely transform the way you use your home—without changing its footprint.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

Can I Improve My Kitchen Without Extending My Home?

Lyndsey Dunne — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:31:15 +0000

When homeowners start thinking about improving their kitchen one of the first thoughts is often ‘Do we need an extension?’ The answer is not always. Over the years, we’ve worked with many clients who felt their kitchen was too small, lacked storage, or simply didn’t work for family life anymore. In many cases, the solution wasn’t adding more space — it was making better use of the space they already had.

Start with the Layout

A well-designed kitchen isn’t defined by its size. It’s defined by how it works. Often, small changes to the layout can completely transform a kitchen. Moving appliances, improving circulation, rethinking storage, or introducing an island can make the space feel larger and function better without increasing its footprint.

Make Storage Work Harder

One of the biggest frustrations we hear from homeowners is a lack of storage. Thoughtful cabinetry, internal storage solutions, pull-out larders and better organisation can dramatically increase usable storage while keeping worktops clear and clutter-free.

Let More Light In

Sometimes a kitchen feels small because it feels dark.Simple changes to colour palettes, lighting design, glazing, and sightlines can make a room feel brighter, more open and more connected to the rest of the home.

Think about How You Live

Every family uses their kitchen differently. For some, it’s a place to cook. For others, it’s where homework is done, guests gather, and everyday life happens. Taking the time to understand how you use the space often reveals opportunities to improve functionality without adding square metres.

When an Extension Makes Sense

Of course, there are projects where an extension is the right solution. But before making that decision, it’s worth exploring whether better design, planning and storage could achieve the result you’re looking for. You may be surprised by what’s possible within your existing space.

Thinking About Improving Your Kitchen?

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in Tipperary or beyond, we’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities. Sometimes the best solution isn’t a bigger kitchen — it’s a better designed one.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

Which BORA Pure Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:37:16 +0000

Choosing a hob is about more than just cooking. It’s about how you use your kitchen, the space available, and what matters most to you in everyday life.The BORA Pure range combines sleek design with integrated extraction, creating a cleaner and more streamlined kitchen. But with several models available, which one is right for your home?

BORA S Pure – Perfect for Smaller Kitchens

If space is at a premium, the BORA S Pure is a great option.

Designed for more compact kitchens, it offers all the benefits of BORA’s integrated extraction system while making the most of limited worktop space.

Ideal for:

Smaller kitchens
Apartments
Compact renovations

BORA Pure – For Stylish, Minimalist Kitchens

The BORA Pure is one of the most popular choices thanks to its clean appearance and simple functionality.

Its minimalist design works beautifully in contemporary kitchens where a streamlined look is important.

Ideal for:

Modern kitchens
Open-plan living spaces
Homeowners looking for a clean, understated design

BORA M Pure – For Flexible Family Living

The BORA M Pure offers greater flexibility with larger cooking zones, making it ideal for busy households.

Whether you’re preparing family meals or entertaining guests, it gives you more room to cook comfortably.

Ideal for:

Family kitchens
Everyday cooking
Flexible cooking requirements

BORA X Pure – For Large Kitchen Islands

The BORA X Pure is designed for larger kitchens and generous island layouts.

Its extra-large cooking surface provides maximum flexibility and creates a striking focal point within the kitchen.

Ideal for:

Large kitchens
Kitchen islands
Serious home cooks

Which BORA Is Right for You?

The best BORA hob depends on how you live, cook, and use your kitchen. At Dunvara Design, we help clients choose appliances that suit both their lifestyle and their kitchen design. Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or renovating an existing space, selecting the right hob is an important part of creating a kitchen that works beautifully every day.

If you’re considering a BORA cooking system, we’d be happy to guide you through the options and help you find the perfect fit for your home.

Kitchen Design Service Ireland | Design-Only or Full Design-to-Completion

Lyndsey Dunne — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:53:07 +0000

At Dunvara Design, we provide a professional kitchen design service for homeowners across Ireland, including Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, and surrounding counties. Whether you are planning a self-build, renovation, extension, or complete home project, we offer flexible ways to work with us depending on the needs of your home.

Many homeowners assume they need to purchase a kitchen directly from a supplier to work with a professional kitchen designer. In reality, a number of our clients come to us purely for the design expertise while working with their own builder, carpenter, or installer.

Others choose our full design-to-completion service where we guide the project from the initial concept right through to the finished space.

No matter the size or stage of your project, thoughtful kitchen planning can completely change how your home looks, feels, and functions..

What Is a Professional Kitchen Design Service?

A professional kitchen design service is about far more than choosing colours or cabinetry styles. A well-designed kitchen should improve the way your home works every day. At Dunvara Design, we carefully consider:

kitchen layout and workflow
storage solutions
appliance integration
lighting and electrical planning
seating and circulation space
materials and finishes
how the kitchen connects with the rest of the home

Every project is designed around the people living in it. The goal is to create a space that feels practical, calm, functional, and timeless. Good kitchen design can also help avoid costly mistakes during the building or renovation process, particularly when decisions around electrics, plumbing, lighting, and first-fix works need to be made early.

Our Design-Only Kitchen Service

Many of our clients already have their own builder, carpenter, kitchen installer, or contractor and come to Dunvara specifically for the kitchen design expertise.

Our independent kitchen design service focuses on the planning and design stage of the project, helping homeowners create kitchens that are both beautiful and practical. Depending on the project, this can include layouts, renders, appliance planning, lighting guidance, and builder-ready drawings.

This service is ideal for self-builds, renovations, extensions, and clients looking for a professional kitchen design before installation begins.

Full Design-to-Completion Kitchens

For clients looking for a more complete experience, Dunvara also offers a full design-to-completion service. Alongside kitchen design, we can assist with bespoke cabinetry, appliances, lighting, flooring, furniture, blinds, interior finishes, and overall project coordination, maunfacturing and installation to help create a cohesive and beautifully finished home.

Kitchen Design for Self Builds and Renovations

Kitchen planning is one of the most important stages of any self-build or renovation project. The Kitchen impacts:

lighting latouts
electrical positions
plumbing
flooring
window placement
seating areas#storage planning overall flow through the home

Getting these decisions right early can help avoid delays, additional costs, and compromises later in the project.

Kitchen Design Service Across Ireland

Based in Tipperary, Dunvara Design works with homeowners across Ireland on kitchen renovations, self-build homes, extensions, and bespoke interior projects. We regularly work with clients in Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, and throughout Ireland.

Whether working remotely or in person, we help clients make informed design decisions before installation and building work begins.

Begin Planning Your Kitchen

Whether you are looking for an independent kitchen design service or a complete design-to-completion experience, thoughtful planning and design is the foundation of every successful kitchen.

At Dunvara, we work closely with homeowners to create kitchens that are not only beautiful, but practical and designed around everyday living.

Book a kitchen design consultation to begin planning your project.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

Green Kitchen Ideas: Design Inspiration for Your Home

Lyndsey Dunne — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:15:16 +0000

Green kitchens have become one of the most popular choices in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They feel calm, warm, and easy to live with — while still adding depth and character to a space. From soft sage tones to deeper greens, it’s a colour that works beautifully in both classic and more modern kitchens.

Different Ways to Use Green

Green can be used in a few different ways depending on the look you want to achieve. Lighter tones create a softer, more relaxed feel, while deeper greens add contrast and depth to the space. Using green on an island is also a great way to introduce the colour more subtly and create a natural focal point within the kitchen.

Thinking About a Green Kitchen

If you’re building or renovating, green is a colour that can work beautifully when it’s thoughtfully designed. At Dunvara Design, we create bespoke kitchens in Tipperary and throughout Ireland that are tailored to each home and how our clients live.

If you are planning a new kitchen, we would be delighted to help you develop a design that is tailored to your home and your lifestyle.

— Lyndsey

Book A Kitchen Design Service

A New Build Kitchen in Tipperary – Designed for Family Living

Lyndsey Dunne — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:27:02 +0000

When we first started working with this client, they were at the early stages of building their home in Tipperary. For me, that’s always the best time to get involved. It means we can really think about how the kitchen will work day to day — not just how it will look.

From the beginning, the brief was clear: space that felt warm, timeless, and practical for a busy family.

Shaker Style, with a Modern Feel

We designed a transitional shaker kitchen that balances classic and contemporary. The main cabinetry is finished in Windborne White, keeping the space light and soft, while the island in Railings adds a bit of contrast and depth. We paired this with Dekton Ares, which works beautifully for a family kitchen — durable, understated, and easy to live with.

Designed Around Real Life

What really shaped this kitchen was how the family wanted to use it.We included a walk-in pantry to keep everyday items tucked away, and focused on making sure everything had its place. Small details like the step-out plinth and antique brass handles help give it that more bespoke, considered feel. The patinated brass Quooker tap and Neptune island lights bring in warmth and make the space feel finished without being overdone.

From Concept to Installation

We worked through everything with the client from the early stages — layout, materials, finishes, and all the practical details in between. From there, we carried the design right through to supply and installation, making sure the finished space stayed true to the original vision.

Thinking About Your Own Kitchen in Tipperary

If you’re building or renovating, getting the kitchen right early on makes a huge difference.It’s not just about choosing doors or colours — it’s about how the space will work for you every day.

That’s always where we start.

— Lyndsey

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Bespoke Kitchen Remodel Ireland: Modern Lake-View Bungalow Transformation

Lyndsey Dunne — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:06:55 +0000

This kitchen remodel was a special one for us. Set within a beautiful lake-view bungalow, the goal was to transform the space into something calm, modern, and truly reflective of how the clients live day to day.

We introduced black textured slab cabinetry to give the kitchen a strong architectural feel, balanced by Dekton Albarium worktops which soften the overall look. The waterfall gable with bespoke slatted detailing brought warmth and a handcrafted quality that makes the whole room feel more inviting.

Functionality was central to every decision. We seamlessly integrated the BORA X BO oven and BORA Pure hob, along with a dedicated pantry workstation that keeps everything organised while still feeling part of the overall design. One of my favourite features is the bespoke bar with reeded bi-fold doors — it adds character while also being incredibly practical.

The island seating, finished with our Dunvara Glam counter stools, creates a relaxed place to gather — whether it’s morning coffee, casual meals, or time spent with family and friends.

What I love most about this kitchen remodel is how effortless it feels. It’s elegant, highly functional, and completely tailored to the home and the people who live in it.

— Lyndsey

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