THE GLOSS and interior designer Sara Cosgrove team up to tackle the challenges of kitchen design, and to explore the latest trends …

Spring was in the air on Saturday February 10 as THE GLOSS welcomed readers to the Hottest Kitchen event in association with Bosch, Siemens and Neff at the BSH Home of Innovation. The event began with a delicious brunch before Jane McDonnell, co-founder and publisher of THE GLOSS and THE GLOSS INTERIORS was joined by interior designer and RTÉ Home of the Year judge Sara Cosgrove for a session on the latest trends in kitchen design.

Sara Cosgrove and Jane McDonnell

Guests were treated to inspiration and insights on all things kitchen related, from planning the kitchen and dining space and making a wishlist for cabinetry, finishes and floors to the importance of optimising the layout, making decisions around islands, sinks and sustainable choices, to the all-important focus on appliances. As well as sharing 20 years of her experience in the interior design world, Sara was hugely informative on all aspects of different kitchen design challenges, giving impartial advice and her top tips on multiple topics.

Guests saw some of Sara’s beautiful work on screen, as well as a sneak preview of her moodboard for the exciting kitchen project she is undertaking in her new home. She revealed that she would be availing of all the “smart kitchen” innovations that BSH appliances offer, from the smartphone app that controls the oven temperature and timer, to a freestanding coffee machine and a fabulous fridge with French doors and separate zones for optimal wine chilling. Sara also explained how these appliances offer so much brilliant functionality that it is important to take the time to make an appointment and educate yourself about how they can work best for you. She also urged the audience to opt for kitchen appliance brands that offer a superior level of maintenance and back-up in Ireland (www.homeofinnovation.ie).

Adding to the occasion’s springtime feel were two beautiful kitchen dining tablescapes themed for spring dining. Styled with colourful linen, candles, glass and china and seasonal flowers – buds, branches, tulips and mimosa arranged in divine vases – the tables were designed and decorated by Nordic Elements founder Helle Moyna and client director Rebecca Rowe.

Helle Moyna

The Blackrock store is known for its authentic Scandinavian design classics and its great personal shopping service offers anyone contemplating a kitchen renovation or new build expert advice and help in choosing furniture, lighting and accessories (www.nordicelements.com). Just make an appointment and bring your plans and pics and the team at Nordic Elements will help you find perfect pieces for your kitchen as well as the rest of your home.

Eleanor Martin

As the discussion drew to a close, Sara and BSH Home of Innovation culinary and showroom manager Eleanor Martin fielded questions from the audience. To accompany the revelations that ensued, a delicious potato cake, whipped up by Eleanor’s catering team using the integrated Air Fryer function in the showroom’s Neff ovens, was served before guests departed with a goodie bag, buoyed up by great tips and insights from Sara and brimming with creative ideas.