Problem: A High-Expectations Design Challenge
When the client first approached Ryan Bespoke Furniture in Kilkenny, their vision was clear — but ambitious. They desired a refined, custom living room furniture piece: a floating cabinet with an integrated electric fire. Their key pain points included:
- Seamless integration — the cabinet needed to appear as though it floated, stopping short of the wall on either side, with no awkward gaps or visible supports.
- Aesthetic harmony — the client was partial to a soft, elegant palette but wanted material richness: stained white oak surrounds, contrasted subtly with a painted finish on drawer fronts.
- Robust function — the electric fire needed proper clearance, ventilation, and convenience of access while being discreet.
- Detail finesse — bespoke hardware, precise alignment, and a design that would age gracefully.
They had encountered off-the-shelf living room furniture that felt generic or ill-fitted. They feared compromises: hidden cables, misaligned doors, clashing finishes, or a design that would date poorly. They needed custom living room furniture built to their space, taste, and function.
Solution: Crafting Bespoke Living Room Cabinets in Kilkenny
Our process at Ryan Bespoke Furniture combined close collaboration, skilled joinery, and attention to every design detail.
1. Design & Collaboration
We held several in-home sessions in Kilkenny to measure and understand the wall geometry and adjacent elements (skirting, lighting, plug sockets). From these, we sketched multiple layout options showing how the floating cabinet would terminate short of adjacent walls on the left and right.
We refined the plan to ensure adequate airflow behind the cabinet for the electric fire and space for wiring and controls. Door and drawer front arrangements were laid out in context with the fire’s visual centreline.
The design also reflects broader shifts in interior style, aligning with emerging modern furniture trends across the UK and Ireland that favour clean lines, natural materials, and layered neutral tones.
2. Material & Finish Choices
- White oak surround: We selected premium European white oak, stained for warmth and to exhibit subtle grain.
- Drawer and door fronts: Coated in Farrow & Ball Rolling Fog, a muted, sophisticated neutral that complemented the oak tone
- Hardware: Solid brass, square-section knobs were centred on door beading, adding tactile quality and a hint of luxury.
- Hidden support system: A steel cleat and concealed bracket system allowed the cabinet to appear unsupported while bearing significant weight, including the heating element.
3. Joinery & Construction
Our workshop in Kilkenny produced casework in hardwood plywood + solid oak edges, ensuring dimensional stability. We routed internal channels for wiring and ventilation, and allocated a removable panel for servicing the electric fire.
Drawer slides and hinge hardware were premium soft-close mechanisms. All panel edges were sanded, sealed, and finished in multiple coats of clear lacquer to protect against wear.
4. Installation & Integration
On installation day, our team fixed the steel cleat firmly into masonry behind the plaster, levelled, and slid the cabinet in place. The ends were trimmed flush. The fire unit was fitted, wired to a hidden junction box, and tested. The knobs were installed last, calibrating alignment precisely.
We also ensured the design tied visually to other bespoke storage pieces in the room—creating flow and coherence.
5. Fine Tuning & Client Review
Once in place, the client reviewed alignment, finish, and feel of the doors/drawers. We made micro-adjustments to hinge tension, knob placement, and fire control access. The client was involved at every stage to ensure the final outcome matched the original vision.
Result: A Stunning Bespoke Living Room Cabinet Delivered
- Precision execution — the floating cabinet terminated cleanly short of surrounding walls with no visible supports or gaps.
- Client delight — “John delivered exactly what I envisioned — a bespoke, timeless, and functional design with impeccable attention to detail. I’ve worked with him on multiple projects and confidently recommend him to my clients.”
- Performance — the integrated electric fire operates efficiently, with proper ventilation and no overheating of surrounding woodwork.
- Value — the client estimated they saved at least 20% on cost versus ordering a modular system and retrofitting it to their vision.
- Enduring aesthetic — the combination of stained white oak and Farrow & Ball Rolling Fog ensures a design that will not date, but instead enhance evolving room styles.
- Word-of-mouth referrals — within six months, the project generated 3 new leads from friends and architects seeing the piece in use.
This project stands as a flagship example of bespoke living room furniture in Kilkenny, proving that custom solutions can outperform mass-produced alternatives on both form and function.
To view other works that showcase our craftsmanship, you might also explore our alcove display cabinets or utility room cabinets projects — two of which were developed in Kilkenny.
You may also see how we handled another commission at a shop entrance surround in Kilkenny — illustrating our capacity for stylistic range.
FAQ: What Clients Want to Know
1. What is bespoke living room furniture?
Bespoke living room furniture is made-to-measure cabinetry and joinery designed specifically for your space and lifestyle. Unlike standard or modular furniture, every element—from size and layout to materials and finishes—is fully customised. It’s a way to create a truly unique and cohesive living space that reflects your taste and complements your home’s architecture.
2. What makes bespoke living room furniture different from store-bought options?
Store-bought furniture is mass-produced in standard sizes and finishes. Bespoke living room furniture, on the other hand, is crafted to fit your exact dimensions, style, and functional needs. It ensures perfect proportions, premium materials, and longevity—ideal for homes where design cohesion and craftsmanship matter.
3. How much does custom living room furniture cost in Ireland?
Costs can vary significantly depending on materials, size, and level of detail. At Ryan Bespoke Furniture, we provide a detailed quote following an in-person consultation and design process.
4. Can you integrate an electric fire or technology into bespoke cabinets?
Absolutely. We frequently design custom made living room furniture that integrates electric fires, media systems, or hidden wiring for lighting and sound. In this Kilkenny project, we created a floating cabinet with concealed ventilation and wiring, ensuring safety, performance, and visual balance without compromising design elegance.
5. Do you create matching bespoke furniture for other rooms?
Yes. Many clients who commission bespoke living room furniture also request coordinated cabinetry for home offices, utility rooms, or display alcoves. Explore related projects such as our Alcove Display Cabinets and Utility Room Cabinets in Kilkenny to see how we maintain design consistency throughout the home.
