Caroline Foran of GAFF Interiors is well versed in helping new homeowners make their new property feel like home. Each week in our series, My New Place, she’ll be working through some of the biggest decisions you’ll tackle on the house hunting and buying journey.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, one of the most exciting elements of any new build is the kitchen.

These days, the kitchen is not just the place where we cook and eat; it’s the heart of the home, the social focal point and the room that anchors all activity throughout the house.

It’s no wonder then that the kitchen rises up the list of priorities when in the market for a new home – and ample space and clever design will typically win buyers’ favour.

The thing is, it is rare that a house built in the 90s or earlier was designed with the kitchen of today in mind. It wasn’t a room for show and certainly not for entertaining guests – it was for cooking and that’s it. But the way we live has changed hugely, and it’s important that our homes are designed to suit our lifestyle. Nowhere is that more important than the kitchen.

When scoping a new build kitchen – which can often be customised with the builders – here are three things to keep in mind.

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1. Remember that an island can be the hub of the home

Is there a kitchen island, and if not, is there room to have one added? Just because it doesn’t come as standard doesn’t mean you can’t request it at an additional cost.

While you’ll of course benefit from additional storage, it’s the social element that islands give us. Having people over while you cook who can gather round the island with a drink in hand? Do you prefer to eat most of your meals in a casual style rather than at the table? The kitchen island will become the hub of your kitchen which is the hub of your home.

2. Put yourself in the kitchen to think about the workflow

Once you get beyond the aesthetics and the more obvious features you need to consider the details; the behind-the-scenes.

Often it’s only when we’ve been in a kitchen for a while that we realise what we really need in terms of storage and flow. So think about what’s working in your existing kitchen, or if you’re renting, consider what’s holding you back.

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For example it might be corner presses with shelves inside that you can pull right out so your plates and bowls are more easily accessible. Do you need a press that works as a fold out ironing board? Look inside the cabinets of the new build you’re looking at and don’t be afraid to ask about having something tailored to suit your needs.

3. Considering colours? Put orientation first

Looking at the orientation of your house and where the kitchen is positioned will help you determine the colour scheme.

If you get a lot of natural light in the kitchen, bolder, darker colours will work wonderfully. If the sun doesn’t get to your kitchen, you might consider something lighter to avoid the room feeling too dark.

That said, if you’re most likely to spend time in your kitchen at night, when you’ll have the lights on, you don’t have to be as concerned about natural light affecting your colour scheme.

Glenveagh Homes understands that buying a home is possibly the biggest decision you will ever make in your life – but we want to make it your easiest. That’s why we produce high-quality homes in great areas at competitive prices. Click here to learn more and discover the Glenveagh home that’s right for you.