Home Rescue: Amy and Luke's kitchen transformation in Ballybrack

Amy and Luke's old kitchen

Luke and Amy live in Ballybrack in South Dublin with their two children Summer and Beau James. They share the house where Luke grew up. However, the couple were worried that their "forever home" felt like someone else's. It was filled with memories of Luke's late mother and brother. Unable to sweep away the legacy of the past, Amy and Luke had difficulty making the house their own. The kitchen in particular was a bugbear. It was poorly laid out with limited storage. Home Rescue's Dee Coleman, along with Cash & Carry Kitchens' own expert kitchen designer Dee Morrissey, came up with an ambitious design which turned a kitchen that had barely enough space for cornflakes into a calm oasis.

Amy and Luke's new kitchen

Based on Luke and Amy's wish list, Dee Coleman opted to go with a two-tone Augusta kitchen in white and light grey. This versatile kitchen is part of Cash & Carry Kitchens' Modern Heritage collection. It's practical, warm and full of heart — exactly what the couple wanted! "There’s a bit of grain in it, which I love", says Luke. Dee talks us through the design process while Luke and Amy tell us about their favourite features.

Floor to Ceiling Storage

"The issues in the kitchen were storage… and storage and storage!", Dee tells us. "That was the main thing. So the concept was to create a light and airy space that they could be proud of". The new kitchen design incorporated many storage solutions, but the floor-to-ceiling units were definitely the standout. "The tall utility cupboard was actually born out of necessity", explains Dee. "We wanted to conceal a boiler but we had to allow access. So this then becomes the utility area". The units also contain space for things like Tupperware and plastic, as well as all of the kids' art supplies. "There’s less clutter in the rest of the space", says Dee.

More storage solutions

Of course, the storage wins didn't end with the tall units. A spice rack is nestled next to the cooking area. It provides slim storage for cooking essentials, including oils and spices. "Everything is in its place" says Amy on the rack. Both Amy and Luke love the deep drawers with Luke joking that "you could sleep a baby in those drawers". Obviously, they would never put a baby in the drawer, but it's the perfect spot for all their pots and pans. Amy also likes the tall 900mm high units which almost touch the ceiling. The kitchen also features Le Mans corner storage and integrated bins. "I really like the hidden bins", says Amy. "That was never a possibility in the last kitchen".

Appliances

Practicality was an important factor when it came to choosing appliances. Dee Coleman went with a built-in double oven and integrated microwave. She explains that the ovens were important because the couple loves making big hearty family meals. Meanwhile, keeping the microwave off the worktop frees up lots of space and makes it much easier to move around the kitchen. The induction hob is located next to the ovens and, along with other bits like the spice rack, creates a very convenient food prep area that's also close to the sink.

The end result

At the start of the process, Dee stated that she wanted to create a space that the couple could be proud of and which would also reflect their personality. The Augusta definitely delivers. "It's more than what I ever expected", says Luke. "I couldn’t fathom this". Amy is equally impressed. "There's enough character", she adds. "It's unreal". Luke continues: "My whole childhood there was stuff everywhere. Piles of washing, piles of plates, piles of everything on show. Now, everything is hidden. Bar Amy’s one true love, her coffee machine, everything else is hidden. And I love it". "It’s just a dream come true", concludes Amy.

This kitchen was featured on Episode 1 of the 2023 series of Home Rescue: The Big Fix on RTÉ 2. Watch the full episode on the RTÉ Player.