Mode German Kitchens

We’ve talked about the working triangle before in the showroom, but this kitchen is a great example of how it actually works in real life.

Your cooking, prep and cleaning areas are all close together, with the fridge, ovens, hob, sink and dishwasher exactly where you need them.

You’re not walking from one end of the room to the other every time you’re making dinner. Everything just works around you.

That’s what good kitchen design should do.

Think about it.

In the last video, I talked you through what we changed in this room. Now have a look at how the kitchen itself works.

It’s a big space with a three-metre island, but everything you need for cooking and prep is kept within a few feet - hob, ovens, sink, dishwasher and fridge freezer.

The island then becomes the place for everyone else to sit, chat and be part of what’s going on without getting under your feet.

A big kitchen doesn’t need to mean a lot of walking. It’s all in the layout.

Think about it.

This was a lovely house with so much character to work with.

When I first came down, the red brick was a big feature of the room, with the Aga sitting centrally in the space.

The idea was never to take away from what was already here. It was about keeping those original features, including those lovely brick arches, while creating a brighter, more open kitchen that suited how the family wanted to use the room today.

I think the old and the new have come together really well.

We’ve plenty more to show you from this project over the next few videos.

Think about it.

It’s always lovely when someone tells me they love their new kitchen.

But when a customer tells me it’s actually changed the way they live in their home, that means a lot more.

We spend so much time talking about lifestyle when we’re designing a kitchen, and this is exactly why.

A kitchen should do more than look good. It should make everyday life better.

That’s the part of the job I really enjoy.

Think about it.

Sometimes the kitchen you have planned in your head isn’t necessarily the one that’s going to work best for you.

When you’ve lived in a room for years, it’s very easy to keep thinking about it in the same way.

Moving the hob, changing the layout or looking at the room from a different angle can make a huge difference to how you cook, entertain and spend time with people.

Sometimes you just need a fresh pair of experienced eyes.

Think about it.

Questions, questions and more questions.

There’s a reason I spend so much time talking before we even get near the design.

A kitchen has to work around the people living in the house, and everybody uses their space differently. The more I understand at the start, the better chance we have of getting it right.

The drawing comes later. First, we have a good chat and a cup of coffee.

Think about it.

A lot of people think changing the floor means lifting up what's already there. Not always.

This new Palio flooring from Karndean can be laid over existing tiles, which can save time and disruption.

It's waterproof, comes with a 25-year residential warranty, and there's a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from, whether you prefer a timber look or a tiled finish.

Another simple way to transform a room without turning the house upside down.

Think about it. 📍 Mode German Kitchens, Belfast.

Most people aren't really worried about spending the money on a kitchen.

They're happy enough to invest in the worktops, appliances and all the rest of it.

What they're worried about is getting it wrong.

That's where I can help.

We'll sit down, have a chat, go through what you want from the room and work it out together.

After more than 40 years doing this, I've a fair idea of what works and what doesn't.

Think about it.

One thing I've learned over the years is that if I don't think something's right, I'll say so.

Not because I'm trying to change your mind, but because once your kitchen is fitted, you've got to live with it.

I've seen plenty of people over the years who wished someone had told them to do something differently before they started.

At the end of the day, it's your kitchen and it's your decision. My job is to give you honest advice and help you avoid expensive mistakes.

If you're thinking about a new kitchen, call in and have a chat. I'd be happy to help.

One thing that surprises people is what I say at the end of the consultation.

I tell them to go away and think about it.

There's no pressure. A kitchen is a big investment and it's important that you take your time.

When you're ready, we'll be here.

📍 Pop into our Belfast showroom for a chat.