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Kitchen of the Week: Handcrafted Cabinetry Adds Charm to a New Build
Traditional cabinetry, natural materials and a very clever dining table meld classic character and modern functionality in this new home
Self-building your own home gives you the freedom to design every aspect of it to suit your needs, and the owners of this new home in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, were as particular about how they wanted their new kitchen to look and function as they were about the design of the rest of their house.
The couple called in Darren Morgan of local firm Designer Kitchen by Morgan to create a unique and inviting space that can adapt to the needs of their young family. Known for both his craftsmanship and his innovative ideas, Morgan created a characterful kitchen with beautiful design details, tailored storage and a genius automated table that emerges at the touch of a button.
The couple called in Darren Morgan of local firm Designer Kitchen by Morgan to create a unique and inviting space that can adapt to the needs of their young family. Known for both his craftsmanship and his innovative ideas, Morgan created a characterful kitchen with beautiful design details, tailored storage and a genius automated table that emerges at the touch of a button.
As the island unit is the first feature seen from the main living area beyond the kitchen, Morgan was keen to make it the focal point of the room.
‘I used a mix of different finishes – natural stone, bur oak, marble and painted wood,’ he says. ‘I’ve also used layers of texture, as seen in the crisscrosses on the door fronts, and added varying heights of worktop to make it even more interesting.’
‘I used a mix of different finishes – natural stone, bur oak, marble and painted wood,’ he says. ‘I’ve also used layers of texture, as seen in the crisscrosses on the door fronts, and added varying heights of worktop to make it even more interesting.’
‘The crisscross pattern on the island’s drum-shaped unit, the heavy, solid-oak plinth around its base, and the emperador marble top are just some of the details that help to give this kitchen its wow factor,’ says Morgan.
This cabinet has been designed so it’s raised slightly above the rest of the island unit. In this way, it becomes a natural ‘social perch’, against which people wandering in from the living room can lean with a drink and chat to the cook.
This cabinet has been designed so it’s raised slightly above the rest of the island unit. In this way, it becomes a natural ‘social perch’, against which people wandering in from the living room can lean with a drink and chat to the cook.
As there are entry points on either side of the room and the island is in the middle of a thoroughfare, Morgan gently curved the sides of the unit so there are no corners into which children could collide.
‘I also like to introduce soft, geometric curves into my designs as they allow for a lovely fluid movement throughout a space and tend to be more pleasing to the eye,’ he explains.
Morgan sited the sink in the centre of the island, leaving plenty of room either side for food prep. He also added a boiling-water tap to do away with the need for a kettle.
Boiling-water tap, Quooker. Hargrave tap, Abode.
‘I also like to introduce soft, geometric curves into my designs as they allow for a lovely fluid movement throughout a space and tend to be more pleasing to the eye,’ he explains.
Morgan sited the sink in the centre of the island, leaving plenty of room either side for food prep. He also added a boiling-water tap to do away with the need for a kettle.
Boiling-water tap, Quooker. Hargrave tap, Abode.
The stone-effect porcelain floor tiles were chosen because they appear to have a natural movement in them that complements the character of the oak breakfast bar and granite worktops.
Shivakashi granite worktops, available from Granite4Less.
Shivakashi granite worktops, available from Granite4Less.
The in-frame tulipwood units have been hand-painted in a soothing off-white that complements the porcelain floor tiles and natural oak. They are designed to be chip-resistant, so they can withstand the knocks that come with busy family life.
Units painted in White Lead, Little Greene.
Read expert advice on how to choose the perfect kitchen cupboards
Units painted in White Lead, Little Greene.
Read expert advice on how to choose the perfect kitchen cupboards
The traditional-style oven canopy, which contains an extractor fan, mirrors the curves of the island unit and ensures the range cooker is the focal point of this side of the kitchen.
Rangemaster Classic range cooker, available from major electrical retailers.
Rangemaster Classic range cooker, available from major electrical retailers.
A pull-down, roll-top door cleverly conceals the microwave and other small appliances and kitchen kit, ensuring the worktops are kept clear for prepping and serving.
Morgan is particularly attentive to small details. He’s incorporated slim bur oak panels up the sides of the larder unit to match the detailing on the island, which helps to tie the whole scheme together.
The solid oak doors of the larder unit open to reveal bespoke storage space for a range of dried goods and condiments, while a series of dovetailed drawers hold herbs and spices. Two deep drawers below can handle bulkier items.
Browse smart ways to plan your kitchen storage
Browse smart ways to plan your kitchen storage
The homeowner suggested using cut-crystal handles on the units. These look particularly special at night, when they twinkle in the light and throw pretty shadows across the room.
Check out these tips for choosing cupboard handles
Check out these tips for choosing cupboard handles
As there wasn’t enough space for both an island unit and a kitchen table, Morgan created an automated tabletop that extends smoothly out of the island breakfast bar at the touch of a button. It comfortably seats all the children.
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Discover how to integrate technology seamlessly into your home
An LED lighting strip has been added to the underside of the lip of the island unit to throw a sophisticated glow over the kitchen at night and to highlight the natural quarried stone detailing that clads the curve.
‘The same quarried stone has been used on the exterior of the house,’ explains Morgan. ‘I liked the idea of creating a link between the kitchen and the architecture of the property itself.’
TELL US…
What do you think of this traditional, handcrafted kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
‘The same quarried stone has been used on the exterior of the house,’ explains Morgan. ‘I liked the idea of creating a link between the kitchen and the architecture of the property itself.’
TELL US…
What do you think of this traditional, handcrafted kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here A couple with young children
Location County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Size Approx 4.5m x 6.8m; part of a new-build house
Designer Darren Morgan of Designer Kitchen by Morgan
The owners of this newly self-built home wanted a timeless kitchen that wouldn’t date, so they weren’t drawn to anything ultra-modern.
‘To create a design that has longevity, I opted for more traditional-style units, and then added the wow factor by mixing up the shapes, textures, heights and materials,’ says designer Darren Morgan. ‘By using 30mm door fronts, deep worktops and dovetail detailing, I’ve also given the kitchen a craftsman-like and durable feel.’