Houzz Tours
Kitchen Tours
Kitchen Tour: New England Style in a New-Build Rural Home
The owners of this Irish home chose to forgo a huge kitchen for a smaller, cosier option
This spacious, new-build contemporary home in rural Ireland was large enough to plan in a sizeable kitchen, but the owners had a change of heart when it came down to the final planning stages. “Building the house from scratch, they initially planned to make the kitchen much larger than it is now, but they felt that an Irish kitchen is always the hub of the home and by making it bigger they would lose the intimacy factor,” says Garrett Dillon, a bespoke kitchen designer, who was recommended by a family member.
As with other aspects of their home, the owners researched several kitchen manufacturers and kept a scrapbook over a two- to three-year period.
They came across Garrett Dillon’s website and visited his showroom, where they discovered a kitchen that had the design details they were after – something simple, that would also draw the eye.
They came across Garrett Dillon’s website and visited his showroom, where they discovered a kitchen that had the design details they were after – something simple, that would also draw the eye.
Using a mix of colours and materials, the design ethos was to create a kitchen that fits the space perfectly, but ensures every individual element is like a stand-alone piece of furniture – be it the deep blue island unit, the integrated larder fridge and freezer, or coffee centre.
“The doors are all different styles, but have a loose Shaker theme,” says the designer. “There are two different types of handles and several finishes on the timber. The owners wanted a kitchen they could use as much as possible, but not worry about looking after it.”
“The doors are all different styles, but have a loose Shaker theme,” says the designer. “There are two different types of handles and several finishes on the timber. The owners wanted a kitchen they could use as much as possible, but not worry about looking after it.”
A freestanding island unit painted in a deep blue creates a bold contrast to the pale perimeter units. The white bar stools are salvaged finds.
“The idea was to have something that pops and breaks up the sharpness of the white on the main kitchen,” explains Dillon.
Perimeter units painted in Pointing; island painted in Hague Blue, both by Farrow & Ball.
“The idea was to have something that pops and breaks up the sharpness of the white on the main kitchen,” explains Dillon.
Perimeter units painted in Pointing; island painted in Hague Blue, both by Farrow & Ball.
The island unit has four large drawers that are used for storing food and baking utensils. They are finished with wooden knobs.
Double doors open out into a semi-covered terrace that is used all year round.
The striped blinds inject a hint of New England cool.
Blind fabric, Redhaus Interiors.
The striped blinds inject a hint of New England cool.
Blind fabric, Redhaus Interiors.
Curved end units offer a soft, ergonomic transition into the living area where the greyish wood-effect laminate floor continues for a seamless look.
Walls are painted in a warm mid brown.
Victorian oak flooring, Balterio. Walls painted in London Stone, Farrow & Ball.
Walls are painted in a warm mid brown.
Victorian oak flooring, Balterio. Walls painted in London Stone, Farrow & Ball.
With mahogany-stained poplar interiors (like the rest of the kitchen), the curved end units are the perfect place to stash a cocktail kit and recipe books.
An oily grey coloured quartz worktop is a practical choice and helps anchor the white of the units. A contrasting oak worksurface on the island unit adds another layer of texture.
Glazed wall cupboards can be illuminated at night with small LED lighting strips.
Grigio Expo worktops by Silestone.
Glazed wall cupboards can be illuminated at night with small LED lighting strips.
Grigio Expo worktops by Silestone.
To the left of the sink is a double-door integrated larder fridge and freezer with a built-in wine rack above.
The fitted units are made to look like freestanding pieces of furniture on legs thanks to the dark painted recessed plinth that disappears into the background.
Even though this is a new-build property, the traditional-style hood looks like it has always been there. It is a bespoke piece used to house an internal Neff extractor fan.
“The plaster cornice wraps around it at the top, to give the impression it is part of the wall,” says the designer.
Range cooker, Britannia.
“The plaster cornice wraps around it at the top, to give the impression it is part of the wall,” says the designer.
Range cooker, Britannia.
To introduce character to each element of the kitchen, a mix of pewter knobs on the paler doors contrast with wooden versions on the dark blue island unit.
Door knobs, Restoration Hardware.
Door knobs, Restoration Hardware.
Bi-folding doors on the countertop breakfast unit create an efficient use of space.
In-frame Shaker-style doors echo the design tempo of the rest of the kitchen.
On the other side of the kitchen, an integrated coffee centre contains a grinder and steamer.
“We wanted an integrated solution not just for aesthetics, but also for practicality,” says Dillon. “In this unit we also have storage space to house a microwave behind the double doors.”
The unit was originally finished in a high gloss but has since been toned down to a matt finish to tie in with the rest of the kitchen.
Built-in coffee unit, Neff.
Check out our beginner’s guide to kitchen extensions
“We wanted an integrated solution not just for aesthetics, but also for practicality,” says Dillon. “In this unit we also have storage space to house a microwave behind the double doors.”
The unit was originally finished in a high gloss but has since been toned down to a matt finish to tie in with the rest of the kitchen.
Built-in coffee unit, Neff.
Check out our beginner’s guide to kitchen extensions
A separate laundry room, located between the kitchen and back door, is also used as a boot room and wash room.
“We packed the small space with everything a utility room should have, including a laundry chute, small bench seat for changing boots, ironing board, large storage for detergents, a large original Belfast sink and a custom-made drying rack on a pulley system, which utilises the underfloor heating,” adds Dillon.
What do you think of this welcoming yet functional kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
“We packed the small space with everything a utility room should have, including a laundry chute, small bench seat for changing boots, ironing board, large storage for detergents, a large original Belfast sink and a custom-made drying rack on a pulley system, which utilises the underfloor heating,” adds Dillon.
What do you think of this welcoming yet functional kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here A professional couple and their baby
Location Kilkenny, Ireland
Property Detached new-build
Size 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Architect Mark Bannon, PBA Architects
Kitchen designer Garrett Dillon, managing director, Garrett Dillon Crafted Kitchens & Furniture
This five-bedroom, new-build house is a contemporary rural residence with New England, French and Belgian influences. While it was large enough to incorporate an ample kitchen, the owners plumped for something more intimate instead.
“They decided to concentrate on form and function over size,” says kitchen designer Garrett Dillon. “They sit at the island for most meals and when friends or family call they gather here to drink coffee – the layout is ideal for conversation.”
Discover some of the cleverest eat-in kitchens on Houzz