Kitchen Design
Kitchen of the Week
Kitchen of the Week: A Bright Space With Handmade Wood Cabinetry
A traditional white kitchen in Ireland sits elegantly in a light and airy addition
When the owners of this family home in Ireland’s County Wicklow contacted Noel Dempsey Design about creating a kitchen for their newly built addition, 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 [counter] space,” designer David Dempsey says. “They needed a layout that was conducive to their busy family life.”
The beautifully appointed kitchen is in the Burnaby, a leafy estate in Greystones that dates to the 1800s. It was handmade using traditional cabinetry techniques.
The solid wood cupboards and dovetail-jointed drawers — extra deep to maximize the storage space and work surface — are inspired by traditional 18th century English woodwork.
“I love the attention to detail,” Dempsey says of the traditional woodworking skills used.
Kitchen: Plain English collection at Noel Dempsey Design
The solid wood cupboards and dovetail-jointed drawers — extra deep to maximize the storage space and work surface — are inspired by traditional 18th century English woodwork.
“I love the attention to detail,” Dempsey says of the traditional woodworking skills used.
Kitchen: Plain English collection at Noel Dempsey Design
White-painted cabinets run along two sides of the room, while a large island offers additional seating and 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,” Dempsey says.
The kitchen features Silestone counters with a contrasting, wide-plank oak countertop on the island, which adds depth and warmth.
Island paint: Old White, Farrow & Ball; cabinet paint: Pointing, Farrow & Ball; Silestone counters: Miller Bros Stone
Island paint: Old White, Farrow & Ball; cabinet paint: Pointing, Farrow & Ball; Silestone counters: Miller Bros Stone
The floor-to-ceiling pantry was created in an alcove where the addition meets the original house. “We decided to make the most of the available space,” Dempsey says. “The result is a large pantry with lots of extra storage.”
The vaulted ceiling helps create a feeling of space.
Pale limestone flooring reflects light into the open-plan kitchen-dining area, a sociable space where the family can enjoy time together.
The back of the island includes storage concealed behind paneled doors, which have push-click catches instead of handles for a streamlined look.
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,” Dempsey says. “The tones suit almost any color of kitchen, so it’s extremely versatile.”
The light-filled dining area overlooks the leafy yard. A large, free-standing mirror bounces even more light back into this airy space.
Table and bench: Noel Dempsey Design
Browse more Kitchens of the Week
Table and bench: Noel Dempsey Design
Browse more Kitchens of the Week
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three children
Location: Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland
Size: 215 square feet (20 square meters)
Designer: David Dempsey of Noel Dempsey Design