Award-Winning Photographer Designs Dream Kitchen in Co Mayo

Jessica Klewicki Glynn, an award-winning photographer, has transformed her home in Kilmovee, Co Mayo, into a stunning showcase of design and functionality, particularly evident in her newly renovated kitchen. Working alongside her husband, Gerard Glynn, a builder and carpenter, the couple undertook a comprehensive renovation of their home, which had remained unfinished since its partial construction in 2006. They purchased the property at auction in 2019 and completed the renovation in 2023.

Jessica’s expertise as a photographer has played a crucial role in crafting a space that is both visually appealing and practical. “Being a photographer did help me lay it out in a way that would look and photograph the best,” she states. With Gerard handling the majority of the construction work, he brought valuable experience from his previous projects, which included high-end renovations in Palm Beach. Together, they have created a home that reflects their unique style and values, particularly in the kitchen, which Jessica describes as the heart of their family life.

Creating a Dream Kitchen

The couple’s kitchen embodies a “farmhouse modern” aesthetic, which they tailored to their lifestyle. Jessica explains that the kitchen serves not only as a functional space for cooking but also as a gathering point for family discussions and planning. “We definitely sit down at the island to plan our work, travels and future ventures,” she says. The design includes a custom range hood and an island built by Gerard, enhancing both the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Local businesses contributed to the renovation, with Flannery Kitchens providing cabinetry, and Dowsing and Reynolds supplying hardware. Jessica highlights the importance of these elements: “Our kitchen works very well. We are able to entertain and cook at the same time.” The family includes their daughter, Keira, now 16, and their golden retriever, Charli, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Jessica’s professional background in photography has allowed her to capture the beauty of diverse living spaces around the world. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest, Milieu, and Coastal Living. With her experiences photographing homes, ranging from multimillion-dollar residences to quaint stables, she appreciates the variety of design that reflects individual lives and stories.

A Personal Journey Through Design

Originally from Old Westbury, New York, Jessica moved to Ireland in 2021 with her family to provide Keira with the opportunity to experience life in Ireland. Jessica’s passion for photography began at a young age, influenced by her upbringing. “I fell in love with photography when I was 14,” she recalls. Her academic journey included a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University and a master’s in photographic journalism from Westminster City University in London.

Jessica’s career has taken her around the globe, allowing her to refine her eye for architecture and design. She has worked with notable clients, including Fortune 500 CEOs and celebrities, yet she emphasizes that the most rewarding aspect of her work remains capturing the essence of family homes. “Many residences feature the kitchen as the heart of the home,” she observes, underscoring its significance in family life.

Her book, House Love: Moor Baker Architects, showcases the work of a Florida-based architectural firm and highlights homes that resonate with her own aesthetic sensibilities. The book features a chapter titled “Windsor Symmetry,” which particularly stands out to her. “It is strikingly beautiful yet understated,” she notes. This chapter reflects her vision for her own kitchen, where thoughtful design meets everyday functionality.

As she continues to balance her life between Ireland and the US, Jessica remains committed to her craft. She travels to the US multiple times a year for work while nurturing her family’s new life in Ireland. In her light-filled kitchen in Co Mayo, she dreams of inviting fellow artists like Francois Halard, a renowned French architectural photographer, for a coffee chat.

This melding of personal and professional life in a beautifully designed space exemplifies Jessica Klewicki Glynn’s journey as a photographer and a homeowner, revealing the heartwarming connection between family, design, and creativity.