Dublin Kitchens
Marine Blue Galley Kitchen Renovation in Glasnevin, Dublin
This galley kitchen renovation in Glasnevin, Dublin was completed for Niamh Murphy, who wanted to update the room without changing a layout that already worked well. The original kitchen had a practical narrow galley arrangement, but the finish was dated. The cream cabinetry, worn doors, beige laminate worktops and tiled splashback made the room feel older and busier than it needed to be.
The main aim was to improve the kitchen through better cabinetry, brighter worktops, more useful storage and a more integrated appliance layout. Kitchens4U designed, supplied and installed a modern Shaker galley kitchen using Chatham Marine Blue Superior Matt Vinyl doors, Robson Oak cabinet interiors and white quartz worktops with matching marble-effect cladding. The result is a cleaner, more organised fitted kitchen that keeps the efficient galley flow while giving the room a much stronger finish.
Project Overview
| Location | Glasnevin, Dublin |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Galley kitchen renovation |
| Kitchen Style | Modern Shaker galley kitchen |
| Cabinet Range | |
| Worktops | White quartz worktops with marble-effect finish |
| Sink | |
| Handles | |
| Layout | Double galley kitchen with no island |
| Service Level | Design, supply and installation |
| Project Duration | 3 weeks |
| Budget Range | €20,000 – €23,000 |
The Brief
The client wanted a kitchen that felt more current and easier to use day to day. The existing galley layout already made sense for the room, so the brief was not about moving everything around. Instead, the focus was on improving storage, replacing dated finishes and bringing the appliances into a more considered fitted design.
Storage capacity was an important part of the brief. The client wanted taller wall units and a more complete cabinet run on both sides of the kitchen. The fridge area also needed to feel less separate from the rest of the room, while the cooking side needed a clearer appliance zone.
Before Renovation
Before the renovation, the kitchen had older cream cabinet doors, beige laminate worktops and a traditional tiled splashback. The freestanding cooker and extractor hood looked separate from the rest of the kitchen, and the fridge was not properly framed into the cabinet design.
The room also felt darker and less organised than it could have been. Because the galley layout itself was practical, the best approach was to keep the layout and upgrade the elements that affected everyday use: cabinetry, storage, worktops, appliance housing and the overall finish.
Design Approach
The design kept the double-galley layout because it gave the room a clear working flow. One side could support the sink, fridge and storage, while the opposite side could become the main cooking and appliance wall. This avoided unnecessary layout changes and allowed more of the budget to go into the parts of the kitchen the client would use every day.
Marine Blue Shaker cabinetry was chosen to give the kitchen more depth and structure. In a narrow room, a darker cabinet colour needs balance, so the design used white quartz worktops and matching marble-effect splashback to brighten the space. Brass Pisa handles added warmth, while Robson Oak interiors provided a softer contrast inside the cabinets.
The Finished Kitchen
The finished kitchen has a more complete and fitted appearance on both sides of the room. Tall wall units help make better use of vertical space, while the quartz worktops and matching cladding create a clean surface line through the kitchen.
The cooking side is now more organised, with a defined appliance wall and a black extractor hood that gives the area a clear focal point. The cabinetry surrounds the appliance zone more neatly than before, helping the cooking area feel part of the overall kitchen rather than a separate section.
On the opposite side, the sink and refrigeration area is much better integrated. The Sicilia Diane 1.5 bowl undermount sink works cleanly with the quartz worktop, and the framed fridge area helps the full kitchen feel more consistent from end to end.
See quartz worktop options at our showroom →
Before & After Comparison
| Area | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | Older cream doors with visible wear | Marine Blue Shaker cabinetry with a cleaner fitted finish |
| Storage | Standard storage with limited optimisation | Tall wall units and better cabinet planning on both sides |
| Appliances | Freestanding cooker and less integrated fridge area | Built-in oven housing, organised cooking wall and framed fridge area |
| Worktops | Beige laminate worktops | White quartz worktops with marble-effect finish |
| Splashback | Older tiled splashback | Matching marble-effect cladding for a more continuous finish |
| Overall Feel | Dated, darker and visually busy | Cleaner, brighter and more organised |
Why This Renovation Worked
This renovation worked because the design improved the right parts of the kitchen without changing what was already useful. The galley layout gave the room a natural working route, so the project focused on better storage, a stronger cabinet finish, integrated appliances and brighter work surfaces.
The new cabinetry helped create a cleaner look, while the quartz worktops brightened the room and made the work areas feel more practical. The appliance wall, framed fridge area and taller storage all helped the kitchen feel more complete and easier to use.
Need help with the installation stage? Read our Kitchen Installation Ireland guide to understand what to expect from a professional fitted kitchen installation →
Design Advice for Dublin Galley Kitchens
For many Dublin homes, a galley kitchen can work very well when the layout is planned carefully. If the existing route between sink, cooking and storage already suits the room, it may be better to improve the cabinetry, worktops and appliance planning instead of changing the full layout.
Darker cabinet colours such as Marine Blue can also work in a narrow kitchen when paired with lighter worktops and a simple splashback. This keeps the design grounded while helping the room feel brighter and more balanced.
Planning your own kitchen renovation? Read our Kitchen Renovation Dublin guide for practical advice before starting your project →
The Result
Niamh Murphy’s Marine Blue galley kitchen in Glasnevin is now brighter, more organised and more practical for everyday use. The layout remains efficient, but the finish has been updated with Shaker cabinetry, Robson Oak interiors, brass handles and white quartz surfaces.
The project shows how a narrow kitchen can be improved through thoughtful design, better storage and a cleaner fitted finish, without forcing a major layout change.
Book a Free Kitchen Design Consultation
If you are planning a galley kitchen renovation in Dublin, Kitchens4U can help with design, supply and installation. We can advise on cabinet ranges, worktops, storage, appliance planning and practical layout options for your home.
FAQ
How much does a galley kitchen renovation cost in Dublin?
The cost depends on the kitchen size, cabinet range, worktop material, appliances and installation requirements. This Glasnevin project was in the region of €20,000 – €23,000, including design, supply and installation.
Is a galley kitchen suitable for a narrow home?
Yes. A galley kitchen can be very practical in a narrow home when the sink, cooking, storage and appliance zones are clearly planned.
Can Marine Blue cabinets work in a small kitchen?
Yes. Marine Blue cabinets can work well in a small or narrow kitchen when balanced with lighter worktops, good lighting and a simple splashback.
Do I need to change the layout during a kitchen renovation?
Not always. In this project, the original galley layout already worked well, so the design focused on improving the finish, storage and appliance integration.
How long does a kitchen renovation like this take?
This project took around 3 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the scope of work, product availability and site requirements.
Are quartz worktops suitable for a galley kitchen?
Yes. Quartz worktops are a practical option for galley kitchens because they are durable, easy to maintain and available in lighter finishes that can help brighten the room.
Can Kitchens4U install a similar kitchen?
Yes. Kitchens4U can design, supply and install similar fitted kitchens across Dublin, including galley kitchens, Shaker kitchens and kitchens with quartz worktops.
Can tall wall units improve storage in a galley kitchen?
Yes. Tall wall units can make better use of vertical space and help create a more complete fitted look, especially where floor space is limited.
