Issuu

MEADOWS & BYRNE meadowsandbyrne.com

AW ‘26

Scan to download our brochure

0404 64466 www.housekitchens.ie @housekitchens

TH E PAI NT E V E RYON E I S TA LKI NG A B OU T.

Colour: Sylvia Beach 100 Prestige Multi-Surface Matt

SC A N TO SE E W H AT T H E Y A R E S AY I NG F L E E T WO O D. I E / P R EST I G E

N OVAMOBI L E

home HOUSE AND

September/October 2026

Cover photograph Lynda Kenny

64 Real homes

Updates

64 NEW YORK STATE OF MIND COVER STORY: A Sandymount semi swaps period convention for industrial loft-style family living

18 NEWS All that’s stylish and happening in home décor right now

80 LEGACY OF STYLE

24 WE’RE OBSESSED WITH TAMO, the furniture brand with Scandinavian calm and Slavic soul

26 CARAMEL MOCHA Trend: Create the perfect moody backdrop for cosy autumn evenings

28 FRINGE BENEFITS Trend: Tassels and trims for movement, texture, and a touch of whimsy

30 ENTRANCE MAKER Trend: The pieces that set the tone for your whole home

32 INSPIRING SPACE A bold Atlantic retreat on the Co Clare coast where wild and warmth co-exist

62 ASK THE EXPERT How to hang pictures perfectly the first time? We asked practical home care guru Laura deBarra

160MY HOUSE AND HOME Ennistymon-based eco-builder and TV presenter, Harrison Gardner on turning a an old stone cottage into a family home

An Edwardian home by the sea is quietly and carefully brought back to life

96 FAITH RESTORED An English countryside bolthole is a masterclass in pairing period features with modern comfort

110 INSIDE HER STYLE Edel Kinane’s detail-obsessed home where fashion and interiors collide

154 TRUE TO FORM An iconic Art Deco landmark on the Salthill prom is reimagined as a family home

154

148

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Sive O’Brien sive@houseandhome.ie DESIGN Art Director Marlene Wessels

78 110

ADVERTISING Commercial Brand Director Jane Forrest, Jane@houseandhome.ie PUBLISHING Distribution: Newspread PHOTOGRAPHY Lynda Kenny, Elyse Kennedy, Marlene Wessels, Ben Anders CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Power, Nikki Walsh, Orla Neligan, Ruth O’Connor, Sophia Arceo, Sophie McKenna CEO Karen Hesse PRINTING Boylan Print Group GO DIGITAL Log on to Houseandhome.ie or download our App for a digital download straight to your phone or tablet.

30th anniversary 36 THE INSIDER’S EDIT: 30 YEARS OF EXPERT ADVICE The nuggets of wisdom worth keeping from the people who build, design and renovate Irish homes

114 30 OF OUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE ROOMS A look back at the Irish homes and spaces that have stayed with us over the years

126 THE 30 YEAR HOME How future-proof is your home? And which are the elements that will help build a home that lasts. Twelve experts reveal the secrets to follow now for home longevity

House and Home is published by House and Home Publishing Limited.

Living rooms 140 ANATOMY OF A LIVING ROOM What deﬁnes a beautifully designed living room? We challenged three interior designers to answer the question with diﬀerent budgets

148 SEATING ESSENTIALS Shopping: Find your perfect perch this Autumn with modular sofas, armchairs, and dining banquettes for every space

All prices quoted in House and Home are correct at time of going to press, however readers are advised to check cost and availability before buying. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publishers. House and Home magazine sells more copies on newsstands, nationwide, than any other Irish interiors title

R AT

Photography Nathalie Marquez Courtney

YEARS

96 - 2026

Happy Birthday, to us Welcome to our bumper Autumn issue, celebrating three decades of publishing Ireland’s best-selling interiors magazine. 30 years is a milestone, but it’s also a legacy built by many hands. Karen Hesse, our publisher (pictured, right), has steered the ship through every squall. The editors who came before me set the standard I still measure against. Our writers, stylists, and photographers have crossed countless thresholds, returning with design shortcuts and hard-won renovation knowledge. And let’s not forget the homeowners who opened their doors, sharing tales of walls that needed three tries, budgets that stretched, and the existential crisis of choosing between forty shades of white. Ireland’s top architects, designers, and builders still give us the real story before the glossy reveal. That kind of trust has taken 30 years to build with leading experts, and we retell it to spark ideas and fuel thousands of makeovers across the country.

Karen Hesse, publisher of House and Home

To mark the occasion, we’ve pulled out all the stops: 30 of our all-time favourite rooms. The spaces we still think about (pg 114). The insider’s edit: 30 years of expert advice. The best trusted know-how over the years (pg 36). The 30-year home. The definitive building and design choices that are worth the spend for longevity and resale value (pg 126). Anatomy of a living room. We cost out exactly what your money buys at every price point, from starter refresh to no-limits renovation (pg 140). Also inside: five real homes, from Dublin’s city streets to Galway’s wild edges and even across the Irish Sea. Ten heritage Irish brands that have outlasted every fad to become household legends. Sofas, armchairs, dining banquettes, and all the latest finds, cherry-picked by the House and Home team. This anniversary issue lands at exactly the right moment: autumn is when homeowners stop looking outward and start looking at their own four walls, what needs fixing, updating, or simply making cosier. 30 years on, the advice still stands: let your home tell its story. We’ll keep sharing ours, and yours.

SIVE O’BRIEN, Editorial Director

Scan our QR code and get following, engaging, and chatting on Instagram @houseandhomemagazine Pinterest @houseandhomemag Sign up to our tribe or subscribe to the digital magazine: Houseandhome.ie

New Collection

‘In the Garden’ Eight cultivated wallpaper designs inspired by National Trust gardens Order samples and a complimentary colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.ie Colour Consultancy service available nationwide and online

littlegreene.ie

PHOTOGRAPH ELYSE KENNEDY

YEARS Step inside our anniversary edition and a season of fresh thinking for the home

30 years of stepping over thresholds from Donegal to Dún Laoghaire have taught us this: the best homes are never flawless, but always full of life. In the pages that follow, we pull back the curtain on the stories behind the spaces, revisit our most-loved rooms, discover what the experts believe will have longevity at home for the next 30 years, share the homeware finds we’d fight over, and gather the kind of hard-won wisdom you only pick up after decades spent poking around Ireland’s most interesting homes. Make yourself comfortable...

FRAME OF MIND

The brainchild of Garvan McVerry, Alison Ring and Jimmy Hawkshaw, a trio with an eye for ﬁne art photography, this is the hottest new Irish online gallery to watch. Each print is made to order, impeccably framed and ready to hang. Collecting art feels less like a distant dream and more like a weekend plan, from €230. Weekendhousehq.com

NEWS IT’S OH SO

QUIET

The House and Home edit new launches, fresh obsessions and everything catching our eye BY JENNIFER POWER

Interior designer Carla Benedetti has recently launched The Quiet Edit, a curated online collection of furniture, lighting, art, vintage finds and home accessories. Reflecting her understated aesthetic, the edit celebrates craftsmanship, natural materials and timeless one-off pieces. Thequietedit.ie

KELLY WEARSTLER X H&M

Kelly Wearstler’s sun-drenched California style just got easier to bring home. Her limited-edition H&M Home collection just launched and brings curved forms, tactile textures and earthy tones, at a snip, Hm.com 18

A NEW ERA Morris & Co. brings heritage designs into modern interiors with this just-launched Colours of Morris collection. Expect nature-inspired motifs, contemporary colours and metallic ﬁnishes, while iconic patterns are reworked into new palettes, honouring the brand’s roots. From €52 per roll, Wmorrisandco.com, Diy.ie

Kelly Wearstler x H&M Etrine tray, €149; Avern armchair, €499; Hm.com

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED SWITCHES & SOCKETS Creators of The Invisible Lightswitch®

forbesandlomax.com

On the House and Home team’s

RADAR this summer

HISTORY, BUFFED A collection crafted from reclaimed timber salvaged from the historic sporting Anglesea Stand at the RDS. Table, €1,123; pendant, €895; lamp, €435, Copperﬁsh.ie

DUO LINGO

Jessica and Peter O’Mahony are speaking their own language of beautiful design and have spent ﬁve years building something worth waiting for.

INVISIBLE LAYER

Their new home and garden brand Sow-sé - named for “sow,” to plant and begin, and “sé,” the Irish word for six, a nod to Peter’s rugby number - has just launched, and it’s worth the wait.

The spaces we live in are shaped by more than furniture alone. EZ Living Interiors’ new Signature Scent collection explores the role of fragrance in creating a warm and inviting home, with notes including bergamot, cardamom, iris, cedarwood and amber. From €17, Ezliving-interiors.ie

At the heart of the collection are architectural raised beds and planters, designed and made in Ireland from powder-coated steel, drawn from nature’s own geometry. Hexagons run throughout - found in ﬂowers, honeycomb and fruit - giving the range a visual backbone that is in keeping with nature.

WEST COAST

GLOW

Foxford has just launched its limited-edition Sunset Collection, inspired by the vibrant evening skies of Ireland’s west coast. Woven at the brand’s historic mill in County Mayo, the luxurious mohair throws are available in six stunning new shades, €129, Foxford.com

Alongside the garden pieces, Sow-sé oﬀers home fragrances handmade in Cork in small batches, woven baskets for indoor and outdoor storage, and Ready Set Grow - a children’s picture book illustrated by Ciara Coogan, following the journey from seed to harvest. “We wanted to build something worth waiting for,” say the founders. “A garden is never really done. Neither are we.” For more from this dynamic duo, head to Sowse.ie

The Strand Collection Handwoven from natural materials, each rug in The Strand Collection is inspired by Ireland’s beautiful landscapes. Enjoy free 1-2 day delivery throughout Ireland.

On the House and Home team’s

RADAR DUBLIN DESIGN WEEK

Have you ever walked into a beautifully designed space and wondered exactly how it came to feel that way? Dublin Design Week is your chance to find out - directly from the people who made it happen. Running September 16–20, five days of talks, roundtables, studio visits and intimate design conversations take place across Dublin, from Anantara The Marker hotel to showrooms and studios throughout the city. This is not a passive experience. It is a chance to sit in the same room as Ireland’s most celebrated architects, interior designers and makers - people like Jasper Conran (pictured below), Róisín Lafferty, Sara Cosgrove and Brian Woulfe (all featured in this issue in the following pages) - and ask them the questions you actually want answered. Whether you are mid-renovation, dreaming of one, or simply passionate about beautiful spaces, this needs to be marked in your diary. Designweekdublin.com, @designweekdublin

THE FOLLOW LIST Instagram inspiration delivered, consider this your intro CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT, HEATHER BARNES @wearetomorrows Heather founded lifestyle store Tomorrows after discovering a network of artisans through her years working with the United Nations. Now open in the Westbury Mall, Dublin, this is a destination for objects with soul and purpose. CLAIRE RYAN @claireryanluke Claire Ryan is the co-host of the Big Garden Little Garden podcast and a firstyear allotment grower. Her debut candle line has just launchest: Orange Flower and Rose Geranium. KILLIAN McNULTY @killianmcnultygallery Killian has spent decades with an extraordinary eye for mid-century design - first at Historic Interiors, the legendary film prop studio, and now at his self-titled gallery. His page is a masterclass in the art of the found object.

NEW PIN DROP Irish interiors brand Jaqi has opened its second store in Malahide. Founded by interior designer Jackie Tracey, the new space reflects the brand’s commitment to thoughtful purchasing, and creating distinctive, personal homes, Jaqi.ie Vical Aike vase, €85; Kristina Dam Studio simple stool, €259; Jaqi.ie 22

- Sandyford - Kylemore - Cork

- Galway - Kilkenny - Limerick

Mirage - Palmira Italian Porcelain

- Tralee - Ennis - Sligo

- Wexford - Navan - Athlone

INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATIONS

BATHROOM DESIGN

090 6424000 - info@tubstiles.ie - tubstiles.ie

BY SIVE O’BRIEN

The TAMO Aloox modular furniture system blends natural solid wood with precision-engineered aluminium, from €1,091, Cadesign.ie

WE’RE OBSESSED WITH... If you’ve ever wished your furniture felt less like a showroom set and more like a statement, you’ll understand the pull of TAMO. It’s a rare kind of discovery, and for good reason: in a world where design often feels copied and predictable, this collection stands out with unmistakable character while still feeling functional and built for how we live. Born on the Baltic coast in 2015, TAMO’s story starts in Gdynia, where its studio still breathes life into an historic tobacco 24

TAMO

granary perched above the water. Each piece is hand-built in intimate, family-run workshops - and you can sense the craftsmanship in every curve. Think furniture that radiates Scandinavian serenity, anchored by Slavic soul, crafted from solid ash, oak, stone, glass, wool, and aluminium, all chosen because they only get better with time. Here’s where TAMO breaks the mould. The way it creates. Collaborating with daring designers from Poland and beyond, every collection is sparked by a true

meeting of minds - a vibrant dialogue between vision and hands-on craft. The result? Signature pieces like the Aloox system (pictured above), Citrus high coffee table, and Arche chair - objects you collect, not just buy. And that’s the TAMO magic. Forget ﬂeeting trends; these are soulful objects with staying power, future heirlooms that have been made to last and that are destined to be part of your family's story for decades to come. Available from Cadesign.ie

SAVOUR THE MOMENT. ETO sliding quadrant door in Brushed Brass on Gemstone Onyx Black tray – Largy, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

FIND YOUR FLAIR Telephone +353 42 966 8000 FLAIRSHOWERS.COM

11 3

5 9

6 8 7

t ren d

Create the perfect moody backdrop for cosy autumn evenings 1 Rufus pendant light, €114.76, Hickenlighting.com 2 Mocha print, from €28,95, Iamfy.co 3 Annadale Brickworks stoneware cup, €40.50, Irishdesignshop.com 4 Shades Bronzite 5067 wallpaper, €54,90 per roll, Borastapeter.com 5 Ängslilja duvet cover set, €35, Ikea.ie 6 Esme smoky recycled glass vase, €25, Dwellbyeilishrickard.com 7 Yuti Ivory multi cushion, €135, Hedgeroe.com 8 Franklin occasional chair, €649, Diamondfurniture.ie 9 Ferm Living Figure cushion, €69, Industryandco.com 10 LED table lamp, €9.36, Sostrenegrene.com 11 Reinfann wool mix throw, €20, jysk.ie

BY MARLENE WESSELS

CARAMEL MOCHA

WOO.design WOO.design Furniture. Décor. Speciality Coffee. FURNITURE SHOWROOM & CAFÉ 107 D U DUBLIN VISIT US

@woodesign.ie |

@woo e.dublin

2 10 11 4 3

5 6

t ren d

Tassels and trims for movement, texture, and a touch of whimsy 1 Duck egg blue fringed light shade, €79, Next.ie 2 Indira Deco cushion, long fringe, €215, Strandroadireland.com 3 Laura Ashley Theodora tassel tieback, Rosewood, €33.72, Etsy.com 4 TOV Furniture fabric table lamp, €51.99, Wayfair.ie 5 Morris & Co. Tulip and Bird amaranth and blush fabric, €185, Courthouseinteriors.com 6 Bungalow Rose large ottoman coﬀee table, €265.99, Wayfair.ie 7 Atlanta sofa, to order, Oriorfurniture.com 8 Rockett St George Lips print Munro swivel chair, €662.50, Next.ie 9 Hans-Agne Jakobsson fringe table lamp in pale pink, €573, Finnishdesignshop.com 10 Fringed mohair-blend blanket, €99.99, Hm.com 11 Röllakan Hilma rug, from €595, Nordicelements.com

BY MARLENE WESSELS

FRINGE BENEFITS

4 2

3 12

7 10

9 8

t ren d

The pieces that set the tone for your whole home 1 Pebble metal curved wall mirror, €105, Marksandspencer.ie 2 Coat and hat stand, €139, Meadowsandbyrne.com 3 8873 Aspö Stripe wallpaper, €78 a roll, Borastapeter.com 4 LoftLight Olemi pendant lamp, €449, Woodesign.ie 5 Heidi in the Garden signed print, from €22, Jamartfactory.com 6 Dawn table lamp, €424.15, Boconcept.com 7 Coat rack with shelf, €23.60, Sostrenegrene.com 8 Valtorp bench with storage, €199, Ikea.ie 9 Tummy vase, €32, Article.ie 10 Natural bordered jute runner rug, €103,60, Kukoonrugs.com 11 Handmade vase with stripes, large, €40, Dwellbyeilishrickard.com 12 Hello scalloped doormat, €23.50, Oliverbonas.com

BY MARLENE WESSELS

ENTRANCE MAKER

PA R T N E R S H I P

GUARANTEED IRISH We spend a lot of time thinking about what goes into our homes: where a piece was made, who made it, and how long it will last. These are questions the Guaranteed Irish symbol has been answering for over 50 years. Established in 1974, Guaranteed Irish is the national symbol of trust and provenance, championing businesses rooted in Ireland. Its familiar 'g' is far more than a 'made in Ireland' badge. It is awarded only after a rigorous, independent appraisal, and it stands for three things that are hard to fake: good-quality Irish jobs, a real commitment to local communities, and genuine provenance, with a meaningful share of every product's value created right here at home. Today more than 2,500 member businesses carry the licence, together sustaining over 150,000 jobs around the country. For anyone furnishing a home, it is a quiet shorthand for the things worth buying into: skill, longevity, sustainability and a sense of place. It means your money stays closer to home, supporting the studios, factories and family ﬁrms that keep Irish making alive. The nine member brands on these pages show what that looks like across the home, from kitchens and bathrooms to beds, ﬂooring, cushions and candles. Each one is proof that choosing Irish is a choice that lasts.

1 Murphy Home, family-owned furniture business since 1974, Murphyhome.ie 2 Torc Candles, Irish-made scented candles and diffusers, Torccandles.com 3 Cash & Carry Kitchens, Irish-made kitchens from East Cork, Cashandcarrykitchens.ie 4 Scatter Box, cushions and throws designed in Ireland, Scatterbox.ie 5 Soft Bedding Co, duvets, pillows and toppers made in Westport, Softbedding.ie 6 Des Kelly Interiors, made-to-measure carpets, flooring and beds, Deskelly.ie 7 Image Showers, certified shower doors made in Kilkenny since 1989, Imageshowers.com 8 SONAS Bathrooms, Ireland's leading bathroom brand, Sonasbathrooms.com 9 Wild Atlantic Wicks, hand-poured Galway candles, each with a cúpla focal, Wildatlanticwicks.com Supporting business that supports Ireland.

BY SOPHIA ARCEO

THE DETAILS

Armada House Spanish Point, Co Clare, Ireland Armadaspanishpoint.ie

INSPIRING SPACE Armada House

A bold Atlantic retreat on the Co Clare coast where the wild and the warm sit side by side THE SPACE It’s hard to overstate the impact of Armada House. Perched on the edge of Mal Bay, Armada House is one of those places that stays with you. Designed by Suzie McAdam, who spent her childhood summers on this coastline, the 13-bedroom property lets its 1807 bones speak while layering in something bold: deep Atlantic blues, dune greens and warm reds drawn from the Burren and the painted villages of West Clare. The parlour glows in ochre. The piano room - home to a baby grand, reputedly once owned by Fred Astaire - is dressed in soft lavender across 30 different fabrics. Art by Irish painters runs throughout; murals by Michael Dillon fill the Ocean Bar and Pierre Frey papers line the walls of Mabel’s, the breakfast room named after the last lady of the house. The Atlantic isn’t just the backdrop here. It’s the whole point.

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME Armada House proves that coastal doesn’t have to mean blue and white. McAdam drew from the wild landscape and flipped it, making the interiors the warm, vibrant, uplifting counterpoint. At home, start with a colour story rooted in where you are, then commit to it through texture, art and layering.

DESIGN NOTES BOLD COASTAL PALETTE Deep burgundy, plum, and seaweed green sing against warm bronze and timber, creating a sense of grounded opulence. NATURAL TEXTURES Linen, aged wood, and tactile fabrics capture the wild soul of the Atlantic, tempering the richness of the palette with tactility. THE PIANO ROOM Large windows frame the bay beyond, creating an easy conversation between the room, and the constantly shifting light off the water. 32

FIND SIMILAR AT IKAT SHADE Red Ikat shade for sconce, €52, Mavericksoulinteriors.com PETAL WALL SCONCE Julie Neil antique gold leaf petal Alberto sconce, €701, Visualcomfort.com WAVED HANDBASIN Wavy porcelain sink, €1,126, Londonbasincompany.com BEDSIDE TABLE Bloomingville pink Isola side table, €179, Nordicnest.com SOFA FABRIC Woodstock Bakhmal ikat fabric, €219 per metre, Mindtheg.com POUFFE Orange Blossom stool with fringe, €770, Juliannekellyinteriors.ie BEDROOM CEILING LAMP Scalloped floating rattan console table, €295, Amberandwillow.com

Houseandhome.ie

PA R T N E R S H I P

THE ART OF AN

Autumn Table The Primark Home Harvest collection brings the warmth of the season indoors, with painterly fruits, trailing vines, and harvest vegetables in wine, olive, and burnt orange

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Ceramic pumpkin, €6; full harvest orange wreath, €21; gingham pumpkin, €7; pumpkin mug, €5; metal squirrel ornament, €6; room sachet, €1.30

STYLE YOUR AUTUMNAL HOME NOSTALGIC PRINTS Vintage table linens and countrysideinspired patterns featuring painterly fruits, trailing vines and harvest vegetables bring warmth. A GROUNDED PALETTE Deep wine reds, olive greens and burnt oranges are anchored by soft neutrals, for easy layering.

MIX AND LAYER Printed ceramics and textiles work as focal accents - not matching, is the point. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT Pieces that move well beyond autumn. Depth, character and a sense of tradition translate naturally to tables, shelves and soft furnishings all year long.

Shop the Primark Home Harvest collection at selected Penneys stores

30 YEARS THE INSIDERS’ EDIT

of expert advice

The people who build, design and renovate Irish homes know things no search engine can tell you before you start a project. We’ve spent 30 years asking the experts. Here’s the advice worth keeping INTERVIEWS BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

COMPILED BY SIVE O’BRIEN

FROM DRAB TO FAB “Colour added at random -

BIFOLD WINDOWS 101

a cushion here, an accessory there - makes a room feel scattered. Focus on colour, light, and texture, not furniture. Choose a favourite tone and repeat it in two or three places for cohesion. Controlled, intentional colour is our most transformative tool: even small changes can transform how a room feels.” Zoe Willis, interior designer, Zoewillisdesign.com

“A bifold kitchen sink window is a modern nod to the classic sink-under-the-window layout, connecting seamlessly to the outdoors without losing countertop or storage space, and turning the sink area into a serving hatch when paired with an extended, frostproof worktop and stools. They work best against a wall when stacked. An outward-opening bifold keeps circulation space inside clear. Don’t sacriﬁce a glazed door for one; instead, create a generous separate access door to the garden.” Courtney McDonnell, architect and founder, Courtneymcdonnell.com

PHOTOGRAPH PETER MOLLOY

THE NEW RULES OF OUTDOOR PLANTING THE RED PAINT EFFECT “A scarlet pop where it’s least expected is an age-old designer secret. A dash of bold tone, in artwork, furniture, or the inside of a painted window frame, grounds a scheme while keeping it dynamic.” Helen Shaw, Benjamin Moore, Benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

“Wild, Mediterranean-style planting is on trend as extreme weather becomes a bigger concern. Choose droughtresistant perennials and waterabsorbing grasses like Carex, Hakonechloa and Panicum ‘Prairie Sky’, with Salvias for colour. Multistemmed trees add interest - one as a focal point in a small space, repeated for structure in a large bed. Colour-block planting is more impactful than a mix: cluster similar hues and heights in large numbers.” Jo McGarry, co-founder, Caraghnurseries.ie

DECLUTTER

“Start small - a wardrobe or drawer gives a quick win and builds confidence. Empty contents onto a clear surface and categorise: love it, need it, is it functional, where will it live? Donate, sell, or gift rather than bin. Label storage so everything is visible and easily accessible.” Hazel Burton, founder, The Home Reset, Thehomereset.ie

UTILITY ROOM RULES

1 Site the utility near the outdoors, so mucky boots and wet coats don’t get dragged through the house. 2 Plan for your real needs. Today’s utility rooms double as cloakroom, boot room, drying room and pet-washing station. 3 Give everything a dedicated place with pull-out units for recycling, laundry and shoes. 4 Max out height. Stack the washing machine and dryer and take units to the ceiling. The sink matters less than you’d think. 5 Include a hanging rack for drying, plus a seat and shoe rack. Lorraine Stevens, interior architect and founder, LOMI Design, Lomi.ie

06 Houseandhome.ie

THE BIGGEST KITCHEN MISTAKE

“The biggest mistake is failing to prioritise spending: aim for 60% on cabinetry, 20% on worktops, 20% on appliances. Allow for plumbing, wiring, lighting and decor. Start with layout - walkways, light, sociability, and storage. Get the basics right, and the rest becomes more enjoyable.” Dave Fagan, director, Kubeinteriors.com

THE OUTDOOR PAINT JOB, STEP-BY-STEP

Ideal weather Avoid full sun or already warm surfaces; they aﬀect how the paint dries. Prep Remove ﬂaking paint and loose material. Treat powdery surfaces with masonry stabiliser and fungal growth with fungicidal wash or 25% bleach solution, then clean thoroughly. Prime Apply masonry primer, diluted 5–25% with water, depending on substrate porosity. Tools Use a synthetic bristle brush or short-nap wool roller for smooth surfaces; longer nap for textured. Product Choose durable, dirt-resistant paint with anti-fungal properties. Application Apply two coats, four hours apart, brushing in one direction. Never paint over areas that have started to dry. Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Littlegreene.com

PHOTOGRAPH ELYSE KENNEDY

ARCHES “Arches aren’t just decorative - they’re functional. The curve of an arched window draws the eye outside and adds softness. They work best when echoing existing elements. Creating new arches can be costly; glazing bars in an existing frame are a solution. Repeat the arched form throughout, like in curved furniture, mirrors or lighting for continuity.” Donna Collins, architect & designer, Dot-projects.co.uk

THE SENSORY HOME “Sensory design engages

COLOURED FRAMES

sight, sound, touch, smell and taste to shape how a space feels, not just how it looks.

“Coloured frames can transform a property’s atmosphere without major structural change, but the choice matters. A period property has its own architectural language; frames painted in a shade from the era’s palette feel integrated. Consider the context of the property and its neighbours; harmony is in everyone’s interest. Go bold where the setting can carry it - an urban, mixed-density site, and choose ﬁnishes carefully: textured matt reads richer and less reﬂective than gloss.” Declan Scullion, founder & director, Scullion.ie

Surround yourself with ‘happy triggers’, objects that bring comfort. Manage sound with acoustic panels or soft furnishings and let nature’s sounds or music shape an indoor soundscape. Choose grounding, natural textures like cotton, linen, and wood over cold, shiny materials. Use fragrance to soothe, and make the kitchen and dining area warm and sociable, where taste and connection meet.” Pippa Jameson, author and founder, Thesensoryhome.com

ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME Upgrade the bathroom A fresh, clean, hygienic bathroom makes a home more appealing to buyers, even in a difficult market. Convert the loft Such an affordable way to add sleeping space. Check with your local planning authority first. Add an extension Homes are valued by floor area, so a groundfloor extension adds value affordably, provided you skip the priciest kitchen and stay within permitted development. Connect with the garden Treat the garden as an extension of your home. Bi-fold doors or a controlled opening connect the two; zoning into four or five areas for lawn, cooking and relaxing costs far less than a renovation but adds instant appeal. Build a studio A garden studio increases your footprint and makes a brilliant home office. George Clarke, architect and TV personality, @mrgeorgeclarke

12 Houseandhome.ie

WHY HEAT PUMPS

“A heat pump is one of the smartest upgrades you can make:

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

a clean, electric system delivering heating, hot water and better air quality on far less energy. Modern models double as cooling in summer by reversing the heat exchange. They’re central to your home reaching top BER ratings and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. A typical three-bedroom home costs approximately €12,000-€18,000 for an air-source model, or €17,000-€28,000 for ground or water-source, with SEAI grants covering much of the cost for homes built before 2021.” Jenny Sheahan, Co-host, Rip It Up podcast @workerscottage

ELEVATE YOUR KITCHEN Focus on the island An island is the centrepiece of a luxury kitchen, not just a prep space. Use marble, quartz or rich wood to make a statement, and keep it functional with builtin storage, a prep sink and integrated seating, or a hidden charging point and wine fridge for extra polish. Plan in a pantry A breakfast pantry is one of the most overlooked spaces, ideal for dry goods and discreetly housing toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. Add a coffee dock A dedicated coffee station with hidden pod storage makes the morning ritual feel special. Hide the oven Pocket-door ovens keep the design seamless; the doors slide away when you need them. Big up the lights For a luxury look, choose sculptural lighting, a chandelier over the island or bold wall sconces that make a statement while doing their job. Geri O’Toole, interior designer, Geridesigns.ie

THE EASY-CARE HOUSEPLANT RULE “Manage your expectations: the easiest plants to care for do the most for mood and mental health. Pothos, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Asparagus Fern and Chinese Evergreen are good starters; Bird of Paradise makes a strong focal point, and orchids in a bright spot, watered only when the roots turn silver. Ignore generic care tags and check the soil instead; ideally, water with rainwater. If a plant can’t see the sky, it isn’t getting enough light.” Erin Thomas, founder, Hopelessbotanics.ie

THE EASIEST ENERGY FIX

“Swapping one halogen bulb for an LED saves around €7 a year, according to Electric Ireland.

Multiply that across every room, and it’s a serious dent in your bill. LEDs also last far longer, so you’re not constantly replacing bulbs, and today’s fittings come in every style - no more clunky old shapes.” Jo Linehan, sustainability editor, consultant, and owner of circular furniture platform, Gaff Shop, Shop.gaffinteriors.ie

EXPOSED CEILINGS “Exposing timber joists adds depth, drama and texture, creating zones from above without touching the floor. Ceilings can be louvred, criss-crossed or vaulted; standard planed white deal is the entry-level option, while quality carpentry and a higher-grade timber like red deal or oak gives a slicker finish. Exposed ceilings offer more lighting opportunities and hide smoke detectors well. Still, they’re subject to building control and fire regulations and generally only permitted in single-storey spaces or top-floor rooms with nothing habitable above. Bring in an electrician early; every wire and service needs to be concealed.” Colin McDonnell, founder, Foundarchitecture.com

PHOTOGRAPH STE MURRAY

WAYS TO CUT YOUR ENERGY BILL

PHOTOGRAPHY ELYSE KENNEDY

Replace windows/doors Triple glazing costs more but performs better than double glazing. Insulate the walls Wrapping external walls in insulation is noninvasive and, while pricier upfront than internal insulation, avoids costs like rewiring. SEAI grants help. Insulate the attic Most heat is lost through the roof. Attic insulation is cheap and easy; even an insulated loft may have only 100mm insulation, whereas modern homes need 400mm. Upgrade the boiler An energy-efficient boiler saves hundreds on heating bills. A wood-burning stove as a secondary heat source is efficient, safe and clean. Fit solar panels Solar panels generate your own power and you get paid for what you don’t use. They’re expensive upfront but pay back within five years, even without a battery. Patricia Power, quantity surveyor, Patriciapowerqspm.com

CHOOSING PAINT COLOURS “People want a home that reflects who they are, not what’s on trend. Think about how you want to feel - uplifted, cocooned, comforted - and choose colours that support that. Pick tones with depth and a slight hint of muddiness over saturated hues, avoid cool or acidic undertones, and you can’t go wrong with colours connected to nature. Colour is less jarring the more you use it, so don’t be afraid to wrap a room in one shade, then add stronger tones for moments of vibrancy. Always test out colours on large boards you can move around the space to see how light changes it through the day.” Róisín Lafferty, interior designer, and collaborator with Fleetwood Prestige, Roisinlafferty.com

THE ONE-THIRD RULE FOR GARDENS “A well-designed garden should feel like part of your home. Keep it simple, one-third hardscaping, (limit to three materials - porcelain, natural stone, timber or gravel) to two-thirds planting. Build in focal points, several if the garden is large, and zone even a small space. Don’t forget the verticals: a pergola for height, a living wall or built-in seating. Plan for all seasons with evergreens for structure, layered planting and climbers like Star Jasmine.” Dean Lacey, garden designer and founder, Landart.ie

4 RENOVATION RULES

1 Change surfaces Updating floor and wall surfaces transforms a home without necessarily costing much. Match materials to the room: absorbent surfaces like carpet suit big rooms; lightreflective surfaces like painted walls and wood suit small areas. 2 Think sustainably Build in green upgrades, from LED lighting to solar panels, and favour companies with strong eco credentials. Small changes compound. 3 Start at the top When insulating, work down from the attic, then windows, doors, walls, and floors. Heat rises, so insulated walls count for little if the attic isn’t done. 4 Reuse and recycle Reuse existing materials where you can; it saves money and keeps items out of landfill. Roof slates can be lifted and reused, timber doors dipped and stripped. Peter Finn, Builder & RTÉ Home Rescue presenter, @pete_thebuilder

Houseandhome.ie

22 “Light your garden for how it will look when fully mature, not for how it looks now. Pick key focal points, trees, water features, sculptures, and light those well rather than lighting everything; over-illumination looks harsh. Light either side of sliding doors to draw the eye outward; lighting directly in front creates unwanted reﬂections. Statement ﬁxtures, oversized globe pendants clustered or solo, add impact, and a controllable feature light at the garden’s end anchors the view. For planting, mount spotlights on trees rather than adding spikes at ground level, which will only disappear as plants mature, and add recessed marker lights to paths.” Rocky Wall, lighting designer, Wink.ie

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

GARDEN LIGHTING RULES

THINK LIKE A DESIGNER “Do a spatial audit of your

home ﬁrst. Homeowners often assume an extension is the answer when the existing layout, once optimised, can work. Consider the sun too: large south-west glazing in main living areas causes solar gain issues in many renovations; great in theory, but not if the room overheats. Factor in window treatments, recessed blinds or curtains, at build stage, alongside external shading if needed.” Susan McGowan, founder & creative director, Ashenandcloud.com

THE ART OF LAYERING “Spaces that feel relaxed and

unforced are all about layering, less a fixed look than a composition of texture and finish across textiles, artwork and materiality, and a mix of eras: modern softened by vintage, clean lines against timeworn forms. One-off pieces with character are central, especially the patina that develops over time. Keep it calm rather than cluttered with a harmonious colour range, so individual pieces read clearly without competing.” Carla Benedetti, interior designer, Carlabenedetti.com and Thequietedit.ie 44

HeatDesign Press Ad HouseMag_150425.pdf 1 16/04/2025 10:55:47

Sleek. Sleek. Stylish. Stylish. Striking. Striking.

Where Where innovation innovation meets meets ambience ambience

ELECTRIC ELECTRIC

WOOD BURNING WOOD BURNING

MULTI-FUEL MULTI-FUEL

LEAN INTO LIMEWASH “Limewash uses natural mineral pigments for a chalky, textured, eco-friendly finish that develops a rich patina over time. Prep walls well (no dust or dirt), then apply thin layers in a cloud motion with a naturalfibre brush, overlapping strokes slightly to blend. Darker colours texture more than lighter ones, and more coats mean a smoother finish. Once you start a wall, finish it; stopping halfway causes blending issues. Limewash is breathable and anti-fungal, ideal for children’s rooms, and can be used in bathrooms with a protective, water-resistant coating. Avoid high-traffic areas; marks can’t be repaired, and remember it dries much lighter than it goes on.” Anna Bougharbel, owner, Maisonannab.com @iaorana_house

THE RESTORATIVE HOME

“Neuro design draws on five pillars: stress management, sleep, movement, diet and social connection, to shape a home that supports how we think and feel. The single best tip: work with fractal patterns, the repeating natural shapes our brains find calming, through fabric and wallpaper, paired with natural materials and soft, organic furniture. Design for rest with dark walls, warm low lighting and a clutterfree bedroom kept at 16 to 18 degrees. Build in movement, put the washing machine upstairs, and strengthen ties with a kitchen island for cooking together or a sofa built for gathering, not the television.” Emma Webb, WELL-certified interior designer, Webb.ie

RUGS.IE

27 KITCHEN COUNTER MISTAKES “The most common mistake is choosing countertop materials for looks alone. Durability matters: natural stones like quartz and marble are stunning but porous and prone to staining, while Dekton is nearly bulletproof but pricier. With some replica stone, the pattern only sits on the surface rather than running through it.” David Dempsey, designer, Noeldempsey.com

Sleek, stylish and simply stunning. From its elegant curves to its luxurious fabric, this contemporary sofa is designed to make a statement.

GROVE 4 SEATER SOFA | €1,559

EXPLORE THE GROVE

Ted Baker Grove 4 seater sofa, scatter cushions available at extra cost. See in selected stores or online for details. Delivery charges apply. dfs.ie

COLOUR DRENCHING “Colour drenching means painting everything the same shade - walls, woodwork, ceiling, radiator - in a flat finish for a seamless, immersive flow. Apply the usual principles: consider the room’s aspect, the colours you’re drawn to, and how you want it to feel. Drenching a lofty room drops the ceiling and adds a cocooning feel; in a small space, it eliminates visual noise. Every room still needs lightness and tension, though, so avoid a sofa or bedspread in the same shade. Contrast is essential.” Patrick O’Donnell, colour expert, Farrow-ball.com

BREAKING UP AN OPEN PLAN

“Architraves and archways are usually functional rather than decorative. Turn that on its head and give them a lively colour. As it’s only a strip of paint, you can change it seasonally.” Joa Studholme, colour curator, Farrow-ball.com

THE PERFECT BOOT ROOM

“A boot room is the unsung hero of a busy family home, keeping mess out before it reaches the rest of the house. Site it near the utility room so muddy clothes have a direct line to the washing machine. Fit bespoke carpentry to the ceiling with child-height hooks, and add a Belfast sink, or a dog shower if there’s room. Practical doesn’t mean plain: go a little quirky with colour and pattern, and ﬁnish with hardwearing tongue and groove and ﬂoor tiles that hide the dirt.” Eilish Rickard, interior designer, Eilishrickardinteriors.com 48

BUY ONLINE 100% IRISH OWNED

1800 989 550 RI 0808 248 0296 NI

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY zinzan.ie

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED MID CENTURY COMFORT & DESIGN

R AT

PA R T N E R S H I P

YEARS

96 - 2026

When everything changed

AT HOME W

hen House and Home launched 30 years ago, Irish homes looked very different. Kitchens were becoming places to gather, bathrooms were beginning their journey from functional to fabulous, and the idea of the garden as another room was still some way off. A lot has changed in three decades. Along

the way, some brilliant brands have helped shape how we decorate, renovate and live, introducing us to new ideas, better design and more choice. To celebrate our 30th birthday, we’re looking back with some of the names who helped transform Irish homes, one room, one idea and one innovation at a time.

W H E N K I TC H E N S W E R E M A D E F O R L I V I N G

Aloco Kitchens

ome of the best Irish design stories have surprisingly small beginnings. Aloco Kitchens started life in a Dublin workshop in 1980, founded by the late Alan O’Connor Snr, his late brother Shay and Alan’s wife Kathleen O’Connor. More than four decades later, it remains a family-run business, but one that has grown into one of Ireland’s leading bespoke kitchen specialists. While kitchen styles and the way we use our homes have changed enormously in that time, Aloco’s approach has stayed refreshingly personal. Every kitchen is designed around the people who will live with it, combining craftsmanship, quality materials and bespoke, clever design to create a space that feels completely at home.

“For over 40 years, our family has been passionate about creating kitchens that bring people together. Every home has its own story, and we’re proud to design spaces that reflect each family’s lifestyle while delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personal service.” Alan O’Connor, CEO, Aloco Kitchens Alocokitchens.ie 52

W H E N T H E G A R D E N B E C A M E A N OT H E R R O O M

Caragh Nurseries

ne of the biggest changes to our homes over the past 30 years has happened outside. Gardens have become an extension of how we live, with spaces for cooking, entertaining, relaxing and even taking a sauna. Caragh Nurseries has been part of that transformation for more than three decades. What began as a family-run nursery in Co. Kildare has grown into a destination for everything from statement trees and beautiful planting to outdoor furniture, garden buildings, saunas and showers. Through it all, Caragh has stayed rooted in what it knows best: what grows well in Irish gardens, quality stock and honest, practical advice.

“For 30 years, we’ve helped people create gardens they genuinely use, spaces for morning coffee, family time and a bit of breathing room. Caragh is built on quality stock, straight advice and a team that cares about the result. The impact, for us, is in the repeat visits: customers who come back season after season because they trust what we do.” Jo McGarry, Caragh Nurseries Caraghnurseries.ie Houseandhome.ie

W H E N T H E S O FA B E C A M E T H E S TA R

DFS

he sofa has always been at the heart of the living room, but over the past 30 years it has become a real expression of personal style. With more than five decades of experience designing, making, selling and delivering sofas, DFS has evolved alongside the way we decorate our homes. Its growing range combines designs inspired by the latest trends with exclusive collections from Joules, Ted Baker and French Connection, and now includes beds and dining too. Across its stores in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Cork, and online, DFS offers plenty of choice and expert advice to help everyone find their ‘thing’, whatever their taste, space or budget.

LEFT Ted Baker Highgate 4 Seater Sofa in Primrose Velvet Blush, €1,879, available exclusively at DFS, Ted Baker Highgate 2 Seater Sofa in Kensington Boucle Cream, €1,749, available exclusively at DFS, Ted Baker Highgate Large Bench Footstool in Glacier Geometric Rose, €649, available exclusively at DFS BELOW LEFT Platinum® Capena King Power Ottoman King in Oyster, €1,689, available exclusively at DFS, Platinum® Capena Storage Ottoman, €455, available exclusively at DFS BELOW RIGHT French Connection Molten 4 Seater Sofa in Molten Plain Caramel, €1,799, available exclusively at DFS, DFS Amalie Accent Chair, €449

“At DFS, we pride ourselves on helping customers bring their ‘thing’ to life at home and create spaces that reflect their unique style, taste and personality. We take inspiration from around the world to bring the latest trends into our collections, so customers can easily incorporate the style they love into their interiors at an affordable price, without compromising on quality. Seeing customers in our Irish stores find the perfect thing for them is exactly why we do what we do.” Kellie Wyles, Head of Upholstery and Brands, DFS Dfs.ie 54

WHEN OUR HOMES BECAME AN EXPRESSION OF WHO WE ARE

EZ Living Interiors

hirty years ago, we didn’t talk quite so much about our ‘interior style’. Today, our homes say a lot about who we are, as we carefully choose furniture and accessories that make them feel truly personal. EZ Living Interiors has been part of that story from the start. Founded in Cork by James and Caroline White in 1988, the family business has grown from one store into one of Ireland’s leading furniture and interiors retailers. From the sofa we sink into at the end of the day to dining tables, lighting, rugs and finishing touches, it’s all about those choices that turn a house into a home.

“From our first store in Cork to where we are today, our greatest achievement has been creating homes and memories for generations of Irish families. We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, while remaining true to the family values that started it all.” Gavin White, Managing Director Ezliving-interiors.ie Houseandhome.ie

W H E N T H E S H OW E R S T E P P E D I N TO T H E S P OT L I G H T

Flair Showers

ABOVE Flair ORO offset sliding quadrant enclosure finished in Silver LEFT Flair ILI Infold enclosure with side panel finished in Brushed Brass BELOW Flair ETO Sliding enclosure finished in Brushed Bronze

ew rooms have changed as dramatically over the past 30 years as the bathroom. Once largely functional, today it can be a place to retreat, recharge and bring a little hotel-style luxury home. And the shower has become a design feature in its own right. Founded in Co. Cavan in 1952, Flair Showers is Ireland’s longest-established shower enclosure manufacturer and remains proudly Irish owned. Designed and engineered by its Dublin team, its ORO, ETO, ILI and AYO collections have won international design awards, while Flair showers and wet room systems can now be found in homes, high-end developments and luxury hotels across Ireland.

“Flair has been a trusted name in Irish bathrooms since 1952 and today, with the Murphy family at the helm, continues to build on that proud legacy. Our success has always been driven by a passion for design, innovation and genuine care, not only for our customers and the quality of our products, but also for our people and the communities around our business. Those values have shaped Flair for more than 70 years and continue to guide everything we do.” Gillian Furey, Marketing Manager, Flair Showers Flairshowers.com 56

W H E N T H E F I N I S H I N G TO U C H E S B E C A M E D E S I G N S TAT E M E N T S

Forbes & Lomax

ome of the biggest changes in interiors have been in the smallest details. Over the past 30 years, switches, sockets and other practical fittings have gone from things we barely noticed to carefully considered design choices. Forbes & Lomax was ahead of the curve. For almost 40 years, the company has combined timeless design with modern technology, pioneering The Invisible Lightswitch® and developing an extensive collection of elegant switches and sockets in beautiful finishes. A favourite with leading interior designers and architects, its products prove that when it comes to creating a really considered room, even the most functional details deserve our attention.

“Forbes & Lomax is unique as we combine timeless switches and sockets with modern innovation - from pioneering The Invisible Lightswitch® to creating a range of beautiful metal finishes, we have something to suit every interior style without compromising on our traditional, classic aesthetic. We are still based at our original workshop in South West London, where it all began nearly 40 years ago, using only the best British-sourced materials.” Gemma Mouton, Director, Forbes & Lomax Forbesandlomax.com Houseandhome.ie

W H E N I R I S H C R A F T F O U N D A N E W G E N E R AT I O N

Foxford

ew Irish brands are quite as woven into the story of our homes as FOXFORD. Founded by Mother Agnes in 1892 to create employment and support the local community, its Mayo mill has been producing beautiful wool blankets and throws for more than 130 years. While craftsmanship remains at its heart, FOXFORD has evolved into a contemporary lifestyle brand, bringing its distinctive Irish design sensibility to bedlinen, homewares, clothing and food. Today, you can experience the brand at the original mill in Foxford, its stores in Westport and Mount Congreve, and at Arnotts in Dublin.

“At FOXFORD, we use the finest quality yarns to create beautiful woven blankets, throws and scarves. For the past 20 years, we have worked with Irish designer Helen McAlinden on seasonal bedlinen and woven collections inspired by the west of Ireland. We are very proud of how we have blended our rich history with contemporary design to create a leading Irish heritage brand.” Joe Queenan, Managing Director, FOXFORD Foxford.com 58

W H E N W E S AW O U R H O M E S I N A W H O L E N E W L I G H T

Hicken Lighting

ighting is one of the unsung heroes of the past 30 years of interiors, creating atmosphere, highlighting beautiful details and changing how a space feels. Hicken Lighting has been making that magic happen since 1939, bringing some of the world’s most exciting lighting and design names to Irish homes. Its carefully curated collections span cool Scandinavian design, the reﬁned luxury of Visual Comfort and the distinctive style of Pure White Lines. Today, homeowners, interior designers and architects can discover the latest in international lighting design across Hicken’s Dublin showrooms.

“For generations, we’ve believed that great lighting is about more than simply illuminating a room. It creates atmosphere, brings a home to life and changes how a space feels. Our collections may have evolved over the years, but our passion for finding exceptional lighting and sharing it with our customers remains exactly the same.” Leah Baker, Hicken Lighting Hickenlighting.com

Hicken Lighting showroom in 1967

Houseandhome.ie

W H E N T H E K I TC H E N B E C A M E T H E H E A R T O F T H E H O M E

McNally Living

itchens have changed dramatically over the past 30 years, and McNally Living has had a front-row seat. The McNally family has been making premium kitchens in Ireland for more than 50 years, opening its Ballsbridge studio in 2001 as our appetite for beautifully designed kitchens really took off. Today, the kitchen is where we cook, eat, entertain and spend much of our time. At the recently upgraded studio, you can explore contemporary and classic kitchens from German specialists Leicht, alongside the latest appliances from Gaggenau, Miele, Bora and Siemens, with McNally’s designers on hand to help bring it all together.

“Over the past five decades, the McNally brand has become renowned for quality and creating bespoke kitchens that match the style of homeowners and work for day-today living. We use the finest materials to create kitchens that stand the test of time, together with the latest technology to make them as efficient as possible for modern lifestyles.” Mary Orr, Creative Director, McNally Living Mcnallyliving.ie 60

W H E N W E F E L L I N LOV E W I T H O L D A N D N E W

The Victorian Company

ur homes have become much more interesting over the past 30 years, as we’ve grown more confident about mixing old and new and bringing pieces with history and character into contemporary spaces. The Victorian Company was ahead of the curve. Founded in Dublin nearly 40 years ago by master craftsman Mark McDonagh, it began restoring Irish homes and creating handmade kitchens, doors and flooring. Today, that craftsmanship continues, while Mark and his wife Bróna’s love of antiques brings another layer to the story. Their Dundalk showroom mixes antique finds with contemporary furniture, custom sofas, lighting, accessories and Irish art, creating rooms that feel collected rather than simply decorated.

“For more than 37 years, we have helped people create homes with character. We marry the old with the new, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality and sustainably sourced materials to create interiors that can be lived with and enjoyed for generations.” Mark McDonagh, The Victorian Company Victoriancompany.ie Houseandhome.ie

I’ve just moved into a new home. What are the biggest mistakes people make when hanging pictures, and how do I get it right first time?

1 WEIGH IN THE PROBLEM Many people never check the maximum weight a fixing can take, which matters most with heavier pieces like mirrors and shelves.

THE FIX Multiply the piece’s

ASK THE

EXPERT

PAINT, ZOFFANY.DESIGN

HEADBOARD, DFS.IE

weight by at least 1.5, then choose a fixing rated for that load. For adhesive strips, multiply by three.

HOW TO HANG LIKE A PRO Cork-born and London-based, Laura de Barra is the bestselling author of Gaff Goddess and Decorate Your Gaff Like a Goddess, and one of the most trusted voices in practical home care. A property developer and illustrator by trade, she is loved for her straight-talking, genuinely useful advice, Lauradebarra.com

2 NAILING PLACEMENT THE PROBLEM There are countless ways to mark where to drill, and the fiddly ones tend to leave you with several holes in the wall.

THE FIX For a single hook, roll a small ball of masking tape, press it onto the

ART BY PHOEBE HOWARD, PARTNERSHIPEDITIONS.COM

frame’s hook or hole, then hold the frame against the wall exactly where you want it. The tape transfers the mark to the perfect spot. For two D-rings, run a strip of masking tape across the back so its ends sit over both hooks, mark each point, then peel the strip off and stick it to the wall. Adjust until it is level and drill straight through the tape.

TOP TIPS

TWO THINGS I NEVER SKIP 1 Use a cable detector before you drill. It takes the guesswork out entirely and is a wise buy for anyone starting a décor journey. 2 To avoid going too deep, lay the rawl plug alongside the drill bit and mark the depth on the bit with masking tape. It shows you exactly where to stop for a snug fit.

3 THE PERFECT MATCH THE PROBLEM The most common mistake is choosing the wrong fixing for the wall. Hollow and solid walls need very different things, and matching the two is the first step to a picture that stays put.

THE FIX First, work out whether your wall is hollow or solid. Hollow-wall fixings tend to be wider, and some flare open behind the plasterboard to grip it, while solid walls need far less. For the 1kg - 3kg frames most of us hang, a solid wall does well with a plastic three-pin hook, and a hollow wall wants the popular brass hook with an angled pin.

REAL HOMES

PHOTOGRAPH BY BEN ANDERS

Five stunning homes, each with a story of its own and Ideas worth borrowing

64 | 80 | 96 | 110 | 154 64 NEW YORK STATE OF MIND A Sandymount semi swaps period convention for industrial loft-style family living 80 LEGACY OF STYLE An Edwardian home by the sea is quietly and carefully brought back to life 96 FAITH RESTORED An English countryside bolthole is a masterclass in pairing period features with modern comfort 110 INSIDE HER STYLE Edel Kinane’s detail-obsessed home 154 TRUE TO FORM An iconic Art Deco landmark on the Salthill prom is reimagined as a family home

WHO LIVES HERE Marcus, Lydia, Baily and Brodie the dogs, and Marcus' two daughters, Marli and Darcey THE HOUSE Renovated semi-detached in Sandymount

New York

State of mind

A Sandymount semi swaps period convention for industrial loft-style living, inspired by New York's warehouse apartments BY O R L A NE L IGAN 64

P HOTO GRA PH S LY N DA K E N N Y

ST Y LING S O P H I E M C K E N N A

KITCHEN Reclaimed teak wall shelves from Industry & Co display a curated mix of plants, ceramics and books against the exposed brick. The Sage Barista Pro coﬀee machine is from Bear Market Coﬀee. A yellow Flos Bellhop rechargeable table lamp from Arredare adds a warm accent to the counter. The Quooker tap is from Dominic Smith

Houseandhome.ie

KITCHEN The island is anchored by an Olympus rustic planter by Alan Rudden Design for Arc Pots, with a trio of timber-topped bar stools alongside. The bi-fold doors by McGoldrick Fabrications fold back fully, dissolving the boundary between kitchen and garden

Houseandhome.ie

wouldn’t have spent a night here with the dog, let alone my family,” laughs Marcus Obernik, referring to his 1930s Sandymount semi-d which has come a long way since its humble beginnings, virtually untouched in its 90-plus years. Like a lot of turn-ofthe-century Dublin homes, the toilet was in the garden, the kitchen little more than a cramped scullery with room for one person at a gas cooker, and decades of piecemeal neglect had left the house in disrepair, stripped of much of its dignity. It takes a certain amount of mettle to take on a renovation. Most buyers would have turned on their heel, and Marcus almost did. “I’d actually been looking for something that didn’t need renovating,” he laughs. “But there were so few houses in Sandymount that ticked all the boxes. When this one came back on the market after another buyer pulled out, I decided to jump in feet first.” That decision would become a two-year labour of love that transformed the uninhabitable shell into an A-rated family home where period character and industrial architecture exist in striking harmony. From the street, the house looks every inch the classic 1930s red-brick semi, but beyond the façade is a soaring, light-filled extension of exposed concrete, reclaimed brick, steel beams, and walls of glass that walks the line between converted New York warehouse and suburban period home. “I travel a lot for work and have always loved those New York loft apartments where furniture rather than walls define one huge room,” he says. Working with architect Karen Brownlee, Marcus committed to rebuilding almost everything rather than patching and updating, keeping only the front wall, the roof, and a handful of structural walls. The staircase was relocated into what had once been the garage to create a wider entrance hall; a generous rear extension transformed the living spaces, two new bathrooms and an additional bedroom were added, while the attic became a flexible room that now serves as an extra bedroom. “I’d spent years saving images of interiors I loved, particularly New York loft apartments, so we both arrived with mood boards that were remarkably similar.” That shared vision centred on openness. Walls were replaced with furniture, cabinetry kept deliberately low, and overhead presses banished from the

HALL A large LED backlit mirror and wall shelf, handmade by Ronan Hussey Design, sit above an Oxford tufted vintage black leather bench from Zin Home. A tall potted plant from IKEA adds a softening vertical note DINING The IKEA Varmblixt LED wall light adds a warm orange accent to one side. The leather recliner and footstool are from Harvey Norman

DINING The Cattelan Italia dining table is from Bushell Interiors, with Flos Aim pendant lights hanging overhead in a cluster, from Arredare

Houseandhome.ie

“I travel a lot for work and have always loved those New York loft apartments where furniture rather than walls define one huge room”

kitchen to maintain uninterrupted sightlines beneath a vast poured-concrete ceiling. Exposed steel beams remain visible overhead, reclaimed brick walls have been brought inside, electrical conduits are left on display, and polished concrete floors reinforce the industrial aesthetic. It was a bold move in a Dublin family home, and not one Marcus embraced immediately. “The internal brickwork was something Karen really pushed for, and I wasn’t convinced,” he admits. “But I trusted her and she was absolutely right.” But, like all things worth their salt, it came with a hefty price tag, one that pushed the project beyond its original budget. Looking back, Marcus admits it’s the one decision he’d question. “It looks incredible, and I love it. But if I’d gone with a more conventional roof, I could probably have finished the garden at the same time instead of waiting several more years.” Like so many ambitious renovations, unexpected costs were part of the journey. Boundary wall issues, planning amendments, and construction requirements added tens of thousands of euros along the way, forcing difficult compromises, including scaling back the extension and shelving plans for the garden room. The architecture might lean towards industrial, but the interiors soften the edges. Dark grey handleless cabinetry sits beneath black Dekton worktops, while sofas upholstered in deep racing green add depth and warmth. The colour palette remains deliberately restrained, layering moss green, charcoal, cream and navy. Contemporary lighting, modern Irish artwork, including pieces by Maser, and carefully chosen furniture complete the urban feel without ever tipping into showroom minimalism. “My style is definitely contemporary,” admits Marcus. “I like clean lines, modern lighting and furniture, but I also wanted it to feel comfortable to live in for me, my fiancé Lydia and my two girls, Marli and Darcey.” The kitchen quickly became the heart of the house. Designed as one uninterrupted rectangular volume, it

TV ROOM A bespoke handmade deep green sofa from Sofa So Good anchors the room beneath a Marset Bohemia 84 pendant light from Bushell Interiors. An orange Artemide Nessino table lamp from Lights.ie sits to the side. A large-scale painting by Maser faces a Maser-designed skateboard mounted on the wall opposite

Houseandhome.ie

“I like clean lines, modern lighting and furniture, but I also wanted it to feel comfortable to live in for me, my fiancé Lydia and my two girls”

blurs the boundaries between indoors and out thanks to enormous concertina glass doors that fold away almost entirely. When those doors are open, the kitchen and garden become one room, where the family spend most of their time. The garden, designed by Piotr at Royal Gardens, is a favourite space for Marcus. A combination of the space, clean design, sun-trapped pergola and artificial grass has delivered a no-fuss, stylish additional room to the house. Elsewhere, thoughtful preservation stops the contemporary extension from feeling disconnected from the original house. Original cornicing remains; the terrazzo porch floor was retained; period internal doors and original handles carefully restored; and, until recently, even the original front door remained in place. Today the house performs as well as it looks. Upgraded to an A-rated home, it's remarkably energy efficient. “It's almost too warm,” Marcus laughs. “Even in winter we're usually in T-shirts.” Perhaps the greatest success of the project, though, has nothing to do with architecture. For Marcus, it created permanence for his daughters, Marli and Darcey, who finally gained bedrooms of their own after years of sharing. The once-derelict house has become exactly what he hoped it would: a low-maintenance, futureproof family home in the neighbourhood where he grew up. There are a few boxes still to tick: a sauna and cold plunge area for the garden, but it’s taken this long to get here, so he’s in no real hurry, choosing to enjoy his hard-earned home for now. Taking on a renovation by yourself is no mean feat, one that may tip some people over the edge, but Marcus is notably piqued by the subject. “I really enjoyed the renovation process. I knew what I wanted, and I loved translating my ideas to reality.” As co-owner of the jewellery business Solvar with his sister Natasha, he has creativity in his bones. “I guess I am creative; I’m also organised. Some people walk in and think it’s a showroom,” he laughs. “I like things a certain way, but I also like it to feel like a real home where the dog and the kids can be themselves.”

BEDROOM The bedside floor lamp, Aromas del Campo from CA Design, pools light beside a large leaning wall mirror from Minima. The button-back velvet-upholstered bed is from EZ Living Furniture

Houseandhome.ie

KID'S BEDROOM The bed is from EZ Living Furniture. The desk is from Ikea. A pink velvet chair is from WooDesign. The bedspread is from Conscious Convert GARDEN The garden furniture from Jacksons of Saintﬁeld sits beneath a pergola, both designed and installed by Royal Garden Designs

MARCUS'S TIPS ON

REBUILDING FROM SCRATCH A GOOD ARCHITECT Working with a good architect is key. Trust their vision, but don’t be afraid to question or change your mind. CLEAR SIGHTLINES Low cabinetry and furniture used to define zones allowed me to keep sightlines clear, and now that the garden is done, I have an uninterrupted view to one of my favourite rooms. INVEST WHERE IT COUNTS The poured concrete ceiling was the biggest splurge and, despite its cost, became a defining feature. Choose one architectural element and let everything else play a supporting role.

Houseandhome.ie

MARCUS'S TIP

INDUSTRIAL TONES Don’t be afraid to go darker. Deep greens, charcoal, black and grey create depth while allowing natural light to do the heavy lifting.

DR RIY0122 Riya pendant, €175.69, Hickenlighting.com Nightshift limited edition print, from €350, Maserart.com Melvin mug, €3.50, Jysk.ie

Round plant box, €269, Fermliving.com

MARCUS'S TIP

STORAGE Whatever you think you need, add another 30 per cent; you can never have enough, as I discovered.

MARCUS

Artemide Nessino table lamp, €175.90, Lights.ie

GET THE LOOK

MARCUS'S TIP

ARCHITECTURE AS DECORATION A restrained palette doesn’t need to feel flat. Exposed concrete, reclaimed brick and black steel bring texture, allowing the architecture to become the decoration. Don’t be tempted to layer lots on top.

Crane velvet cushion, €65, Rococo.ie

366 Concept bar stool, €450, Cadesign.ie

Presley two-seater sofa, €949, Ezlivingfurniture.ie

BY MARLENE WESSELS

Peas rug, from €573, Nordicelements.com

CELEBRATING 14 YEARS

Discover considered furniture, lighting and homeware at CA Design. From our own MidCentury Collection to some of Europe’s most exciting design brands, our Long Mile Road showroom brings it all together under one roof. Visit us 7 days a week, or book a consultation with our in-house interior designers.

“Good design should outlive the trends.”

Eames Style Lounge Chair by CA Design Todd Chair & Zig Zag Stool by Polspotten

OUR BRANDS: CA DESIGN ETHNICRAFT UMAGE POLSPOTTEN 366 CONCEPT HÜBSCH MORPHO LE FEU FABULA LIVING TAMO AROMAS DEL CAMPO NEVO lamp by TAMO

Visit the Showroom Long Mile Retail Centre 109-113 Long Mile Rd Walkinstown, D12 DX0P Elbow Dining Chairs by CA Design

@cadesign.ie www.cadesign.ie sales@cadesign.ie (01)453 6263

HALL A Louise Roe ceramic vase from Nordic Elements sits on a burl maple plinth from Mullen's, in front of a commissioned portrait of Jane's son. Original walnut parquet and panelling set oﬀ the contemporary art, lit by a sculptural plaster pendant by Visual Comfort from Hicken Lighting. An Idir Davaine print from Galerie Masuvel, Lyon, hangs at the foot of the stairs, with an Alastair Keady gold-embellished screen print above. A Flos Taccia lamp on a high-gloss Campbell-Rey console for The Lacquer Company, beside a Jonathan Adler orange vase, and a House of Hackney leopard-print fringed stool

EXTERIOR The front porch repainted in Farrow & Ball Entrance Hall Pink, against the original half-timbering of the Tudor-style facade and mature planting

Legacy of Style Designer Jane Higgins brought an Edwardian home by the sea quietly and carefully back to life BY NIKKI WALSH

PHOTOGRAPHS ELYSE KENNEDY

STYLING MARLENE WESSELS WHO LIVES HERE Interior designer Jane Higgins, her husband, Lee, son, John, and Teddy Bubbles the dog. THE HOUSE Tudor-style, Edwardian detached home near Killiney Bay.

Houseandhome.ie

egacy and stewardship are the words that come to mind for Jane Higgins when she describes her relationship with her home, an Edwardian Tudor-style house overlooking Dublin Bay. She found it after many years of house-hunting. "It was a sunny day," she says. "I walked into the east-facing sitting room with its sea views, and the sunlight in the morning was gorgeous. That sold it to me. I fell in love." An award-winning interior designer, she has taken a "softly, softly" approach to the house, letting her vision evolve organically. "I always advise clients to live in a house first before any big changes," she says. "I've been mindful of its age. It was built in 1905, and I am attracted to its quirkiness, its flaws. The hall, with its original dark panelling, has its own charm; it always reminds me of an English village rectory; it's almost Agatha Christie in feel. I have wanted to care for it, to retain its heritage." Such restraint isn't easy, even for a professional. "The advantage of being a designer is that you are aware of what's happening out there, new projects, new materials," she says. "It's easy to curate a look for a client, but harder to do that for yourself. There are so many choices." She began with the bones of the house: replacing the windows on the east elevation while retaining their original decorative latches, and sanding back the floors to let their age show through. But the real fun, she says, was in the decoration. Working with a colour consultant, she indulged a love of colour and pattern, with her passion for stripes, florals and animal prints running through nearly every room. "Pattern is where I feel myself," she says. "I like the tension of mixing a stripe against a floral. It does something to a room." With Dedar, Schumacher, Arte, Thibaut and House of Hackney among her favourite fabric houses, she enlisted upholsterers Ripple Furniture and R Design Upholstery to reupholster everything from headboards

SITTING ROOM ABOVE & LEFT A Gubi Model 597 lamp on a Saarinen marble table, coasters by Jonathan Adler. Bespoke joinery by Jane Higgins Design, its curved pediment echoing the bay window, holding design books and monochrome Fornasetti candles, and a New Works marble lamp. SITTING ROOM RIGHT Jane, with her cavalier Teddy Bubbles, on an Ethnicraft sofa from CA Design. Large artwork by Lola Donoghue and a Hermès silk framed by Appletons, a Bert Frank lamp and a Diane von Furstenberg rug for The Rug Company

Houseandhome.ie

"I walked into the east-facing sitting room with its sea views, and the sunlight in the morning was gorgeous. That sold it to me. I fell in love"

to heirlooms, building a look that is as playful as it is cohesive. "In the guest bedroom, I mixed House of Hackney floral fabric with an Ian Mankin ticking stripe," she says. "The headboard has the floral on the main background and the contrasting stripe on the perimeter. The bed base was reupholstered to match, and is a relatively inexpensive way to create a more bespoke look. Then, the antique armchairs, a gift from my mother-in-law, were upholstered to match, again with the ticking stripe on the backs. A contemporary high-gloss table contrasts beautifully with the antique feel of the armchairs." That same instinct for contrast plays out in the master bedroom, where pattern and texture do quieter, more layered work. "We used a Samuel & Sons woven animal-print trim on the border of the handmade velvet curtains to introduce pattern and texture contrast," she says. "A House of Hackney fringed leopard-print stool matches this, and is at home in the master bedroom or the hall. It's often moved, on a whim, as needs change. Dedar striped fabric is on the bespoke headboard, ottoman and bolster cushion." One of Jane's favourite pieces is the animal-print rug in the living room, patterned like the Diane von Furstenberg leopard-print wrap dress she wore for her engagement. "It was a variation on this pattern as part of her collaboration with the renowned London-based The Rug Company,’ she explains, “an example of the synergy between fashion and interiors and, for me, an emotional link - I feel it was meant to be." It took two years to find, and it became the starting point for the whole room, which is how she likes to work: one meaningful piece first, everything else built out from

ABOVE Inherited mirror and art above a new Heatco gas fire, the fender upholstered in Dedar by Martin Fennelly Antiques, with a flower display by Appassionata picking up the blues of the rug SITTING ROOM Walls in Paint & Paper Library's Yesterday's Flower. A Profile sofa by Roche Bobois with a Visual Comfort reading lamp from Hicken Lighting and Lindell & Co cushions from Paris. The 1960s Italian armchairs are from de Veres, reupholstered in Dedar velvet; artwork by Stephen Rothschild, also de Veres. A custom Jane Higgins Design ottoman in Dedar bouclé on a Diane von Furstenberg rug from The Rug Company

Houseandhome.ie

DINING ROOM The walls are painted in Paint & Paper Library's Truffle. Chinese vases from Mullen's flank the fireplace, planted with ferns, with mixed-media art by Barbara Freeman from de Veres towards the hall. A Pure White Lines pendant hangs over an Ethnicraft oak table from CA Design, with coffee cups by Serax from Nordic Elements, an inherited grandfather clock and a Nordic Knots rug. In the corner, an Alex Russell Flint print hangs above a black marble and walnut console from Duff Tisdall, with a Flos Snoopy lamp and a red lacquer tray beside a gluggle jug from The Conran Shop

Houseandhome.ie

"I've been mindful of its age. It was built in 1905, and I am attracted to its quirkiness, its flaws. The hall, with its original dark panelling, has its own charm; it always reminds me of an English village rectory; it's almost Agatha Christie in feel. I have wanted to care for it, to retain its heritage"

there. "That's where it gets interesting for me," she admits. "Bringing in contemporary art and mixing it with the Tudor feel - that's real visual tension, and it's exciting rather than jarring, because the pattern does the work of tying it all together." Among her design touchstones are Arent & Pyke, Martin Brudnizki, and Eileen Gray, who hailed from her father's native Enniscorthy. Her favourite home decor hunting grounds include Mullen's Laurel Park and De Vere's auction house, where she sourced her burr maple-effect plinths and her large Chinese vases, now filled with ferns. Four years on, the house has changed their lives. "We used to live in Dublin 8, and it took us completely away from urban life," she says. "Now the coast is on our doorstep." With considerably more space, she and her husband each have a dedicated home office, and large front and back gardens, one stepped, the other given over to mature planting and generous seating. Her favourite room remains the living room, with its morning light and her much-loved rug, though her bedroom, also east-facing, is a close second. "It's a lovely way to start the day, looking at the light coming in," she says. "You can easily ground yourself just by staring at the horizon." There is, inevitably, more to be done. Energy efficiency is on the list, and a possible reconfiguration looms as her son grows older. But for now, Jane is happy to let the house continue to reveal itself slowly, one considered pattern at a time.

KITCHEN The baby-blue Aga on the original flagstones, existing units repainted in Paint & Paper Library's Copper Beech, a sofa by Jaybee Sofa Works towards the den LANDING Existing panelling in House of Hackney wallpaper, with a mirror by Jane Higgins Design and a Roger Oates Design runner from Deco Designs

Houseandhome.ie

GUEST BEDROOM Inherited armchairs reupholstered in House of Hackney floral linen, a high-gloss table by &Tradition. The bespoke Jane Higgins Design headboard has an Ian Mankin ticking-stripe border, and 1960s Lucite lamps from de Veres wear bespoke silk shades by Shady & the Lamp. Bed dressed in white and green organic linen GUEST BEDROOM The original arched window looks to the upper rear terrace, curtains in Alhambra velvet from Furnishing Distributors

BATHROOM An inherited mahogany side table with a mustard lamp and towel storage

Houseandhome.ie

JANE'S TIPS FOR

HOW TO MIX TUDOR WITH CONTEMPORARY 1 BE BRAVE WITH PAINT It's the most transformative tool in your toolkit. Be sure to paint at least two coats of your preferred colour on a minimum of one metre of lining paper. Move it around the room and look at it in different lights and at different times of the day to gauge its appearance. 2 MIX PERIODS AND SUPPLIERS Nothing screams 'cookie-cutter' interiors more than all items being purchased from one supplier. So, mix up old and new, vintage and modern; an interior should be a layered representation of your life. Mixing different genres creates tension and interest; repurpose antique pieces with more contemporary fabric to create a dialogue between old and new, a patina. 3 TEXTURE CREATES INTEREST Mixing materials and textures gives a space a dynamic feel: high gloss and matt, texture and plain, pattern and plain, clashing patterns such as stripes and florals. 4 BUILD YOUR SCHEME AROUND ONE KEY PIECE Choose one key piece to anchor the room, like a rug, pattern, colour or light fitting, and build a scheme around this, always curating, adding and subtracting to get the balance of materials right.

Jane Higgins Design Janehigginshomedesign.com @janehigginshomedesign

JOHN'S BEDROOM Original inherited Noddy artwork over the ﬁreplace, existing joinery repainted. The bespoke curved headboard by Jane Higgins Design in Studio Ashby fabric with matching cushions, made by RD Designs MASTER BEDROOM, LEFT A bespoke headboard in Dedar striped silk, with Visual Comfort wall lights, Art Deco burl-wood side tables from Mullen's and a painting from de Veres

Houseandhome.ie

JANE'S TIP

ARTWORK Don't be afraid to mix up diﬀerent art and genres: mixed media, screen prints, portraiture either traditional or contemporary prints for a layered and curated look.

Ethnicraft Mikado dining table, €3,509, Cadesign.ie

Endon Lighting pendant, €501.41, Hickenlighting.com

Tier 18 limited print, from €250, Loladonoghue.com

JANE

Vitra colour-block set of three trays, €123, Farfetch.com

JANE'S TIP

BESPOKE FURNITURE Expertly designed bespoke furniture, though a big investment, will make the room feel much bigger.

FLORAL DISPLAY Matching ﬂower arrangements to the colour scheme in a room is an easy way to add drama and cohesion.

Classic carved mirror, €195, Marksandspencer.ie

GET THE LOOK Lindell & Co Riviera cushion €300, Nordicelements.com

Camden rustic oak and cedar dining chair, €249, Ezliving-interiors.ie

Meira taupe bistro table, €119, Woodesign.ie

BY MARLENE WESSELS

Bellagio three-seater sofa, €1,869, Boconcept.com

JANE'S TIP

Transform your space with Kukoon

Shop now kukoonrugs.com

Faith Restored Limerick-born interior designer Brian Woulfe's countryside bolthole is a masterclass in pairing period features with modern comfort

BY RUTH O'CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHS BEN ANDERS

WHO LIVES HERE Brian Woulfe, Milan Lenart, their dogs Porter and Barney, and various chickens and goats.

PHOTOGRAPH HOUSE OF WOULFE

THE HOUSE A country house combining an early 19th century vicarage and early 17th century workers cottage in the English countryside.

ENTRANCE HALL Original geometric ﬂoor tiles lead through to the kitchen. A Dodo Egg Lantern by Beata Heuman hangs overhead EXTERIOR The old vicarage with Brian's Sheepadoodle, Barney

Houseandhome.ie

KITCHEN Hand-painted cabinetry in Colourtrend Salter Stone with custom joinery by Michael Farrell, topped with Calacatta Hermitage stone from Granite and Marble Crafts. The dark oak island anchors the room alongside an Alcor ash wood table by Kristensen & Kristensen and a custom corner banquette in herringbone fabric by McGuigan Furniture. Kylie raw old bronze pendants from Hicken Lighting. Brass hardware from Armac Martin's Queslett and Bakes collection. Quooker Classic brass tap. Mural hand-painted by Liz Bacon Allison

Houseandhome.ie

rian Woulfe is en route to play polo with the Maharaja of Jaipur when we speak. “It’s far from Limerick I am now,” he smiles. If polo requires skill, energy and teamwork, then Brian has these in spades - his design practice invariably sees some 30 people at work on 25-plus projects at any one time. His country home is the perfect foil to the busyness of London life. “We lead very busy lives, professionally and personally, so I am a very decisive person,” he says. “The very day we got the keys there was a line of vans in the driveway waiting to start work.” “I’ve found that leading with my gut results in the best outcome, so, from that perspective, renovating this house was an easy journey,” says Brian. “What was less easy was managing the budget because I see nice things in our projects every day and naturally, I want them. Now I understand my clients’ pain!” Thick walls, deep-set windows and low ceilings characterise the older part of the building. At the same time, the rooms of the former vicarage feature higher ceilings, and original stone mullions and window shutters. Little structural work was required on the property, though some cornices were restored. “Renovating this house was about seeing the beauty and imperfections and falling in love with its story.” “In our small pied-à-terre in London, it’s about it being pristine and flawless, whereas this is more about leaning into the imperfections. We get there on a Thursday evening, the shoulders drop, friends arrive, and we can relax after a week in the city.” The hallway features original floor tiles and a church pew echoing the building’s history. Photos by Dean West, Tom Blachford, and Formento & Formento are featured in the hallway and throughout the home. “There is something beautiful to look at - you don’t feel like you’re just passing through.” Brian will soon launch House of Woulfe, an online store selling antique and vintage finds. In his sitting room, an old vintage cabinet is repurposed as a bar, and an antique Persian rug keeps out draughts. “The sitting room was a great opportunity to include lovingly used martini tables, trinket boxes, and knick-knacks that bring their own stories.” The most striking feature here is the hand-painted mural by artist Liz Bacon Allison. Initially a practical solution designed to create balance, the mural has become a key focal point evoking the rural landscape surrounding the property. Lighting is vintage, antique and contemporary; the main pendant is from Soho Home.

LIVING ROOM A vintage Persian rug grounds the room alongside a repurposed antique cabinet used as a bar and vintage martini tables. The hand-painted mural by Liz Bacon Allison is the focal point of the space RECEPTION ROOM The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Joa's White. Ochre velvet armchairs are from Optisofa. The cream sofa is Dutchbone, dressed with Zara Home cushions. A Victorian antique marble fireplace was sourced from Wilson's Yard in Dromore, Co Down and is topped with an antique mirror. The cream rug is from Zara Home, on hardwood floors, with brass trim from Havwoods. The bespoke cabinetry is by SC Carpentry

100

Houseandhome.ie

101

DINING ROOM Walls and ceilings are painted in Colourtrend Bitter Chocolate. The hardwood table is from Woo Design, with sheepskin dining chairs from Dutchbone, on a Zara Home rug. The antique marble fireplace is from Wilsons Yard in Dromore, framed in bespoke cabinetry from SC Carpentry. The pendant is from Hicken Lighting. The curtains are from Hillarys OPPOSITE Brian Woulfe and partner Milan Leart

102

Houseandhome.ie

103

The kitchen, once “bland and basic,” is now a fun and functional space. “We chose a banquette because we spend a lot of time relaxing and working here,” says Brian. “Blakes London created nooks for a wine bucket and condiments - everything is to hand, and the table is kept clear for family-style dining.” A matt-finish BORA hob and Gaggenau ovens enhance the kitchen's functionality. At the same time, flame-textured Brazilian quartzite from Stone World London, lighting from Bert Frank, croissant-shaped cabinet handles, and another of Liz Allison’s murals add personality to the space. The dining room provides the setting for frequent dinner parties. “Some people are bemused by our Timothy Oulton cabin chairs, but you really have to experience them in person to appreciate how cosy and comfortable they are,” says Brian. This room is colour-drenched in custom pink. “In winter it is brighter than in summer because of the huge walnut tree outside, so it was about making it feel warm and inviting at any time of day and throughout the seasons.” Upstairs there are two guest bedrooms. In the ‘red’ bedroom, patterned wallpaper and matching curtains create depth and intimacy. The ‘neutral’ bedroom boasts views onto the tree-lined avenue while restful tones and a luxurious sleigh-style bed create a sense of quiet luxury. “In a guest room, red is an opportunity to have a bit of fun. With the heavy velvet drapery and the oatmeal carpets, it’s like going to a homely boutique hotel in the countryside.” Fabric brands including Holland & Sherry, Dedar, Pierre Frey, Romo and Lizzo decorate the home. “Heavy drapery keeps an old house feeling warm, cuts out draughts and brings a luxurious quality to the space,” says Brian. “It also allows you to bring in a statement colour or pattern and to play with texture.” The designer’s own bedroom features another of Allison’s murals, a bed by Turnpost and large bedside lockers. Vintage lamps have been updated with Pooky shades, vintage mirrors add depth, and an armchair from Vinterior has been reupholstered. The couple’s en suite features Toucan lights from Porta Romana, wallpaper, and matching fabric from House of Hackney. The older part of the home contains three further guestrooms and Brian’s office complete with polo trophies. “The bedrooms in the cottage are smaller but no less favoured by guests, and it’s a great place for my study as it’s away from the hustle and bustle,” says Brian. “The sign of a successful second or weekend home is that nothing feels precious and people can let their guard down,” he says. “The house lends itself to relaxed entertaining - guests are putting on music, the dogs are running around, the chickens are outside the window, we are very lucky to have such a wonderful environment in which to let our hair down.”

POWDER ROOM Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball Mahogany. The Calacatta Viola marble sink is from Premiummarblestone on Etsy, with brushed-nickel taps by Burlington. The bronze Richmond wall light is from Hicken Lighting, and a handmade brass mirror is by VienaHome from Etsy MASTER EN SUITE House of Hackney wallpaper with Toucan wall lights by Porta Romana STUDY The mid-century diplomat desk is by Finn Juhl, made by France & Son, sourced from 1stDibs, on an antique Persian rug

104

Houseandhome.ie

105

BRIAN'S TIPS ON HOW TO

DECORATE LIKE A PRO MIX OLD WITH NEW Some of the most successful interiors balance contemporary with antique and vintage pieces. It's this contrast that gives a home warmth, personality and a sense of timelessness. CHOOSE PIECES THAT TELL A PERSONAL STORY Whether they're inherited items, collected over time or discovered at an antiques store or a market, vintage pieces help create interiors that feel layered and deeply personal. DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT If a piece doesn't work where you first imagined it, move it elsewhere. Accessories, lamps and decorative objects can easily find a new home in another room, and that flexibility allows your interiors to evolve naturally over time. INVEST IN CRAFTSMANSHIP Bespoke joinery, artisan finishes and well-made antique furniture may not always be the first things people notice, but they're the elements that help an interior stand the test of time. AIM FOR TIMELESSNESS, NOT PERFECTION Classic proportions combined with unexpected vintage finds create spaces that feel alive, relaxed and individual rather than overly styled.

Brian Woulfe interior design Designedbywoulfe.com Online store Houseofwoulfe.com launching soon

MASTER BEDROOM The wooden four-poster bed is from Turnpost. The rug is an antique Persian rug. The mural is by Liz Bacon Allison. The multi-arm pendant is from Soho Home. Bedside tables, mirrors, and lamps are all vintage

106

Houseandhome.ie

107

Waterford Lismore decanter, €275, Brownthomas.com

BRIAN'S TIP

DECORATIVE WALL TREATMENTS A well-chosen wall ﬁnish can add real character and depth. Think: panelling, plaster and paint eﬀects for instant character.

The Life Eclectic: Brilliantly Unique Interior Designs from Around the World by Alexander Breeze, €40.88, Amazon.ie

Kronvikke cushion, €7.50, Jysk.ie

BRIAN'S TIP

FABRICS Choose tactile, natural fabrics in warm, earthy tones to create a layered, cosy and comfortable interior.

BRIAN Artichoke throw, €90, Bedeckhome.com

BRIAN'S TIP

GET THE LOOK

Archive Landscape wallpaper, 9477W, custom ﬁt, Borastapeter.com

LIGHTING Layer vintage lighting with contemporary statement pieces to create warmth and atmosphere. Combining period ﬂoor lamps or antique brass lamps with modern pendants adds balance and gives a room personality. STOFF Nagel candleholder, set of three, €200, Jaqi.ie

Scout dining table, €1,279, Woodesign.ie Morris & Co Strawberry Thief slate 27718 rug, €945, Rugs.ie

108

BY MARLENE WESSELS

Golden fruit cushion, €160, Hedgeroe.com

INSIDE HER STYLE Edel Kinane’s detail-obsessed world where fashion and interiors collide After two decades shaping the image of luxury retail and tech brands, Edel Kinane returned to her first love: fashion styling - a talent she’s cultivated since childhood, sharpening her instinct for what flatters and inspires. As the founder of Tastemaker. ie, Edel curates wardrobes for some of Ireland’s most stylish women, orchestrating transformative makeovers and commanding fashion shows with the same discerning eye. That signature sense of style doesn’t stop at the wardrobe; it spills into every corner of her Dublin family home. Once a generic show house, it’s now a layered, inviting haven, every detail reflecting Edel’s unique taste. BY SIVE O’BRIEN

PHOTOGRAPHS MARLENE WESSELS

LEFT Edel Kinane in her kitchen, which leads through Crittall-style iron doors designed by Edel and created by Jimmy Gough TOP The cinnamon petal pendant is from Merci Paris. Resin dining table, forest green modular dining bench, ceramic fruit bowl; all Rowell Design ABOVE Ceramic lemon, from Rowell Design. Lemon candle, from Zara Home BELOW Tastemaker Moroccan prickly pear seed oil

110

ABOVE Walls painted in Sulking Room Pink by Farrow & Ball. Modular velvet sofa, from Rowell Design. Framed watercolour print by Rachael Smith RIGHT Faux fur upholstered chairs and matching pouf, mirror, all Rowell Design

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Edel traces her eye back to shopping trips with her mother, where memories of the carpet underfoot in Brown Thomas and the thrill of Ton Sur Ton, a French label that felt impossibly cool in nineties Dublin, shaped her fascination with colour. She initially considered studying interior design but shifted to marketing after graduating from Trinity College and getting her first job at Marie Claire in Australia. A stint at a creative agency back home, then ten years as head of marketing at Brown Thomas, honed a lifelong obsession with design and attention to detail that has never left her. A BLANK CANVAS Edel and her husband, Cormac Rowell of Rowell Design, snapped up their townhouse in its original showhome glory, avocado bathrooms and all. Four fraught months of renovation later, it emerged as a modern, inviting base for the couple and their three teenagers, who are now so attached to the place that they refuse to entertain the idea of moving. DRESSING PEOPLE, DRESSING ROOMS Edel insists the logic behind dressing a person and dressing a room is identical. Play it safe with the big-ticket items - walls, sofas, flooring - then let colour and print run riot where it’s easy to switch things up. Her advice: invest in trousers, knitwear and outerwear in shades you’ll never tire of, and let accessories do the heavy lifting. Of course, if a wallpaper or a coat makes you stop in your tracks, rules are made to be broken. Houseandhome.ie

111

LET THERE BE LIGHT. Light was non-negotiable, so much so, the garden’s sun dictated exactly where the extension landed. Crittall doors and a skylight flood the back of the house, while pared-back kitchen cupboards and a waterfall granite island keep things feeling open. Texture sneaks in via faux fur chairs and a modular chenille bench that grows or shrinks depending on the dinner guest list. The mood? Set by a cinnamon fan light, hand-carried from Paris. The one thing Edel wouldn’t part with: the kitchen’s real fireplace. THE FEELING ON ARRIVAL A hallway is the first impression a home makes, and Edel treats it that way. Hidden storage under the stairs keeps shoes and bags out of sight, so what greets you instead is warmth, built through the right lighting and layers of rugs, curtains and cushions. A CORNER THAT REFLECTS HER Edel’s style is at its purest in the window corner of her bedroom. A soft pouffe moonlights as storage, and it’s here, beside a long mirror and a wardrobe of beloved pieces, that she captures much of her work. OBJECTS WITH MEANING Lemons are Edel’s signature motif, from her morning hot water ritual to zesty pops of yellow brightening an otherwise neutral palette. Every friend who moves house gets a Rowell Design ceramic lemon - a tradition her daughters now carry on. FOREVER INSPIRED BY COLOUR Edel is a colour detective, spotting inspiration in flowers on a walk or in the way women dress from Dublin to far-flung cities. Travel, she says, is essential for fresh perspective, on interiors, on fashion, on everything. There’s always a Pantone book within reach, usually borrowed from a long-suffering graphic designer. For a lesson in colour, she nods to Pierpaolo Piccioli’s latest Balenciaga show in Paris. 112

ABOVE LEFT Green desk Lamp, from Rowell Design. Eames-style office chair, from CA Design. Artwork trio, bought at an Ibizan market. Limited edition lithograph print ‘Portrait of a Female’ by artist Kazimir Malevich ABOVE Large artwork, hallway bench, both from Rowell Design. Ceramic wall balloons, bought in Puglia BELOW Oil painting, artist unknown, bought as a wedding gift from the RDS Art Source. Biedermeier antique mirror, from Niall Mullen Antiques OPPOSITE Curtains, bedside table, side lights, all from Rowell Design. Petal pendant, from Zara Home.

“Your home, like your wardrobe, should feel like an evolution of you.” MOST TREASURED PIECE A wedding gift from her sister, a nude in rich, layered oils bought at an RDS art fair over twenty years ago, its palette shaping the colours on her walls ever since. BOLD CHOICES Painting the living room in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink, a choice that had the painter sweating until it dried into a soft, soothing neutral. Paired with a mink-velvet corner sofa and a low ceiling kept pale to spotlight the art, the result is warm and unmistakably modern. WHAT’S NEXT Edel is about to launch Tastemaker Moroccan Prickly Pear Seed Oil, a 100% organic, cold-pressed find she stumbled on while travelling and couldn’t match back home. The cobalt blue label? Inspired by the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech. Autumn, meanwhile, means a flurry of client wardrobe audits, deciding what stays, what goes, and what a handful of new pieces can utterly transform. CREATING A STYLE WITH SOUL Edel’s advice for anyone overwhelmed by their home is the same as for clients staring at their wardrobe: start with what you love. She gets people to pull out their favourite pieces and tell her why, then builds from there, refreshing, not replacing. Book a style consultation or shop Edel’s Moroccan prickly pear seed oil at Tastemaker.ie @tastemaker.ie

“I don’t impose my own taste on clients, at least not at first. I ask them to pull out their favourite pieces and show me what they feel good in, and why. I’d do the same in a home; what could you not live without? Houseandhome.ie

113

PHOTOGRAPH JESSICA GLYNN

1 BACK TO THE FUTURE This period home of interior designer Lynne O’Loughlin is proof that character and modern life need not be at odds. A television-free sitting room, a vintage bureau for daytime work and a record player for evenings demonstrate restraint done well, with bold art by Tom Climent keeping the calm from tipping into plain.

OF OUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE

ROOMS

A look back at the homes and spaces that have stayed with us over the years COMPILED BY MARLENE WESSELS AND SIVE O’BRIEN 114

PHOTOGRAPH HELEN CATHCART

PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

2 APARTMENT THERAPY In Mark O’Neill’s small city pad, light does the heavy lifting. Reflective surfaces, from a marble tabletop to milk-glass pendants, make the space feel bigger than it is, while layered art and open shelving keep it warm rather than sparse. A masterclass in maximising without clutter.

3 A PIECE OF HISTORY In interior designer Sara Cosgrove’s Georgian home, an auction-found mahogany table anchors a room built on restraint. Soft Farrow & Ball walls let a statement chandelier take the spotlight, and the result reads properly traditional without feeling stiff or too precious to actually live in.

4 SPARE AND FOUND In the Limerick home of interior designer Geri O’Toole, every object on the gallery wall tells a story. A childhood painting by the owner’s late mother sits with auction finds and souvenirs, turning decoration into memories. A Calvin Klein rug proves a family room can be beautiful and practical.

5 MID CENTURY DECADENCE This wonderfully eclectic Belfast home of Ger O’Donnell is a masterclass in sustainable style. Good taste and a tight budget sit comfortably together. We love how the alcove shelving, fireplace, and mirror surround seamlessly tie the room together, mixing old and new. Houseandhome.ie

115

PHOTOGRAPH JESSICA GLYNN

PHOTOGRAPH JAMES FRENCH PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

6 HOME FROM HOME Paint colour consultant Siobhan Doherty knocked a dark, cramped kitchen and dining room into one bright, calm space. Simple Shaker cabinetry keeps things timeless rather than trendy, proof that getting the layout right matters more than any finish.

7 STAR OF THE WEST In this Spiddal, Co Galway new-build, TV presenter Síle Seoige mixed a washed oak farmhouse table with contemporary curved chairs - deliberately opposing styles that keep the busy family dining space feeling loose rather than matchy, with sea views doing the rest of the work.

8 BY WATER’S EDGE In Adrienne White’s Kerry house by the water, every room was designed around the view. Nordic design influences meet local sensibility to create something considered and completely at ease with its setting, overlooking Barrow Bay and a short walk from the beach.

9 NEW HORIZONS In Kasha and John Connolly’s Burren eco self-build, a huge picture window frames the landscape and floods the open-plan room with light. Scandinavian furniture and a slatted American oak ceiling celebrate nature without ever competing with the view outside.

116

PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

10 FAMILY TIES Bold colour and instinctive design tell Nik Dillon and Adam Gallacher’s unique home story. We love the confidence of the family dining room. A large table and Hans J Wegner wishbone chairs create a Scandi-boho feel, while low-hanging pendants and lush greenery create a mini-orangery mood. Green runs through the whole house, in plants, fixtures and fittings.

Houseandhome.ie

117

PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

11 A NEW CHAPTER Using both their practical and creative skills, Elizabeth and Mark Dalton created a pretty and characterful country home in Tyrone. The pretty sofa says it all. Priced out of the one the homeowner loved, she had a bespoke frame made and sourced the fabric herself, proving good taste does not need a big budget, just the patience to build it the long way round.

118

PHOTOGRAPH ELYSE KENNEDY

PHOTOGRAPH PHILIP LAUTERBACH

PHOTOGRAPH AL HIGGINS PHOTOGRAPH JEMMA WATTS & JONNY COCHRANE

12 A KIND OF MAGIC We love the nerve of Aoife Delaney’s family home. One deep, enveloping shade wraps the walls, ceiling and joinery, picked up again in aubergine zellige tiles at the fireplace, and set against jewelled emerald velvet. It is a rare thing, a colour choice this committed that still feels calm.

13 BUNGALOW BLISS Ciara and Jasper Walshe’s ‘70s bungalow makeover leans fully into colour without losing its warmth. A chevron banquette, a reclaimed scaffolding table and travel finds prove a growing family’s home can be playful and properly personal.

14 FASHION HOUSE In this family home, shoe designer Jacqueline Mercer’s rule is simple: nothing goes on the wall or floor unless it means something. Worn floors, gallery-white walls and original Ercol farmhouse chairs mix old and new, and the result feels collected, not decorated, and truly personal.

15 BACK TO FRONT Inspired by a love of Californian style, a new extension linked to an old Cork cottage has made an airy home for interior designer Cathy Angelini. A cosy stove anchors the living room while a roof light floods it with natural light and elevates the characterful mix of furniture. Houseandhome.ie

119

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

PHOTOGRAPH ESME PUM MCNAMEE & PHILIP LAUTERBACH PHOTOGRAPH RODRIGO LLOPIS G

16 GOLDEN WONDER In this period Dublin townhouse, jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman gives her bedroom the Midas touch. A DIY gold leaf sun rises behind the bed like a mural, hand-painted over a fortnight and costing just 25 euros, proof that the boldest details are often the cheapest.

17 THE ARCH HOUSE In this Sandymount semi-detached house, Róisín Lafferty introduces a curved theme that pulls the whole space together. A custom steel-and-leather bench sits beneath a Baked Plum painted ceiling, and the result feels considered without sacrificing the ease of a family home.

18 KERRY RETREAT In this Kerry bungalow overlooking a lough, interior designer Ryan Rankin opted to skip the window dressings and let the picture windows turn the landscape into art. The bespoke smoked oak kitchen and muted colours help to blend in with the scenery.

19 HER DARK MATERIALS We love Eniko Kirkwood’s dramatic bedroom. The ombré effect wall immediately draws the eye; it’s something Eniko saw online and recreated. using three shades of green blended by hand, and buys from Amazon and Desenio prove a striking look doesn’t need a striking price tag.

120

PHOTOGRAPH DOUGLAS GIBB

20 KIDS ARE ALRIGHT In Rachel Richmond’s family kitchen, the homeowner refused to play it safe just because three children live there. A bespoke island, painted oak cupboards, and a parquet floor sit alongside an oversized gold exclamation mark sculpture, proof that family-friendly need not be predictable.

Houseandhome.ie

121

PHOTOGRAPH STUDIO BROWN

21 A PERIOD ROMANCE Claire Brown and Patrick O’Donnell’s Dublin townhouse proves a period room can feel both grand and genuinely comfortable. An ornate fireplace and oversized mirror pair with a Chesterfieldshaped sofa, a vintage Moroccan rug and an eBay coffee table, with upcycled pieces doing as much work as anything bought new.

122

PHOTOGRAPH JESSICA GLYNN

PHOTOGRAPH BEE HOLMES

PHOTOGRAPH ELYSE KENNEDY

PHOTOGRAPH LYNDA KENNY

24 25

22 BRIGHT SPARK Lighting designer Emer Gillespie of Spark and Bell fame took on a tricky north-facing room in this Victorian terrace home near Brighton with a sumptuous green and a soft earthy pink colour scheme, and natural paints that shift with the light so the space never once feels flat.

23 A DREAM BY THE SEA A small and dark layout is turned into a light, minimalist retreat in Alexandra White’s seaside townhouse. The advice behind it is simple: study the layout with a fine-tooth comb before spending on materials, because a smart plan costs nothing and saves budget for what matters.

24 IN PERFECT HARMONY A family’s Mallorca trip shaped this West Cork timber-frame bungalow of interior designer Gillian Plockelman. Built-in plaster shelving and a dining bench echo that memory, giving a brand-new build a kind of lived-in warmth that usually takes years.

25 COASTAL COOL In Lynn Hanlon’s coastal Howth new-build retreat, the homeowner’s favourite room delivers on every sense. Hotel-like bedding, a bespoke headboard, a curved demi-wall build a soft, cloud-like calm with a distinct air of a beachside boutique hotel Houseandhome.ie

123

PHOTOGRAPH ELYSE KENNEDY

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

PHOTOGRAPH AL HIGGINS

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

26 27

26 BOLD VISION In this nineteenth-century building in Dún Laoghaire, French couple Maylis and Matieu bring an eclectic touch home from Paris. Two Art Deco bedside tables and a wooden vanity table, both found there, sit against Farrow & Ball Calamine White walls for a room with real provenance.

27 SUNNY DELIGHT We love the fresh, sunny feel of this Edwardian Dublin seaside home of Aoife and Mike. Overhead windows bring in light, cosy banquette seating keeps things homely, and a green velvet sofa against encaustic tiles proves a coastal home does not need to default to blue and white.

28 HISTORY REIMAGINED Charlie Heggarty’s home honours its Georgian roots without copying them; the homeowner took his time. A kitchen and dining space in an adjoining stone building leans rustic and farmhouse in feel, proof that a slow, considered process beats a quick renovation every time.

29 MAKE IT MERRY Interior designer, Alannah Monks’ self-built home proves an industrial kitchen can still feel festive. Dark cabinetry and butcher-block work surfaces are warmed up with hand-painted terracotta murals inspired by street artists like Keith Haring.

124

PHOTOGRAPHLYNDA KENNY

30 INDUSTRIAL ACTION In this old factory turned family home of Zoe Carney and Morgan Weymes, an eye for a bargain runs through every choice. A one hundred year-old table found in a shed pairs with auction chairs, while salvaged factory windows keep the industrial bones intact, proof that a derelict building can become a beautiful, proper home that is full of character.

Houseandhome.ie

125

The 30-year Home BY ORLA NELIGAN

How future-proof is your home? And what are the elements that will help build a home that lasts. Twelve experts reveal the secrets to follow now for home longevity

BESPOKE JOINERY Helle Moyna, interior designer & owner, Nordicelements.com Bespoke joinery is a costly but essential part of any build.

“We keep it simple and timeless - the highest quality within a client’s budget - so it adapts to future changes in colour or design,”

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

says Helle Moyna. Her one hard no: black taps, sinks and appliances. “It’s a current trend and will look dated within a few years. Simple stainless steel is classic, a timeless, utilitarian look that never fights for attention.”

126

HOLISTIC HOMES Gareth Brennan, architect, Brennanfurlong.ie “Over the next 30 years, homes will be shaped by technologies we can’t yet predict,” says Gareth Brennan. Energy, mobility, communication, and automation are advancing too quickly for long-range forecasting, so the best way to futureproof a house is to design for ﬂexibility.

MUUTO.COM

“Holistic design starts with the fundamentals orientation, light, volume, circulation, storage, and how rooms relate to each other. These are what let a house adapt as families grow. Get the bones right, and it can absorb new technologies, new uses and new ways of living without ever needing to be rebuilt.”

Houseandhome.ie

127

GREAT ART Sara Cosgrove, interior designer, Saracosgrove.com Art may be the most enduring investment of all.

“Buy pieces that genuinely resonate with you, not ones that follow trends,” says Sara Cosgrove. “Great art tells the story of the people who live in a home, character and individuality that can’t be replicated.” It’s also one of the few purchases that moves easily between homes and genuinely lasts a lifetime. Her advice on what to avoid: designing around trends. “Highly fashionable colours, novelty ﬁnishes and overly themed interiors date fast, and often diminish long-term appeal.”

128

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Róisín Lafferty, interior designer, Roisinlafferty.com The greatest investment is in a home’s interior architecture. “The spatial layout is where you can be most creative,” says Roisin Lafferty.

“Challenge traditional conventions and a home becomes far more personal, exciting and enjoyable to live in.” Hidden doors, sliding screens, and ﬂexible interventions allow a home to transform as family life changes. For children’s bedrooms, she often builds in subtle architectural connections between siblings’ rooms, a shared reading nook, an internal doorway, and a concealed opening, so they stay connected while keeping their own sense of independence. “These are the moments when interior architecture moves beyond aesthetics, shaping how a family lives together for years to come.”

Houseandhome.ie

129

TIMELESS MATERIALS Catriona McArdle, architect, Dmvf.ie For a home that still looks great in 30 years, the real investment is in thoughtful design. “Poorly considered design is next to impossible to rectify,” says Catriona McArdle. Materials should grow richer with age rather than wear out.

“We use high-quality, natural materials where possible - stone, timber and metal all develop their own character over the years.”

PHOTOGRAPHS RUTH MARIA MURPHY

A timber handrail is shaped by touch; brass fittings deepen in colour and gain a natural patina. “These changes aren’t signs of age. They’re part of the home’s story.”

130

INVISIBLE TECH & COMFORT

VALAMAGASINET.SE

Emma Lamb, interior designer, Lambdesign.ie “It’s impossible to know exactly what homes will look like in 30 years, especially with technology evolving so fast, but I suspect the smartest homes won’t look futuristic,” says Emma Lamb. “The best technology is the kind you barely notice.” Technology dates quickly; good interiors shouldn’t. That means concealing cables and services while keeping them accessible, planning for power and connectivity, and designing joinery so screens and speakers can be upgraded easily.

“It’s about designing the room to last while letting the technology inside it change.” What won’t change is our appetite for warmth and character - natural materials, craftsmanship, books, art, meaningful objects, and a mix of old and new.

Houseandhome.ie

131

UNGLAMOROUS GROUNDWORK Grania Murray, interior designer, Graniamurray.com

“The spend that protects resale value is rarely the spend that gets photographed,” says Grania Murray. A beautifully styled room can still be uncomfortable to live in - and uncomfortable rooms get renovated again within a few years, not 30. “Put the money into insulated floors and walls, properly considered lighting, and enough power points in the right places, first. That unglamorous groundwork is what makes everything built on top of it feel and work better - and adds to resale value.”

132

CRAFTSMANSHIP Liza Jones, owner, Porterandjones.com A solid oak kitchen island shows where quality pays off.

“Beautifully made solid French oak has inherent longevity; it can be sanded, refinished and repaired,” says Liza Jones. “Rather than deteriorating, it develops patina and character. In 20 or 30 years, it still feels relevant, not something to rip out and replace.” She believes pieces like this should be handed down. Her rule: avoid trend-driven finishes that are only surfacedeep. “If something is part of a building’s permanent fabric, buy the best you can afford, and choose materials that age gracefully rather than chase a moment in fashion.” Houseandhome.ie

133

Geri O’Toole, interior designer, Geridesigns.ie “The best investment is in the bones of a house,” says Geri O’Toole.

“Good proportions, natural light, quality flooring, well-considered joinery, good windows and doors, excellent lighting.” These are expensive and disruptive to change later, so they’re worth getting right the ﬁrst time. “Spend on what you physically interact with every day - kitchens, bathrooms, ﬂooring, hardware, lighting, joinery. Quality shows in these areas, and replacing them is costly.

134

PHOTOGRAPHS RUTH MARIA MURPHY

GOOD BONES

PHOTOGRAPHS AISLING MCCOY

REDEFINING AN OLD IDEA Mark Arigho, architect, Alwarchitects.com

“A good architect composes a space so its bones work - through flow, light and composition,” says Mark Arigho. “Essentially, ignore the last 30 years.” Good modern design is usually an old idea, well developed: find an historical reference, use materials available now, and factor in context. It applies to furniture, lighting, decor and architecture alike. “There’s no off-the-shelf answer - it’s the proportion and relationship of everything in a space, together. Timeless design comes down to how something ages, how it weathers, and whether it does so with grace.” Houseandhome.ie

135

FLOOR COVERINGS Shay Lally, owner, Houses to Restore Flooring is one area where you shouldn’t cut corners.

“Cheap carpet or laminate can need replacing within three or four years, and changing a floor is disruptive - furniture has to move, skirting boards may need to come off too,”

MUUTO

says Shay Lally. He recommends good-quality carpet or engineered timber, especially in high-traﬃc areas. “If choosing laminate, go for a minimum of 12mm to avoid that tell-tale bounce underfoot; engineered timber, at around 15mm, is considerably more robust.” Tiles tend to wear well regardless, but with timber and carpet, spending more upfront means a ﬂoor that lasts. “Concentrate the budget on what you don’t see too, like insulating an attic. It’s not visible, so it doesn’t feel worth a big spend, but you’ll feel it in the winter.”

136

TIMELESS FURNITURE Carol-Anne Leyden, owner, Cadesign.ie “If you’re designing a home to still feel relevant in 30 years, invest in timeless furniture over trends,” says Carol-Anne Leyden. Choose pieces in natural materials, with real craftsmanship and classic proportions.

ETHNICRAFT

“A solid oak dining table, a well-made lounge chair, a timeless sideboard - these evolve with your home as your style changes, rather than needing replacing every few years. The best interiors aren’t built around what’s fashionable today. They’re built around pieces you’ll still love decades from now.”

Houseandhome.ie

137

Create the Feeling of Home. 25 STORES NATIONWIDE: Dublin: Santry • Liffey Valley • Sandyford • Tallaght • Now Open: Blanchardstown • Cork: Little Island • Pouladuff • Mahon • Blackpool Outlet • Wexford • Carlow • Louth: Drogheda • Dundalk • Meath • Waterford • Kildare • Belfast: Boucher Road • Holywood Exchange • Boucher Outlet • Antrim: Ballymena • Coleraine • Banbridge • Now Open: Fermanagh Enniskillen

REVIEWS 14K+ • EXCELLENT

info@ezlivinginteriors.com 0818 77 66 88 ezlivinginteriors.com

38 YEARS IN BUSINESS 100% IRISH OWNED

Find Your Local Store

AT HOME

FERMLIVING.COM

The living room edit: seating, styling and all the ways to build your autumnal cocoon

140 | 148 140 ANATOMY OF A LIVING ROOM What defines a beautifully designed living room? We challenged three interior designers to answer the question with different budgets 148 SEATING ESSENTIALS SHOPPING Find your perfect perch this autumn with modular sofas, armchairs, and dining banquettes for every space

ANATOMY OF A LIVING ROOM What deﬁnes a beautifully designed living room? We asked three interior designers to answer the question with budgets ranging from €500 to €10,000 BY JENNIFER POWER

Joules Gilmorton four-seater sofa in plain aqua with contrast piping, Dfs.ie

THE EDITED LIVING ROOM It’s not always possible to fully renovate your living spaces, nor is it always necessary. But a change is as good as a rest - so a few carefully selected pieces can really zhuzh up a room without breaking the bank. At this budget, the discipline lies in the edit. There is no need to splurge on a costly overhead pendant - a few well-made table lamps or pendant shades add far more impact through the kind of soft ambient lighting that instantly makes a room feel warmer. A signature scent sets the mood, and sculptured artwork adds texture. You’d be surprised how much you can change with such a strict spending limit.

140

From €500 SHOPPING LIST Candles, €50 Ottoman, €100 Table lamp, €250 Art print, €100 TOTAL €500

GET THE LOOK 1 Corduroy pouﬀe €27.90, Sostrenegrene.com 2 Nahla round table, 90cm, €439, Kavehome.com 3 Paint colour ‘the botanist’, 5 litres, €138, Stillorgandecor.ie 4 Rattan urn, €78, Amberandwillow.com 5 Stockholm 2025 ﬂ atwoven rug, from €349, Ikea.ie 6 Natural Malvern sideboard, €368, Next.ie

5 4 2 6

When designing a scheme around natural, earthy textures, consider rattan your best friend. This Ferm Living Dou Table Lamp brings soft ambient light to a cream and green space - beautiful lit or unlit. Fermliving.com A sofa that is beautiful to look at but uncomfortable to sit in is a design fail. This Valnäs sofa is classic, elegant and deeply comfortable, €699, Ikea.ie

Houseandhome.ie

141

GET THE LOOK 1 Bronte gold metal round mirror, €149, Ezliving-interiors.ie 2 Colby rechargeable metal table Lamp, €52, Marksandspencer.ie 3 Paint colour ‘Grey Stone’, €149, Littlegreene.ie 4 Pleated wave large easy ﬁt shade, €77, Marksandspencer.ie 5 Nesting tables, €226.36, Oliverbonas.com 6 Anderson armchair, €749, Ezliving-interiors.ie

1 4

3 2

Mixing materials is one of the simplest ways to add depth to a living room. This side table brings both form and function to the forefront. Hay Design, available at Wearemaven.ie

Every room needs a hero piece. This sculptural Laurel Armchair from Dusty Deco eﬀortlessly bridges modern and classic interiors, available from Nordicelements.com

142

THE CURATED LIVING ROOM Interior designer James McNamara of JMC Studio says to start by assessing what is already working, At this budget, the assumption is that the main furniture stays. So, the focus shifts to identifying what feels off and deciding which additions will make the greatest difference. Proportion is everything. A rug that is too small, a coffee table that does not relate to the sofa - these are the details that make a room feel unfinished without anyone quite knowing why. Get the scale right first. From there, layer lighting, introduce texture and consider paint. Extending colour onto ceilings, skirting boards and architraves transforms a room without placing pressure on the budget. Invest gradually. The best rooms are always curated over time, Jmcstudios.ie

From €2,000 SHOPPING LIST Nesting tables, €226.36 Ornate gold mirror, €343 Pendant shade, €52 Table lamp, €69 Arm chair, €750 Designer paint, 5 litres, €149 Custom paint work, €600

PHOTOGRAPH YAMILA PAVIA OF THE VISUAL ATELIER

TOTAL €2,190

Interior designer James McNamara of JMC Studio believes that good design is as much about the aesthetics as it is about the people occupying the space they inhabit. Great design is ﬁnding the balance between the two

Houseandhome.ie

143

THE CONSIDERED LIVING ROOM There is no single hero piece here, and that is precisely the point. Bouclé and leather, polished stone and lacquer, burnished brass and plaster-ﬁnish artwork. It is the sum of all parts that creates the magic. At this budget, Susan McGowan of Ashen & Cloud is clear on priorities. Invest in a special armchair and a sculptural sofa ﬁrst. Add good quality lighting. Then shop around for complementary accessories - the high street can really hold their own in these spaces. Choose pieces that elevate and edit everything else, ruthlessly, Ashenandcloud.com

From €5,000 SHOPPING LIST Sofa, €2,500 Armchair, €500 Curtains, €500 Pendant, €350 Rug, €500 Painting, €150 Coﬀee table, €500

Originally part of a wider open-plan space, the room was reimagined in a more traditional broken-plan format, allowing classical proportions, wall moldings, and tapered windows to sit comfortably alongside contemporary furniture and to connect that language through the wider space. The result is a room that is warm, sculptural and sophisticated

144

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

TOTAL €5,000

GET THE LOOK 1 Addy footstool €116, Marksandspencer.ie 2 Niani table lamp €185, Kavehome.com 3 Candice side table, €139, Woodesign.ie 4 Cashmere candle €32, Meadowsandbyrne.com 5 Klis artwork €149, Kavehome.com 6 Nomad 305 sofa in magnolia royal velvet, €3,359, Woodesign.ie

3 2

4 5

Achieving deep comfort in a living room comes from having everything you need exactly where you need it - a good sofa, good light and somewhere close by to put your drink. This House Nordic Noli coﬀee table is the formula for your design equation, Woodesign.ie

The answer to most living room design dilemmas starts with the overhead light - specifically, turning it off. A well placed lamp like the Ferm Living Burl creates the kind of warm ambient glow no ceiling fitting can replicate, Fermliving.com

Houseandhome.ie

145

GET THE LOOK 1 Nordic Knots pierce beige/orange ﬂ atweave rug, €1,395, Jaqi.ie 2 Valnas three-seat sofa, Alhamn dark yellow-brown, €899, Ikea.ie 3 Metal candleholder, €3.48, Sostrenegrene.com 4 Fredrick wooden frame round wall mirror, €195, Marksandspencer.ie 5 French Connection molten small round footstool in caramel, €459, Dfs.ie 6 &Tradition little petra VB1 lounge chair, from €3,073, Nordicelements.com

1 4

3 5

Every living room needs an accent chair to balance the larger furniture. A comfortable perch for guests, a dedicated reading spot and a structural anchor. Amalie bouclé accent chair from DFS

146

A rug grounds a room in a way no other element can. This Nordic Knots jute, cream-edge rug anchors the furniture and adds deﬁnition to the seating area

THE GRAND LIVING ROOM Interior designer Geri O’Toole of Geri Designs describes this living room in three words: warm, inviting, elegant. The brief was to create something timeless yet deeply personal, balancing elegance with the demands of everyday life while honouring the character of the original building. At this level, every decision carries weight. The hero piece is the sofa - the anchor around which everything else is built. “Splurge on a high-quality sofa,” advises O’Toole. “It is the most used piece in the room.” Save on accessories and side tables, which can be updated over time. The room’s richness comes from layering - linen, wood, stone and soft upholstery. Antique brick at the ﬁreplace adds soul. Geridesigns.ie

Interior designer Geri O’Toole of Geri Designs knows that a living room at its best is never just a room, it is the emotional centre of a home, and every decision should reﬂect that

From €10,000 SHOPPING LIST Cabinetry, €4,000 Bouclé accent chair, €1,200 Rug, €1,395 Bespoke sofa, €3,000 Designer paint, 5 litres, €149 Custom paint work, €600

PHOTOGRAPH RUTH MARIA MURPHY

TOTAL €10,3440

Houseandhome.ie

147

&Tradition Petra VB3 lounge chair and pouffe in sheepskin moonlight, made to order, Wearemaven.ie

148

MADE.COM bouclé corner bench and dining table set, €2,388, Next.ie

S E AT I N G E S S E N T I A L S S H O P P I N G

BENCH MARK From dining tables to kitchen corners, benches make space for everyone

Princeton bench, €904, Boconcept.com

Evie bench, €699, Diamondfurniture.ie

Bislev bench in dark sand fabric, €75, Jysk.ie

Savoy walnut dining bench, €698, Meadowsandbyrne.com

Ethnicraft PI bench in oak, €894, Cadesign.ie

Kodo deep sofa, €3,795, Strandroadireland.com

WOOOD Mojo dining bench, €349, Woodesign.ie

Hugo faux leather dining bench, €399. Ezliving-interiors.ie

Ferm Living Rink bench, €572.95, Wearemaven.ie

Houseandhome.ie

149

PIECE BY PIECE Mix, match and rearrange your seating to suit your space and style

150

Salamanca two-seater sofa, €3,169.65, Boconcept.com

Pillow modular corner sofa, €1,999, Ezliving-interiors.ie

Crosby brushed weave modular sofa, €563, Next.ie

Skibby modular sofa, €500, Jysk.ie

Jättebo corner sofa in Samsala, €1,780, Ikea.ie

&Tradition Develius sofa, €4.298, Wearemaven.ie

Model 03 Corner sofa, €999, Swyfthome.ie

Bello modular corner sofa in cloud, natural, €2,499, Pieces.ie

Ethnicraft N701 modular sofa, €2,959, Podfurniture.ie

S E AT I N G E S S E N T I A L S S H O P P I N G

Tori modular sofa, Bloomingville recycled from €1.203, Tamo.design throw, €22 Seasalt.ie

Houseandhome.ie

151

Dutchbone Wyatt lounge chair in cognac leather, €1,679, Aprilandthebear.com

152

S E AT I N G E S S E N T I A L S S H O P P I N G

TAKE A SEAT

BY MARLENE WESSELS

From sculptural shapes to sink-in comfort, ﬁnd your perfect perch

Biersted armchair, €125, Jysk.ie

Wendelbo mango chair, from €1,947, Nordicelements.com

Claesson Koivisto Rune for Swedese armchair, €1,970, Nordicnest.com

Everly Henley accent chair, €629, Podfurniture.ie

Kare Design Taylor armchair, €529, Woodesign.ie

Rea armchair in deep green velvet, €599, Pieces.ie

Ekenäsetn armchair, €199, Ikea.ie

Relaxed wooden accent chair, €464, Next.ie

Ash wood accent chair, €359, Zarahome.com

Houseandhome.ie

153

HOME RENOVATION

True to Form An iconic Art Deco landmark on the Salthill prom is reimagined as a family home by interior designer Lynne O’Loughlin, its bold exterior honoured at every turn BY SOPHIA ARCEO

154

PHOTOGRAPHS RUTH MARIA MURPHY

THE PROJECT For 25 years Lynne O’Loughlin (pictured below) has lived in Salthill and admired the same house: the pink Art Deco landmark with the arched windows - now painted in white - but always so much a part of the seafront that it has become synonymous with the prom. She was, she admits, “mad to have had a look inside.” When the chance finally came, she found a home that had been “dissected from its original proportions” over decades of different families, and a new family who needed it to work for them without losing the “kind of late Deco” character that is the heart of its build.

THE LAYOUT The approach was about repurposing rather than replacement. Two rooms were opened into one large kitchen and dining space, the original kitchen reworked into a boot and utility room, and a home office added. A string of en suites was converted into spacious bedrooms, and a single large family room was created. Throughout, Lynne focused on the flow of light and space, drawing the eye to the curved double doors that open onto the balcony. “They were really the showstopper of the house.”

THE DESIGN ETHOS Lynne comes from a fine-art background and lectures in interior design at Atlantic Technical University, and that classical training shapes how she works: “where everything is your elements and principles of design.” For Lynne, it’s all about the feeling first. “When you walk through the door, and from the outside, you should be kind of feeling, oh yeah, that’s what I wanted it to be.” The aim throughout here was harmony, inside and out, a balance she describes as “a real science in getting to a point that’s just that sweet spot that is enough.”

THE FRONT The house has been a Salthill landmark for decades, its distinctive curved forms and arched windows a familiar presence on the prom. Now painted a soft white, it retains all the geometry that makes it unmistakable. Windows and doors are from Tribe Windows DINING AREA The dining table, chairs, and stools are from The Vintage Hub. The white wall light is from Mullan Lighting

Houseandhome.ie

155

THE FEATURES Very little of the original character remained. “There wasn’t really any coving,” Lynne says, and the “lovely curves” had been lost. What survived was worth keeping: “the only thing that was there, once we were able to get it all sanded, was a natural parquet herringbone floor.” From there, the team set about “bringing back the lovely features,” reinstating coving and the distinctly Art Deco wooden doors until “there was nothing left untouched.”

THE KITCHEN The kitchen is the centre of the home, and getting there is part of the pleasure, something you build up to from the front door. The space had felt “disjointed,” with “no separation” between the home office and the everyday run of the house. Lynne’s solution was a peninsula that gave the family both function and privacy, and “created that lovely kind of galley style kitchen.” What they “gave back needed to be better,” and the result keeps everyone grounded rather than going in circles - the “social element” and the practicality working hand in hand.

KITCHEN The kitchen sits at the centre of the home, painted in Scallop Shell by Farrow & Ball. Cabinetry with bespoke arched detailing and an oak-veneer peninsula is by Sherwood Kitchens. Smoked oak floors and interior doors are from The Door Centre, Galway. Pendant lights over the island are Spark & Bell KITCHEN, DETAIL Pink and white ceramic wall lights are from Spark & Bell. Ceramics are from The Townhouse, Westport and artwork by Sarah Wren Wilson

156

THE COLOUR STORY Art Deco is known for bold, vibrant accents, and here they are felt without shouting. “The pinks, mustards and colours that work well with Art Deco really brought it to the success it is,” Lynne reflects. She kept the walls calm, in soft hues like Farrow & Ball Scallop, and let the intensity build elsewhere: “we blew them up a little bit in the furnishings and paintings.” A restrained palette of three or four colours, she says, “happens more organically” and is always led back to the colour wheel. “A family kitchen is going to get messy, it’s going to be busy, and all those things don’t have to be in our faces to create a calm environment when we all know it’s chaos.”

THE DETAILS With the fixtures kept restrained, Lynne could be flamboyant with the furniture. A home is “easier to live in when the colour comes from the cabinetry, the accessories, and the artwork,” she says, and her fine-art eye shows in every choice. The handmade tufted rug reads as “a canvas on the ground, allowing that air of restraint in many of the fixtures and fittings,” while the clubman chairs and Irish art are, in her words, “showstoppers in their own right.”

Ceramics in living room are by Grainne Watts. The rug is from artist Cecila Danell

Houseandhome.ie

157

THE CHALLENGES The hardest thing to get right was the balance. “Art Deco has that beautiful, ornate feeling to it,” Lynne says, “while it can become really flamboyant and gilded, we didn’t want to get into Great Gatsby times; it needed to be a family home as well.” Where the house wanted more coving and ornament to feel true to itself, it also had to stay liveable for a young family, two weights held constantly on the scale.

THE GEOMETRY Art Deco patterns could not be ignored, and the renovation brought the architecture already in place back to life. Coming from a classically trained, fine-art discipline, Lynne is at home with contrast and balance, playing “the linear line” against the building’s organic curves. Honouring that structure was the grounding of the whole home, a constant relationship between what was drawn and what was already there.

BATHROOM Wall and floor tiles are from Cutting Edge Tiles. The ceramic pill-shaped sink is from Bathroom World. Curtains are by Carmel O’Flynn, Galway. Artwork by Sarah Wren Wilson LIVING ROOM The original Art Deco Connemara marble fireplace is one of the home’s great survivors, restored and retained as the focal point of the front room. The original parquet floor was carefully restored by Floormaster, Galway. The handmade rug is by artist Cecilia Danell. The painting above the fireplace and additional works throughout are by Robyn Carey. Lighting is from Spark & Bell. The side credenza is from The Vintage Hub HALLWAY The hallway carpet is from the Carpet and Rug Centre. The console table is from The Vintage Hub. Paintings are by Sarah Wren Wilson

SOURCEBOOK Contractor Arden Homes, Galway @arden_homes Joinery Sherwoodkitchens.ie Flooring Floormaster.ie, Carpetrugcentre.ie Doors Thedoorcentre.ie Painters Andersonpainting.ie Paint Farrow-ball.com Lighting Sparkandbell.com; Mullanlighting.com Furniture Thevintagehub.com

THE TAKEAWAY This is a project Lynne will remember, one she “can’t imagine looking any different.” Her advice is to be brave once you understand a house: “when you know it so well, you can also break the rules a little bit,” turning up the heat of the colours and following whatever is “giving you all the feels.” Done with restraint, it will “hold the longevity, and it won’t have hit any big trends.” Her guiding rule is practical: “we have to design for the 95 per cent of the time of what’s happening; the five per cent extra is when people are coming over, or it’s the holidays.” With a house like this, she felt a responsibility. “As custodians passing through,” she and the client set out to “lean in enough to honour it.”

Tiles Cuttingedgetiles.ie Bathroom Bathroomworld.ie Ceramics Townhouse Westport; Grainnewattsceramics.com Curtains Carmel O’Flynn, Galway Art Sarahwrenwilson.com; Ceciliadanell.com; @robynolivecarey Rug Ceciliadanell.com

Lynne O’Loughlin Interior Design Studio Lynneoloughlin.com @lynneoloughlindesign

Houseandhome.ie

159

I LIVE IN Ennistymon, Co Clare, with my wife Erin and our two daughters, Inari and Islita.

OUR HOME IS Our home is everevolving, much like ourselves. I bought a two-hundred-year-old stone cottage alone, romanced by the idea of working with stone. I’m originally from Australia, where there are no buildings this old, so it felt like buying a castle. It has slowly evolved from a bachelor pad into a family home.

MY HOME DESIGN ETHOS We’re drawn to materials that will outlast us, but rarely afford the designer pieces we love, so we make things ourselves. Erin brings the form, I bring the function: raw steel, hardwood, Irish wool, and stone.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO AT HOME IS Building it, of course. There is always something that someone in the family wants to improve or refine, and I take great joy in teaching them how to use the tools and build the home that fits them, rather than feeling like they have to fit themselves into the space. As the saying goes; A builder’s home is never finished.

HOUSE AND

HOME Sive O’Brien chats to Ennistymon-based eco-builder, author, teacher, and TV presenter, Harrison Gardner on turning a two-hundredyear-old stone cottage into a family home MY TOP 3 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HOUSE YOUR OWN 1 Learn how to use tools. Your home is your lifeboat, not a product you bought. 2 Your house isn’t finished, because you aren’t. 3 Pay attention to what annoys you or what doesn’t function. That’s the start of your to-do list.

AUTUMN AT HOME MEANS The slow transition back to cosier living. Drawing the tweed curtains in the evenings. Ready to light the stove when the temperatures drop. More stew using local venison and our home-grown potatoes and kale in our favourite kitchen gadget - the pressure cooker.

Harrison’s new book, Heat, Shelter, Water, Food, How to be Ready for the Unexpected, €24.99, is out 24 September, published by Gill Books

160

WHAT MAKES IT A HOME AND NOT JUST A HOUSE IS The ergonomics of a space: things should feel simple, durable and convenient. The kitchen proves exactly that – the concrete countertops take a hot pan anywhere. A butcher’s block backs up the chopping boards, which we made ourselves, since off-the-shelf boards were never big enough. I also made a custom ‘kitchen-helper’ standing stool for our daughters, which, since the age of two, they have pushed around the kitchen so they can join in the fun happening up on the countertops.

HOME MEANS Where we grow. It should be the place where you feel the most free to be creative, to try things out, to make mistakes and to discover new ideas. Don’t be afraid to make a mess.

PHOTOGRAPHS SHANTANU STARICK

A PALETTE OF 180 TIMELESS SHADES Free colour cards & wallpaper samples | Paint & wallpaper to order | Nationwide Stockists +44 (0) 161 230 0882 | info@paintandpaperlibrary.com | paintandpaperlibrary.com COLOURS SHOWN: DESERT ROSE 243, BLUE TIGER 712, GEISHA 410

L I N W O O D

Inca Printed Velvet