Customer Story: Kelly's Mirano Sage Kitchen in Cork City

Kelly's Victorian Terrace Renovation

Renovating a period home always comes with challenges, especially when space is limited. For Kelly Warburton, creator of the popular renovation page Little Victorian Terrace Cork, transforming the kitchen in her 135-year-old Victorian terrace in Cork City was one of the most important stages of her home journey.

The result is a beautifully considered Mirano Sage Kitchen, proving that even the smallest kitchens can bring more practicality, more style and more character to any home.

Making a Small Victorian Kitchen Work Harder

When Kelly first got the keys, the original kitchen was charming but impractical. Handmade cabinets, limited storage and bulky standalone appliances made the space feel far smaller than it actually was.

Kelly knew the room had much more potential. With the right layout and smart design, it could work much harder for modern living.

A visit to the Cash & Carry Kitchens showroom on Tramore Road led to a consultation with designer Brian Deasy, who helped translate her vision into a workable plan. By listening carefully to how Kelly cooks and moves through her kitchen, the layout was refined to maximise every inch without losing the cottage-style charm she loved.

"He listened to what I wanted in terms of layout of the kitchen, the design of the kitchen and how many appliances I could get into the kitchen." Kelly explains.

A Country Farmhouse Style, Reimagined for Modern Life

Kelly’s goal was clear: a country farmhouse kitchen that felt authentic but functioned effortlessly day to day.

Key features include:

• Mirano Sage cabinetry for a soft, timeless green that suits a period Cork home

• A classic Belfast Sink, complete with practical storage beneath

• Solid Oak Worktop adding warmth and texture to the space

• Gold handles and a Gold Tap, chosen to lift the green and add a subtle touch of luxury

Despite initial worries about scale, features like the Belfast sink worked beautifully, proving that traditional elements can suit small kitchens when designed properly.

On her new Belfast sink, Kelly tells us

"It was always was my dream to have one, I think adds to the whole vibe and aesthetic of the kitchen"

Integrated Appliances for a Seamless Look

One of the biggest transformations came from upgrading the appliances. Where once there was no dishwasher and a bulky old cooker, the new kitchen now includes:

• An integrated dishwasher 

• An integrated fridge freezer to keep large appliances visually hidden

• A modern oven and improved storage for pots, pans and cutlery

• Clever built-in Bin Storage

To overcome ventilation limitations in the older property, a telescopic hood was chosen, delivering effective extraction without the need for intrusive ducting.

Having an integrated dishwasher was something Kelly didn't think would be possible with the small space "I really wanted an integrated dishwasher in the kitchen and I really didn't think that I would be able to get it in but we absolutely managed it." Kelly tells us. 

The result is a kitchen that feels calm and cohesive with more space for cooking and everyday moments.

Glass Cabinets That Open Up the Space

Storage was a major priority, but Kelly was careful not to overwhelm the room. While open shelving was originally considered, it was replaced with glass-fronted cabinets.

These provide essential storage while keeping the space light and open, striking the perfect balance between practicality and design. They also act as a subtle feature, drawing the eye upwards and enhancing the overall sense of space. 

According to Kelly "The glass cabinets open up the space and make a really nice design feature"

A Small Cork Kitchen with Big Impact

Kelly’s Mirano Sage kitchen is a perfect example of how expert design can transform a compact, period space into a warm, functional space. It blends traditional style with modern convenience, all while respecting the character of a Victorian terrace in Cork City.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Cork or beyond, Kelly’s journey shows that with the right design, expert guidance and a clear vision, you can create more from the space you already have. "I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually managed to achieve." Kelly says. 

Designing a Small Kitchen: Kelly’s Top Tips

Having been through the process, Kelly shares three practical tips for anyone planning a small kitchen renovation:

1. Prioritise what you truly need – appliances and storage should come first

2. Design around how you live – how you cook, move and use the space matters most

3. Be realistic – small kitchens can achieve a lot, but some compromises are part of the process

These considerations helped Kelly create a kitchen that works beautifully every day.

This customer received a thank you gratuity for participating in this content.