Stroke of Luck

It was through sheer necessity that Sharon and Fergus decided to buy a new kitchen - the one they inherited four years ago wasn't exactly luxurious! Having moved into their detached circa 1960 home in Dundrum, there was a sink and one cupboard - not really what they had in mind!

"We decided straight away that we needed a new kitchen, but because the original was so small we built an extension and knocked down a few walls, making a good sized kitchen and adjoining dining room,' says Sharon, It was on a shopping trip, looking for a leather suite that they spotted Hogan Kitchens, Sharon and Fergus had done their research and recognised the name from the All Ireland Kitchen Guide. "We were really lucky. We had a look around and were impressed, We liked Tanya the designer - she wasn't too full on and made us feel comfortable and there was no pressure on us.' Having a clear idea of what they wanted from their kitchen made all the difference. The brief was to use warm wood, to create an attractive and interesting kitchen and to use the space well. The kitchen is long and narrow, but Hogan's disguised this by changing the heights and depths of the units, The main priority was that it had to be a family room. Because the kitchen and dining room are joined by an archway, when Sharon's in the kitchen, she can easily keep her eye on the kids. They're also big on entertaining, so they needed enough space for parties! 'We had around 40 people here for my mum's birthday with room to spare! Christmas time was even better!'

An unusual window above the sink, looks into the dining room and is Sharon's pride and joy! I thought of this idea, and love it! We were going to use glass blocks, to let the light in, but I felt they've been used to death. This is a hit different, and more fun.' Sharon also wanted to utilise all available space so chose a magic storage and carousel corner cupboard and tall larder. The magic corner is amazing, I don't end up with tinned food going out of date because they're stuck at the back of the cupboard! Tanya came up with a great idea for the larder, Instead of opening the door and exposing all the shelves, we can pull out each drawer individually.' With so much space, compared to their previous pokey kitchen, Sharon wanted an island unit, but as a compromise, a breakfast bar was added and Sharon admits she's glad they went for that choice. This kitchen is bursting with fantastic hidden features. Instead of buying a new microwave, Fergus came up with the idea of integrating their existing one into a cupboard with a top-lifting door, To be honest, a microwave isn't a priority, it dnesn't get used that much. This way, it's out of sight and frees up workspace.' And, after buying a new dishwasher, not wanting to spend more on a fitted one, Hogan's integrated it behind two doors under the sink. A stainless steel metal roll-up shutter drinks cabinet has been designed as a dresser feature -this is Fergus' pride and joy!

There's also a hidden press under the breakfast bar providing more valuable storage space. Sharon and Fergus wanted spotlights and they're everywhere - under the wall units, inside glass cabinets, on the window pelmet and highlighting the cooking area! To match the warmth of their kitchen, they sourced a striking brown granite worktop. 'I feel it's a lot warmer than black and it ties in beautifully with the wall and floor tiles.' The industrial cooker with seven gas rings is perfect for the couple as they both love to cook and entertain - of course the claim for best chef is all Sharon's! Totally happy with their choice of kitchen company, Sharon and Fergus can enjoy the benefits of their new kitchen. 'It's such a transformation! Going from a one cupboard kitchen to this - I've no complaints!'