Set within a beautifully preserved Georgian home in Birr, Co. Offaly, this project centred on reimagining the heart of the house. The property offered generous ceiling heights, elegant cornicing, and wonderful period charm, but the existing kitchen was extremely small and tucked awkwardly at the rear. Meanwhile, an adjacent larger sitting room—with a substantial fireplace and chimney breast—was underutilised. The family, who regularly host their grown children and young grandchildren, needed a spacious, welcoming kitchen–dining space that honoured the home's heritage while supporting modern family life.

Reconfiguring the Heart of the Home

To create the open, connected space the clients desired, we removed the original fireplace and opened the wall between the small kitchen and the sitting room. A structural steel beam was required to support the upper floors, and rather than conceal it in a heavy box, we designed a soft, graceful arch to disguise the beam. This arch has become a defining architectural feature, creating a gentle flow between the kitchen and dining zones while enhancing the property's classical character.

We echoed this detail within the kitchen joinery, incorporating the kitchen door into a full-height wall of cabinetry with a matching curved opening. This repetition creates a sense of symmetry and design continuity that feels both intentional and elegant.

A Light-Filled, Family-Focused Kitchen

The new kitchen combines traditional craftsmanship with fresh, uplifting colours and textures. Soft sage and ivory cabinetry pair beautifully with the rich tones of the herringbone timber floor. A large island in warm wood anchors the space, offering ample preparation space and casual seating.

A blush herringbone tile backsplash adds a delicate, feminine warmth, while brass accents and vintage-inspired pendant lighting bring charm and softness. Bespoke wall panelling, curated artwork, and deep green drapery enrich the dining area, creating a refined yet relaxed setting for family gatherings.

A Space Designed for Connection

The result is a bright, welcoming, and harmonious room that feels perfectly scaled for large family get-togethers. It is a space where generations can cook, dine, and spend time together—an inviting, functional new heart for a much-loved Georgian home.