| International premium kitchen brand next125 is expanding its Concept Store network with the launch of next125 Waterford with Evoke Kitchens, creating the only dedicated next125 Concept Store in Ireland.
The new destination marks the latest in a relationship between next125 and Evoke Kitchens that has developed over almost a decade. Established in Waterford, Evoke has worked with Schüller and next125 since 2017, building a strong business based on German kitchen design, installation and customer service.
next125 Waterford launches alongside the existing Evoke showroom, adding a new dedicated brand environment to the business. Evoke continues across its existing two showroom floors, while a newly acquired third floor of approximately 250 sq m has been transformed into an immersive next125 space, featuring six kitchens across ten individual design areas.
“Over the years, next125 has got to know not just us, but the way the whole Evoke business operates,” says Declan Furlong, Managing Director of Evoke Kitchens. “There’s a level of trust that has developed over time, from the way we design and present kitchens through to installation and the relationships we build with our customers.
“next125 Waterford is a new extension to our offer. Customers are getting access to an international design brand but with a very local relationship and the Evoke team behind the design, delivery, installation and ongoing service.”
A national destination in Waterford
The choice of Waterford is central to this new Concept Store story. For Evoke, is an important part of the company’s identity and of the next125 Concept Store proposition.
While Dublin might have been initially seen as the natural location for a dedicated Irish next125 store, Evoke believed there was a strong case for locating the destination in Waterford and the wider South East. Ireland’s geography also means Evoke views its potential catchment differently from retailers in larger countries.
“next125 had confidence in Evoke, and we had confidence in Waterford as a destination,” says Declan. “We’ve spent 12 years building our business here and already work with customers from a wide area, from Dublin and the Midlands through to Cork.
“We didn’t see any reason why a design destination of this calibre had to be in the capital. The ambition now is building a national presence. We want to give customers, architects and interior designers from across Ireland a reason to come to Waterford to experience next125 in a new environment.”
Designed as an experience
next125 Waterford has been developed collaboratively between the Evoke team and next125 in Germany, combining the principles of the international Concept Store format with Evoke’s in-depth knowledge of the Irish market.
The customer journey begins within the existing Evoke showroom before moving towards a dedicated next125 entrance. From there, a concealed doorway leads into a darker, more atmospheric stairway where next125 imagery and lighting guide visitors upwards into the Concept Store.
The visual identity also extends to the exterior, where the upper floor of the building has been finished in next125’s characteristic dark tone, clearly distinguishing the dedicated Concept Store from the Evoke showroom below.
Once inside, six kitchens are arranged across ten design areas rather than presented simply as a series of conventional displays.
“The way you move through the space is very important,” says Tony O’Brien of Evoke Kitchens. “It is designed as a journey, with each kitchen having its own identity as it is gradually revealed.
“We wanted enough difference between the displays to show the breadth of what next125 can do. There are natural timbers, veneers and lighter earthy tones, but also stronger colours and some of the more statement-led finishes.”
next125 Waterford with Evoke team. Photo credit: leonmurphy.com
Bringing the latest next125 Concept Store to Ireland
Evoke was closely involved in selecting the materials and specifications for the Concept Store. Having seen the latest next125 products unveiled at EuroCucina 2026 in Milan, the team subsequently visited Germany to explore the possibilities in more detail. Particular emphasis has been placed on showcasing the collection’s more distinctive finishes, including ceramic, glass, veneers, natural materials, alongside statement design features.
“For us, it was important that people could immediately understand what makes next125 different,” explains Declan. “We selected the premium finishes and design details because they are a major part of what the next125 brand offers. We wanted next125 Waterford to give customers plenty of ideas they may not previously have considered and show just how far the product can be taken.”
The showroom layout was developed in close collaboration with Anna Rados from the next125 design team in Germany who worked with the Evoke team on the Concept Store design.
“They listened to everything we said from the very first meeting and asked us what we wanted the overarching theme of the showroom to be,” Declan adds. “By the second version, the layout was almost exactly where we wanted it, which says a lot about how collaborative the process was. From there, we were able to focus on the individual displays, materials and finer details.”
Much of the specification reflects the latest next125 collection launched at EuroCucina 2026 Milan, following what the Evoke team described as one of the most significant developments in the brand’s recent history.
The impact of the new Concept Store is already being felt across the wider business. Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautifully presented home and interiors stores, Evoke has always placed great importance on the customer experience. However, the new standard set by the next125 Concept Store has inspired the team to look again at the two existing floors and consider how they can elevate these spaces even further.
“Once we said yes, it brought back the excitement we had when we opened 12 years ago,” Declan explains. “It’s the biggest thing we’ve done since then, and it has given the whole of Evoke a new lease of life.”
Design for the way people live
For Evoke, the new store responds to a wider change in how customers approach kitchen design.
“People increasingly look at the kitchen as part of the furniture and architecture of their home, rather than simply somewhere to prepare meals,” says Tony. “They are much more aware of materials, proportion and design, but the kitchen still has to work brilliantly for everyday life.”
Equally, consumers arrive increasingly informed and visually literate, often after researching interiors and design online. This makes the physical showroom more important rather than less. A premium kitchen is tactile and spatial. Customers need to see materials at scale, understand proportions, open cabinetry, experience internal systems and compare finishes in a real environment.
For next125 Waterford, this relationship between aesthetics, engineering and functionality is demonstrated rather than simply described.
Local expertise, international design
“The next125 Concept Store model is built around strong partnerships with independent retailers who understand both their market and the values of our brand. Evoke has demonstrated that consistently over many years.
“next125 Waterford combines an international brand environment with the knowledge, experience and personal relationships of an established local business. We are delighted to take this next step together and to bring the Concept Store experience to Ireland.”
Robert Kettenbach, Global Brand Director, next125 |
