In line with the trend for open-plan living, kitchens are becoming airy multipurpose spaces catering for everything from home working to having friends around.

"When everyone finally gets home, " says Per Ploug of Danish Design, "they need somewhere they can interact, make eye contact and relax - and it all happens in the kitchen."

Kitchen designs are now expected not only to be part of the architecture of an abode but also an expression of lifestyle. Some home owners even install two kitchens, according to Seamus Porter of Snaidero, which opened showrooms in Dublin last year.

Companies like Bulthaup are responding to the trend for open-plan kitchens with the likes of their b3 programme. There is also a trend towards banks of inobtrusive, handle-less, wall-to-ceiling units. In some styles, walls of units keep most appliances behind bifolding doors.

Poggenpohl's award-winning Plusmodo by Spanish designer Jorge Pensi incorporates spacious handle-less drawers with glass fronts and aluminum shelving along with wall units and tall unit blocks with sliding doors. The company has also collaborated with Porsche on a 'kitchen for men', to be unveiled in the autumn.

Snaidero's 'Kube' kitchen was conceived to counter the fast pace and sensory overload of everyday life. Based on contrasting geometric volumes and balanced areas with separate functions, its recessed plinth in mirror-like material creates the illusion that it's suspended from the ground. Seamless sophistication continues with the worktop while the surfaces of the functional blocks are designed to be robust. The hob and sink are part of a peninsula attached to the wall in a chic spacesaving solution.

Scavolini's Glam kitchen, with its oak boiserie panelling framing the room, aims to create stylistic links with the home in which it is fitted. Modular bookcases with backlit shelving complete a kitchen that opens into a dining area. There is also a range of complementary pieces including fixed and extendable tables, chairs and stools in dark oak. The Italian company's new 'Mood' kitchen is designed for 24-hour living and is available in several finishes including teak, dark and pale oak veneering, and 36 glossy and matte colours in lacquer and laminate.

Snaidero's sophisticated curvaceous 'Venus' by Pininfarina Design meets the demand for modern materials, with a new 'Microtouch' finish, a leather-effect microfibre, which is applied to the aluminum honeycomb panel doors. The treatment of the fine microfibre with a tanning process in water results in a texture similar to leather and can be easily cleaned, according to the company.

Scavolini's 'Crystal' kitchen comes with doors, tops and handles all in glass. Combined with aluminum, it reflects light and expanded space. The doors are made from plain or horizontal engraved glass and available in 12 opaque shades and one semi-transparent etched colour. The carcass comes in aluminum grey or white. The handles are available in inset or bridge styling with the bridge in aluminium or metal and a glass insert in the same hue as the door.

Luscious high-gloss finishes are popular at the moment and colour is still key. "While a lot of people play it safe, colour can really work in very contemporary spaces, " says Porter. Those who prefer neutrals are favouring earthy tones such as taupe and stone, according to Ploug.

Matt lacquers and laminates are an option but wood remains popular. B&Q's new Penrith kitchen is in teak, given a modern twist with horizontal steel handles. Ash, birch, oak and walnut are also popular. Serious chefs can indulge in the Snaidero's Pininfarinadesigned stainless-steel Acropolis.

Bulthaup's 'dark aluminium' has proven a big hit. Poggenpohl keeps kitchen interiors interesting, using quality new materials. Storage is lined with melamine, making it easier to clean, while sink units are covered from the inside with stainless steel to make cabinets water-resistant.

Islands continue to feature strongly. "Islands can be used to define areas and they also provide a better work flow, " says Ploug. Porter, however, says they don't work in every space and the breakfast bar is often a smarter solution.

Snaidero's curvy midheight 'Skyline' kitchen is ideal for small spaces and fits onto a few different walls. "You can get a lot of kitchen in a little space, " says Porter.

While some householders don't follow the work triangle or circle to the letter, it is critical to have preparation, cooking and cleaning areas within easy reach of each other, Porter says. "The bigger the house, usually the bigger the kitchen and people forget about functionality." There should be a marriage of functionality and aesthetics, he says.

Pull-out larders remain popular, Porter says. Ploug recommends deep drawers as a more efficient use of space than presses. Poggenpohl's 'Plusmodo' comes with pullout trays, available with a glass top to protect contents, turning the free space between the worktop and base into a design feature.

While many Irish home owners are renovating to provide expanded kitchens, Boffi's 'Minikitchen' proves that size doesn't always matter. Designed by Joe Colombo in 1963 and recently reissued in Corian by Boffi, this nifty little number combines all the crucial functions - washing, cooking and storage - in a cubic metre.

USEFUL CONTACTS A>>Bof": www. bof". com A>> Bulthaup available through McNally Kitchens Ltd, M1 Business Park, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, 01-690 6000 & Kitchenhaus, Cow's Lane, Temple Bar West, Dublin, 01-677 0101.

A>> Danish Design Ltd, 69 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, 01278 9041; www. danishdesign. ie A>> Poggenpohl available at Kitchen Flair, 6 Seafort Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4, 01-269 5370; www. kitchen"air. ie and Design House, Dublin, 30-32 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, 01-672 4750.

A>> Scavolini at Marina Cucina, Marine Court Centre, St James Terrace, Malahide, 01- 845 7693 A>> SieMatic available at Houseworks, 11-15 Upper Erne Street, Dublin 2, 01-676 9511; Unit C4, Donnybrook Commercial Park, Douglas, Cork, 021-429 0116; www. houseworks. ie A>> Snaidero available at Italian Design Studio, 41a/b Drury Street, Dublin 2, 01-679 4000;

www. italiandesign. ie