Top Homes
A new life with Cosentino: more comfortable, more functional and more aesthetically pleasing
Kay Egginton
Location
Bray (Ireland)
Manufacturer
Granite & Marble Crafts
Farbe
Laurent | Et Calacatta Gold, Stellar Black
Stärke
12 mm, 20 mm
Architecture/design
Kay Egginton
Produkt
DKTN | Silestone
Aplication
Worktops, kitchen, fireplace surround, bathroom
End Date
2023
In the coastal town of Bray, Ireland, interior designer Kay Egginton has designed a penthouse that is open, modern and, most importantly, functional. The task began with a bold transformation: converting three flats into a single luxury penthouse. “The homeowners were looking for a change after their children left home,” says Egginton, and moved from a mansion in Dublin to this new home in Wicklow. The move meant reducing their living space by converting three flats into a single penthouse, but it was also a design challenge to create a modern yet cosy home.
After meeting the homeowners, Egginton realised the uniqueness of the project: “Although they were unfamiliar with the dimensions, they had a clear idea of what they wanted”. This shared understanding was the start of a collaboration that resulted in a high-rise interior design (and we’re not just saying that because it’s a penthouse).
Functionality and comfort as the basis of a high-rise project
From the outset, the design had to revolve around functionality while maintaining a homely atmosphere. “From day one, the homeowner knew what kind of design she wanted; she was clear from the entrance to the end of the flat, so I just drew the dimensions and she was happy with the suggestions,” says Egginton. As the initial kitchen designs did not meet her expectations, Egginton invited the customer to explore different styles to get a broader and renewed vision. “She adapted my initial proposal and we defined the style of the kitchen,” explains Egginton.
Each room was designed to reflect the personality of the family members, even though they no longer lived there. “It was a remarkably large project,” recalls Egginton. The living room in particular presented unique challenges, most notably the installation of a fireplace surround with a floating structure in DKTN Laurent, which was also used in the bar in the same room. “It was a challenge from an engineering point of view,” admits Egginton, who credits Granite and Marble Crafts with providing indispensable support in the installation of this project.
Cosentino’s versatility at the service of each specific area of the home
Silestone and DKTN played a key role. “I have always liked Cosentino materials,” admits Egginton. Among the many options available, Silestone Et Calacatta Gold was used for the kitchen island and the large table that dominates it, thus creating a luxurious and cohesive aesthetic. “We decided to use part of the kitchen worktop for the table, adapting it to the specific dimensions of the room,” says Egginton. The same stone was used for the vanity area in the master bedroom to meet the practical and aesthetic requirements of the homeowner, who needed a ‘mini-kitchen’ on the other side of the house to avoid having to walk so many metres.
Influenced by Egginton’s training in German kitchen design, the kitchen is characterised by clean, precise lines. “The open part of our island is veneered in walnut, balancing natural materials with hard surfaces,” she explains. This combination of materials makes for an inviting and elegant space.
In the bathroom, the challenge was to integrate the washbasin in a limited space between two windows. The solution was a piece of Silestone Stellar Black from Granite & Marble Crafts. “It was the perfect piece to combine with the black tap and other accessories,” recalls Egginton. This detail rounded off the design and enhanced the aesthetic of the bathroom.
A shining example of how a customer’s vision and a designer’s expertise can come together to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Selected for their beauty and durability, Cosentino materials elevate any space, proving that the quality of the material is as important as the design itself.