A kitchenette turns your attic from "extra room" to "practically a self-contained flat." Here's what's actually involved.
Adding a kitchenette was one of the best decisions I made with the conversion. It means you can make a cup of tea, heat up food, or do a load of washing without going downstairs. If anyone's using the attic as a living space - whether that's a teenager, a guest, or you working from home - a kitchenette makes it genuinely self-sufficient.
The 3 connection points you need
A kitchenette needs three plumbing connections. The good news is that compared to ensuite plumbing (where waste drainage is the headache), kitchenette plumbing is relatively straightforward.
Tapped off your existing hot water system, same as the ensuite. Your plumber runs a pipe up from the cylinder or boiler circuit. Nothing complicated here.
Layout - what I learned
I designed my kitchenette layout using the IKEA Kitchen Planner. It's free, surprisingly good for getting a sense of what fits where, and useful even if you don't end up buying from IKEA. You can test different configurations, check that appliances fit, and get a rough idea of cost before committing to anything.
For the actual kitchen units, I went with Williams Furniture Manufacturers in Chapelizod. Very fair prices, good quality, and the limited options actually made choosing easier - no decision paralysis. If you're in Dublin and looking for kitchen units for a small space, give them a call and tell them I sent you.
A few things I discovered during the process that are worth knowing upfront:
Under-counter fridge, not a full-size one
A standard fridge won’t fit under a sloped ceiling. Look for under-counter models (82cm height or shorter) with a small freezer section built in. They’re compact but perfectly adequate for a kitchenette.
Washing machine: check the depth
I needed a fairly shallow washing machine because a standard-depth model would have stuck out past the countertop. Measure your counter depth before buying and look for slim or compact models. It’s a detail that’s easy to overlook.
Washing machine noise: anti-vibration mat
The washing machine was noticeably loud from the floor below — the vibration transferred through the joists. I fixed it with a rubber anti-vibration mat underneath (around €15–€25 from any hardware shop). I no longer ever notice it. Cheap fix, big difference.
Electrics for the kitchenette
Getting the electrics right makes the kitchenette feel like a proper kitchen rather than an afterthought. For a deeper look at socket planning across the whole attic, see our full electrics and sockets guide. Here's what I ended up with, and I'd recommend the same setup:
Two double sockets above countertop height for the kettle, toaster, and anything else you use daily. This is the minimum - you don't want to be unplugging the kettle every time you make toast.
What it costs
A kitchenette is one of the more affordable additions to an attic conversion, especially if you plan it from the start rather than adding it after the build. For a full breakdown of conversion pricing, see our attic conversion cost guide.
€1,500-€3,500
Kitchen units + countertop
€800-€1,500
Plumbing (if not in builder quote)
€400-€800
Appliances (fridge + washing machine)
If plumbing connections are agreed with your builder upfront, they're often included in the overall quote at no extra charge - the pipes are going up anyway for the ensuite. If you add it as an afterthought mid-build, expect it to cost more. As with everything in a conversion, planning ahead saves money.
Budget tip
The biggest variable is the kitchen units themselves. A basic setup from a local manufacturer can be surprisingly affordable. I paid towards the lower end of the range and the quality has been excellent. You don't need a premium kitchen brand for a kitchenette - keep it simple.
What I'd recommend
IKEA Kitchen Planner
Free online tool. Great for testing layouts before committing. Works even if you don’t buy from IKEA.
Williams Furniture Manufacturers, Chapelizod
Where I got my kitchen units made. Fair prices, good quality, local Dublin manufacturer. Tell them I sent you.
Anti-vibration mat for washing machine
Any rubber anti-vibration mat from a hardware shop (Woodies, Argos, etc.) works. Around €15–€25. Stops vibration noise transferring through the floor joists to the room below.
Under-counter fridge (82cm height or shorter)
Look for models with a small freezer compartment built in. Most major brands do them. The key measurement is height — make sure it fits under your countertop with clearance.
The bottom line
A kitchenette is one of the easier additions to an attic conversion, and it transforms how usable the space is. The plumbing is simpler than the ensuite, the electrics are straightforward, and the cost is modest compared to the overall build. Just make sure you choose a water-resistant floor finish near the sink area - our flooring and soundproofing guide covers the options. If you're doing a conversion and there's room for even a small run of units with a sink and a fridge, it's worth it.
Plan it from the start. Get the plumbing agreed in the original quote. Design the layout before the build begins so the plumber and electrician know where everything goes. And buy an anti-vibration mat for the washing machine - you'll thank me later.
Planning an attic conversion with a kitchenette?
Our free planning report includes kitchenette-specific considerations if you select it in the tool. It takes 2 minutes.
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