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Kitchen Tour: A Bright Kitchen Extension with Handmade Units
A solid timber, Shaker-style white kitchen sits elegantly in a light and airy extension with a soaring vaulted ceiling
When the owners of this family home in Co Wicklow contacted Noel Dempsey Design about creating a kitchen for their newly built ground floor extension, they had a clear idea of what they wanted to achieve. “The clients desired a hard-working kitchen that would provide them with ample storage and worktop space,” says designer David Dempsey. “They needed a layout that was conducive to their busy family life.”
Located in the Burnaby, a leafy estate in Greystones, Co Wicklow, that dates back to the 1800s, this beautifully appointed family kitchen was added as part of an extension project and has been handmade using traditional cabinetry techniques.
The solid timber cupboards and dovetail-jointed drawers – extra deep to maximise the storage space and work surface area – are inspired by traditional 18th century English joinery.
“I love the attention to detail,” says designer David Dempsey, referring to the traditional joinery skills used during the manufacturing process.
Kitchen, Plain English Collection at Noel Dempsey Design.
The solid timber cupboards and dovetail-jointed drawers – extra deep to maximise the storage space and work surface area – are inspired by traditional 18th century English joinery.
“I love the attention to detail,” says designer David Dempsey, referring to the traditional joinery skills used during the manufacturing process.
Kitchen, Plain English Collection at Noel Dempsey Design.
White-painted units run along two sides of the room, while a large island offers an additional seating area plus concealed storage. “The long, rectangular island runs parallel to the main wall of the kitchen, which elongates the room to give the impression of a much wider space,” says Dempsey.
This bespoke kitchen was handmade using solid timber, then hand-painted on site after installation. It features a Silestone worktop, with a contrasting, wide-planked oak worktop on the island, which adds depth and warmth.
Island painted in Old White; units painted in Pointing, both Farrow & Ball. Silestone worktop, Miller Bros Stone.
Island painted in Old White; units painted in Pointing, both Farrow & Ball. Silestone worktop, Miller Bros Stone.
The floor-to-ceiling pantry was created in an alcove where the extension meets the original house. “We decided to make the most of the available space,” says Dempsey. “The result is a large pantry with lots of extra storage.”
The new kitchen sits beneath a vaulted ceiling, which was added as part of the extension and helps to create a feeling of space. The generous, oak-topped island offers a handy extra work surface, plus it’s a convivial spot for the family and guests to sit and natter.
Pale limestone flooring helps to reflect yet more light into the open-plan kitchen-diner, which is now a sociable space where the family can enjoy spending time together.
Check out more ideas for creating a light and bright kitchen
Check out more ideas for creating a light and bright kitchen
The back of the island includes storage concealed behind panelled doors, which have push-click catches so they remain streamlined.
Ingolf bar stool, Ikea.
Ingolf bar stool, Ikea.
The island features handmade, solid oak, dovetail-jointed drawers. “We love natural materials, and solid oak is a beautiful wood to work with,” says Dempsey. “The tones suit almost any colour of kitchen, so it’s extremely versatile.”
The light-filled dining area overlooks the leafy garden. A large, freestanding mirror bounces even more light back into this airy kitchen-diner.
Table and bench, Noel Dempsey Design.
What’s your favourite part of this kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Table and bench, Noel Dempsey Design.
What’s your favourite part of this kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A couple with three children
Location The Burnaby, Co Wicklow
Dimensions 5.4m x 3.7m
Designer David Dempsey of Noel Dempsey Design
Photos by Derek Robinson