Each week, we ask someone based in Ireland with a passion for interiors to share one photo of their favourite spot in their home.

EMMA CROWLEY LIVES close to Kinsale, Co Cork, with her husband Kev and their dog Chippy. They moved into their home, a self-build, in December of last year – and are hoping to soon begin work on a stable for Emma’s horse. 

Her favourite place? “We both love cooking so it has to be the kitchen,” she says. 

This week, Emma chatted us through her colourful, personality-filled kitchen space. 

Emma Crowley Emma Crowley

What do you love about this part of your home?

I think everyone was a bit taken aback by the colour we chose, but we love it. Blue is our neutral! I think your house should be about what you love and what makes you happy, not following trends and styles.

There are pops of gold throughout the kitchen too, and that is a theme throughout the house.

What’s your favourite object in here and why?

It’s a throw up between the pantry and the pantry press. The pantry is great storage, it reduced the size of the kitchen cabinets and allowed for a bigger island! We keep most food in the pantry except spices, salt, pepper and some items you would use during cooking. We have a few shelves in the pantry for ‘stuff’ – sunglasses, deodorants etc also.

The pantry press is where our kettle, toaster and microwave are hidden. Our cups and glasses are above and below are drawers with tea, coffee, jams biscuits and bold treats!
Both make life very easy and keep the kitchen surfaces clear for me to put pieces and plants I love out on display.

Be honest: How much tidying did you do before taking this photo?

A friend was visiting so it was already pretty tidy!

What was your inspiration when you were putting this room together? 

We love the vibe of coastal Hamptons chic and French country style, with a bit of Hollywood glamour. Our home is very modern from the outside, but when people are inside, we wanted it to look like it could have been there for a hundred years. We also wanted a homeliness which I think colours and the open shelves with pottery, plants and copper pots really help with.

Is there anything in here you’d like to change?

We would probably change the presses we do have into drawers, as they are far better and more usable. 

More: ‘The greenery outside was my inspiration’: Sharon shares her tropical-themed bedroom>