White & Marine Blue Shaker Kitchen Renovation in Dublin
Dalkey, Ireland
Project Overview
Location: Dalkey, Ireland
Project Type: Contemporary Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen Door Style: Shaker Kitchen Doors
Cabinetry Range: Fenwick White Natural Woodgrain Shaker & Fenwick Marine Blue Natural Woodgrain Shaker
Service Level: Design, Supply & Installation
The Brief
The homeowners wanted a kitchen that felt more organised and easier to use, without losing the warm, familiar look of a shaker design.
The old kitchen had enough floor space, but most of the usable areas were around the edges of the room. Small appliances, bottles, cleaning products and cooking items were often left on the worktops because there was no proper place to store them.
The client also wanted a central island. They did not need it for seating, but they wanted a larger surface for food preparation, baking, serving dishes and unpacking groceries.
Another key request was to keep the sink below the window. This was one part of the original kitchen they liked, both for the natural light and the view out to the garden.
Before & After
Before the renovation, the kitchen felt dated and overcrowded. The cream cabinets, darker laminate worktops and freestanding fridge made the room look tired, while the microwave, dish rack and everyday items took up most of the usable counter space.
The old L-shaped layout still worked, but it did not make good use of the centre of the room. Preparation space was limited, and the kitchen looked busy even when it was tidy.
After the renovation, the space feels brighter and much more organised. The new fitted cabinetry, integrated ovens and central island give the kitchen a cleaner layout, with better storage and a proper preparation area in the middle of the room.
The Design Solution
The design started by keeping the sink in its original position under the window. This avoided unnecessary plumbing changes and kept the brightest part of the room as the main washing-up area.
A tall storage run was added on the left side of the kitchen. This helped absorb the visual clutter that had previously gathered around the fridge and worktop areas.
The cooking area was made cleaner by replacing the old cooker arrangement with a built-in hob and integrated ovens. This gave the back and right-hand runs a more fitted, intentional look.
The island was finished in marine blue to give the kitchen a strong focal point. The surrounding white shaker cabinetry kept the room bright, while the blue base added contrast and made the island feel like a designed feature.
Layout
The final layout uses three main areas: a tall storage section, an L-shaped working run, and a central island.
The sink remains under the window, with the dishwasher positioned nearby for easier clearing after meals. Everyday cups, plates and cleaning items were planned close to this zone.
The hob sits along the back run, with worktop space on both sides for pans, utensils and ingredients. The ovens were placed in a tall unit at a more comfortable height.
The island measures approximately 2.2m x 0.95m. It was sized to give the client a generous preparation surface while still allowing around 950mm to 1050mm clearance through the main walkways.
Storage was planned around how the family actually used the kitchen. Dry food and bulk items went into tall storage, cookware stayed near the hob, and larger serving dishes were stored in the island base units.
Installation Process
The project was completed over 7 working days, after the old kitchen had been removed and the room was prepared.
Once the original units came out, the team found some uneven areas along the old worktop line. This is common in renovation projects, especially where older units have been in place for many years.
The plumbing stayed in the same general area, but the pipework was tidied to suit the new sink base and dishwasher position. This made the inside of the cabinet cleaner and more usable.
Electrical points were checked before fitting. Additional sockets were added above the worktop, and the feeds for the hob, ovens and pendant lights were confirmed before the cabinets were fixed.
The tall units were installed first, followed by the base units, wall units and island. The island position was marked on the floor before fixing, so the team could check door swings, appliance access and walking space.
Final work included fitting the worktops, installing the sink and hob, adjusting doors and drawers, and fitting the chrome handles. Extra care was taken with the shaker door alignment because uneven gaps are very noticeable on framed doors.
Thinking about a two-tone Shaker kitchen for your own home? Our design team can help you plan the right layout, storage and finishes for your space.
Materials & Finishes
The main cabinetry combines white natural woodgrain shaker doors with a marine blue shaker island, giving the kitchen a clean two-tone finish. The white units keep the room bright, while the blue island adds depth and contrast.
The kitchen cabinets are constructed from 18mm MFC with solid backs, making them suitable for regular family use. Soft-close concealed hinges were used for a smoother, quieter finish.
The Snow White 38mm laminate worktop was chosen for its bright, simple look and easy-to-maintain surface. It works across both cabinet colours and gives the island a crisp, practical finish.
A white composite granite sink was fitted beneath the window. Its large single bowl is useful for everyday washing up, while the stain-resistant surface helps keep the sink area easy to maintain.
Chrome cup handles and matching knobs complete the shaker look. They add a classic detail without making the kitchen feel too traditional.
Design Advice
For a two-tone shaker kitchen, the darker colour needs to be placed carefully. In this project, keeping marine blue to the island gave the room character without making the whole kitchen feel heavy.
The island size also matters. A larger island can look impressive, but if it reduces walkway space too much, the kitchen becomes difficult to use. Here, the island was planned around movement first, then storage and worktop space.
Storage should be based on real habits, not just cabinet count. The old kitchen had cupboards, but they were not helping the family keep things organised. The new layout gave specific homes to food, cookware, dishes and small appliances.
For anyone planning a Shaker Kitchen Renovation in Dublin, this project shows how classic shaker doors can still feel current when paired with a practical layout, clean worktops and a balanced colour scheme.
The Result
The finished kitchen solved the main problems of the original space: crowded worktops, limited organised storage and an underused centre area.
The family now has a large island for preparation, integrated ovens at a better height, tall storage for dry goods and a clearer sink zone for daily use.
The white shaker cabinetry keeps the room bright, while the marine blue island gives the kitchen a more personal and finished look.
The result is a kitchen that feels practical, calm and well planned. It still has the timeless character of shaker cabinetry, but the layout and finishes make it work for modern family life.
Planning a Shaker kitchen renovation in Dublin? Our team can help with kitchen design, supply and installation, from layout planning to the final fitted finish. Explore our recent kitchen projects or Book a Free Consultation to start planning a modern shaker kitchen for your home.
FAQ
What was the main goal of this Shaker kitchen renovation in Dublin?
The main goal was to create a more practical family kitchen with better storage, clearer worktop space and a central island. The old kitchen was usable, but it felt dated and crowded in everyday use.
Can a Shaker kitchen work in a modern family home?
Yes. Shaker kitchens are classic in style, but they can feel very current when paired with modern storage, integrated appliances, a practical island and a clean two-tone colour scheme.
Was the original kitchen layout completely changed?
Not completely. The sink stayed under the window, but the rest of the kitchen was improved with tall storage, integrated ovens and a large island for food preparation.
What materials were used in this kitchen renovation?
The kitchen included natural woodgrain shaker doors, 18mm MFC cabinets, a Snow White 38mm laminate worktop, a white composite granite sink and chrome cup handles with matching knobs.
How long did the kitchen installation take?
The main kitchen installation took around 7 working days, excluding preparation and electrical work. This included fitting the cabinets, island, worktops, sink, appliances, handles and final adjustments.
