Planning a kitchen renovation? Here are some Irish kitchens for inspiration

Image Interiors & Living magazine has featured so many beautiful Irish kitchens that it is hard to pick a favourite.

If you’ve lived with an awkwardly laid out kitchen for any length of time, you’ve probably dreamt of ripping it all out and starting fresh. Well if 2022 is your year for that (or you just want a nose around people’s homes – no judgement) take a look at these culinary spaces to inspire a few ideas. It’s research after all.

This open-plan kitchen, above, despite its size, feels soft and cosy thanks to the low-beamed ceilings, white brick, wooden floor and timber finishes. Storage is a frequent issue when it comes to kitchens but here Gillian Sherrard designed secret storage behind the vertical oak cladding of the island. The folding plywood doors slide out from either end to completely conceal the sometimes messy working area, while the oxidised mirror is used as a backsplash to bounce light into the area, without extenuating up marks and scuffs. From the January/February 2019 issue.

Photo: Al Higgins

This bright yet moody Dublin kitchen was designed by Architect Ryan Kennihan, who decided to leave the overhead steal beam exposed, while the oak parquet floor was tumbled before it was laid to give it an aged effect. The cabinetry is stained black to reveal the grain of the timber and is in beautiful contrast with the pale raw plastered walls. From the November/December 2019 issue.

Photo: Elsa Young

This Greek kitchen got a lot of love on Instagram when we posted it and it’s understandable why. Simply designed and made of MDF, it was brushed to emphasise the natural grain and then painted a custom green to match the natures that surrounds the house. From the March/April 2019 issue.

Photo: Ruth Maria Murphy

The floor tiles of this Scottish Highlands house is what first got our attention. Some timeless and practical, you’ve never think of laying black tiles and black grout, but it works. Especially when it’s warmed up by those beautiful American walnut units and a modern Mercury cooker. From the March/April 2019 issue.

Photo: Shantanu Starick

In one of the most incredible house tours of the year, the kitchen of the Belfast manor was bound to be showstopping. The very clever timber display cupboard is actually three units stacked on top of each other. The beautiful natural wood gives a touch of warmth to the modern marble worktop and is filled with beautiful ceramics and glassware. The Nunido bar stools are crafted from soaped oak and natural leather, while the bright red vintage sign adds a touch of fun. From the May/June issue

Photo: Ruth Maria Murphy  Styling: Megan Burns

Another showstopping Dublin home designed by AOF Architects, this kitchen extension blends modern function with the traditional elements of the building. The Georgian-sized window seat has built-in shutter that can be closed at the bottom to give privacy while not impeding of light levels. The marble island and worktops are from Miller Brothers and work well with the exquisite joinery by Woodale Designs. Pinch stools and tabletop accessories from Lost Weekend. From the September/October 2019 issue.

Featured photography by Al Higgins.