Emma O’Connor of Emsu design restored and modernised her own 300-year-old detached redbrick in South County Dublin. O’Connor describes her style as classic minimalism with influences from Paris, London and New York. Creating beautiful spaces that are carefully considered is her priority. Photographs by Luke White.

The beautiful kitchen benefits from all-round light which highlights the ceiling-height marble backsplash over the white Aga. The Moroccan limestone floor is by Miller Brothers. Wall lights are by Porta Romana. The tube chandelier over the kitchen island is by Michael Anastassiades and the stools are Danish.

The lower ground floor is designed for open-plan family living and opens to the garden, designed by Paul Doyle. In the contemporary kitchen and classic dining area, there are art deco touches, in the form of sconces and finishes.

Porter & Jones used a mix of bespoke cabinetry as well as Calacatta marble and Corian. Calacatta marble is often whiter (if it is white you are looking for) and has a lot more variation in colour than Carrara marble, with thicker and more dramatic veins.

Behind secret double doors lies a back kitchen with subway tiles from Fired Earth from floor to ceiling. When it comes to de-cluttering a kitchen, a back-kitchen, even if tiny but well-organised, can accommodate less frequently used kit and tableware.