A Long Time Coming

Co Louth couple Aidan and Mary McArdle took the planning of their open plan kitchen so seriously that they started the process four years before their new home was built. Mary had a picture of her dream design in her head while Aidan, a carpenter, was well versed in the ins and outs of kitchen construction.

"Our first priority was to incorporate an Aga," Mary. "We also wanted an island unit that would be versatile for both eating and storage as well as an American style fridge freezer," says. Aldan liked the idea of a curvaceous style to soften up the scheme. "While other kitchen manufacturers bought in curved units, John Hogan in Hogan Kitchens could make them as solid pieces," she says.

"Before we even laid a brick, we went to a couple of kitchen companies to make sure we could get all our ap- pliances in and that the plans were suitable," says Mary.

They settled on Hogan Kitchens. "John was very helpful and gave us ideas on incorporating windows and letting in the light. As a result we altered a few aspects of the plans before we started to build," she recalls. "We spent weeks with him and he was absolutely meticulous. Noth- ing was a problem and my husband, being a carpenter, was quite fussy!" she says. "There were things I wouldn't notice that Aidan did. We went for an in-frame kitchen and it was measured to fit perfectly." A pantry was on Mary's wishlist and while the kitchen couldn't accommo- date a full sized one, on John's advice, they went for one either side of the striking stainless steel Amana fridge/freezer.

They chose French oak for its practicality and time- lessness. "We originally wanted a cream painted kitchen but with a one-year-old child in the house at the time, we decided the best option was oak. John advised us that we couldn't go from painted units to wood, whereas we could work the other way around, so in the end we went for a wooden kitchen," Mary outlines. Granite was the chosen material for the worktops and they sourced it through Cunninghams in Kilkeel who took them through the factory and provided samples. "When it emerged that the sink cut-out was too big, it was no problem, they took it away," says Mary.

The island contains large saucepan and cutlery draw- ers as well as accommodating a round sink and a com- fortable seating area. The end of the island was designed in traditional style to provide open storage, adding to the light, airy feel of the kitchen. The base units at the main sink are stepped to add interest and bin storage is inte- grated. A dresser feature adds further interest. The all- important oil-fuelled Aga which had a module attached with gas on top and electricity on the bottom, is given pride of place with a traditional over mantle. There is also a Neff dishwasher.

Hogan's also provided advice on the choice of tiles and glass. "We imported marble Crema Marfil tiles from Ali- cante Stone in Spain and the glass is bevelled with wood crisscrossed in the glass," outlines Mary. The windows were dressed with two Roman blinds.

Now well settled into their kitchen, which opens into their split level glazed sun lounge with pitched ceiling and trussed beams and dining area, with their two young chil- dren, the couple are delighted with the result. "We love its practicality and homeliness. Anybody who has seen it has said it is very welcoming and cosy," says Mary, The only thing she would change is the build of the house to let even more light into the kitchen. "In general we love living in the kitchen and because it is in-frame, the boys can't open the unit doors," remarks Mary. All their research paid off and it is, they agree, an ergonomic and aesthetic success.