My Limestone Home – Where Heritage Meets Home

There’s a quiet kind of magic in renovating an old home – uncovering its layers, discovering its soul, and shaping a new chapter while honouring the past. We spoke to Aisling Kirwan (@mylimestonehome) about how she transformed her 1780’s cottage, to create a space that felt personal, practical and full of character.

The kitchen, as the heart of the home, became the focus of that vision. It’s where old stone walls meet colour-rich cabinetry, and where daily family life blends seamlessly with a love of history and design.

How did the heritage of your 1780s cottage shape your vision for the kitchen?

I’ve always loved old buildings – and so has my husband, David. When we bought our home, we saw it as an opportunity to breathe new life into a space that had become purely functional. We were drawn to the story of the house – from its 18th-century origins as just two small rooms and a loft, to more recent history when it was owned by Anne Sullivan, the former Duchess of Westminster, and gifted to one of her racehorse groomsmen.

We see ourselves more as custodians than owners, and it was important for us to preserve as much of the home’s original charm as possible.

Our kitchen sits partly within one of the original external cottage walls. We removed the plaster from that wall to reveal the beautiful limestone beneath, which is now a key feature of the space. That wall became the foundation for our kitchen’s aesthetic – a mix of old and new. We paired a contemporary colour palette with traditional-style cabinetry to create a vintage feel that carries through the entire house.

Given our low ceilings, thick stone walls, and limited natural light, we decided against wall-mounted cabinets. Instead, we opted for open shelving and a long, multifunctional island to maintain a sense of openness.

To embrace the cottage-core aesthetic, we included decorative touches like tongue-and-groove panelling, reclaimed scaffolding boards for shelving, reclaimed pitch pine floorboards, brass accents, and meaningful accessories dotted throughout.

What were some of the inspirations behind your kitchen design?

As an interior designer and colour consultant, I’m always surrounded by inspiration – whether it’s colour swatches, wallpaper books, Pinterest boards, or trade shows. I’ve always leaned toward heritage style and colour-rich spaces, so marrying the two was key for me.

One major inspiration was Pearl Lowe’s Somerset home. I loved how she used glass display cabinets in her island rather than on the walls. We incorporated that into our own kitchen, and it’s become one of my favourite features.

I’m also heavily influenced by travel. I knew I wanted Zellige tiles – they offer the texture and vibrancy of subway tiles, but with more soul. We chose a jade green crackle Zellige tile as our splashback. It pairs beautifully with the green cabinetry and stainless-steel cooker top.

How would you describe your interior style – especially in the kitchen?

I’d say my style is modern vintage. I love the juxtaposition of old and new – mixing pieces with history and character alongside contemporary elements. Salvage yards and antique fairs are my happy place; I’m always on the lookout for pieces that tell a story.

I also love when kitchens feel like part of the home, not just utilitarian spaces. So, I’ve embraced the trend of adding “non-kitchen” items – like oil paintings, lamps, and rugs – to make it feel warm and lived-in.

I’m a colour lover, too. I enjoy experimenting with combinations that might feel unconventional in a kitchen. My pink walls and doors sometimes surprise people, but once they see them in context, it all makes sense.

Did you create a mood board or plan to guide your design – how closely does the finished space reflect your original vision?

Absolutely. I’m a big believer in mood boards – and in seeing samples in real life before committing to anything. I use Canva to create digital collages of inspiration images and then layer in specific colours and products to test how everything will work together. It really helps ensure a cohesive result.

We debated between three tile options and multiple paint colours. Seeing everything in our kitchen’s natural light was crucial in making the final decisions. The layout stayed very close to my original plan, but some details evolved – like choosing jade green tiles instead of the neutral ones I initially imagined, or swapping our original hardware for stunning mini cup handles I couldn’t resist.

As a colour consultant, how did you approach your kitchen’s colour palette?

Initially, I was convinced I needed light cabinetry to compensate for the lack of natural light. I experimented with mid-toned greys and mushroom hues before I landed on a bold, darker palette.

Eventually, we chose Deep Forest for the cabinetry and paired it with soft pink walls to add warmth. Our kitchen gets both morning and evening light, so the pink walls balance the cooler tones in the morning and glow with a peachy warmth in the evening.

Even now, I wouldn’t change the green and pink combination – it still feels right. We’ve layered in lots of wall lights, lamps, and pendants for mood and functionality, adding atmosphere and a sense of drama.

What led you to choose the Aldana range from STORI, and how did you put your own cottage-style spin on it?

We were immediately drawn to the Aldana door when we visited the DWK Kitchens showroom. I’d always wanted a Butler sink and semi in-frame cabinetry, and Aldana offered the perfect mix of classic shaker detailing and simplicity – ideal for achieving that timeless, cottage-style look without feeling overly ornate.

They had an Aubergine version on display paired with Silestone countertops and brass handles, and it helped me visualise how bold colour could work with a traditional door. The range felt practical enough for our busy family life but still aligned with the vintage aesthetic I love.

It was also incredibly adaptable. With our specific dimensions and layout quirks, we needed a solution that offered flexibility without compromising on style. The STORI cabinetry let us add thoughtful touches like glass-fronted doors, pull-out drawers, under-sink storage, and tongue-and-groove panelling. All those details made it feel both bespoke and high-end – without blowing the budget.

Design aside, what practical elements were non-negotiable for you?

Storage was a huge priority. On the island alone, we added three 900mm wide pull-out drawers, two sets of 1000mm wide double cabinets, and a single set on the back. It’s amazing how much it holds!

The drawers are ideal for storing everything from crockery to cookware – keeping surfaces clutter-free. Our kitchen layout is quite unique, with small windows and exposed stone, so we had to be strategic about where we placed key elements like the fridge, sink, and cooker.

The island provides a large prep area right between the cooker and fridge, which makes food prep super-efficient. The sink sits between the dishwasher and pull-out bins – so practical for clearing up. I genuinely couldn’t go back to a freestanding bin now!

We also created a casual seating area at the island with space for three stools. It’s a spot where the kids can chat while I cook or sit and do homework.

Which parts of the kitchen feel most “you”?

The colour palette. The green and pink combo just feels so me, and we’ve since echoed it throughout the house for a sense of flow.

I love the layout – it works so well when we’re entertaining. Seeing friends pull up a stool at the island for a chat or a glass of wine always makes me smile.

The décor reflects my personality too: the texture, the colour, and the old pieces that tell a story. Our copper pans, stoneware vases, and oil paintings all nod to my love for vintage and character-filled finds.

If you could change anything now, would you?

There are a few ideas I’ve seen since that I’d love to explore. I’m really drawn to the natural patina of wood, so combining painted cabinetry with a wood-toned island is something I’d consider. I also love breakfast larders – they’re so practical for hiding toasters and coffee machines while still looking beautiful.

Colour-wise, while I still adore our green and pink scheme, I’ve been inspired by recent client projects using olive green, mustard yellow, and even bold pinks and reds. And maybe one day, I’ll opt for a heavily veined quartz countertop – for a real sense of drama and fun!

Ready to start planning your dream kitchen? Book a Design appointment with one of our approved STORI retailers to begin your journey.