Customer Story: The Dalys' two-tone painted Hampton kitchen

The Dalys' Two-Tone Hampton Kitchen

The Dalys' kitchen was awkwardly laid out and lacked storage and workspace. They wanted to solve these issues while also putting their own unique stamp on the kitchen. As a starting point, they booked a free design appointment with one of our expert designers. We have 17 showrooms all over Ireland. The Dalys opted to go to our Longmile Road location in Dublin. There they met with Jaime Zamora. Jaime, who is now based in our Fonthill showroom, talks us through the design process.

Take a tour of the Dalys' two-tone Hampton kitchen

The new kitchen

More storage and workspace

Jaime tells us that the Dalys were looking for more storage and workspace. He explains the solution: "We solved this by including a wide pantry press with the Prestige larder insert and relocating the hob to the peninsula. We also made the peninsula as wide and deep as we could to provide ample workspace".

A wide pantry press with the Prestige larder sorted storage issues

The peninsula

The peninsula is one of the main focal points in the new kitchen. It's 1.5 metres in depth, providing plenty of workspace. Jaime names the downdraft hob as the "main star" of the kitchen, explaining that it alone allows for the new layout to be possible. The peninsula also includes full-depth base units on both sides. This facilitates even more storage. "I suggested we put the integrated bins in the peninsula", says Jaime, "so it’s in the middle of the kitchen".

The peninsula has storage on both sides, including integrated bins

Design features and accessories

Jaime is a fan of the simple symmetry in the kitchen. "It's pleasing to look at", he says. This was achieved through small details such as positioning the hob so that it's centred with the ovens behind it as you enter the room. "My main focus was the layout of the kitchen and usability and practicality of the space", Jaime tells us. The homeowner made all the decisions regarding accessories, opting for a quartz worktop and Arno brass handles with knurled brass knobs. "Brass handles against the two-tone colours really pop", says Jaime.

The simple symmetry in the kitchen is pleasing to look at

Two-tone kitchens

Many customers opt for a two-tone effect as a way to bring contrast into the kitchen. Jaime gives some advice for anyone considering this option: "The main thing people don’t consider with two-tone kitchens is the cornice. This only applies if the kitchen has a wall unit beside a tall unit. These have to be the same colour, so the cornice above connecting them is the same colour". The cornice is the decorative strip which sits on top of tall units, just beneath the ceiling. This wasn't an issue for the Dalys kitchen as the peninsula and wall units were not connected, but it's worth bearing in mind.

The stunning two-tone effect. Note the white cornice on the wall units

Painting kitchen units

The Hampton range is available in three shades — Cotton White, Oyster Grey and Slate Grey. You'll notice that the beautiful blue on the peninsula isn't among the options. However, it's possible to paint the Hampton door any colour you wish. Jaime explains more: "the Hampton is a solid ash door. It has to be sanded down and primed before painting. This is so the paint adheres to the door properly". It's only possible to paint a limited number of our kitchen ranges, so you should always consult one of our kitchen designers if you're considering going down this route. We would also always advise that you engage a professional painter to do the job.