Customer Story: The O'Gradys' Two-Tone Hampton Kitchen
How the O'Gradys achieved their storage goals with a bright and spacious two-tone kitchen
The O'Gradys' Two-Tone Hampton Kitchen
The O'Gradys wanted to solve two main challenges in their kitchen: hide an unsightly pillar and create additional storage space.
As a starting point, they booked a free kitchen design consultation with one of our expert designers. With 17 showrooms across Ireland, they chose to visit our Swords showroom in Dublin, where they met designer Dee Morrissey.
In this customer story, Dee walks us through the full kitchen design process and key decisions.
Take a tour of the O'Gradys' two-tone Hampton kitchen
Maximising natural light in a two-tone kitchen
The O'Gradys were lucky to have an abundance of natural light. To make the most of this, they chose Hampton Cotton White kitchen units and white worktops to reflect light and enhance brightness.
To introduce contrast without darkening the space, a Hampton Oyster Grey kitchen island was added.
This is a classic example of a two-tone kitchen design that balances brightness with depth.
The white units and worktops help keep the brightness in the room
Smart storage solutions with tall kitchen units
One of the key challenges was a pillar located near the end of the main run of units.
The solution? A 600mm tall kitchen unit was installed to seamlessly conceal the pillar.
This not only improved the overall look of the kitchen but also added valuable extra storage space.
The tall unit on the far right hides the pillar
Maximising kitchen storage with wide drawers
“Storage, storage, storage,” says Dee.
To meet this need, the design included three sets of wide kitchen drawers, providing ample space for pots, pans, and crockery.
This approach helped achieve:
- A clean, uncluttered kitchen layout
- Improved organisation and accessibility
- Strong visual symmetry and clean lines
The dishwasher and bins were incorporated into the island
A functional kitchen island with built-in features
The kitchen island played a central role in the design.
With limited space on the main wall, the island was designed to include:
- Sink
- Dishwasher
- Bins
- Additional storage
To further enhance functionality, a custom-built table was integrated into the island by a family friend.
To make this work, Dee adjusted the design by using reduced-height units at the back of the island, allowing the shelving to flow seamlessly into the table.
This created a multi-functional kitchen island ideal for cooking, dining, and socialising.
Dee tweaked her design to allow for the built-in table
Choosing the right kitchen canopy
The Hampton canopy extractor is a timeless feature in this style of kitchen, designed to sit between wall units and act as a focal point.
However, there was a challenge: How to include the canopy without sacrificing storage space.
The solution was to use a 1000mm canopy instead of the larger 1500mm version, maintaining both style and practicality.
The classic Hampton Canopy
Finishing touches: Worktops and handles
To maintain brightness throughout the space, the O'Gradys selected a white quartz worktop, which reflects light and adds a premium finish.
They paired this with brass handles, which complement both the Cotton White and Oyster Grey units.
These finishing details help tie the entire two-tone kitchen design together.
White quartz worktop with brass handles
Two-tone kitchen ideas and expert advice
Two-tone kitchens are a popular choice for adding contrast and visual interest.
Dee shares this advice: “The best way to make a two-tone kitchen work is to clearly separate the colours into distinct zones.”
For example:
- Kitchen island vs main run of units
- Wall units vs base units
- Separate walls or sections of the kitchen
This ensures the design feels intentional, balanced, and cohesive.
The two-tone Hampton
