The designers: Orla Tighe and Claire Finegan at Dubh House Studio

Photos Edel Fitzpatrick

The story: Dubh House Studio is an interiors and architecture company dedicated to transforming living, corporate and working environments into extraordinary experiences.

Founded by interior architect Claire Finegan and interior designer Orla Tighe, the duo has united their expertise to establish a comprehensive turnkey service for interiors.

Designer Q&A:

Q) What was your brief from the client?

As an artist, the client’s paintings are vibrant and colourful so she wanted a home that could provide a bright and airy space with a sense of calm but also somewhere she could add her personal touches. Sufficient storage throughout the house was also a priority, particularly in the kitchen.

Q) How did you answer that brief?

We kept the wall colour very neutral, allowing the kitchen to sit into the space and give the client a plain background for her art and accessories to shine. To maximise the amount of storage, we used the space under the stairs for cabinetry. This area includes a breakfast pantry, a larder fridge and lots of storage. As the kitchen is open to the living and dining areas, we created subtle divides throughout to define the spaces.

The peninsula is angled, guiding you into the kitchen but also creating a division between the kitchen and living room. Rugs are also used to define the living and dining spaces. We then designed a pocket door within the back wall of the kitchen to match the cabinetry, which closes off the kitchen from the back hall.

Q) Which products did you use and why?

Through the material choices, we provided a natural lightness to the space with white washed oak and the minimal style of the cabinetry door. The choice of CRL Stone worktops added an element of elegance and fun to the kitchen, reflecting our client’s style.

Q) Was there any building or renovation work involved?

This was a new-build project that we were involved in from the very beginning of the design process. As designers, the earlier we are involved with a project ensures all aspects of the design can be followed through.

Q) Which design elements do you think make the scheme so successful?

We love the washed oak cabinetry and the seamless finish of this cabinetry to the string of the stairs. The oak pocket door into the back hall slides away within the kitchen to open up the space further. The Venetian Grande worktop by CRL Stone turned out to be one of our favourite parts of this whole project, as it reflects our client’s playful side whilst still complementing all our other design features throughout the space.

Q) Any advice for anyone who may be planning their own kitchen?

The most important thing when designing your new kitchen is to get the right layout to suit your home and your needs. Storage is so important in any kitchen, so once the layout is finalised, make sure you go through each item and assign its use.

To have a place for everything in your kitchen is a luxury and when starting out or redesigning your space, it allows you to include as much clever storage as the space will allow.

Also, the kitchen sets the tone for the rest of your home so consider the style carefully. It is probably the most expensive purchase in your home, so choose something that you won’t get sick of in a few years.

The details

Kitchen by Dubh House Studio

Joinery by Kevin Butler Joinery & Design

Building contractor Patrick Duffy

Worktop by CRL Stone via Not Just Granite

Appliances by Expert Electrical via Stapletons Electrical

Hayley loves: how this space has been designed with the client’s artistry in mind, as well as the room itself and her kitchen needs.