Customer Story: Sláine's Timeless Dereham Taupe Kitchen in Killarney

Sláine's Dereham Taupe Kitchen Designed for Real Life

For Sláine and her family, the kitchen is where they spend the majority of their time. Living in Killarney with her husband and two young children, this busy family spends most of their day gathered in the kitchen cooking, chatting, listening to music and making memories. When they moved into their home just over two and a half years ago, they knew the existing kitchen would only ever be temporary.

The room itself was generous in size, but the layout wasn’t working. Storage was limited, there was no island, and the space wasn’t being used to its full potential. From the very beginning, Sláine had a clear vision: "we definitely wanted a more traditional style kitchen" she tells us, with an island, plenty of storage and beautiful details that would stand the test of time. 

Like many homeowners, Sláine wanted a kitchen that was as practical as it was welcoming. With children in the house, clutter can quickly take over, so smart storage solutions were essential. One of the biggest priorities was creating dedicated space for toys, keeping the main living area calm and organised without sacrificing comfort or warmth.

A Love for Traditional Style with a Modern Edge

While functionality was vital, style played an equally important role. Sláine was drawn to a more classic, traditional kitchen look, softened with elegant finishes. She had a strong idea of the colour palette from the outset and knew she wanted Gold Handles to add warmth and character.

The Dereham Taupe was love at first sight. It was the first kitchen Sláine noticed when she visited the showroom and she explains "It really caught my eye, the style, the look and the feel". Subtle, timeless and easy to live with, it set the tone for the entire design. Paired with gold detailing, the taupe finish creates a space that feels both refined and inviting.

The addition of a large island has completely changed how the family uses the kitchen. It’s now where the children sit for breakfast in the mornings, where homework and games happen in the afternoon, creating more connection in the everyday moments.

Thoughtful Details That Make Everyday Life Easier

What truly elevates Sláine's kitchen are the small, carefully considered features that simplify daily routines. Integrated appliances give the space a sleek, uncluttered look while making cooking more efficient. Integrated Bins cleverly hidden away, have become one of Slaine’s favourite additions, making meal prep quicker and tidier.

A Le Mans Corner Unit ensures that every inch of storage is accessible, while a glass display cabinet adds a beautiful focal point to the room. "It's one of the first things you see when you walk into the room, I think it looks really great." She explains.

These touches combine practicality with visual interest, striking the balance many homeowners seek.

One standout feature is the custom fridge housing. The family already owned an American-style two-door fridge and wanted it to feel intentional rather than oversized. By building storage on either side and adding a wine rack above, the fridge now sits perfectly within the design. It’s both functional and eye-catching, with the side units doubling as pantry storage.

Worktops That Bring the Whole Look Together

To complement the Dereham Taupe cabinetry, Sláine chose the Canova Worktop. The subtle contrast adds depth and warmth to the kitchen, preventing the taupe from feeling flat. Combined with the gold handles, the overall look feels cohesive and polished without being overpowering.

More Than Just a Kitchen: A Practical Boot Room and Utility

The transformation didn’t stop at the kitchen. The family also redesigned their utility room, turning it into a fully functional boot room. Previously unused, it now includes a sink and generous storage for coats and bags. Everything has a place, making busy family life that little bit easier.

A Collaborative Design Experience in County Kerry

The journey from concept to completion was shaped by a collaborative design process. Visiting the Cash & Carry Kitchens showroom in Farranfore, Sláine worked closely with designer Vlad Emil Busioi, who helped bring her ideas to life. While she arrived with a rough vision, the final layout and features were refined through thoughtful guidance and practical suggestions.

"Vlad was absolutely amazing from start to finish, he listened to what we wanted and I think that we worked very well together. It was everything we could have asked for and more"

The result is a kitchen that exceeded expectations, that brings more beauty, more function and more togetherness to everyday life.

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