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Design Meets Influence, Digg Mama & Daniel
George Kitchens
Design Meets Influence
Businesswoman Caroline O’Neill, also known as the popular lifestyle influencer Digg Mama, has partnered with Daniel George Kitchens to create a stunning kitchen in her new home in Co Tyrone.
For Caroline, the kitchen in her new build was always destined to become the heart of her home. Known for her entrepreneurial expertise and her ability to inspire through her journey, Caroline’s collaboration with Daniel George Kitchens was about more than just creating a hardworking culinary space—it was about curating an environment that reflected her lifestyle, values, and love for family gatherings.
Her journey with Daniel George Kitchens began at the 2022 Self Build Show, where she was captivated by the designs on display. ‘I loved their range at the stand, and when I launched my new build on social media, we already had that connection, so a few conversations about a collaboration followed,’ she begins.
Jonathan Orr, the designer from Daniel George Kitchens and the creative mind behind this space, says, ‘Caroline visited the showroom after seeing our display at the Self Build Show, and she loved the bespoke in-frame kitchen style.
Caroline’s vision was clear: she wanted a kitchen that combined traditional elegance with contemporary convenience. ‘I was inspired by the classic traditional kitchen elements. I wanted something that blended the traditional with the contemporary, incorporating natural wood elements and a mix warm colour palette,’ she says.
Jonathan worked closely with Caroline to ensure that every detail of the kitchen was meticulously planned. One of the standout features is the incorporation of oak stains, which enhance the natural feel of the space. ‘We added an oak stain from our collection to the table and the centre section where the extractor fan is placed,’ Jonathan explains. This not only tied the kitchen’s aesthetic together but also added warmth and depth to the overall design.
‘I love both traditional and contemporary styles, and I feel that with the wood elements mixed in, especially over the mantel contrasting with the cream units, we’ve really achieved that look.’
Another significant design challenge was accommodating the high-pitched ceiling in Caroline’s kitchen. ‘It has a high-pitched roof with slopes, so we designed several different layouts before we found one that would elevate the room’s height and really blend into it,’ Jonathan continues. The solution involved designing top unit cabinets with a scooped cornice to draw the eye upward, effectively accentuating the room’s height while maintaining a cohesive look.
Caroline’s kitchen isn’t just a beautiful space—it’s highly functional, tailored to her needs as a busy mum and passionate cook. One of her key requests was to have the sink in the island. ‘I spend a lot of time at the sink, and I wanted to see everyone while working in the kitchen,’ she explains. This design choice reflects her desire for a kitchen that facilitates interaction, allowing her to stay connected with her family while cooking.
The kitchen also features a unique curved banquette seating area around the island, which has become a favourite spot for Caroline’s family. ‘The round table seating element at the island is my favourite part of the kitchen,’ Caroline says. ‘In our last house, there were only three seats, but now we can seat four around it and three at the island.’
Jonathan and his team at Daniel George Kitchens paid close attention to the details that would make Caroline’s kitchen both beautiful and practical. The cabinetry features Causeway posts, an exclusive design with rounded sides that taper into a square base.
‘Some of the best parts of the kitchen are the thought processes behind how it is laid out. I don’t have to think about anything. Everything is in the right place, easily accessible, and I don’t have to move too much. Even the spice drawer is life-changing. Before, I was rummaging around in the cupboard for them, but now they’re all laid out and easily accessible.’
The appliances, carefully selected with Jonathan’s guidance, include two Fisher & Paykel self-cleaning ovens and a five-ring induction hob. ‘I love to cook, and the ovens have slow cooker, bake, fan, non-fan, and self-cleaning functions—they’re unbelievable,’ Caroline says.
Pantry
Storage was another critical aspect of the design. ‘Caroline didn’t want too much open shelving in the pantry, so we added wall units and a drinks cabinet,’ he adds. They also incorporated plenty of drawers, including pull-out bins integrated beside the sink and a dishwasher for easy cleaning up —a must for Caroline’s bustling family life.
Utility Room
Referencing the craftsmanship and convenience in the utility room, Caroline continues, ‘It’s great, the trays under the washing machine and dryer are amazing for emptying and doing laundry, and the storage for hiding things you don’t want people to see is brilliant. I also have a boot room, covered with doors, as we have a farm outside.
Media Wall
One of the unique aspects of this project was the integration of the kitchen design with other areas of Caroline’s home. ‘We designed her media wall and pantry to match her kitchen,’ Jonathan explains. The colours, stains, and handles were carried through to other spaces, including a custom window seat that ties the entire area together. This holistic approach ensured that the home’s aesthetic was consistent and cohesive, creating a flow from room to room.
From the thoughtful design elements to the practical features that make everyday life easier, this kitchen speaks volumes about the power of good design in transforming a house into a home. Caroline’s favourite aspect of the project? ‘The island seating area,’ she says. ‘It’s where we all come together.’